When adding to your cooking equipment, one of the most versatile pieces are the stock pots.
If you decide to buy a quality pot, it can last for several years and is also great for different types of cooking.
Such as, making stocks, reducing stocks and also works for canning, soups, cooking pasta and for steaming foods.
For most homes, the best stocks pot are those in the range of six to twelve quarts.
These pots can be used for many different cooking needs.
A round base and strait sides is the way most of these pots are found.
Ir is important that the pot have a thick heavy bottom to prevent burning.
If you plan on using this pot for soups, this is can prevent burning of the soup as it simmers.
Starches can cook out of the vegetables as soups simmer.
Thin bottomed pots can allow these starches to begin to stick and scorch.
No one enjoys the taste of scorched soups.
There are many different metals that can be used to make a stock pot.
They may be made of stainless steel, cast iron, copper or aluminum.
Additionally, you will find the pots in both natural finish and a non stick finish.
These differences can all change the characteristic of the stock pot.
Materials used in the pots will affect the conductivity of heat characteristics of the pan.
The best pots conduct heat up the sides to heat the liquids at the top of the pot as well as at the bottom.
Handles need to be securely attached in order to prevent spill hazards.
There should also be room to grasp the handle securely to move the pot from one spot to another while filled with boiling liquids.
Look for heavy rivets or screws to hold the handle on the pot.
You may want to take your time in choosing from the many stock pots.
A good pot will last for many years and meet many of your cooking needs for the entire family.