--- title: "Stockpot: what it means in cooking — Tiny Plates" description: "A stockpot is a large, tall pot with two handles for stock, soup, pasta and boiling big batches. Here is what size to get and how to use it well." url: "https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/stockpot" --- # Stockpot A stockpot is a large, tall pot with two handles for stock, soup, pasta and boiling big batches. Here is what size to get and how to use it well. Also called Stock pot, Soup pot, Pasta pot. A stockpot is a large, tall, straight-sided pot with two loop handles and a lid. Its height means water covers bones and vegetables for long simmering with little evaporation, so it is the pot for [stock](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/stock) and [broth](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/broth). It is also used for large batches of soup, boiling pasta and corn, and blanching vegetables in bulk. Home sizes run from about 7 to 20 liters (8 to 20 quarts). ## How to use it 1. Choose a pot large enough that the food fills it no more than two-thirds full, with liquid covering by a few centimeters. 2. For stock, start bones and vegetables in cold water, bring slowly to a gentle [simmer](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/simmer), and skim the foam that rises in the first 20 to 30 minutes. 3. For pasta, use plenty of water, about 4 to 5 liters (4 to 5 quarts) for 500 g (1 lb) of pasta, and salt it well. See [salted pasta water](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/salted-pasta-water). 4. Use two burners if the base is wider than one, or the edges will heat slowly. An 8 liter (8 quart) pot covers most home needs. Go larger if you make stock from whole chickens or cook for a crowd. ## Substitutes A large [Dutch oven](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/dutch-oven) for soup and smaller batches of stock. A large [saucepan](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/saucepan) for pasta for two. ## How to store it A stockpot is bulky. Store smaller pans and lids inside it. Dry it fully before nesting things in it. ## Common mistakes * Using a thin pot with a thin base for soup or beans. They scorch on the bottom. A heavy base, often with an aluminum or copper core, spreads the heat. * Boiling stock hard. It turns cloudy and greasy. Keep it at a lazy simmer. * Lifting a full pot of boiling water to drain it. A big stockpot can hold more than 10 kg (22 lb) of hot liquid. Ladle out some first, or use a pot with a strainer insert. * Filling it to the top. It boils over and takes a long time to heat. * Cooling a full pot of stock on the stove. It stays warm too long. Divide it into shallow containers and refrigerate within 2 hours. ## In recipes "Large pot" or "stockpot" means one big enough to hold several liters with room to spare. A pasta pot with a built-in strainer is a stockpot with an insert. ## Recipes made with it 7 recipes from the sites we collect. * [![](https://www.skinnytaste.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Enchiladas-Verdes-14.jpg)Enchiladas Verdes (Green Enchiladas)www.skinnytaste.com · 60 min](https://www.skinnytaste.com/enchiladas-verdes-green-enchiladas/) * [![](https://www.skinnytaste.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/Cream-of-Broccoli-Soup-8.jpg)Cream of Broccoli Soupwww.skinnytaste.com · 20 min](https://www.skinnytaste.com/cream-of-broccoli-soup-25-ww-pts/) * [![](https://www.onceuponachef.com/images/2022/09/matzo_ball_soup.jpg)Matzo Ball Soupwww.onceuponachef.com](https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/matzo-ball-soup.html) * [![](https://www.skinnytaste.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/caramiled-apple-onion-soup.jpg)Caramelized Apple Onion Soupwww.skinnytaste.com · 80 min](https://www.skinnytaste.com/caramelized-apple-onion-soup/) * [![](https://pinchofyum.com/tachyon/Turkey-Burritos-Recipe.jpg?fit=225%2C225)Spicy Chipotle Turkey Burritos (Make Ahead)pinchofyum.com · 40 min](https://pinchofyum.com/spicy-chipotle-turkey-burritos-make-ahead) * [![](https://pinchofyum.com/tachyon/Cheesy-Cauliflower-Soup-Recipe.jpg?fit=225%2C225)5 Ingredient Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Kale Pestopinchofyum.com · 50 min](https://pinchofyum.com/5-ingredient-cheesy-cauliflower-soup) * [![](https://pinchofyum.com/tachyon/Turkey-Pho-Recipe.jpg?fit=225%2C225)Easy Turkey Noodle Souppinchofyum.com · 25 min](https://pinchofyum.com/easy-turkey-pho) ## Related terms * [StockStock is an unsalted liquid made by simmering bones, vegetables and aromatics in water for hours. It is the base of soups, sauces, gravy and risotto.](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/stock) * [BrothBroth is a savory liquid made by simmering meat, fish or vegetables in water. Here is how it differs from stock, how to make it and how to keep it.](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/broth) * [SaucepanA saucepan is a deep, round pan with straight sides and one long handle, for sauces, grains, eggs and reheating. Here is how to pick a size.](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/saucepan) * [Dutch ovenA Dutch oven is a heavy lidded pot, often enameled cast iron, for braising, stews, soups and crusty bread. Here is how to use and care for one.](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/dutch-oven) * [Salted pasta waterSalted pasta water seasons pasta from the inside as it cooks, and its starch helps sauce cling. Here is how much salt to add and how to use it.](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/salted-pasta-water) * [SimmerA simmer is liquid kept just below boiling, with small, gentle bubbles rising to the surface. It cooks soups, stews and sauces without toughening them.](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/simmer) [More in equipment](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/category/equipment)[Every term from A to Z](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary)