What size are large pots?

When it comes to cooking, having the right sized pots and pans can make all the difference. Pots come in a range of sizes, from small 1-quart pots perfect for making a single serving of sauce, all the way up to giant stock pots that can hold gallons of liquid. So what exactly qualifies as a “large” pot?

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What are the typical sizes for large pots?

There is no strict definition for what makes a pot “large,” but in general, pots over 6 quarts in volume are considered on the larger side. Here are some of the most common large pot sizes:

8-quart – A very popular large pot size, good for making big batches of soups, chili, pasta, etc.
10-quart – Great for boiling pasta for a crowd or preparing stock.
12-quart – A very spacious pot that can handle canning, lobster boils, steamer inserts, etc.

16-quart – An extra-large stock pot. Can be used for commercial cooking.
20+ quarts – Giant pots best suited for commercial kitchens or processing large quantities of food.

In a home kitchen, an 8-10 quart pot will fulfill most larger cooking needs. Professional kitchens may utilize even bigger 40+ quart pots for mass volume cooking.

What types of large pots are available?

Large pots are available in a range of materials and styles:

Stainless steel – The most popular option, stainless steel provides even heating and durability. Stainless pots often have an aluminum or copper core to improve heat conductivity.
Anodized aluminum – Anodized aluminum pots have a nonstick, scratch-resistant finish. They are excellent heat conductors.

Cast iron – Cast iron pots are long-lasting and great retainers of heat. However, they are very heavy.
Multi-ply – Multi-ply pots like All-Clad have layers of stainless steel, aluminum, and sometimes copper for the optimal cooking performance.
Enameled cast iron – Cast iron covered with a porcelain enamel surface. Provides even heating without rust.

Look for large pots with sturdy, tight-fitting lids and durable handles for easier lifting when full. Helper handles provide extra control.

When would you need a large pot?

Here are some common uses for large pots:

Cooking for a crowd – Large pots allow you to make family-sized servings of soups, chili, pasta, etc. A 10-quart pot can feed up to 10 hungry people!

Canning or processing large batches – An 8+ quart pot gives you enough space and depth for safe water bath canning or pressure canning.
Making stock – Simmering bones and veggies in a giant pot yields more homemade stock for soups and risottos.
Boiling lobster or crab – A 12 to 16-quart pot lets you cook multiple lobsters at once for impressive seafood feasts.

Cooking pasta for a party – You can boil over 2 pounds of pasta in a 10-quart+ pot for crowd-pleasing salads or entrées.

In general, if you regularly cook for 4+ people or meal prep in bulk, a large pot will make cooking easier.

What should you look for when buying large pots?

Consider the following when shopping for large pots:

Material – Stainless steel, enameled cast iron, and anodized aluminum are top choices for durability and even heating.
Thickness – Thicker pots retain heat better. Look for at least 2.5mm stainless steel.
Weight – Heavier pots are often higher quality, but make sure it’s still realistically lift-able when full.

Lid fit – A tight-fitting lid will lock in heat, moisture, and nutrients when simmering or braising.
Handles – Securely riveted, oven-safe handles that stay cool on the stove top.
Helper handles – Look for helper handles opposite the main handle for better control.

Finish – Polished or brushed stainless and enameled surfaces are easiest to clean.

Also consider what types of cooking you’ll use the pot for most. Doubling as a stock pot and a canning pot? You’ll need a sturdy 16+ quart option. Just feeding the family? An affordable 8-quart pot should meet your needs.

What are the best brands for large pots?

Some top-rated brands for quality large pots include:

All-Clad – American made, high end multi-ply stainless steel cookware. Excellent heat conduction.
Cuisinart – Well-designed stainless, anodized aluminum, and enameled cast iron pots at lower prices.
Tramontina – Budget friendly stainless steel pots made in Brazil.

T-fal – Affordable stainless and aluminum cookware with great nonstick interiors.
Le Creuset – Enameled cast iron French pots praised for beauty and durability.
Lodge – Classic American cast iron pots at very affordable prices.

There are also many smaller brands available on Amazon and at kitchen stores like Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma, and Bed Bath and Beyond. Don’t be afraid to splurge for a high quality pot that will last decades!

Are there differences between round vs. oval pots?

The main differences between round vs. oval large pots are:

Shape – Round pots take up less space and allow for deeper liquid, while oval pots offer a larger cooking surface area.

Uses – Oval pots are ideal for cooking large roasts, whole chickens, braised meats, and stewing. Round pots excel at soups, stocks, boiling, and steaming.
Heating – Round pots often heat more evenly than oval.
Space – Oval pots are better suited for cramped kitchens or for use on narrow stove tops.

Price – Oval pots sometimes cost more due to their specialty shape.

Consider your cooking style and kitchen layout to decide between round or oval. Oval pots come in handy for holidays when you need extra surface area but round pots make excellent everyday cookware.

What size stock pot do restaurants use?

Commercial kitchens and restaurants utilize extra large stock pots, typically in the 20-100 quart range. Here are some common restaurant and industrial stock pot sizes:

20 quarts – A standard size for smaller commercial kitchens.
40 quarts – A workhorse size for most restaurants.
60 quarts – Provides massive capacity for prep cooking and stock in large restaurants.

80-100 quarts – Giant pots found in institutional cafeterias, processing plants, or during food manufacturing.

Larger restaurant stock pots may be measured in gallons instead of quarts. For example, a 40 quart stock pot also contains 10 gallons.

Restaurant stock pots are designed for high volume cooking. They’re made from sturdy stainless steel but feature thinner walls so the pots can still be lifted when full. Stock pots for restaurants also utilize higher BTU commercial burners for fast heating.

What are stock pots used for in restaurants?

Giant stock pots have many essential uses in professional kitchens:

Simmering large batches of broths and stocks.
Blanching vegetables.

Boiling pasta, corn, potatoes, and other sides.
Cooking big servings of rice or grains.
Preparing soups, chilies, and braised meats.

Poaching multiple eggs, seafood, or poultry.
Canning or preparing other preserved foods.
Sanitizing dishes and kitchen tools.

Of course, stock pots aren’t just utilized by restaurants. Home cooks, hunters, community centers, schools, farmers, and many other groups can benefit from the generous capacity of outsized stock pots.

How big of a pot do you need for lobster?

When cooking lobster at home, you’ll want a pot that provides at least 3-5 quarts of water per lobster. Here are some pot size guidelines depending on your lobster feast:

1-2 lobsters – 8 quart pot minimum

4 lobsters – 12 quart pot
6-8 lobsters – 20 quart pot
10-12 lobsters – 30 quart pot or larger

It’s also a good idea to select a pot that allows the lobsters to float freely with a few inches of headroom, as opposed to cramming them in. This prevents fighting and ensures even cooking.

Besides water capacity, look for pots with sturdy dividers or racks to separate lobsters. A heavy pot like stainless steel or enameled cast iron maintains temperature during the cooking process. And don’t forget the lid – you’ll need to trap all that wonderful steam!

What’s the standard size of a canning pot?

A 21-quart or larger stock pot is considered the standard size for safe water bath canning. This provides enough depth to fully submerge jar tops while canning. Standard canning pot features include:

21-30 quart capacity
12-14 inch diameter opening
16-22 quart usable capacity

10-12 inch height/depth
Stainless steel, enameled, or aluminum
Basket insert

Tight fitting lid

It’s also handy to have a canning rack trivet to keep jars elevated off the bottom of the pot. For pressure canning, look for a pressure canner pot that’s larger and deeper – 10 quart size minimum with 11-12 inch depth.

What size stock pot do you need for homebrewing?

Homebrewers use large stock pots called brew kettles to boil wort and sanitize equipment. For most 5 gallon homebrew batches, a 10-15 quart stainless steel pot is ideal. Larger pots allow you to brew higher volume batches up to 10 gallons. Features beer brew kettles include:

Heavy gauge stainless steel
15-20 gallon capacity
Markings etched inside pot

Wide bottom surface area
Ball or valve tap for draining
Handles for lifting and grip

When shopping for a homebrew kettle, make sure to check the maximum boil volume so you know what batch sizes it can handle. More advanced kettles will have useful extras like thermometers, strainer attachments, and dials for controlling valves. A 20+ quart kettle gives you room to experiment with bigger beer batches down the road.

What are the best materials for large stock pots?

The best stock pot materials include:

Stainless steel – Long lasting, withstands high heat. Great for stocks and sauces.

Enameled cast iron – Retains and distributes heat evenly. Excellent for braising.
Anodized aluminum – Lightweight but heats quickly. Good for boiling and steaming.
Multi-ply – Layers of aluminum and stainless steel. Reacts fast but gently.

Stainless and enameled cast iron are too heavy choices that will provide years of service. Make sure to match the material to your cooking – stainless excels at simmering while cast iron does best with wet cooking methods.

What size stock pot is the most versatile?

A 10-12 quart stock pot is likely the most versatile size for home cooks. Benefits include:

Big enough for most family batch cooking needs.

Provides adequate depth for water bath canning.
Allows space for steamer baskets or inserts.
Easier to handle and lift than larger sizes.

Can be used on the stove top or in the oven.
Fits on standard residential stovetops and in sinks.
Works for making quantities from 4 quarts up to 3+ gallons.

With a 10 or 12 quart pot, you’ll be equipped to boil pasta or corn for a crowd, batch-prep chili or soup for the freezer, steam lobster, can tomatoes, and more. It provides lots of flexibility without occupying your entire stove top or pantry.

Conclusion

From feeding an army to brewing beer, large pots have so many valuable uses around the kitchen. An 8-12 quart pot with a secure fitting lid can cook meals for a family, handle canning needs, and help prepare for gatherings. Just make sure to select durable, thick-walled pots that evenly conduct and retain heat. High quality stainless steel, enameled cast iron, and anodized aluminum pots will provide many years of cooking enjoyment. With the right big pot, you’ll be ready to take on any recipe challenge!