A stock pot is a large, deep pot that is often used for making soups, stock, stews, and cooking all kinds of hearty meals. It is designed to heat up quickly and cook for a long time, and is an incredibly versatile piece of cookware to have on hand. Here are some of the most common uses for a stock pot:

• Making stocks and broths: Stock pots are most often used to create stocks or broths for soups and stews. The tall, narrow sides of the pot ensure that liquid contents evaporate more slowly than in a pot where the liquid has more exposure to the air, making it ideal for long-simmering mixtures like stocks and soups.

• Cooking soups and stews: The ample volume and height of a stock pot gives you plenty of room for cooking soups and stews, allowing you to easily submerge all your ingredients without overcrowding, allowing them to cook more evenly.

• Boiling and steaming: Stock pots are also ideal for boiling things like pasta or potatoes and for steaming or blanching vegetables.

• Cooking grains and legumes: Stock pots are an ideal choice for cooking grains and legumes, which usually need plenty of space in order to expand and cook properly.

• Sanitizing jars: The ample volume of a stock pot gives you plenty of room for sanitizing multiple large jars, as well as allowing you to seal them once they’re filled.

When buying a stock pot, it is important to consider the size, materials, and thickness of the base. A good stock pot should have a thick, heavy base so that the food inside doesnt burn, especially when cooking stocks for several hours.