The All-Clad Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe Stockpot is a great option if you have a little more room in your budget. It has even heat distribution and comes in two sizes.
The All-Clad Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe Stockpot comes in two sizes: 12 quarts and 16 quarts. But, counterintuitively, the smaller 12-quart version costs nearly twice as much as the 16-quart.
According to a seller of the All-Clad stockpot, the reason for the vast difference in price is that the 12-quart model has three layers of high-performance metal, including 18/10 stainless steel, aluminum, and another layer of stainless steel, that extend from the base to the rim. Whereas, the 16-quart version just has an aluminum disk in the base.
Also, the 12-quart version is made in the United States, while the 16-quart pot is made in China. The 12-quart All-Clad stockpot is the better option because the three layers of metal allow for even heat distribution, which makes it so you don't have to constantly stir and otherwise babysit your simmering food. However, experts and buyers rate both styles highly.
Foodal evaluated a broad variety of stockpots, and the All-Clad stockpot was the top-rated choice. The Spruce also recommended this pot but stopped short of calling it the best because of the hefty price tag.
Cook's Illustrated's reviewers were impressed with the easy-to-grip handles that required potholders but didn't get too hot. They also liked the heft of the pot.
Around 91% of the people who reviewed the All-Clad Stainless Steel Stockpot on Amazon gave it four or five stars. Buyers appreciated that the wide design made it so one could easily clean it in the average kitchen sink. Others noted that the lid is not the best fit with about half a centimeter of play.
Nathaniel Allen's review was voted the most helpful buyer review. He mentioned that he and his wife have been cooking on All-Clad cookware for 17 years and that their pieces, including this pot, have held up remarkably well. He likes that it heats evenly and that he can use Barkeepers Helper and Brillo pads to clean it thoroughly.
Pros: Aluminum core that extends up the sides, lifetime warranty, easy-to-grip handles
Cons: Expensive
Buy the All-Clad Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe Stockpot on Amazon from $199.95