Stewpots & Stockpots
Shop stockpots and stew pots
Having a stockpot in your kitchen is an essential investment for any aspiring home cook or seasoned chef. The large size of a stockpot allows for generous batch cooking, making it perfect for preparing hearty stews, flavorful soups, and rich stocks. The depth and wide base of a stockpot promote even heat distribution, ensuring that ingredients cook evenly and flavours meld harmoniously. Whether you're simmering a comforting chicken noodle soup, crafting a flavorful vegetable stock, or preparing a mouthwatering chilli, a stockpot provides ample space and excellent temperature control.
What to look for when purchasing a stock pot
When choosing a stockpot thekey factors to consider:
Size and capacity: Determine the volume you need based on your typical batch sizes. Consider the quantity of soups, stocks, or stews you usually prepare to ensure the stockpot can accommodate your needs. As a rule of thumb, we generally encourage customers to purchase a size that's larger as you can always batch cook or store the extra amounts as needed for convenience.
Handles: Sturdy, heat-resistant handles are essential for easy and safe handling of the stockpot, especially when full of hot liquids. Ensure the handles are ergonomically designed and securely attached.
Lid: A well-fitting, tight-fitting lid is crucial for trapping heat and maintaining optimal moisture levels during cooking. Look for a stockpot with a sturdy lid that creates a secure seal.
Heat distribution: Consider a stock pots that have a thick, heavy-bottomed construction to ensure even heat distribution. This prevents hot spots and promotes consistent cooking results. Too thin of a base can also lead to the burning of ingredients at the base of the pot.
Stovetop compatibility: Consider the type of stovetop you have. Ensure the stockpot is compatible with your specific stovetop, whether it's gas, electric, induction, or ceramic.
Your stockpot material matters
The choice of material for a stockpot plays a crucial role in determining its performance, durability, and cooking capabilities. Here are some of the best quality materials for stockpots:
Stainless Steel Stockpots
Stainless steel stockpots are highly valued for their durability, resistance to rust and corrosion, and ease of maintenance. They offer excellent heat distribution, making them suitable for even cooking. Stainless steel is also non-reactive, ensuring that flavours are not altered during cooking.
Non-Stick Stockpots
Non-stick stockpots are coated with a layer that prevents food from sticking, allowing for easy release and cleanup. They require less oil or fat for cooking, making them ideal for low-fat or health-conscious cooking. However, it's important to handle non-stick surfaces carefully to prevent scratching or damage.
Ceramic Stockpots
Ceramic stockpots are known for their excellent heat retention and even heat distribution. They are also non-reactive, ensuring that the flavours of the ingredients remain intact. Additionally, ceramic stockpots often have an attractive appearance and can be used for serving straight from the stove to the table.
Copper Stockpots
Copper stockpots offer unmatched heat conductivity, allowing for precise temperature control. They heat up rapidly and distribute heat evenly, making them ideal for delicate cooking tasks. Copper stockpots also provide a visually appealing element to the kitchen with their luxurious appearance.
Other cookware to consider when purchasing a stockpot
Stockpot vs Stewpot
Stockpots and stewpots differ in their design and purpose. Stockpots are tall and narrow with a wide base, ideal for preparing large quantities of liquid-based recipes like stocks and broths through simmering and boiling. They promote efficient heat distribution and are suited for extended cooking times.
Stewpots, on the other hand, have a wider and shallower shape with sloping sides, perfect for slow-cooking techniques like stewing and braising. Their wider cooking surface is better for evaporation of liquid, particularly for creating stews and curries.