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Stock Pot Buying Guide

A stock pot is the base of soups, stocks, sauces, pasta, chili and boiled seafood. In a commercial kitchen it works hard every day, often full and heavy on a high-powered burner. Choosing the right size and material makes cooking easier and safer.

For sizes and current models, browse our commercial cookware.

Sizing

Stock pots are sold by quart capacity, from about 8 quarts to 100 quarts or more.

An 8 to 12 quart pot suits sauces, small soups and side dishes. A 20 to 24 quart pot is the common size for daily soups and pasta in restaurants. An 80 to 100 quart pot is for large batch stock, crawfish boils, catering and banquets.

Remember that you should never fill a pot to the brim. Plan on filling to about three quarters to leave room for boiling and stirring.

Thunder Group ALSKSP601 8 qt aluminum stock pot

Thunder Group SLSPS4012 12 qt stainless stock pot with lid

Thunder Group ALSKSP004 20 qt aluminum stock pot

Thunder Group ALSKSP005 24 qt aluminum stock pot

Thunder Group ALSKSP010 80 qt aluminum stock pot

Thunder Group SLSPS4100 100 qt stainless stock pot with lid

Aluminum or Stainless Steel

Aluminum heats quickly and evenly and is lighter, which matters when a big pot is full. It can react with acidic foods like tomato sauce, affecting color and taste over long cooking. Stainless steel does not react with acidic foods and is very durable, but it conducts heat less evenly unless it has an encapsulated base. Many kitchens keep both: aluminum for stocks and pasta water, stainless for tomato sauces and chili.

Wall Thickness and Handles

Thicker walls resist denting and scorching. Riveted or welded handles must hold the pot’s full weight. Check that handles are large enough to grip with thick oven mitts.

Lids

Lids speed up boiling and reduce evaporation. Some pots include lids and some sell them separately. Check the product page.

Burners and Stoves

Large stock pots need a strong, stable, low burner. A regular range top puts a 100 quart pot at a dangerous height. Stock pot ranges sit low to the floor so cooks can reach inside and lift safely. Gas equipment must be installed under a hood by a licensed gas fitter; confirm requirements with your local building and fire departments.

Migali C-SPS-1-18 1 burner stock pot stove, 80,000 BTU

Safety

A full 80 quart pot of liquid is very heavy. Never carry it full. Use a ladle or spigot to empty it, or cook it where it will be served or cooled. Cool stock quickly using ice wands or by dividing into shallow pans to meet the two-stage cooling rule.

Cleaning

Soak burnt-on food before scrubbing. Avoid steel wool on aluminum. Dry fully before storing. Large pots may not fit in a dish machine, so plan a three-compartment sink large enough to wash them.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

  • What batch sizes do I cook most often?
  • Will I cook acidic sauces in it?
  • Do I need a lid?
  • Does my burner safely support a large pot?
  • Where will I wash and store it?

Next Steps

Browse sizes in our pots and pans category and see low burners in stock pot ranges and burners. Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.

Models in this guide at a glance

The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.

Thunder Group ALSKSP601 8 qt Aluminum Stock Pot with Riveted Handles 6mm Wall (model ALSKSP601)

  • Brand: Thunder Group
  • Sold individually.
  • Thunder Group model ALSKSP601.
  • Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.

Thunder Group SLSPS4012 12 qt, 11-5/8″ Diameter x 7-3/8″ Height, Stock Pot with Lid, Stainless Steel, Welded Handle (model SLSPS4012)

  • Brand: Thunder Group
  • Sold individually.
  • Thunder Group model SLSPS4012.
  • Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.

Thunder Group ALSKSP004 20 qt, 12-1/4″ Diameter x 11″ Height, 1-5/8″ Riveted Handle, Stock Pot, Aluminum, 4mm Thickness, Easy to Clean (model ALSKSP004)

  • Brand: Thunder Group
  • Sold individually.
  • Thunder Group model ALSKSP004.
  • Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.

Thunder Group ALSKSP005 24 qt, 13″ Diameter x 11-3/8″ Height, Riveted Handle Stock Pot, Aluminum, 4mm Thickness (model ALSKSP005)

  • Brand: Thunder Group
  • Sold individually.
  • Thunder Group model ALSKSP005.
  • Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.

Thunder Group ALSKSP010 80 qt, 19-1/4″ Diameter x 17″ Height, 2-1/8″ Riveted Handle, Stock Pot, Aluminum, 4mm Thickness, Easy to Clean (model ALSKSP010)

  • Brand: Thunder Group
  • Sold individually.
  • Thunder Group model ALSKSP010.
  • Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.

Thunder Group SLSPS4100 100 qt, 20-1/2″ Diameter x 19-5/8″ Height, Stock Pot with Lid, Stainless Steel, Welded Handle (model SLSPS4100)

  • Brand: Thunder Group
  • Sold individually.
  • Thunder Group model SLSPS4100.
  • Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.

Migali C-SPS-1-18 1 Burner Stock Pot Stove – 80,000 BTU (model C-SPS-1-18)

  • Brand: Migali
  • 1-position gas stock pot stove with 80,000 BTU total across 2 independently controlled 40,000 BTU burner rings.
  • Heavy cast iron trivet over a low-profile 22.
  • 8″ body, with a full stainless undershelf for pots and utensils.

Before you order

  • Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
  • Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
  • Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
  • Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.

Delivery, warranty and payment

  • Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
  • Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
  • Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
  • Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.

Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.