Spaghetti, fettuccini, ravioli; regardless of the shape, there is something deliciously comforting about a steaming plate of pasta covered in a rich, shimmering tomato or meat sauce. In fact, almost six out of 10 Americans, or 59 percent, say they eat pasta once a week, with 68 percent of them preferring spaghetti.
When it comes to an easy-to-make comfort food, pasta is a delicious and satisfying choice. Pasta noodles come in many sizes and shapes and nothing is more frustrating than boiling pasta in a pot that is too small. A pasta pot is specifically designed to hold all sizes of noodles including spaghetti, fettuccine and lasagna without having to break them to fit.
With the right pasta pot, you can make perfect noodles every time, strain the water out easily, choose your sauce or topping, and then you’re set to serve a taste of Italy.
We feature five pasta pots you can buy online. Read on and find the right one that fits your style and taste.
1. Top Pick: Bialetti Oval 5-Quart Pasta Pot with Strainer Lid
For many people, how a pot looks is just as important as how well it functions. This Italian-style and designed oval-shaped pasta pot doesn’t disappoint on form or function with its unique shape, choice of bold colors and ease of use.
Say goodbye to breaking spaghetti and lasagna noodles to fit a regular pot. The oval shape of this five-quart pasta pot is a natural fit for boiling long noodles – up to 1.5 pounds of spaghetti at a time. Made of aluminum for quick, even heating, the key to this pasta pot is the twist and lock lid that has a built-in strainer. Once the noodles are done, just lock on the lid and turn the pot over the sink for easy draining through the holes in the lid.
Other cool features include heat-resistant Bakelite handles that stay cool to touch and provide a comfortable grip; a lid with a pout spout for convenient straining of water; and an interior with a PFOA-free, easy-to-clean nonstick surface for great food release.
Perfect for all your pasta needs, this versatile and highly functional pot is also ideal for other foods. When not being used for pasta, it can fit eight ears of corn, five pounds of chopped potatoes, 12 cups of broccoli – even a lobster.
Pros:
- Made of aluminum for even heating
- Twist and lock lid with built-in strainer
- Oval shape holds full-sized spaghetti and lasagna noodles
- PFOA-free non-stick interior
- Heat-resistant handles
- Available in vibrant colors
- Versatile
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
- Not oven safe
- Not PTFE-free
- Metal utensils not recommended
- Not compatible with induction stove
2. Best Large Capacity: Cuisinart 77-412 Chef’s Classic Stainless 4-Piece 12-Quart Pasta/Steamer Set
The thing about making pasta is that all too often we put too much into a pot at one time. Instead of the noodles having enough room to roll gently in the boiling water to a nice consistency, too many noodles in one pot can end up clumping together into a distasteful mess. With this 12-quart, large capacity pasta pot from Cuisinart, you won’t have to worry about making too much pasta at one time.
This four-piece pasta/steamer set is constructed from professional quality 18/10 stainless steel that won’t react with acidic foods, discolor or alter foods and is ideal for classic cooking techniques like slow simmers, rolling boils and reducing liquids. The aluminum-encapsulated base heats up quickly and spreads heat evenly, eliminating hot spots.
Featuring solid cast stainless-steel handles, a tight-fitting lid, drip-free rim, and a mirror finish that retains its brightness, you can really put this versatile pasta pot through its paces in the dishwasher, freezer, and even in the oven up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
The family-size pasta pot makes cooking and draining pasta easy. Handy measurement markings inside the pot takes the guesswork out of the water-to-pasta ratio, and the included deep pasta insert allows you to lift out and drain cooked pasta all in one fell swoop, without using a colander. The set also includes a steamer basket that sits in the top portion of the pot, perfect for steaming broccoli, shrimp, pot stickers, and other foods. The pasta insert and pot have the same riveted stainless-steel handles, while the basket features a swinging handle that tucks out of the way when the lid is on top.
Packed with features, this pasta pot set will turn all your pasta dreams into reality and the best part? All the pieces are dishwasher safe, making clean up a breeze.
Pros:
- 12-quart family size capacity
- Four pieces include a nine-inch high x 11-inch in diameter pot, pasta insert, steamer and flavor-lock lid
- Constructed from stainless steel with an aluminum-encapsulated base
- Versatile
- Measurement markings for ease of use
- Cool grip handles
- Dishwasher safe
- Mirror finish, classic look
Cons:
- Capacity may be too large for some needs
- More expensive than other pasta pots
3. Best Compact: All-Clad 6-Quart Pasta Pot
All-Clad’s 6-quart pasta pot is a slick addition to any kitchen, but especially for those living alone or trying to cut down on cabinet clutter. At 6-quarts this is a little smaller than the ideal size of 8-quarts. However, the perforated inset slips into the pot easily and its flat-bottomed design saves a bit of space. The strainer itself comes in at 4-quarts. Keep in mind that water will be displaced when you put in your pasta.
The All-Clad pasta pot is made of single-ply polished stainless steel. It also sports a thick aluminum based to help get your pasta water boiling. Speaking of, the loop handles feel sturdy to the touch, but as always, we suggest using oven mitts when taking the pot off the stove – especially if working with a gas range.
Pros
- 6-quart capacity with a 4-quart insert.
- Looped handles for easy lifting.
- Stainless-steel design.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Induction cooktop compatible.
Cons
- Limited sizes.
- Some reports of a quality drop.
4. Best Versatile: Goodful Stainless Steel 8 Quart Multi-Cooker Cookware Set
This eight-quart four-piece pasta pot is an ideal mid-size solution for anyone cooking for a family and is looking for a versatile pasta pot that can also be used for a variety of cooking functions.
This set includes an eight-quart stockpot, a tempered glass lid, a pasta straining insert and a steamer basket insert. Constructed from premium 304-grade stainless steel, this set is durable and resists corrosion. The stainless steel handles are riveted for added strength and stability, so you can lift and pour from the pot with confidence.
The pot features a tri-ply, impact bonded base, perfect for fast and even heat conduction, and measuring marks on the inside that allows you to easily measure in cups and quarts. So versatile, you can cook pasta on its own using the pasta insert or when you need to cook multiple items at a time, this pasta pot does the trick. Easily boil seafood in the bottom of the pot, boil pasta inside of the pasta insert, and steam veggies in the steamer basket insert all at the same time, saving on stovetop space. Talk about convenience, right?
Oven safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you can prepare your food in the pot on the stovetop and then finish it off in the oven. And when you’re done, it all goes into the dishwasher for an easy cleanup. Makes an ideal housewarming or wedding gift for that special home chef or foodie in your life.
Pros:
- Eight-quart capacity
- Four-piece set
- Includes stainless steel pasta pot, pasta and steamer inserts and a tempered glass lid
- Riveted stainless steel handles
- Tri-ply impact bonded base for fast and even heat conduction
- Dishwasher and oven safe
- Pot has measuring marks in cups and quarts
- Rust resistant
Cons:
- Capacity may be too large for some needs
5. Best With Strainer Lid: Gotham Steel 5 Quart Multipurpose Pasta Pot with Strainer Lid & Twist and Lock Handles
For a simple solution to making pasta in one pot without the mess and hassle of using a colander, this five-quart pasta pot has an ingenious design that will have you wondering why you ever used a separate strainer in the first place.
The pot itself is coated with Gotham steel titanium and the inside is coated in Ti-cerama, a mixture of titanium and ceramic that is naturally non-stick so no oil or butter is needed. It is also super durable and PTFE, PFOA, and PFOS-free. The special feature of this pasta pot is the tempered glass lid. Not only does it let you see the progress of your cooking without removing the lid and letting heat escape, but when it comes to straining pasta, it’s the twist and lock handles that make this pot unique.
The twist to lock lid technology is easy to use; simply twist inwards and the lid is locked in place so you can flip over the pot and drain without worrying that the lid or food will fall out. For added convenience, the lid is equipped with two different-sized draining holes – a larger size for draining bigger foods like potatoes and broccoli and smaller holes so thin spaghetti or steamed peas won’t slip out into the sink.
This pasta pot is oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, is metal utensil safe, and you can even mash cooked potatoes in the pot using an electric hand beater and it won’t ruin the non-stick finish. And when all the cooking – and eating – is done, just pop the pot into the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
Pros:
- Non-stick interior
- PTFE, PFOA, and PFOS-free
- Twist and lock lid with built-in strainers with two different sized holes
- Can be used to cook any food
- Metal utensils will not scratch or ruin the non-stick surface
- Transparent glass lid
- Dishwasher and oven safe
- Handles stay cool to touch
Cons:
- Capacity may be too small for some needs
6. Best for Oven-cooked Sauces: Rachel Ray Pasta Pot
Rachel Ray’s celebrity chef endorsed pasta pot is a sturdy and stylish pasta pot that checks a lot of the right boxes. First of all, the 8-quart size and oval design is perfect for cooking pasta. It also allows you to tightly control the water to pasta ratio for dishes like Pasta Aglio e Olio. We also really liked that Rachel Ray’s pasta pot is oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that you can finish off sauces – like spaghetti and meatballs – in the oven before serving. It also makes it easy to keep your dish warm while continuing to cook.
The pot itself is made of a combination of aluminum and enamel porcelain. The enamel comes in three different colours so you can pick up one that suits your existing kitchen vibes. The handles are also rubberized to add an extra layer of protection and security. With that said, there were some consumer reports that indicated the enamel finish actually rubs off. Although not a widespread issue it bears mentioning. Likewise, the Rachel Ray Pasta Pot is not dishwasher safe. If you do run it through the dishwasher this enamel layer will be damaged, and begin to rub off.
Pros
- Perfect 8-quart capacity for pasta.
- Heat-resistant handles for safe stovetop removal.
- Made of aluminum and an enamel porcelain exterior.
- Over safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Oval shape for easy cooking.
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe.
- Some reports of the enamel layer rubbing off.
- No compatible with induction ranges.
Things to look out for:
Consider these things when looking for a pasta pot so you will choose one that best suits your needs:
Size: Pasta pots come in a variety of sizes and it’s best to choose one that suits your specific needs. If you are on your own or only cook for two people, choose a three or four-quart size pot. If you intend to prepare larger quantities at a time, move up to a pot between five and eight quarts. Anything over 10 quarts is best for making quantities for a large family or for entertaining. While it’s not horrible to purchase a larger pot than you will need, especially if you plan to entertain or grow your family, keep in mind that larger pots tend to cost more money.
Use: Some people purchase a pasta pot for just that – to make pasta. But many models are versatile and have other useful functions. Some come with different inserts – one for pasta, one for steaming vegetables, and some with a number of inserts so you can boil different types of pasta at the same time. If you want to be able to make pasta and steam potatoes and broccoli or make soup or stew, look for a model that offers up a removable steamer or is large enough to include various inserts to cook two or three foods at the same time. Once again, as a general rule of thumb, the more pieces and features that come with the pasta pot, the more you will pay. However, paying more also means making a long-term investment into a multi-purpose pot that is great for pasta and other foods as well.
FAQs
Is a pasta pot useful?
Pasta pots are specifically designed to reduce the risk of scalding yourself with hot water. The strainer inset allows for the safe retrieval of your noodles.
How do you use a pasta pot with a strainer insert?
Using a pasta pot with a strainer is a simple matter. Place the colander in your dedicated pasta pot and add water until above the strainer’s top. Bring to a boil, add your pasta, and when finished haul the strainer inset out and into the sink!
What are the benefits of a pasta pot?
The big benefit of a pasta pot is safety and versatility. As mentioned above, the strainer inset does a great job of stopping you from getting burned. With that said the strainer really works with any food that needs to be drained. Sous Vide Guy suggests giving beans, chickpeas and the like a spin – although it works just as well for fruit, veg, and hard-boiled eggs.
What size pasta pots are best?
The minimum size you should look for is an 8-quart pasta pot. This will guarantee that you can use it for pretty much all types of pasta. Spaghetti in particular tends to be the largest pasta you’ll cook, and 1 pound of it fits perfectly in an 8-quart pot. If you’re thinking about making larger batches then more capacity will naturally be needed. With that said, it’s entirely possible to work with a smaller pot by folding the noodles as they soften.