There’s nothing more nourishing and healthy than a meal cooked at home, which includes fresh produce. While choosing to take-away or dining out now and then is okay, home-cooked food has, for a long time, been the secret of happy and healthy households.
Also, appliances play an essential role in making sure it’s more straightforward or complicated for you to cook in the house regularly. However, in contrast to what you might think, you do not require fancy appliances and gadgets for daily cooking.
You can begin to cook healthy food from scratch with some proven kitchen essentials only. One of those kitchen basics that no cook will do without is a stockpot.
Therefore, if you want to get the kitchen filled with the essentials, you need to get a top-quality stainless steel stockpot. You can use this kitchen utensil to mainly cooking stock.
However, there’s no reason you can not use this versatile item to prepare other delicacies like gravies, curries, soups, and sauces. While there are many stainless steel stocks pots out there, the qualities of these utensils vary greatly.
It can be hard knowing the compatibilities of the cooking surfaces, design details, and features for a top-quality stainless steel pot. This is particularly true if you are new to cooking and buying your first cookware. If you like the aroma of freshly prepared lobster, you should try to cook some in your house.
For some people, however, cooking a lobster or crawfish might appear a bit overwhelming, particularly if you have never attempted it before. If this is the situation you are facing, continue reading this article to see what to consider in the best cooking pot.
Choosing The Ideal Size
It can be hard to choose your stock pot’s size, particularly if you’re purchasing your first one. While you are cooking in the stock, you should have some additional room after putting meats and vegetables.
This will help in the free flow of the liquid and promote uniform cooking. Considering this factor will be beneficial when selecting your stainless steel cook pot’s size.
You can put lobster cooking pots to lots of uses other than only cooking seafood. Additionally, you can use these utensils to prepare fruit and vegetables for canning, blanching seasonal food items for the freezer, steaming veggies, and cooking pasta.
So, before you decide to buy, decide how much use the cookware is going to get.
Some Features To Consider In A Lobster Steamer
When looking for a lobster steamer pot, consider these features before you buy them.
Steamer basket
A regular stock pot does not typically have a steam basket; however, lobsters cookers do. Also, if you do lots of freezing or canning of fruits and veggies, then a big broad-mouthed basket is perfect for blanching.
Frequency usage
If steaming seafood is the only reason to buy, you might want to think about a cheap one. But if you are planning to use the utensil for multiple purposes, then costlier cookware might be the best option.
The metal used in construction
As these utensils often become bulky when there is a lot of water, lightweight material will work properly. Aluminum is the lightest cooking material; however, with the worries over aluminum leaching being linked to Alzheimer’s, it might not be the perfect option.
Spigots
This feature at the pot’s bottom part will help make for easy draining of the tasty homemade broth with no residue, which might develop when you steam seafood. You can use it for emptying instead of pouring the hot water out from the big kettle.
Capacity
What’s your preferred pot size? If you cook just one lobster at a time, you will not require a kettle with a similar capacity since you may cook four lobsters at a time.
When cooking clams, crab, lobster, or crawfish, you should remember that they need to be ready to eat all at once, for the maximum flavor. With this in mind, it is better to have a larger cooking pot than one that isn’t large enough, provided that it will fit the source of heat or stove.
Of course, it will be useful to have several sizes. But your budget and most likely more significantly, your storage considerations might make that a tricky proposition.
Once more, decide on the most probable uses for the kettle. Will you be cooking clams or crabs? Will you steam or boil the lobster?
Buying Guide For The Best Crab Pots For Cooking
If you have ever attempted to prepare lobsters and crabs for a large gathering, you understand that average cookware can’t do it. A dedicates crab cooking pot is the simplest way of cooking crawfish, lobsters, crabs, or clams, either for yourself or for the large gathering.
While they have a quite simple design, a big pot, a lid, and a strainer, crab cooking pots for sale come with their unique features. They are also made from a variety of materials and available in a range of sizes to stand out from the competitors.
- Vinyl Coated Blue Crab Trap: 30"x30"x10".
- 3 tunnel with 2 trap doors. Squares with internal bait cage.
- Crab Gauge Measure (Good for WA, OR & AL).
- One Red/White Float, and One Brown Float.
- Durable 4-Arm Crab Trap Harness with Heavy Duty Plastic Hooks. And 1 pack of 100' 5/16’’ leaded core sinking rope.
- 2-Pack of KUFA Collapsible Crab Trap, Trap Size: 30" x 10"(H)
- 3 durable stainless steel spring made by spring steel Can fold to flat in 3 second with 3 stainless steel Clip lock;
- 2 single direction Entrance with ramp;
- Crab Trap with large top open door easy to pick up crab traps
- Crab Trap accessory combo including: 14" Red/White float, Bait Bag, Harness, 1/4" x 100' lead core sinking line & Crab Caplier
Important considerations
Crab pots are typically constructed from porcelain enamel, stainless steel, or aluminum. Some large pots for cooking crab use multi-ply designs or encapsulated disks to make the most of the advantages of different metals.
No matter which pot you choose, the material shouldn’t have sharp edges, not prone to staining or pitting, and has to be thick.
Heavy-gauge aluminum pots are often lighter than stainless steel models but not as hardwearing. When a pot is filled with crabs and hot water, the lighter aluminum design will be a great choice.
Stainless steel is more durable than aluminum and heavier. It will also stand up to hot temperatures, while the lower magnet point of aluminum will create issues at high temperatures.
Porcelain enamel types feature a steel core coating. These pots are often thinner than either aluminum or stainless steel. If you decide to get one of these classic crab pots, ensure that it isn’t susceptible to chipping.
- Size
This will determine the cost of the utensil and how large a parge you can host. The bigger the crab pot, the more guests you will feed.
These pots’ sizes usually range from 20 – 80 quarts or more. Bigger types are quite massive, to the point where you cannot fit into the sink or onto the stove for cleaning up.
But if you purchase a small pot, you will just be able to feed a small gathering. Choose in advance what size you require and shop accordingly. Most crab pots are available in several various dimensions.
- Outside use
If you are mainly using the pot on the beach or other outdoor spaces without access to a stove, choose one that will have a pot or burner that you can use with a burner easily.
One of the significant issues with using this utensil outside is that portable propane burner rings aren’t big enough for dependable stability with a big pot. For that reason, a more compact model is usually suitable for outside use.
- Assembly
Crab pots usually need little to no putting together. Make sure you wash all the crab pot set elements before you use them for the first time.
- Easy cleanup
If you only use it for steaming and boiling seafood, a crab pot is a breeze to clean. However, you might find yourself using your hand to clean. While some pots are safe to clean in the dishwasher, most are too big to fit into the dishwasher.
- Lid
You’ll find that some lids come with similar material as the pot, while others are made from glass. The good thing about glass is that you can look at the food without lifting the lid and allowing out the heat.
The disadvantage of glass is that it’s more delicate than metal. Additionally, some lids come with vents to help keep steam from increasing too much.
- Strainer
This needs to fit securely within the pot so that there isn’t much empty room in the crab pot when you cook. The most popular are full-size strainers, though some pots use strainer inserts to fit into the pot’s bottom part.
A strainer has to feature secure feet or lip to help keep it above the level of water for steaming.
- Extras
Besides the pot, lid, and strainer, some crab pots have helpful extras. These include deep-fry thermometers to help you monitor cooking temperatures.
Also, extra stock pots with lids for handling other dishes that you will serve with your seafood, like chowder, corn on the cob, or potatoes.
Importance Of Having The Best Crab Pot And Steamer In The Kitchen
It’s not always about the kind of food items you consume that will matter. You should pay heed to the way you cook it as well. It isn’t only the pieces you put in and not the food items you cook. What is essential is the way you cook your food as well.
You will be able to look at the food cook. Also, you can carry the utensils on the move. This helps make the experience of eating while traveling well.
These items make the best addition to the collection you have in the kitchen. It will result in you getting the best experience when you’re serving guests. The details you’ve put into the dish will impress them.
One thing about seafood is that you have to season it before starting to cook. If you avoid this stage, then the aroma won’t seep into the meat’s inner layers.
The best size of crawfish cooking pots
The best-sized stainless steel pots for cooking crawfish will depend on how much you are planning to cook. A pot with a capacity of 60 quarts will handle a sack of crawfish weighing 30 lbs, while an 80-quart model will handle a 40 lb crawfish sack, etc.
A usual crawfish sack will range from 28 to 42 lbs, so an 80-quart model is perfect for handling an ordinary sack. However, do not worry if you own a smaller stockpot; simply divide your crawfish in half and boil in 2 batches.
Most people boil everything from mushrooms, lemons, sausage, potatoes, onions, garlic, and even corn with the crawfish. For this reason, based on your extras, you may require a bigger pot.
Another consideration is the soak time. While you need two minutes to boil crawfish, many people let them soak for 15 – 30 minutes. This will mean that every batch takes 40 minutes to one hour based on soak and boil time. The time it takes to boil the water will depend on burner BTU and the pot’s size.
With a smaller pot, you’re limited to the quantity of crawfish you can cook; however, you will be able to heat and cook a smaller pot quickly.
Things You Need To Know About A Clam Steamer Pot
Most people use this pot for special cooking. Clam features solid and hard texture, but quite soft inside. You can go with either these two choices when you want to cook clam:
Getting rid of the shells only for delicate content or placing them without their shells. Clam steamer is perfect for the second choice as you’ll taste different between those with or without shells.
- THIS PRODUCT IS NOT FOR FRYING TURKEYS
- Bolt Together 12-Inch 54, 000 BTU Flat Top Outdoor Cooker. 50-quart aluminum ridge pot with steamer basket and lid
- 15-Inch Diameter Top Ring
- Great for steaming clams
- CSA design certified. Listed LP hose and regulator with Type 1 connection.Power Source Type: Propane
- Stockpot, 13.6-in Diameter x 16-in Height
- Vented Lid for steaming and prevents vapor lock when boiling
- Side Calibration in gallons/quarts
- Heavy welded handles for secure handling of stockpot
- Basket elevated 2.5-in above bottom for steaming
Cooking method
Steaming is the most straightforward cooking technique. You can prepare and put all the ingredients in one pot. Additionally, you can maintain the heat and level of steaming at balance.
Simply wait until your recipe is ready for serving. This is the same as fish, oyster, clam, lobster, and much more. You can cook lots of recipes in one pot. For this reason, you should invest in a steamer pot.
Functions and features
You utilize the steamer pot for seafood; however, it also comes with a purpose for other pot-related food items. If you purchase the standard pot, clam and lobster are out of option. Meat, chicken, veggies, or other ingredients are considerations as well.
The pots come with varying features; you can control the heat level and drain the water with the part below.
Capacity and size
You can chop and cut veggies then place them inside the pot easily. That is not what you’ll do in clam steamer. It’s hard to cut clam, crab, and lobster. That being the case, the capacity and size will matter when selecting a steamer.
Generally, you cook and eat instantly as the steamer pot is perfect for serving while still searing. You require a seafood cooker, which can supply adequate seafood without having to wait for long. You can get products that can take up to six lobsters.
For clam, you only buy a pot with a clam capacity of at least five to ten. If you’re hosting a big event, purchasing two of these pots is better than getting a large pot.
Crab And Lobster Crackers Buying Guide
Crackers are quite basic tools. In simple words, they can break shells and not damage the meat inside.
But the quality and features of the artistry play a considerable role in your experience. Slight changes will have a significant effect on how a crab cracker works.
Looking for the differences in the small changes will help you get the correct set of crackers to suit your needs. The differences will change how you maintain these items as well as how you use them. Additionally, they affect things such as their durability.
So you need to check carefully at the different crackers you get. There are lots of choices available on the market. We will help you know the features that make crackers unique. Here’s how you can get the best lobster and crab crackers.
Selecting the correct lobster and crab cracker
To choose the best cracker, you should consider several important features. You can use these features for measuring the crab cracker’s maintenance, durability, and performance prospects. Most crackers are available in sets, so you should consider other items that come with it.
In some instances, it might be worth spending a bit more. Finally, compare the cracker’s quality and the other available tools in those sets to see which suits your needs.
- Crack Hard Seafood Shells - If you’re having a hard time removing the meat out of your shellfish, then this crab cracker is for you. Made of tough die-cast alloy, Smedley & York’s seafood crackers easily pierce through crab legs and lobster claws.
- Sharp and Reliable - Dig into your seafood cravings without the hassle using these strong, ergonomic cracker tools. Our crackers set includes 4 crab leg cracker and tools, so you no longer need to use your hands or multiple knives and picks.
- No-Fuss Storage - This crab leg picker kit comes in a nautical crab storage board box that holds all your crab claw crackers in one place. When not in use, place your seafood tools set in your kitchen drawer to minimize clutter on your countertop.
- Easy to Clean and Maintain - Hand wash your lobster crackers after using. Or place it in the dishwasher for your convenience. After washing, air-dry your crab picking tools and place them again in the storage box provided.
- Ideal for Your Seafood Spread - Smedley & York’s premium seafood cracker tools makes preparing and eating shellfish more enjoyable. These crab leg crackers and tools are perfect for your next party, picnic, BBQ, or intimate evening date.
Important features
In many cases, crackers adhere to a quite repetitive and straightforward design. The reason being, the design works. But minor details will make a massive difference in how crab crackers work.
The important thing is to some small details. Manufacturers of these products make slight alterations in these items to improve quality and make savings. Below are features you should consider:
Material
The used material will play a big difference in the durability of your cracker. Many crackers feature a zinc alloy. Zinc is extensively used as a plating material to help in preventing rust. But this material may be used to make the whole cracker. This makes it lightweight and resistant to rust.
Though it isn’t as durable steel, you’ll find some crackers built with cast aluminum, highly durable, and lightweight. Also, it is resistant to heat and rust-proof. Many aluminum products are safe to use in the dishwasher as well.
These crackers are lighter, which makes them simpler to hold. However, lightweight will also mean you should apply more pressure yourself to help crack the shells. Another choice is stainless steel. It provides the highest level of strength and weight. That additional sturdiness and weight allow for easy cracking of shells.
But they are bulky, which makes it difficult for some to use. Additionally, stainless steel also provides lots of protection against rust if looked after well.
Size
These items often adhere to the same clamp-style design. But they all come in different sizes. Some will be larger than others, which will be an advantage and a disadvantage. Bigger crackers are challenging to hold. This is particularly true for those with small hands.
Bigger crackers provide you more leverage when you squeeze as these are longer and often created with heavier materials. This additional leverage will make the cracker easier when it comes to cracking shells. Smaller types provide less leverage than bigger ones.
But they might be simpler to hold. Bigger crackers usually fit bigger shellfish species. Lobsters and crab claws may grow quite big, and a small crab cracker might not be able to shut around it completely.
This makes it difficult to crack the claws. Additionally, it might need two hands to help in closing the cracker enough to break the shell.
Pliers vs. clamp design
Crackers are available in two popular designs. The most popular design is the clamp and has a clamp-like shape. The crab goes inside this item, and all you need to do is squeeze until it shuts. The shell will break because of the applied pressure. Additionally, to reach both handles, it needs a broader grasp to reach.
The pliers’ design has the shape of scissors or a pair of pliers. The design will help minimize the grip’s size to a more comfy position. This will make these products easier to look after and use. The clamp design is more popular and is usually sold at a cheaper cost.
But the plier design is getting more common as it’s user-friendly and comfy. Selecting between them will depend on your budget and preference.
Hinge design
The hinge is one of the essential parts of the cracker. The hinge’s quality will make a massive difference in how the item feels. Additionally, the hinge is often created with a small aluminum pin or rivet.
The cracker’s stability will affect how securely it will fit. In plier designs, screwed-in bolts are replacing the rivets. You can use a screwdriver to remove these bolts, so the cracker comes apart easily. This makes cleaning easy and reassembling.
Accessories
Many of these crackers are available in sets. Therefore, you should consider accessories. In some instances, the accessories are what will help these items be unique. These cracker sets often include lobster shellers, as well as crab spoons/forks.
In many cases, the accessories feature durable stainless steel or thermoplastics. You will need to consider the quality and how helpful they can be. Also, you might get enough of everything in a set for the whole group. This is a crucial advantage when you want to plan seafood parties.
It’s possible to use the best quality seafood boiler to make a simple crawfish boil. These are usually big to accommodate a lot of food, which can feed lots of people.
And some units support both frying and boiling. This makes the model perfect for outside events. And if you like to take part in tailgating events or host parties, buy the best seafood boiler. It will cook your food well and will last for long with less maintenance.
Finish
The cracker’s finish will determine the care they require. Most have a zinc finish. The alloy resembles stainless steel. It’s applied with a metallurgy procedure to coat the whole surface uniformly. This zinc alloy will help protect against rust.
Other finishes often include rust-resistant materials such as aluminum and stainless steel. In such instances, the whole cracker is probably created with similar material.
Many come with a smooth finish, but some types feature a textured finish. This allows them to feel and look like crab claws. You can get finishes in lots of hues too.
1. CONCORD 53 QT Stainless Steel Stock Pot w/Basket. Heavy Kettle. Cookware for Boiling
- Concord Stainless Steel Stockpot with Lid and Basket. Heavy Gauge
- Includes Stainless Steel Stock Pot, Lid, and Basket
- Stock pot and basket made from Commercial Quality Stainless Steel, Fully Polished.
- Basket is lifted 1.5" off the ground for steaming
- Stainless Steel Basket and Lid is included. This Stock pot is great for boiling and steaming Seafood and is RECOMMENDED FOR OUTDOOR USE DUE TO ITS LARGE SIZE
This product is a stainless, made stockpot with a basket and hardwearing lid. CONCORD 53 QT Stainless Steel Stock Pot is a sturdy product and comes with useful accessories. It features a basket that’s offered with the pot.
In addition, it features a lift of about 1.5 inches, and its four stainless steel legs allow it to stand properly. This product can slow cook, and there’s fast heat transfer over the container with no issue.
The pot is matchless in the market and is fit for commercial use and has no problems with its use in the house.
Pros:
- Even distribution of heat
- Sturdy and safe
- It’s created with heavy-duty steel
- Has a stainless steel lid
- Great for commercial use
Cons:
- Quite bulky for use in the house
- A bit costly
- Cooks very fast
2. King Kooker Propane Outdoor Fry Boil Package with 2 Pots
- Heavy Duty Welded Outdoor Cooker, 33, 000 Btu Cast Burners
- 29 Qt. Aluminum Turkey Pot With Lid And Basket, Lifting Rack & Hook
- Aluminum Fry Pan And Basket With Heat Resistant Handle
- Listed Lp Hose And Regulator With Type 1 Connection With Battery Operated Timer
This crab boiler comes with a classic look and has lots of utensils out of the box. It is the best crab steam pot for homes if you want to have a small party with close friends and have fun with your loved ones or if you want to enjoy to boil crab in your home backyard.
This product is a type of a self-sustained steamer where you can use it with propane gas. This product is also perfect for beach cooking and camping as it will operate on propane gas.
Additionally, it is famous for how it will cook your crab deep and adequately. This product is one of the perfect items available.
Pros:
- Classic looking steam pot
- Offers even distribution of heat
- Perfect for beach cooking and camping
- Will operate on propane gas
- Has lots of utensils
Cons:
- It’s a bit fragile
3. CHARD TFPD30A, Aluminum Fryer Pack with Spigot, Silver Cast Iron, 30 quart
- Heavy-duty 30 Quart Aluminum Stock Pot with Side Handles and Drain Spigot
- 17 Inch Steel Tri-pod Stand with 50,000 BTU Cast-Iron LP Gas Burner
- Adjustable Regulator with Safety Timer and Hose
- Includes Poultry Rack, Safety Hanger and 12 Inch Thermometer
- Perfect for camping, tailgating, or backyard cooking
Now you will not require multiple cooking pots to make a tasty meal. Thanks to this product, you can feed a large gathering. Be it a tailgating event, a yard party, or a big family gathering. This product offers adequate room to fit in lots of shrimp. You can also boil crawfish that your guests will love.
The best feature of this product is the powerful burner powered by a high-pressure regulator of 10 psi. This will allow you to regulate heat from low to high. For this reason, when you have total control over the fire, it leads to the best tender meat and good taste.
But if you aren’t feeling like boiling, then there is always a choice to steam with this boiler. It offers a steam kit that has a stainless steel steamer with a lid. It is ideal for steaming veggies, lobsters, shrimp, clam, canning, etc. Hence, it will be easy to use this product to feed a large crowd.
Features:
- High-pressure regulator
- Cast-iron burner
- Welded frame
- Stainless lid and Basket
Pros:
- Steel welded frame is durable
- Perfect to use for homebrew and light commercial use
- Large capacity enough for feeding the crowd
- Good fire control
- The ideal pot for boiling seafood
- Has a stainless steel steamer with a lid that will perfectly cook vegetables
Cons:
- You should purchase stir paddle separately
- Heavy to shift on your own
4. Granite Ware Covered Boiler, 19-Quart
- Made in the USA
- 19-Quart Capacity
- Durable porcelain enamel-on-steel construction
- Heats quickly and efficiently
- Easy to clean
Whether you want a beach dinner, boil lobster, or steam seafood, Granite Ware Covered Boiler, 19-Quart is unique, multi-functional, and ideal for the task. You can boil, blanch, steam, or simmer tasty seafood delicacies.
The porcelain will create a durable, resistant to chip product, which lasts for years. It has an inner glass-like surface and doesn’t react with or change the flavor of meals.
You can also use warm soapy water to clean the most stubborn food items. This product is not recommended for usage on glass cooktops.
Features:
- Simple to clean up
- It heats efficiently and fast
- Made of durable porcelain enamel-on-steel
- 19-quart capacity
5. Cooks Standard Professional Grade Lid 30 Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot, Silver
- Made with Brushed 18/10 stainless steel inside and out with an aluminum disc layered in the bottom
- Aluminum disc capsuled bottom provides even/quick temperature distribution and prevents hot spots
- Solid lid keeps in heat/moisture and creates a seal; wide handles stay cool/comfortable for carrying
- Large size for multipurpose function: canning, jarring, and stewing; cleans easily and looks great
- Works on induction, gas, electric, glass, ceramic, halogen, etc. ; Oven safe to 500F; Dishwasher safe
This stockpot is one of the most reliable products you will get on the market. The Cooks Standard Professional Grade Lid 30 Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot is made to be professional, very versatile, and also reliable and simply a pleasure to use daily.
It provides you all the tools you require to get rid of any problems and stay healthy. The bottom is encapsulated with an aluminum disc that distributes temperature well, and you can avoid hot spots.
Furthermore, the lid will help create and maintain a seal. This makes it great for carrying this pot anywhere you would like to go.
This product is made of stainless steel, which makes cooking fun. You will have the control you want, and the outcome of what you are cooking is exciting and interesting at the same time.
This pot will deliver on the quality and value you want. Overall, this is a fantastic product, and you might want to try it out. It is an investment that you will enjoy for years to come.
Pros:
- Simple design
- Safe to use in the dishwasher
- It will work on almost any cooking platform
- Created from brushed stainless steel
Cons:
- It might leak is you do not use it satisfactorily
- Some users experience oxidized spots
