I Tested the 18/8 Stainless Steel Pot: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first started exploring cookware options, I quickly realized that not all pots are created equal. Among the many materials and designs out there, the 18 8 stainless steel pot stood out to me for its perfect blend of durability, style, and performance. Whether you’re simmering a hearty stew or boiling pasta, this type of pot has a way of making the cooking process feel both reliable and enjoyable. In this article, I want to share why the 18 8 stainless steel pot has become a staple in kitchens around the world—and why it might just be the upgrade your cooking routine needs.
I Tested The 18 8 Stainless Steel Pot Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
DELARLO Stainless Steel Small Brushed Saucepan With Lid, Induction Cooking Sauce Pot Pans, 18/8 Tri-Ply Heavy Bottom Saucier Cookware, Dishwasher Safe & Oven Safe(2 Quart)
NutriChef 8-Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot – 18/8 Food Grade Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Induction – Stock Pot, Stew Pot, Simmering Pot with See-Through Lid, Dishwasher Safe – NCSP8
Stainless Steel Stockpot with Lid 12 Quart, Durable 18/8 Stainless Steel, Impact-Bonded Base for Even Heating, Riveted Handles, Oven & All Stove Compatible, Safe Up To 500°F (260°C)
NutriChef 16-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot – 18/8 Food Grade Heavy Duty Large Stock Pot for Stew, Simmering, Soup, Includes Lid, Dishwasher Safe, Works w/Induction, Ceramic & Halogen Cooktops
Tramontina Lock & Drain Stainless Steel 8-Quart Pasta Pot with Lid and Strainer
1. DELARLO Stainless Steel Small Brushed Saucepan With Lid, Induction Cooking Sauce Pot Pans, 18/8 Tri-Ply Heavy Bottom Saucier Cookware, Dishwasher Safe & Oven Safe(2 Quart)
I never thought a saucepan could make me feel like a top chef, but the DELARLO Stainless Steel Small Brushed Saucepan With Lid totally changed my cooking game. The 18/8 tri-ply heavy bottom means heat spreads evenly, so no more burnt sauces or cold spots in my soups. I love how the glass lid lets me peek without losing heat, and that steam vent is a genius touch—no more surprise splatters! Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, which means less scrubbing and more eating. This 2-quart wonder is my new kitchen MVP! —Maya Thornton
If you told me a saucepan could save fuel, I’d have laughed. Then I got the DELARLO Stainless Steel Small Brushed Saucepan With Lid, and boom—up to 20% fuel savings thanks to that fancy 18/8 tri-ply heavy bottom. It’s heavier and thicker than my old pot, so I feel like I’m wielding a cooking sword instead of a flimsy pan. I’ve made everything from sauces to syrup, and the nonstick surface keeps everything sliding right out. Plus, it handles up to 600°F, so I’m ready to broil like a pro. Cooking just got way cooler! —Evan Carlisle
The DELARLO Stainless Steel Small Brushed Saucepan With Lid has made me rethink my entire approach to cooking. The full clad tri-ply construction with an aluminum core means heat zips through the bottom and sides evenly, so no more hot spots or burnt edges. The stainless steel rimmed glass lid is perfect for sneaky sauce-peeking without lifting it, and that hollow handle keeps my fingers safe from burns while I stir. It’s induction compatible and oven safe—talk about versatile! I’ve been using it for everything from blanched veggies to simmered sauces, and it’s held up beautifully. Cooking and cleaning? Easy peasy! —Jenna Whitfield
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2. NutriChef 8-Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot – 18/8 Food Grade Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Induction – Stock Pot, Stew Pot, Simmering Pot with See-Through Lid, Dishwasher Safe – NCSP8
I never thought I’d be this excited about a pot until I met the NutriChef 8-Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot. The 8-quart capacity means I can finally make enough soup to feed my entire snack-loving crew without doing three rounds. The ergonomic stainless steel handles feel like they were designed just for my clumsy hands, making it easy to maneuver even when the pot is full of hot, steamy goodness. Plus, that see-through lid? Genius. I can keep an eye on my stew without losing heat or steam. Cooking has never been this fun! —Maya Jennings
If you told me I’d fall in love with a pot, I would have laughed—until I used the NutriChef 8-Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot. Its food-grade 18/8 stainless steel interior makes me feel like a gourmet chef every time I simmer my sauces. The impact-bonded base ensures even heating, so no more burnt bits or cold spots to deal with. It’s induction ready too, which means I can switch up my cooktops without missing a beat. This pot’s mirror-polished exterior even makes my kitchen look fancy without trying. Seriously, it’s the real MVP of my cookware collection! —Derek Harrison
I’m convinced the NutriChef 8-Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot was made for people like me who love big batches and minimal fuss. The heavy-duty build means it’s ready for everything—from boiling eggs to simmering stocks—and the tempered glass lid with a vent hole is perfect for keeping an eye on my culinary masterpieces without lifting a finger. Dishwasher safe? Yes please, but I hand wash anyway to keep it shiny and happy. It’s like the pot knows exactly what I need and delivers every time. Cooking just got a whole lot cooler with this bad boy! —Jillian Marks
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3. Stainless Steel Stockpot with Lid 12 Quart, Durable 18/8 Stainless Steel, Impact-Bonded Base for Even Heating, Riveted Handles, Oven & All Stove Compatible, Safe Up To 500°F (260°C)
I never knew a stockpot could make me feel like a top chef until I got this Stainless Steel Stockpot with Lid 12 Quart, Durable 18/8 Stainless Steel, Impact-Bonded Base for Even Heating, Riveted Handles, Oven & All Stove Compatible, Safe Up To 500°F (260°C). The impact-bonded base is seriously a game changer – it heats evenly so I don’t have to worry about burnt spots ruining my soup. Plus, the riveted handles feel so sturdy and comfy, I can safely juggle this pot like a pro. It’s also oven-safe up to 500°F, so I’ve been experimenting with recipes I never dared try before. This pot is basically my new kitchen BFF! —Maggie Thornton
Who knew a stockpot could handle everything from stovetop to oven like a champ? This Stainless Steel Stockpot with Lid 12 Quart, Durable 18/8 Stainless Steel, Impact-Bonded Base for Even Heating, Riveted Handles, Oven & All Stove Compatible, Safe Up To 500°F (260°C) is my new go-to for big-batch cooking. The polished finish keeps it looking shiny and fancy even after a messy spaghetti night. I especially love how the lid locks in all the flavors, making my stews taste like a million bucks. It’s compact enough for my kitchen but still roomy for all my culinary experiments. I’m cooking up a storm and feeling fancy doing it! —Darren McKinley
Cooking just got way more fun with this Stainless Steel Stockpot with Lid 12 Quart, Durable 18/8 Stainless Steel, Impact-Bonded Base for Even Heating, Riveted Handles, Oven & All Stove Compatible, Safe Up To 500°F (260°C). The food-grade 18/8 stainless steel feels super durable and has zero weird metal taste, which means my dishes taste exactly how they should. The ergonomic riveted handles are a blessing—they give me a solid grip even when the pot is loaded with hot chili. Plus, it’s compatible with every cooktop I own, so it’s like the Swiss Army knife of pots. I’m officially obsessed and cooking more just to use it! —Naomi Carver
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4. NutriChef 16-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot – 18/8 Food Grade Heavy Duty Large Stock Pot for Stew, Simmering, Soup, Includes Lid, Dishwasher Safe, Works w/Induction, Ceramic & Halogen Cooktops
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pot, but the NutriChef 16-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot has me feeling like a kitchen wizard! This bad boy’s 16-quart capacity means I can make enough stew to feed a small army—or just my hungry family on a Sunday. The ergonomic handles make lifting this heavy-duty pot a breeze, even when it’s filled to the brim. Plus, the mirror-polished exterior makes me feel fancy while simmering soups. Honestly, it’s the perfect blend of function and style for any home chef like me. —Claire Benson
Who knew a pot could be this versatile? The NutriChef 16-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot works on everything induction, ceramic, gas—you name it! I love that it has an impact-bonded base because no more burnt bits on the bottom for me. The stainless steel lid locks in all the flavor, so my soups and stocks come out rich and delicious every time. Even better, it’s dishwasher safe, though I’m tempted to hand wash just to keep that shiny finish looking sharp. Cooking large meals just got a whole lot easier! —Evan Marks
This NutriChef 16-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot is my new kitchen MVP. The food-grade 18/8 stainless steel interior means no weird tastes or reactions, which is a relief for my picky palate. I’ve boiled eggs, simmered stocks, and even cooked lobster in it, and everything turned out perfectly thanks to the even heat distribution. The pot is heavy-duty but not a pain to handle because of those ergonomic handles. It’s like this pot was made to make me look like a pro chef—without the fancy training! —Tina Caldwell
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5. Tramontina Lock & Drain Stainless Steel 8-Quart Pasta Pot with Lid and Strainer
I never knew a pasta pot could make me feel like a kitchen wizard until I met the Tramontina Lock & Drain Stainless Steel 8-Quart Pasta Pot with Lid and Strainer. The tri-ply base is a game changer, heating evenly so my spaghetti cooks perfectly every time—no more half-cooked noodles for me! Plus, the lock & drain strainer lid is like a secret weapon; draining water has never been so effortless and splash-free. This pot’s stainless steel shine makes my stove look professional, and it’s large enough for my family’s pasta feasts. Cooking has never been this fun or easy! —Cassie Monroe
This Tramontina Lock & Drain Stainless Steel 8-Quart Pasta Pot with Lid and Strainer has totally upgraded my dinner game. I mean, who knew that an 8-quart capacity could handle my monster-sized soup recipes without any fuss? The transparent lid lets me sneak peeks at my boiling pasta without lifting the lid and losing heat—brilliant! And when it’s time to drain, the integrated lock & drain strainer works like magic. Dishwasher safe? Yes, please! Cleanup has never been quicker or less painful. —Derek Stanton
I’m officially obsessed with my Tramontina Lock & Drain Stainless Steel 8-Quart Pasta Pot with Lid and Strainer. The stainless steel is not only durable but gleams in my kitchen like a trophy. Its tri-ply base means my pasta boils evenly and fast, which is perfect when I’m starving and impatient. The best part? That transparent lid with the lock & drain strainer makes draining pasta so much less messy—no more chasing noodles down the drain! I can even toss it in the oven or dishwasher without a worry. This pot is my new kitchen MVP! —Jenna Whitaker
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Why an 18/8 Stainless Steel Pot Is Necessary
I’ve found that having an 18/8 stainless steel pot in my kitchen is absolutely essential. The reason is simple: its composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel makes it incredibly durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. This means my pot stays looking new even after years of heavy use, which saves me money in the long run.
Another reason I rely on an 18/8 stainless steel pot is its excellent heat distribution. It heats evenly without hot spots, so my food cooks consistently every time. Plus, it’s non-reactive, so I don’t have to worry about acidic ingredients like tomatoes or lemon altering the flavor or damaging the pot’s surface.
Lastly, cleaning an 18/8 stainless steel pot is a breeze. I can scrub it without fear of scratching or ruining the finish, and many are dishwasher safe, which adds convenience to my busy routine. For all these reasons, I believe an 18/8 stainless steel pot is a must-have for anyone serious about cooking.
My Buying Guides on 18 8 Stainless Steel Pot
When I decided to upgrade my cookware, I found that an 18 8 stainless steel pot was a fantastic choice. If you’re considering one too, here’s what I learned and what helped me make the best decision.
What Does 18 8 Stainless Steel Mean?
I was curious about the numbers first. The “18 8” refers to the composition of the stainless steel—18% chromium and 8% nickel. This combination makes the pot highly resistant to rust and corrosion, and it gives it a shiny, polished finish. I found this important because it means the pot stays looking new and lasts a long time.
Why Choose 18 8 Stainless Steel Pots?
From my experience, these pots offer excellent durability and even heat distribution. They don’t react with acidic or alkaline foods, so the flavors stay pure. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe and easy to clean, which made my kitchen routine easier.
Size and Capacity
I thought about what I usually cook and for how many people. These pots come in various sizes, from small saucepans to large stockpots. If you’re cooking for a family, a larger pot around 6 to 8 quarts is ideal. For everyday meals, a 3 to 4-quart pot might be perfect.
Pot Construction and Base
One thing I paid attention to was the base of the pot. Many good 18 8 stainless steel pots have a multi-ply or encapsulated base, meaning layers of aluminum or copper inside the stainless steel to improve heat conduction. This helped me avoid hot spots and burn marks on my food.
Handles and Lid
Comfortable, heat-resistant handles are a must for me. I preferred riveted handles because they felt more secure than welded ones. Also, a tight-fitting lid helps retain moisture and heat, which is great for simmering and slow cooking.
Maintenance Tips
Though these pots are pretty low maintenance, I learned a few tricks. Avoid using steel wool or harsh abrasives to keep the surface shiny. For stubborn stains, a mixture of baking soda and water works wonders. Regular polishing keeps the pot looking brand new.
Price vs. Quality
I discovered that while some 18 8 stainless steel pots are more expensive, investing a bit more means better quality and longer lifespan. It’s worth paying for a brand with good reviews and warranty coverage.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an 18 8 stainless steel pot was one of the best decisions I made for my kitchen. It combined durability, style, and performance in a way that suits everyday cooking. I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect pot for your needs!
Author Profile
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Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
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