In a hurry? My pick for best pasta pot is the Gotham Steel 5-Quart Multipurpose Pasta Pot.
It has to be said: a good bowl of pasta can make your day better. But there's nothing that pierces the dream worse than terribly cooked pasta. That's why you want a dedicated pasta pot.
Nowadays, you'll find endless options in the market that could leave you overwhelmed and a little confused. That's why, in this post, you'll find all the answers to your questions when it comes to pasta pots – I'll help guide you to the best pasta pot for your kitchen.
Before investing in a pasta, I used to believe a specialized pot wasn't necessary. You can cook pasta in a regular pot, right?
However, after getting a dedicated pot, I realized how mistaken I was! Don't fall into this trap.
Here's why you, too, should invest in a pasta pot.
You may think that pasta is a quickly cooked meal, but have you ever found your pasta too dry or overly cooked although you followed all the right steps? That could be a symptom of your pot failing to distribute heat evenly.
Fortunately, today's high-quality stainless steel pasta pots regulate their temperature inside naturally, leaving you with the perfect consistency of pasta.
How many times have you burnt your arms while trying to drain the boiled water? (My hand is raised, haha.)
No matter how careful you are, you pour the scalding water, and it splashes back. I've always gotten away with just little burns, but if the pot slipped, it could cause severe damage.
Modern pasta pots come with a strainer or a basket that protects your arms and hands by eliminating the risk of getting burnt.
Grrr! Those dreaded stray pieces of pasta that fall out when straining. If only there were a way to stop this from happening.
Oh, wait… there is!
When using a pasta cooker or a pasta pot, you'll be able to remove the pasta before draining the water, or keep the pasta in place while straining it, which reduces all the chances of wasting any pieces of pasta. You wouldn't want to leave any behind!
I know I said earlier that it's best to have a dedicated pot. But – if you think that the pasta pots are limited to pasta, you're in for a surprise.
You can use pasta pots for cooking rice, meat, or really any food that requires draining boiled water at the end. You may even find a pot set that includes separate strainers for other purposes.
No matter the design or set you choose, your pot will come with instructions and guidelines on how properly use it.
However, in case you don't want to read the instruction manual, here are some of the critical tips that you should know before using your pot:
Investing in a pasta pot means you're ready to take the next step to improve the quality and consistency of your pasta dishes for you and your family.
Before buying one, you should know that not all types and products will meet your expectations. This means that you should know what you want and need before buying a pasta pot to narrow down your options.
Here are some essential points you should take into consideration before buying a pasta pot:
Like with all cookware (and let's be honest – everything in life), you need to consider your budget.
When you're searching for a pasta pot, you'll find various pots at different price points — many of which will seem like they meet your needs. That's why it's vital to set a budget before going shopping. You can then immediately narrow down your selection from a massive list of products.
Setting a budget also means that you'll be limited to certain specifications and features, which can remove the frustration of trying to buy a pot.
After setting a budget, consider the material of the pot. Before you randomly buy a pasta pot that fits your budget, look for the material and specifications that meet your needs.
Common materials are:
Each material has its strengths; for example, stainless steel is a good conductor of heat, while copper and aluminum are ideal for low-heat cooking. You'll need to choose the material according to your cooking techniques and preferences. Read my reviews below for some more pointers on pot characteristics.
The size of the pasta pot mainly depends on you. Larger pots are perfect for big families (or if you always have guests!), but these increase your cooking time.
On the other hand, smaller pots are ideal for small or medium families who want a quick dinner.
Although the extras differ from one product to another, you'll often find these accessories:
As per your needs, budget, and cooking style, factor in these when further narrowing down your list.
Now you know what aspects to look for in your ultimate pasta pot, we're at the fun part of checking out the products.
I've taken into account customer reviews and opinions of industry experts to come up with this shortlist. I've also used my own experience and viewpoint to rank them in my order of preference. When I did cook in my younger years, pasta was one of my go-to foods – I've got a lot of pasta eating under my belt.
The Gotham Steel 5-quart model allows you to experience the easy pasta cooking life, with built-in strainers and a tempered glass lid. You will be able to check your food without opening the lid.
The Gotham Steel brand is known for its reliable products, and this pasta pot takes cooking pasta to a whole new level. You'll be able to smoothly drain the water without burning yourself using the lock and twist handles.
The glass lid has two different sized strainer options for all types of food – not only pasta.
I like that it's made from thick aluminum and is coated with titanium and ceramic, which makes for hassle-free cleaning and prevents food from sticking and burning.
Pros:
Cons:
If you're looking for a sizeable family-sized pasta pot that retains that yummy pasta taste, the Cuisinart 77-412 could be the one.
The Cuisinart Chef's Classic offers a pasta set that makes cooking pasta easier than ever. With a firm grip and reliable strainer, draining and cooking pasta for your family will only take a few minutes and be a joy.
A handy feature is the built-in measurement markers, which allow you to fill the pot with the required amount of water without guessing.
It's made entirely from stainless steel with an encapsulated bottom, significantly improving heat distribution. The material also prevents any kind of acidic reactions that may occur inside the pot while you're cooking.
Pros:
Cons:
The Cook N Home 0241 includes all the pieces you might need to cook the perfect pasta without complications.
It comes with a tempered-glass lid that allows you to see the food while you're cooking it, so you don't need to remove the cover to check the food.
It also has a pasta drainer and is known for its comfortable and straightforward use. This allows anyone to use it safely, even those with minimal cooking experience.
The Cook N Home 02401 pasta pot comes with a capacity of 8 quarts, which is ideal for small and medium-sized families who are looking for a quick dinner.
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Cons:
Although Bialetti is well-known for its coffee products, their new Italian-style cookware range is considered one of the best out there.
The Bialetti 07265 has a creative and elegant style that takes cooking pasta to a whole new level. It's made from aluminum, which guarantees even heating while cooking, and comes in a few fantastic colors:
The design has a twist to lock — this ensures that draining the water goes off without a hitch. The handles are also designed for comfort; you'll be able to grip it comfortably without getting burnt.
Compared to other products, the Bialetti 07265 is extremely high-quality and sturdy – it would be an enlightened choice.
Pros:
Cons:
Rachel Ray is a famous brand known for its high-quality products, and the Rachel Ray 16348 is no exception.
It's unique in its shape and material as it's made from durable aluminum and hard enamel porcelain. The stand-out oval shape is a neat design, although you need to make sure you have room for it when cooking.
The 8-quart oval pot has a large cooking capacity that can handle 400 degrees Fahrenheit in an oven, which makes it ideal for several food types – and not only pasta.
Also, the Rachel Ray 16348 pot comes with an enameled non-stick interior that makes removing food from it easy and smooth.
Pros:
Cons:
The ExcelSteel 529 is capable of cooking different food types and isn't limited to pasta. You'll also be able to make soup, steam, vegetables, and rice.
It comes with four separate pieces:
I like that the ExcelSteel 529 is constructed with 18/10 stainless steel with a sturdy design and construction that doesn't allow the pot to rust. If you're looking for an affordable pasta pot that has an array of purposes, this one will be the ideal choice for you.
Pros:
Cons:
This Calphalon pasta pot is one of the preferable pasta pots on the market as it has everything you need to cook a wide variety of foods, including pasta, vegetables, lobster, and other seafood.
When looking for a sturdy stainless steel pot that can provide you with delicious meals, then this Calphalon model is a great contender. You'll be able to steam and cook large amounts of food in no time at all.
The pot is made using stainless steel materials along with an aluminum disc attached to the bottom, to prevent your food from excess heat.
The set contains an 8-quart stockpot, pasta insert, steamer lid, and a glass lid.
Pros:
Cons:
With a fitted pasta insert, this Viking stainless steel pasta pot transforms cooking pasta into a fun and safe experience.
You can easily lift the pasta insert without draining the water, and you can also use the boiled water for several rounds of cooking.
There's no question on durability with this model — it's made of three layers of metal that combine to one solid piece of cookware. It's constructed of 18/8 stainless steel that makes it durable without affecting the quality of food.
I particularly like that this product comes with a multi-pot steamer, giving you the ability to multitask. You can boil water, steam vegetables, and cook delicious pasta, all at once!
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Cons:
The All-Clad E414S6 will be able to provide you with the original pasta consistency and quality you desire.
This model is entirely made with stainless steel, which makes it durable and gives it a polished appearance. It also has a thick aluminum base for quick heating.
The pot's large capacity allows you to add meat or vegetables along with your pasta to make it extra delicious.
Extra-large handles are included to promote ease of cooking and maneuvering, which should assist in reducing common cooking accidents and spills, especially avoiding getting burned when draining.
Pros:
Cons:
After taking a look at all the best products and their pros and cons, my pick for best pasta pot is the Gotham Steel 5-Quart Multipurpose Pasta Pot.
Although it might be smaller than other pasta pots, the internal titanium and ceramic coating and built-in strainers make it such a breeze to use, and its quality shines through. On top of this, it's versatile. You buy a pasta pot but instead can make all sorts of tasty food.
