Every kitchen needs a high-quality, versatile pot – a pot that can whip up a delightful sauce, simmer a hearty stew, or simply cook a pot of beans. If you've been on the lookout for a new pot, chances are you've noticed the market is overrun with a wide variety of choices. Some, no doubt, are better than others. We've narrowed down your choices to just a few pots that will fit any home chef's basic cooking needs. Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 4-Piece Set The Classic SetCuisinart's classic 4-piece set is ideal for a wide variety of everyday cooking needs. Top PickFind on Amazon With a gorgeous mirror finish, perfect-fit strainer, steamer, and lid, and 12-quart capacity pot, this Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 4-piece set is the ideal pot for your one-stop pot needs. Stainless steel is revered amongst seasoned chefs for being the best cookware for pure, unadulterated tastes and flavors. This set is our top pick for a few reasons. First, this pot’s superior heat distribution, resulting in an even, quick cook. Second, the functionality of the 4-piece set means you’ll be able to steam veggies, cook and strain pasta, or create a delicious pot of soup all in one pan. The overall versatility and quality of this pot are what makes this the best pot on this list. Pros: Cool-grip handle means that you won’t burn your hands on the lid or handles. Flavor-lock lid, or simply put: a very well-fitting cover Dishwasher safe Cons: Although induction stove-top ready, some folks have difficulty using this with an induction top Cook N Home Stainless Steel Stock Pot Versatility is the Name of the GameFor everyday stockpot needs, this versatile and elegant stockpot is everything you've been looking for. Best StockpotFind on Amazon If there’s one essential pot that every kitchen needs, the stockpot is it. Versatile and necessary for a wide variety of recipes, this particular stockpot is a handy, high-quality pot that will fit your needs and exceed your expectations with every use. The glass lid, included, has a built-in steam-vent that allows for viewing-while-cooking, a nice feature for those that like to check their food without releasing any unnecessary heat. The handles are silicone, meaning they’ll remain cool to the touch, and with a built-in magnetic cap on the bottom of the pot, you’ll find you can use this on an induction stovetop, as well. Cook N Home’s aluminum disc layered bottom design allows for an even heat distribution, which helps to prevent any hot spots while cooking. Pros: Comes in 4 sizes Can be used for canning food Cons: Not safe for oven use It may take a while for water to reach the boiling point Cuisinart Classic Multipurpose Pot Jack of All TradesThis stainless steel pot is the best on the market if you're looking for an all-around, everyday pot. Best Stainless Steel PotFind on Amazon If you’re in need of a basic yet high-quality pot, you’re in luck. Cuisinart’s Classic Multipurpose Pot delivers with its classic stainless steel looks and professional-grade extras. Stainless steel cookware is known for being a neutral cooking vessel, with absolutely no reaction to acidic foods and allowing for a full flavor to develop while cooking. The aluminum encapsulated base allows for excellent cooking performance, with an even, quick-rising temperature, zero hot spots (no unevenly cooked food here), and riveted handles that stay cool while cooking. The stainless steel surface of this pot will not discolor over time, keeping it pretty and professional for a lifetime. Pros: Oven safe up to 550 degrees Freezer safe Dishwasher safe Cons: Although advertised as induction ready, it doesn’t work so well with an induction stove Instant Pot Duo Electric Pressure Cooker The Pot that Started a CultInstant Pots have taken over the market, and there's a good reason. Best for Pressure CookingFind on Amazon Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely been hearing the hype about the Instant Pot. And we’re here to tell you: the hype is real. The Instant Pot Duo is a multi-cooker that combines seven appliances in one: a pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, slow cooker, sauté pan, and a yogurt maker. The ‘instant’ part of its title is no joke, either, as the Instant Pot technology allows for cooking up to 70% faster than traditional means of cooking. For meal preppers, this is truly a necessary appliance. With the mid-size cooker’s 6-quart capacity, you’ll be able to cook for up to 6 people, making it an ideal size for weekly meal prepping and freezing. If you find yourself using this appliance frequently (trust us, you will), you’ve got nothing to be concerned about on the durability front. The stainless steel inner pot is made with a 3-ply bottom, making it a true workhorse that will stand the test of time. Pros: 3 sizes available: 3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart With your purchase of Instant Pot, you’ll have access to a free app with hundreds of recipes Inner pot is entirely dishwasher safe Easy-to-clean stainless steel lid, accessories, and components 14 built-in smart programs 24-hour timer for delayed cooking Cons: The steam release valve does not automatically reset. Accessories can be expensive Cuisinart MCP-12N Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set Better TogetherIf you're looking to upgrade your entire kitchen cookware set, Cuisinart's 12-piece stainless steel set is the ideal starting point. Best Set of CookwareFind on Amazon If rather than a single pot, you’re in need of a professional-grade cookware set with a variety of pots and pans, the Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-piece set is the one you’ll need. With this set, you’ll have the benefits of stainless steel (won’t react with foods or alter flavors) with the high quality and durability we’ve come to expect from Cuisinart. Triple-Ply construction ensures heat retention, even heat distribution, zero hot spots, and tapered rims that allow for drip-free pouring. The pieces in this set are all oven-safe up to 550 degrees, and they’re freezer safe as well. Pros: 7-piece, 10-piece, and 12-piece set available Gorgeous, polished finish that does not discolor Dishwasher safe Induction stovetop ready Cons: Stainless steel does have a bit of a learning curve if you aren’t familiar with cooking on this type of metal Frequently Asked Questions What is the best material to use for nonreactive cookware? Stainless steel is the ideal nonreactive metal to use for cooking. Reactive metals include aluminum, copper, and cast iron. What size pot is the most versatile? Many home chefs find that having just one 3- or 4-quart pot is all you’ll need for everyday use. This totally depends on what you like cooking, and how big your family is. For example, if you’ve got hungry teenagers, trust us – 3 quarts simply won’t cut it. Related posts:Powered by SearchIQ The Best Raised Dog Bowls Read more The Best Chicken Coops Read more The Best Rubber Snakes Read more