What size stockpot? And uses?

[persa]

I want to buy a stockpot but I'm not sure if I should get a 12 qt or a 20 qt.

I want to use it for making Pho, boiling crabs/lobster/crab legs, poaching a whole chicken (hainanese chicken rice, yum!) .

What else do y'all use it for? That might help me decide on a size.

Also any specific recs on affordable options would be appreciated. I'm not looking to buy an All Clad stockpot now. I'd like to stay under $100 for sure.

[SKP82]

I'd think a 12 qt would be adequate for those uses. I have an 8 qt that came with my set and I wish I had a larger one about twice a year.

We have a huge one (not sure of the size) that H uses when he brews beer and makes Boilo.

ETA: When I steam crab legs in the 8 qt pot, I can get about 6 snow crab clusters in the pot. Are you cooking a lot more than that at once? I think a 20 qt would be TOO big and difficult to find a place to store it.

[MixedBerryJam]

I have two 12-qt stock pots and I don't think I've ever needed anything larger, although I have had both going at the same time. I don't think a 20-qt pot would be worth the extra expense (and storage space.) I will say that one of mine is (these are approx) 11' wide by 8" high, and the other one is 10' wide by 9" high, and I use the taller, narrower one far more. All other things being equal, I'd go for height over width when it gets down to finalists.

Also keep in mind that you'll want a lot of btu's for a 20-qt stockpot; if you have regular burners it might take a long time to heat up.

[revolution]

Oh, I'm getting in on this. I've been looking for one. I was looking at 16 qt. Since a few recipes I want call for 12 qt, I figure 16 qt for me so don't overflow.

Anyway - care to link your stockpot?

[malibu]

I read this as crock pot, and was trying to think if I'd ever seen a crock pot that big.

Anyways, I agree with PP - 20 will probably be too big. My 8qt has been adequate for what you described, as SKP and MBJ said, storage gets to be an issue when you get a pot that big.

[mich1]

www.walmart.com/ip/Tramontina-12-Qt-Tri-Ply-Clad-Stock-Pot-with-Lid-Stainless-Steel/23000710

I would probably snag this one, if I needed a other one.  The Tramontina tri ply got excellent reviews by Cooks Illustrated and we bought a couple of pieces.  CI said that if the $$ for All Clad was not available, that this is a very good substitute.

[shamrockshake]

I have two 12s. I use them to make big batches of chicken stock and soup/ chili for parties

[MixedBerryJam]

I forgot to add: I make sauce in bulk and 1 is perfect for that. I do it maybe 3 times a year. And I parboil ribs before I finish them on the grill. That's usually when I have both going at the same time. And lobsters, sometimes that involves both, too. And, of course, soup and broth. I collect chicken carcasses in the freezer until I have enough then make a big pot.

[persa]

Excellent, thanks y'all. 12 qt it is. And I agree with you MixedBerryJam, I think tall and narrow will be more useful than wide and short. I might see if one of the local restaurant supply stores has one I would like or maybe I'll check out Walmart for the Tramontina one.