Tired of trying to force your fancy fettuccine into a too-small pot (or worse, breaking the noodles in half to fit)? What about having to awkwardly hold a colander while pouring a heavy pot of macaroni through it with the other hand or losing slippery strands of pasta down the drain? Well, it might be time to consider purchasing a dedicated pasta pot. Not only are they sized to fit long strands of pasta and plenty of cooking water, but many are also designed to make straining easier.
The best pasta pots come in several different types: Some have a perforated insert that can be lifted out to strain your pasta, others have holes in the lid for straining, and a third kind features mesh baskets with handles that function as lift-out sieves. Each type has its advantages, and which you should choose depends on your needs, preferences, and intended uses. Of course, we also recommend a few lightweight stockpot options we’ve come to love after testing.
Best Budget
Gotham Steel Multipurpose Pasta Pot
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/gotham-steel-5-quart-multipurpose-pasta-pot-8bd52047dfba4ca690df3be133b19073.jpg)
PHOTO: AMAZON
- Durable, triple-coated nonstick finish
- Dishwasher safe
- Locking lid
- Cannot be used on induction
This nifty, 5-quart pot is not as large as some of our other picks, but it has one of the best designs. With a built-in strainer lid that features two different-sized straining holes (one on each side) and handles that twist to lock the lid securely in place, the design ensures that it won’t slip while you’re straining out the cooking water. The transparent tempered glass lid lets you monitor cooking without removing it, and the interior of the pot features a durable nonstick titanium-ceramic coating that’s resistant to scratching, even with metal utensils.
We love the wider build of this pot as it gives it some added stability and accommodates a pound of spaghetti with ease. While testing, the lid strainer feature ensured we could drain the pot easily without any pasta escaping. We also like that this pot isn’t too heavy, allowing us to lift it—even while full—without issue. We found it to be easy to clean by hand, but it’s also dishwasher-safe for truly effortless cleanup. Plus, the locking lid feature also makes this a great pot for popping popcorn.
Unfortunately, this pot cannot be used on induction stovetops.
Material: Stainless steel, aluminum | Capacity: 5 quarts | Induction Ready: No | Oven Safe Temperature: 500 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ses-pasta-pots-test-gotham-steel-5-quart-multipurpose-justen-brown-14-80677fc51a8d4fa1805dc4ec6d8a528e.jpeg)
Best Splurge
All-Clad 8 Quart Stainless Steel Multicooker
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/all-clad-8-quart-stainless-steel-multicooker-4f4cbb98cebc41a6bb465a2c113e6841.jpg)
- High-quality construction
- Induction ready
- Dishwasher safe
- Might be awkward in a smaller sink
This splurge-worthy option is an elegant and high-performance cookware set. It features an 8-quart pot with an aluminum core for excellent and even heat conduction, as well as a non-reactive stainless steel exterior for easy and durable maintenance. The deep pot has a strainer insert for lifting cooked pasta out of the water, and both pot and strainer have sturdy, riveted steel handles that won’t easily wobble or come loose. The handles are ergonomically contoured for a comfortable grip.
This pot is extra roomy, and the handles are generous enough for even large hands to comfortably lift it. The strainer fits snugly, which also makes it easy to nest for storage. It’s a big piece, which made it a little tricky to maneuver in a smaller sink while testing, but the 8-quart capacity lends itself well to cooking for large families or groups. We like the sturdiness of this set and appreciate that it is dishwasher-safe and compatible with induction cooktops. Though it’s pricier than many of the options on this list, All-Clad’s reputation for quality (and the solid performance in our real-life tests) makes it worth the expense.
Material: Stainless steel and aluminum | Overall Capacity: 8 quarts | Induction Ready: Yes | Oven Max: 600 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ses-pasta-pots-test-all-clad-gourmet-8-quart-stainless-steel-megan-soll-28-94c6beff500343f1946753193461ad7f.jpeg)
Best Set
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Pasta/Steamer Set
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cuisinart-chefs-classic-stainless-12-quart-pastasteamer-set-806894c43121425ab7261dbf41d56e81.jpg)
- Versatile
- Great value
- Dishwasher safe
- Handles tend to get hot
We’re big fans of versatile cookware like this extra large and deep stainless steel set that has both a colander insert and a steamer basket. The larger insert can strain large batches of pasta, while the steamer basket is great for vegetables, seafood, dumplings, and more. The handles for this pot are securely riveted for easy and safe transport, and a stainless steel lid completes the set.
We loved testing this pot from start to finish—it was roomy without being bulky, and generously sized to accommodate pasta for a crowd. We were pleasantly surprised at how lightweight the 12-quart stockpot was, even when filled. We did find that the pot’s handles tend to get hot, so you’ll want to keep a kitchen towel or potholders nearby for safety. It’s a large set, so it may be too large for your dishwasher (though it is dishwasher-safe)—washing it by hand was easy.
Material: Stainless steel, aluminum | Capacity: 12 quarts | Induction Ready: Yes | Oven Safe Temperature: 550 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ses-pasta-pots-test-cuisinart-4-piece-cookware-set-riley-shea-3-f974a8face1b4afbaeba9462558ef300.jpeg)
Most Stylish
Anolon Nouvelle 6.5-Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/anolon-nouvelle-65-quart-stainless-steel-stock-pot-457c751460fd46259966b8656bdc4558.jpg)
- Five layers for great heat performance
- Quick to reach a boil when full
- Stay-cool, comfortable handle
- Slightly heavy
If you want a stylish stockpot for pasta night, you can’t go wrong with this beauty from Anolon. The highlight of this 5-ply pot is the copper base layer, which serves for both design and performance. Of all the cookware materials, copper is the most responsive and is extremely efficient at conducting heat.
When we tested the Anolon Nouvelle cookware set, this pot ended up being one of the fastest to come to a boil. And due to the copper layer, it quickly returned to a rolling boil after adding a pound of pasta. The base of this pot also has two layers of aluminum and magnetic stainless steel so you can use this on any kind of cooktop. We found the riveted handles to be extremely comfortable when straining pasta, though the pot could be slightly heavy for some. It is dishwasher-safe and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Material: Stainless steel, aluminum, copper | Capacity: 6.5 quarts | Induction Ready: Yes | Oven Safe Temperature: 500 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ses-stainless-steel-cookware-sets-test-anolon-nouvelle-10-piece-rkilgore-124-f8754cbd120946c6837e48ff55331fb2.jpg)
Best Large-Capacity
Cooks Standard Classic 4-Piece 12-Quart Pasta Pot
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cooks-standard-classic-4-piece-12-quart-pasta-pot-4865015d53f64e6eb5ddd9021f176bc8.jpg)
- Easy to clean
- Polished design
- Wide steamer insert
- Might be prone to rust
For home chefs, pasta pots usually have a capacity of up to 8 quarts. But if you have a large family or cook in volumes, you might need something a little bigger. In that case, this Cooks Standard pasta pot has an extra-large capacity of up to 12 quarts. This gives you the ability to cook more pasta at once and also contributes to a better consistency.
This option checks a lot of the boxes for a great pasta pot: even distribution of heat, compatible with induction, dishwasher safe, and includes 10.3-inch-tall pasta and 9.45-inch-wide steamer inserts. The fitted lid keeps heat and condensation in the pot, while the handles are meant to stay cool no matter how hot the kitchen gets. It is dishwasher safe, however, some reviewers note that the pot has rusted or tarnished in a short period of time. (We did not experience that in our testing, though.)
Material: Stainless steel, aluminum | Capacity: 12 quarts | Induction Ready: Yes | Oven Safe Temperature: 500 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ses-pasta-pots-test-cooks-standard-classic-anya-bayerle-24-6c7c4eeb8d8c41a4922134d0a4719ab5.jpeg)
Quickest to Boil
OXO Mira Tri-Ply 5-Quart Stock Pot
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/oxo-mira-tri-ply-stainless-steel-5-quart-stock-pot-f4eb45ad160944bf9f522f1fbe98d247.jpg)
- Lightweight
- Extra-wide handles for easier carrying
- Measurement markings on the interior
- Handles can get warm
Though this doesn’t come with a pasta insert, this wide, but lightweight, stockpot can’t be beat when it comes to boiling time. The OXO Mira line is made from stainless steel sandwiching a layer of aluminum, with all the pots designed with extra-wide handles and flat tempered-glass lids.
When we tested out the entire cookware line, this full stockpot came to a boil in under 15 minutes and, after adding a pound of pasta, it took less than a minute to get back to a rolling boil. This made it the quickest of the stockpots we tested, though it might be due to the wider surface area and the smaller capacity. We also appreciated how the stockpot had interior measurement markings, so you’ll always know when you have enough water. We did notice that the handles got warm during our pasta test—be sure to keep an oven mitt nearby.
Material: Stainless steel, aluminum | Capacity: 5 quarts | Induction Ready: Yes | Oven Safe Temperature: 600 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/sea-stainless-steel-cookware-sets-test-oxo-tri-ply-mira-series-10-piece-rkilgore-246-1eb86cdf16dd4624b72dbd625390afda.jpg)
Final Verdict
The Tramontina Lock & Drain Pasta Pot nabbed the top spot on our list after two official tests for its quick and even heat distribution, as well as its convenient 4-quart strainer insert. But the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless 12-Quart Pasta/Steamer Set has everything you need at a great price.
How We Tested
We have tested nearly two dozen pasta pots multiple times in our official testing Lab and in the homes of our experienced product testers. We’ve done this by boiling a lot of water and cooking all kinds of pasta shapes, from tagliatelle, fusilli, spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, and many more. Both tests revealed several pots that make up the list above.
We Observed
- If the handles of the pasta pot got hot: Like with many pieces of cookware made from all kinds of materials, sometimes handles absorb heat when in use. During testing, we made sure to note if the handles of the pasta pots got hot, and if they did, how hot—enough to need towels or oven mitts nearby or just a bit warm to the touch.
- How heavy the pots and strainers are: The goal of a pasta pot is to allow for easy straining of any and all types of pasta noodles. But if the pot is too heavy to tip over, then the straining aspect is virtually useless. We asked our testers to mark down how heavy the pots got when full of water and if they were easy enough to lift and pour.
- How easy or difficult it is to use the straining mechanism: Our testers made many different types of pasta in these pots to discover which drained the best.
We Rated
- Design: Pasta pots come in both tall and skinny and wide and short sizes, so we made sure to notice how the shape affected the cooking of pasta. In each test, we cooked spaghetti, noting if the uncooked noodles sat above the water, and if so, how long it took for them to become limp enough for all of it to be submerged. We also made sure to see if the lip of the pot made it easy or difficult to pour water out when draining.
- Performance: We marked down not only how long it took for the pot of water to boil, but how long it took for the water to boil again after putting in uncooked pasta, as well as how long it took for the pasta to fully cook. We also looked at how well the strainer insert or attachment secured into or onto the pot, how long it took for water to drain, and whether any noodles escaped while draining.
- Durability: Based on the material these pasta pots are made out of, some are more prone to scratching than others. In and after both tests, we looked at whether there were any dents, marks, or other blemishes on the pasta pots and accompanying strainers. If they are dishwasher safe we also marked down any warping or damage that took place during a washing cycle.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ses-stainless-steel-cookware-sets-test-cuisinart-multiclad-pro-triple-ply-12-piece-rkilgore-30-3a86290961574ed1a9620867ca495178.jpg)
What to Look for in a Pasta Pot
Material
Pasta pots are typically available in stainless steel or aluminum, some with additional nonstick coating or perhaps a layer of copper. You’ll mostly find pots with a stainless steel interior since it is scratch-resistant, rust-proof, and non-reactive. That last one is important if you like to sauce your pasta in the pot since it means it won’t react with acidic ingredients. Stainless steel and aluminum are also great for heat conductivity—they both warm up quickly and will cool down if you need them to. While these materials are sure to give your pan longevity and durability, you’ll want to be sure that it isn’t too heavy to lift when it’s full of water. Multi-ply pots tend to be the heaviest, so keep that in mind when choosing the material for your pasta pot.
Capacity
“In general, a big criteria for purchasing a pasta pot is to make sure it is big enough for the pasta you are trying to serve,” says Chris Schembra, a professional chef, founder of 7:47 pasta sauce, and author of Gratitude and Pasta: The Secret Sauce for Human Connection. “In order for pasta to be cooked efficiently, it needs space to cook. Pasta does not cook to perfection when in a small pot, so might as well get a big pot and only fill it up as much as you need.”
Take into consideration how much pasta you tend to cook at once. Stockpots tend to be 5 quarts and above, with tall straight sides and two handles. The design is important since the smaller surface area translates to less room for evaporation. For a pound of pasta, you’ll want at least a 5-quart size; for larger families, 7 to 12 quarts will work well. When going with a large-capacity pot, make sure you have adequate space to store it when it’s not in use.
Drainer Hole Size
Not all strainers are made the same, so it’s important to take note of the size when purchasing a pasta pot. “If the holes in the drainer are too small, the water won’t drain very quickly. On the other hand, if the holes are too big they will not hold smaller pasta shapes,” says Vittoria Veltri, an Italian cooking instructor and the founder of Pasta N’ Play. “[In addition] Be aware, when looking for a pasta pot of the depth of the drainer. If it is not deep enough you will not be able to cook enough pasta in it.”
FAQs
How much water should you put in a pasta pot?
“[You’ll want to] use 4 quarts of water for every pound of pasta”, says Giuseppe Manco, the executive chef at Eataly Los Angeles. If you use too little water, it might cause the pasta to stick together during the simmering, so fill your pot generously and make sure to stir often.
How do you use a pasta pot with a strainer insert?
Pots with strainer inserts are easy to use. Simply leave the insert in the pot and fill it with the necessary amount of water. Bring the water to a boil, then add your pasta. When your pasta cooking time is up, lift the strainer insert out of the water, allowing as much water as possible to drain out, and finish your pasta in sauce.
But do you even need a stainer insert? Some experts say yes. “A pasta insert ensures you’ll always keep your tears of the gods (aka pasta water) safe so you can use it to finish off your dish like pasta royalty,” says Nadia Caterina Munno, the author of The Pasta Queen.
How much salt should one add to pasta water before cooking?
“Calculate one percent of salt for the total weight of the pasta,” says Manco. “You should salt the pasta after it has started to boil and just before you are ready to add the pasta. If you salt too early, water will evaporate and make the water more salt-concentrated.” Manco recommends using sea salt for perfectly seasoned pasta.
How do you cook dry pasta?
Typically, dry pasta is cooked in boiling water for eight to 10 minutes (see your pasta’s package directions). Manco notes that you should use the last minute and a half of cooking time to finish cooking in the pasta sauce.
How do you cook fresh pasta?
“Fresh pasta will cook in boiling water for less than half the amount of time than dry pasta,” says Manco. Depending on the shape of the pasta, it can take anywhere from one to four minutes for fresh pasta to cook, so be sure to keep a watchful eye on it.
