Whether you’re cooking for a large group of people or making yourself a quick dinner, we can all agree that pasta is one of the most versatile and delicious meals. The ways to prepare it are practically endless. Many people across the world have come to adore Italian cuisine, and dare to put their own twist on the classic recipes or even make pasta on their own using pasta makers. It comes in so many different shapes and sizes that it is sure to cater your needs.
Although it is seemingly easy to prepare, pasta can be quite difficult to cook perfectly. Because pasta is so starchy, the wrong kind of pasta pot will leave you scraping inedible and overcooked noodles off the sides of the pot. If you consider yourself an avid pasta maker, investing in a decent pasta pot is a smart move. It will only improve your pasta-cooking game.
A pasta pot has two kitchen tools rolled into one: a stockpot and a colander. Made durably with a nonstick surface and heavy-duty materials, it promises perfect al dente noodles every time. This tool comes in handy when it comes to draining the noodles and avoiding that accidental steam facial. Putting the colander insert in the stockpot will reveal perfectly drained noodles while making it easy to reserve some of your starchy pasta water for the sauce.
Table of Contents
- Regular Pots vs. Pasta Pots
- Our 9 Favorite Pasta Pots Reviewed
- 1. All-Clad 6807 SS Copper Core Pasta Pentola
- 2. Calphalon Contemporary Stainless Steel Cookware/Multi-Pot
- 3. Excelsteel 4 piece Multi-Cookware Set
- 4. Frigidaire 11FFSPAN16 ReadyCook Cookware
- 5. Rachael Ray Porcelain Enamel II Nonstick Pasta Pot
- 6. Cuisinart 77-412 Chef’s Classic Stainless Pasta and Steamer Set
- 7. Bialetti 07265 Oval 5 Quart Pasta Pot
- 8. Evernew Titanium Pasta Pot
- 9. Farberware Classic Straining Stockpot
- Your Guide to Choosing the Best Pasta Pot
- Check the Reviews
- And the Winner of Best Pasta Pot Is…
- Conclusion
Regular Pots vs. Pasta Pots
The question of why you should invest in a pasta pot may have entered your mind at some point. I’m going to highlight the key differences in regular pots and pasta pots and help you gain an understanding of what exactly they do.
One of the more annoying risks when cooking pasta in a regular pot is the possibility of burning yourself with the water. By using a colander and pouring your water into it, you risk getting splashed and hit with boiling water, especially on your arms. With a pasta pot, this risk dissolves away almost completely. Pasta pots come with strainer lids to help ease the draining process.
Pasta pots are also equipped with the best materials, surfaces, and techniques that give you perfectly cooked pasta every time. They’re equipped with advanced techniques that even beginners can understand easily.
With stainless steel and stick-resistant materials, no pasta is wasted being stuck to the sides of the pot. On top of that, the pasta can also be removed from the water before draining, which eliminates the chances of any noodles being left behind!
Pasta pots can also be used for a plethora of other food items. With multipurpose uses, the pots can be used to steam vegetables, cook rice, and prepare seafood as well. Most pasta pots come equipped with steaming baskets, hence why pasta pots are so much more versatile than regular cooking pots.
Our 9 Favorite Pasta Pots Reviewed
With so many options on the market, we’ve taken the trouble of researching out of your hands. Here, we will give you our well-researched reviews of our top 9 pasta pots
With convenience, price, and high-quality at the forefront, we’ve constructed this list for you.
Let’s get started.
1. All-Clad 6807 SS Copper Core Pasta Pentola
With all things considered, this 7-quart pasta pot ranks highly. All-Clad’s 6807 SS 7-Quart pasta pentola is a 7-quart stockpot with an included colander to easily drain cook pasta. This pot also does a great job of steaming and blanching a variety of foods and vegetables.
With the copper center and 5-ply design, this pot quickly transfers heat and quickly spreads it to the edge of the pot. This pot does extremely well with recipes that need specific temperatures, like most sauces and reductions. The pot’s heavy-duty stainless steel interior gives you a sleek cooking surface with stick resistance and easy maintenance.
Riveted stainless steel handles are permanently attached to this pot, contoured for comfortable gripping. The handles reduce heat transfer, add control, and cater to your hand grip.
All-Clad cookware uses ridged edges for clean pouring without drips, induction compatibility, and engraved measurement markings. The aesthetics of this long-lasting pot will add beauty to your kitchen.
If you have the budget for it, this one could be your winner.
Pros:
- Many sizes available
- Made with materials that don’t rust
- Dishwasher safe
- Thermally efficient
- Safe for ovens and broilers
Cons:
- The pot is very heavy in weight
2. Calphalon Contemporary Stainless Steel Cookware/Multi-Pot
This multi-pot includes one of the greatest pasta pots out there. Calphalon is an American Company that is very experienced in kitchen and cooking essentials, so it being one of the best pasta pots on our list comes as no surprise. This pot is extremely durable because of the heavy-duty stainless steel.
This pot comes with a stockpot, a pasta and steamer insert, and a lid. It makes making pasta almost effortless by simply removing the pasta insert to drain the water out. The steamer tool is beneficial when steaming vegetables or simmering soups. Both inserts are made out of stainless steel.
It has a capacity of 8 quarts and is perfect for cooking a large amount of pasta at once. This pot comes with three different layers of nonstick coating: two layers to ensure durability and one layer for easy release performance.
The stainless steel handles are designed for easy lifting and endurance. All pieces of this set are oven safe, making it perfect for finishing a gourmet meal.
Pros:
- Multi-piece set
- Oven and dishwasher safe
- Transparent lid
- Nonstick interior
Cons:
- No opening on the lid for releasing steam
3. Excelsteel 4 piece Multi-Cookware Set
This versatile four-piece set is capable of crafting the perfect bowl of pasta, steaming vegetables to perfection, and creating savory broths and soups. This set is made up of the main pasta pot, a steaming and pasta insert, and a termed glass lid, with vents to release steam from the water. All the pieces are created with high-quality stainless steel, so it’s great at preventing rust.
If you’re looking for a pot to cook your dish in more than one batch, you’ve found the one. The inserts are easy to remove, allowing you to just take out the first batch through the strainer, place the cooked items on a plate, and continue to put the next batch in the strainer in the pot.
This pot’s capacity is 12 quarts, so it is beneficial for cooking meals for larger groups of people. It will help you prepare meals in much shorter amounts of time with the separate pasta insert.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Set includes multiple pieces
- Enhances heat distribution
- Multipurpose
- Easily affordable
Cons:
- This pot is not oven safe
4. Frigidaire 11FFSPAN16 ReadyCook Cookware
This pot would be a great addition to your kitchen. The multiuse pot is perfect for not only cooking pasta to perfection, but for preparing soups and other meals. This pot is oven safe and heat controlled for delicious results. Even heat distribution is promised with this pasta pot.
The stainless steel interior brushed with heavy-duty aluminum ensures fast heating and efficient cooking. This pot is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, and also small enough to wash by hand.
Pros:
- Oven and dishwasher safe
- Even heating
- Comes in different sizes
- Sleek and simple exterior
- Stainless steel construction
Cons:
- Only comes in 8-quart size
5. Rachael Ray Porcelain Enamel II Nonstick Pasta Pot
If you’re in it for the looks, you’ve found the one. For just a second, let’s let go of the idea that all pasta pots must be dark shades of silver. Rachael Ray’s pasta pot welcomes you to a vibrant world on kitchen utensils. This pot comes in a wide variety of colors like red, green, purple, and orange.
The oval shape of this pot is not seen very often, but it does allow you to only use one burner without giving up the others. It’s 8-quart capacity and aluminum construction of the pot keeps functionality and aesthetics in mind.
The oval shape also allows for optimal spaghetti cooking, as you don’t have to break the noodles to get them to fit in the pot.
A convenient pour spout on the pot makes it easy to drain pasta water and even pour pasta sauces. The pot comes with a glass lid to watch the water and maintain proper consistency. It’s oven-safe up to 350 degrees F, with a nonstick interior for painless food release and easy cleanup.
Pros:
- Multiple color variations
- Convenient oval shape
- Made of stainless steel
- Non-stick surfaces
- Affordable
Cons:
- This pot is not suitable for the dishwasher
6. Cuisinart 77-412 Chef’s Classic Stainless Pasta and Steamer Set
Cuisinart is well-known in the world of cooking, and their pasta and steamer set is known to be reliable and durable. With incredible heat distribution, the aluminum base spreads the heat evenly and thoroughly and eliminates hot spots.
This pot comes equipped with measurement markings engraved on the side, making it simple to cook to the best pot of pasta upon every use. The 12-quart capacity of this pot is designed to make large amounts of pasta at a time, so large serving sizes aren’t an issue with this Cuisinart pot.
This four-piece set is very versatile. The pasta insert allows for easy lifting and drainage of pasta water all in one easy motion, without the need for a colander. A steaming basket, also included, is perfect for steaming broccoli, shrimp, and many different kinds of foods.
Aside from just pasta, this pot is great at steaming shrimp, lobster, clams, among many other food items.
Not only does this pot do a fantastic job at cooking large amounts of pasta, but the sleek stainless steel design is also a beautiful addition to any kitchen.
Pros:
- Heats up quickly
- Large capacity
- Has steamer attachment
- Cool Grip handles
- Dishwasher safe
- Lid seals tightly
Cons:
- No glass lid for monitoring water
7. Bialetti 07265 Oval 5 Quart Pasta Pot
This authentic Italian brand has been wowing customers with its products for years. This specific pot is very impressive. The pot comes in many different colors, like charcoal, red, orange, pink, blue, and purple, to match your taste and kitchen’s theme.
The pot’s aluminum body promises even heat distribution at a quick speed. The inside of the pot is made of a nonstick surface to ensure an efficient clean-up process. Rather than a separate pasta strainer, the lid, which twists and locks, has a pour spout allowing for straining to be convenient and quick.
The oval shape of the pot allows longer noodles to cook all the way through without breaking in half. This pot is perfect for spaghetti, lasagna, and other shapes of larger noodles.
The design of this pot includes heat resistant handles, which stay cool throughout the cooking process and assist you when maneuvering the pot while maintaining a comfortable grip.
While the pot itself may not be dishwasher safe, the small 5-quart size makes it easy and convenient to hand wash, and also store in the refrigerator when needed.
Pros:
- Multiple color options
- Oval design for larger noodles
- Easy clean-up
- Strainer attached to the lid
- Very affordable
Cons:
- This pots capacity is much smaller than the others
8. Evernew Titanium Pasta Pot
Cooking pasta on your next camping trip just got a whole lot easier. This option is unique in the design aspect. Created by Evernew, this Japanese inspired cookware line is targeted for any outdoor adventure. This pot has named itself to be the superior pasta pot for avid travelers.
Given that it is very light in weight, lugging it around during your travels is no problem at all. This pot can hold a liter of water. The handgrips are wrapped in rubber and insulated so your hands stay safe from any hot water or substances.
The lid efficiently strains the pasta water by itself, so there is no bother to take up extra space in your backpack with a strainer. It’s made of strong titanium while maintaining the necessary lightweight.
While it isn’t as large and heavy-duty as the previously stated pots, this Evernew pot is ideal for those who seek adventure, while enjoying a warm bowl of freshly cooked pasta.
Pros:
- Insulated handles
- Extremely portable
- Able to fit in a backpack
- Lightweight
- Easy straining lid
- Efficient for on-the-go cooking
Cons:
- Uneven heat distribution
9. Farberware Classic Straining Stockpot
Finally, our review ends with the classic straining stockpot from Farberware. Many have deemed this pasta pot as one of the best on the market. With aluminum and stainless steel materials wrapped up in one design, this pot is both functional and popular.
Its core is pure aluminum, meaning heat will distribute quickly and evenly throughout the pot, and bring your water to a boil in no time.
Straining your pasta is no hassle with this pot, as it comes with a lock-in-place lid with strainer holes to pour out the water when you’re done boiling. This also makes it very easy to preserve that little bit of starchy pasta water to mix with your sauce.
This pot is 8 quarts, meaning it is the perfect size for a family pasta dinner. It is oven safe up to 350 degrees F, making it a very versatile cooking tool that can be used for a lot more than just boiling water.
Pros:
- Slim and classic design
- Oven and dishwasher safe
- Self-basting lid
- Affordable
- Stainless steel construction for heavy-duty use
Cons:
- Only comes in one color and size
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Pasta Pot
We’ve given you many options here. You’ll find many different colors, shapes, materials, and prices. While we have only given you nine options, there is an endless amount of pasta pots available to you. If you aren’t sure exactly what you’re looking for, we are here to help. With your top interest in mind, we’ve created this guide for you!
We have put together a pasta pot buying guide to help you sift through the wide array of options. This guide will tell you what to look for, what to consider, and what to weigh as you pick out a new pasta pot for all your pasta cooking needs.
Pasta pots are all different in their unique ways, so stick with us as we show you some key tips for choosing the best pot for you.
What Does Your Budget Allow?
We didn’t mention budget often in our reviews above, but it is certainly an important factor in choosing your pot. Especially because prices of pasta pots on the internet can vary wildly from site to site, and brand to brand.
What you want to consider is the cost of your pot. There are always going to be various pots on the market. They will vary depending on specifications, price, and quality. With that being said, the best rule of thumb is to compare prices and make a reasonable choice that fits within your budget and also meets all of your requirements and needs for a pasta pot.
If the higher quality pasta pots are out of your range, there is no reason to worry. A lesser expensive pasta pot should still be satisfactory and take care of all your pasta cooking needs.
Every pot we’ve mentioned above, no matter the cost, is a fantastic option in its own, unique way. You’ll find many great pasta pots for under $100, and some higher-priced options that cost a bit more.
Consider your needs, and always be sure to shop within your known budget to get something right for you.
Know the material You’re Paying For
The material that a pasta pot is made out of says a lot about the quality and lifespan of the pot. Materials play a huge role when it comes to the speed of the cooking, whether the pasta is thoroughly cooked, and if it will last for many years.
Most pasta pots come available in materials such as stainless steel, copper, cast iron, and aluminum. There are ideally the best materials, so be careful when buying a pot made out of any other kind of material.
What is the capacity of the pot?
Oftentimes, the capacity of the pot directly affects your choice of a pot. Capacity has a couple of impacts. It is very important to think about capacity when choosing a pot, especially if this is a bigger investment.
Capacity assists in determining how long it would take to cook the pasta based on the surface area of the pot, and how much pasta you are cooking in it.
Also, getting a larger pot is best for either large families or those who often have guests or large gatherings quite often. For smaller families, opting for a small to medium pot is a smart move. Choosing a big pot for a small family, or vice-versa would be a waste of heat, time, and energy. So, before investing money in a pasta pot, consider the capacity best fit for your needs.
Check the Reviews
Still trying to narrow your search down to one, perfect pasta pot? Checking reviews on sites like Amazon is a great way to learn more about personal experiences with the pot.
Reviews provide you with an inside look at how the pasta pot will react, how well it works, and if it lives up to its name. It’s important to know that others enjoy the product before investing in a pasta pot.
The genuine reviews written online about whether the pot is worth investing in, the user’s personal experience with the pot, materials, durability, and quality are all there to help solve any confusion when it comes to selecting the best pasta pot for you.
It’s always helpful to others to leave reviews on what you purchase as well, so don’t be afraid to hop online and write up your thoughts on whichever pot you decide to purchase. Leaving honest reviews can point someone in the right direction, and sway them away from getting a pasta pot that isn’t right for their needs.
And the Winner of Best Pasta Pot Is…
As we finish up our guide, we couldn’t leave without giving you our top two picks.
Our number one favorite is the Rachael Ray Porcelain Enamel II Nonstick Pasta Pot, shared as option number 5. This option is affordable and fun, as it comes in many different colors to fit your kitchen’s aesthetic. Not only is it pretty, but it’s practical and functional, and will have you enjoying the best bowl of spaghetti you’ve ever had.
Our runner up favorite is the All-Clad 6807 SS Copper Core Pasta Pentola, shared as option number one. While this pot is the most expensive one on our list, it is well worth the money. With the best of the best materials, it’s crafted to give you the perfect batch of pasta every time.
Conclusion
Pasta is a widely loved dish all around the world. Many countries have adopted the meal into their versions, and the possibilities of the dish are almost endless. It’s no secret that everybody loves a good bowl of pasta. Whether you have your favorite pasta dish available to you 24/7, or you just want the person pot to prepare your meal every once in awhile, investing in a pasta pot is never a bad idea. Cooking for yourself and larger amounts of people will never be easier with a good quality pasta pot available to you anytime.
As with all types of cookware and utensils, there many variations and differences between all the kinds of pasta pots. To name a few, some pasta pots come with built-in strainers for easy water drainage. Some come with a see-through glass lid to monitor the water and noodles. Others have nonstick surfaces to prevent wasting any noodles. Some pasta pots are even made to handle the dishwasher and oven!
The versatility of pasta pots is infinite. Pasta pots can be used for a multitude of things, like cooking seafood, steaming vegetables, making rice or quinoa, and even preparing soups and broths.
Pasta pots come in so many different shoes and sizes, too. For families, maybe go for an 8-12 quart pot. For the single living, try a 5-quart pot. Larger pots require more storage space, so keep that in mind.
Now that you’re equipped with all the information you need to buy the best pasta pot, happy shopping!