The specific design of a stockpot makes it ideal for dishes that require long, slow simmering on the stove. (BestReviews)

When you are looking to turn a week's worth of meat and vegetable scraps into the base for flavorful soups and stews, you'll need a stockpot. These hefty, straight-sided tools are perfect for creating large batches of your favorite foods, too. From meal prep for the freezer to cooking up freshly caught seafood, stockpots make it easy to feed a crowd.

The All-Clad D5 Stockpot With Lid is an heirloom-quality piece of cookware that is durable and preferred by professional chefs. 

A stockpot needs to be large enough to get the job done, but for shorter or younger cooks, choosing one that's too tall to reach into is problematic. Make sure the walls are not so tall that stirring is difficult.

The material you select affects a pot’s price and performance.

If you routinely batch cook or make large pots of soups or stocks, you'll need a stockpot that can handle that volume. Most households do well with a 12-quart pot, but a 16-quart is good for regular meal prep in large quantities.

The stockpot that won't work on your cooktop is of no use. If you have an induction burner, make sure that there is a magnetic element in it (e.g., aluminum). Keep in mind that straight copper and stainless steel will not work on anything but electric and gas cooktops.

Additionally, if you roast or braise in your stockpot, make sure it is oven safe to the temperature you need. This includes the lid and handles, too.

Because of their size, you cannot rely on the dishwasher to clean your cookware. If easy cleanup is important to you, avoid fussy pots with copper finishes or anything nonstick that the manufacturer states must be washed by hand.

Fully loaded, a 16-quart stockpot weighs 30 pounds or more. Having study handles means no dropping boiling hot liquid when you're moving it from the oven to the stovetop. In the best-case scenario, these handles are also cool to the touch as you simmer on the stove, but always use oven mitts just in case.

A lid that nestles inside the rim keeps moisture in without creating a vacuum. This is important for safely maintaining the moisture in a dish.

The price varies wildly. It is possible to get a cheap version for under $50, but it won't last long and will not perform as well as some of the higher-end pots. For better quality, expect to spend $90-$600 depending on the brand and the materials used.

A. Caring for a pot that won't fit in the dishwasher should be simple. Follow your manufacturer's specific instructions for care, but here are some general tips.

A copper stockpot may require specific copper polish to maintain its rosy glow.

A. Oven-safe stockpots create delicious, juicy roast beef and chicken. You can also use them to create a low-country boil filled with different types of seafood, or steam up some crabs or lobster for a simple summer supper.

All-Clad D5 Stockpot With Lid: available at Amazon and Macy’s

Our take: It is generously sized and well-made for both professional chefs and ambitious home cooks.

What we like: It has a 16-quart capacity. Its 18/10 brushed stainless steel is 5-ply for excellent heat transfer and no hot spots. The sturdy riveted handles are designed to stay cool, and It is oven safe to 600 degrees and works on induction cooktops, too.

What we dislike: High-end cookware comes with a high-end price.

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless 4-Piece Pasta/Steamer Set: available at Amazon and Home Depot

Our take: Home cooks on a budget will appreciate the versatility of this set.

What we like: The 12-quart stainless steel stockpot also comes with a colander, steamer insert and lid. The bottom of the pot is aluminum and heats evenly. It's dishwasher safe.

What we dislike: It does not work on induction cooktops, and the stainless steel is thin.

Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Stock Pot/Stockpot With Lid: available at Amazon and Macy’s

Our take: If you need an oversized stockpot, this 16-quart version fits the bill.

What we like: This sturdy stockpot is stainless steel wrapped around an aluminum core. It is safe in the oven to 350 degrees, and its mirror finish looks great. The same pot in a 12-quart capacity is also available.

What we dislike: Filled to the brim, this weighs over 30 pounds.

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Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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