Best Automatic Pot Stirrer
We live in the best of times to be a home cook. There seems to be an endless number of kitchen gadgets, tools and small appliances to make everything we do for meal prep easier. Which brings us to the automatic pot stirrer, an ingenious contraption that stirs the contents of a pot while you busy yourself with other tasks.
Seems silly? Hardly. Many delicious recipes call for prolonged slow stirring, so ingredients don’t scald, burn or stick to the bottom of the pot. Having a simple gadget do the stirring while you chop food, wash dishes or put in a load of laundry is not only convenient, it’s pure genius. And, if you are a home cook who suffers with arthritis in your hands, an automatic pot stirrer will get the job done for you, pain-free.
For the most part, this handy tool attaches to any pot in your kitchen and when activated, stirs the contents.
We’ve curated a list of automatic pot stirrers you can purchase online. Read on to find the one that belongs in your kitchen.
1. Editor’s Choice: StirMATE VS Automatic Pot Stirrer GEN 3
It’s no joke how busy it can get in the kitchen, especially if you are preparing a multi-course meal. But even if you’re just making a delicate risotto or a stew, sometimes you need an extra pair of hands to stir the pot while you get busy with something else.
This upgraded Gen 3 automatic pot stirrer from StirMATE ticks off all the boxes as a helping hand. It’s easy to use; just insert the stirring stick into the designated hole in the arm, clamp it on a pot, center the stirring stick and press start. The device will self-adjust to whichever pot or pan you clamp it to that is between six to 12 inches in diameter and three to nine inches deep.
The motor is strong enough to stir for 10 hours, depending on the thickness of the food, and takes one hour to re-charge. You can use it to stir soup, stew, risotto, chili, polenta, sauces, candy and even to roast coffee beans. Other attachments such as a stainless steel stirrer, a thermometer kit, and the OMNI-XL for up to a six-gallon pot, can be purchased separately.
Pros:
- Variable speeds
- Self adjusts to pot size
- Made from BPA-free, FDA-approved high temperature (400° F) food-grade plastic
- Battery and charger included
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- Plastic stirrer may melt in heat greater than 400 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Runner-Up: SAKI Automatic Pot Stirrer for Cooking
This automatic pot stirrer from SAKI has a lot of the same features as our top pick, but at a more affordable price point. There are some notable differences, too.
Instead of clipping to one side of a pot, this pot stirrer fits across the top of a pot, anything measuring between six and 10.2 inches in diameter and four to eight inches deep. Clips on each side help to hold it in place. Unlike some automatic stirrers, this one has two adjustable stirring arms instead of one that sit on the bottom of the pot, resulting in a more balanced and even mixing experience. Plus, the rotating blades will not harm your ceramic or non-stick cookware.
The automatic stirrer is cordless, rechargeable and BPA-free. One drawback is that it takes four hours to recharge, but once fully charged, it has two speeds to choose from and will successfully stir everything from smooth sauces and delicate soups to chunky stew.
Pros:
- Two adjustable stirring blades
- BPA-free
- Two speeds
Cons:
- Four-hour recharging time
- Only two hours of use per charge
- Does not stand up to high heat
3. Best Budget Buy: Uutensil StirrTime, Automatic Pan Stirrer with Timer
Just because you’re on a budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t outfit your kitchen with some time-saving gadgets. And, just because you pay a budget price, it doesn’t mean you end up with a lesser-quality product. Case in point is this automatic pot stirrer from Uutensil.
This automatic pot stirrer looks a little like a futuristic robot when you place it upright in the center of a pot. It has a simple push-button operation and is self-rotating with three speeds to choose from, stirring consistently in both directions, rotating back and forth to mimic a natural stirring action. The integrated timer lets you set the stirring action from one to 10 minutes and when the time is up, it lets you know with a gentle pulse and flashing lights.
The automatic pot stirrer is ideal for stirring sauces, soups, porridge, gravy and other mixtures. It is cordless and runs on four AA batteries, is heat resistant up to 248 degrees Fahrenheit and the molded legs can be removed and cleaned in the dishwasher.
Pros:
- Affordably priced
- Three speed options
- Timer function
Cons:
- Not recommended for high heat situations
- Batteries not included
- Not very powerful
4. Best All-in-One: LAMPCOOK Automatic Pots Stirrer for Cooking
Many automatic pot stirrers are independent pieces that you either attach to your pot of choice or the stirrer sit sin the center of the pot on its own and then rotates. This makes them highly versatile to use with almost any pot or pan you have in your kitchen. This model from Lampcook is different — in this case, you get a pot that has its own built in automatic stirrer.
The pot itself has a capacity of 3.6 quarts, large enough to make a sizeable amount of food. It has a diecast copper body with a stainless steel insert, making it compatible with all heat sources, including induction. The glass lid, (really convenient for monitoring the cooking process), has a handle that is attached to the silicone rods inside that do the stirring. Double A batteries in the handle power the mixing process that you initiate by pressing the red button on the handle.
It doesn’t get much easier than this: put your ingredients in the pot, lock the lid, push the button, turn on the heat and let the pot take care of the stirring.
Pros:
- Pot and stirrer all in one
- Suitable for all cooking surfaces
- Large 3.6-quart capacity
- Push-button operation
Cons:
- Expensive
- Instructions and recipes are in Korean
5. Best Low-Noise: GENAU Automatic Stirrer for Cooking
This is another automatic pot stirrer that comes with a pot and while it is similar to the one mentioned above, it is less expensive and has some interesting features to make your hands-free cooking easy and enjoyable.
The GENAU automatic stirrer comes with a 3.6 quart pot so you can cook large meals for yourself or your family. Its 3D heating technology cooks foods faster and it has a transparent tempered glass lid so you can track the cooking process. The inside of the pot has a ceramic PFOA-free, food-safe, non-stick coating for easy food release and cleanup. A built-in silicone spatula provides the stirring action for a consistent blend.
Powered by four double A batteries, the motor emits a low noise that won’t disturb or become annoying. Suitable for stirring everything from mashed potatoes and jam to sauces and pasta, you can use the automatic pot stirrer for all of your favorite recipes.
Pros:
- Comes with a 3.6-quart pot
- Ceramic coated
- PFOA-free non-stick coating
Cons:
- Pricey
- Some people may not want the pot
6. Best for Large Pots: Ardente Gourmet Stirrer
Many automatic pot stirrers on the market let you conveniently adjust their size to fit a range of pot sizes, which is very convenient if you have a large arsenal of cooking pots. However, if you are limited in space, only have a handful of pots and usually use larger-sized vessels, you may need this reliable pot stirrer.
The Ardente gourmet stirrer measures 13.5 inches high by nine inches across and six inches deep and has hooks that clip securely onto each side to fit nicely over any pot that measures between nine and 14 inches. Equipped with a small blade measuring 8.5 inches and a second, larger blade measuring 13.5 inches, the two continuously or intermittently scrape and stir whatever is in the pot.
Affordably priced and available in white or black, this automatic pot stirrer is perfect for mixing sauces, stews, gravies, polenta, soups and even mashed potatoes. And when all the cooking is done, it can be easily washed by hand.
Pros:
- Fits large pots
- Two blades
- Affordable
Cons:
- Hand wash
- Underpowered for really thick sauces
7. Most Convenient: Crock-Pot SCCPVC600AS-B 6-Quart Digital Slow Cooker with iStir Stirring System
This automatic pot stirrer is different from the rest because the mechanism that stirs the food is attached to a six-quart Crock Pot. So, if you love slow cooking and want the brand reliability of Crock Pot, then you may want to consider this super convenient way to have a second helper in your kitchen stirring the pot while you busy yourself with other things.
The slow cooker has a countdown digital timer that can be programmed between 30 minutes and 20 hours, so coupled with the automatic stirring, you can prepare and cook a meal even if you aren’t in the kitchen. All you do is fill the crock pot with the ingredients of your recipe, set the cook time and attach the motor housing with the proper paddle in place. Choose the general purpose paddle for soup and chili or the stew paddle for thick stew and more dense dishes. After an initial two-hour delay, the stirring self-activates every 30 minutes to ensure thorough mixing and even heating until turned off.
And, if you decide you want to cook something that doesn’t need to be stirred, the crock pot comes with a classic lid handle, too.
Pros:
- Slow cooker with automatic stirrer
- Timer and digital countdown
- Two different stirring paddles
- Includes removable classic lid handle
- Includes recipes
Cons:
- Pricey
- Not everyone needs a slow cooker
- Short cord
- Large size
8. Also Consider: Kujobuy Automatic Stir Mixer Handsfree Food Auto Stirrer
This affordably priced automatic stirrer is another intuitively designed model that stands upright in a pot to mix ingredients while you busy yourself with other tasks. Made with a food-grade ABS plastic body and stainless steel blades, it works with a simple click of a button, automatically moving around the pot to mix things like yogurt, sauces, custards and soups.
The automatic stirrer is powered by four AA batteries that will get the device moving continuously for up to four hours. You can even leave it unattended if you need to be elsewhere in the house while the food is cooking. It also has three speeds to meet different requirements — low, medium and high. You can also use it as a milk frother. Just heat milk, insert the handheld stirrer into the pot and turn it on, and it will create froth.
When it’s done doing its work, you need to hand wash the handle part that holds the batteries (but don’t immerse in water), and the legs can be removed and cleaned in the dishwasher.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Three speeds
- Up to four hours of running time
Cons:
- Not recommended for thick sauces or stews
- Not recommended for high heats
9. Honorable Mention: IMPDD Self Stirring Mug Auto Self Mixing Stainless Steel Cup
How many times have you made instant coffee and before you get a chance to mix it, you’re interrupted by a phone call or your child? Or realized that the dishwasher is dirty and full and you don’t have a clean spoon on hand to mix it all.
Introducing this cool self-stirring coffee mug that will automatically stir the contents of the mug when your hands are busy doing whatever else they need to be doing or you can’t find a clean spoon. Great for instant coffee lovers, you don’t have to drink coffee to benefit from this mug. It works great for powdered hot chocolate and ice-tea, too.
Just add the powder and liquid and then press the button on the handle. The automatic stirrer is activated, mixing the liquid and the powder into a smooth, blended consistency. Press the button again and the stirring stops and you’re ready to drink. No spoons, no mess, no fuss.
The 15-ounce large size mug is made from food-grade double stainless steel and vacuum isolation technology so the liquid inside will not leak and scald your hands. The mug is also easy to clean by rinsing it with water. Makes a great gift.
Pros:
- Convenient
- Fully dissolves powder in liquid
- Contains a detachable magnetic stirrer
- Safe drinking lid
- Available in eight different colors
Cons:
- Won’t fit into a cupholder
- Not for use in the microwave
What to look for when choosing an automatic pot stirrer:
What a convenience! A kitchen gadget that automatically stirs what you have cooking in a pot on the stove so you can take care of other cooking tasks, chores around the house, or dare we say, relax for a bit in front of the TV.
And while this hands-free helper seems like a gift from the kitchen gods, be aware that not all automatic pot stirrers are created equal, nor do they all meet your specific requirements. Before choosing one for your kitchen, consider these factors:
Use: Think about what you will use the automatic pot stirrer for. By that we mean what kind of recipes, the kind of ingredients and the thickness of the product. For example, a lightweight pot stirrer that is not powerful may not work if you want to use it for making thick stews or apple butter. As well, if you want to use it to stir high-heat food, then look for a model that specifies that it can handle high heats, since some plastics can melt, which is something you don’t want to experience.
Versatility: Some automatic pot stirrers are adjustable and can be used on a number of different pot sizes. These are available in two models: one you can attach across the top of a pot, or another that stands on its own in a pot. Typically, one that clips onto the sides of a pot is sturdier, since the stand-alone type can fall over if not properly balanced.