There is nothing quite like Cajun cooking. The flavors of the Big Easy are unlike any other American cuisine. And of course, the most famous Cajun offering is gumbo. Gumbo is a hearty, comfort soup that hits the spot on many occasions.
When it’s cold out and you need something delicious to warm up with, gumbo will answer the call. When you are looking to make a weeknight dinner special, gumbo is a great choice. But you need a good pot if you are going to be making your own authentic gumbo. So in the following article we are going to be taking a look at the best pots for gumbo.
Tramontina Gourmet Stainless Steel Pots for Gumbo
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Before you write this piece of cookware off as a common sauce pan, you should know that it can fit up to 2 quarts of food. While it’s certainly not as big as a stock pot, it’s great for cooking smaller portions of gumbo and other types of soup.
This Tramontina pan is made of 18/10 grade stainless steel with an aluminum core which helps distribute heat evenly and quickly. It has a triple riveted handle and comes with its own lid. You can also use it in the oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
IMUSA USA Stainless Steel Stock Pot
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
As far as big gumbo pots go, this is about as good as you can do. This Imusa stock pot can fit up to 8 quarts of food inside it’s stainless steel belly. The lid it comes with also closes tightly around the rim so you can steam quickly and effectively.
This is a great stock pot for large batch cooking whether you are whipping up a hearty gumbo, a lobster bisque or Asian style noodles. There is also a pair of sturdy, riveted handles on either side so you can easily move and manage this behemoth.
Cook N Home Quart Stockpot
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
This stockpot is similar in size and capacity to #3 on our list but it has some quality of life upgrades. For one thing, the lid it comes with is made of tempered glass instead of stainless steel. So you can see your food cook without having to take the lid off.
The handles on the pot itself and the lid feature silicone coating as opposed to also being made of stainless steel. They stay cool to the touch and makes the pot easier to move. Finally, the bottom is flat so you can use it on induction ovens.
HOMI CHEF Large NICKEL FREE Stainless Steel Stock Pot
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
Keeping the train of large gumbo pots rolling, we have this juggernaut from Homichef. This stock pot can fit up to 16 quarts of food inside it’s 304 grade stainless steel interior. But it is surprisingly lightweight at only 4.4 pounds.
It also features a reinforced based so no matter how much gumbo you make, it won’t warp. And as the name implies, it is nickel free which is nice since nickel can introduce certain toxins to your food.
Rachael Ray Brights Hard Anodized Nonstick Pasta Pot
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
Sometimes the best pot for cooking gumbo isn’t actually a stock pot. Case in point: this Rachael Ray pasta pot. This pot is made of hardened anodized aluminum so it won’t rust and will stand up to any abuse you can dish out.
It’s a very versatile pot and has an 8 quart capacity so you can easily make a large batch of gumbo or any other type of soup you want. It’s safe to use in the oven up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used on induction ovens as well.
Ayesha Curry Enamel on Steel Stock Pot
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
If you are an NBA fan then you probably know the name Ayesha Curry. But she’s not only famous for being the wife of sharp-shooter Stephen Curry, her line of cookware has garnered attention from pros and consumers alike.
This 12qt stock pot features an enamel coating and a stainless steel core. So right off the bat, it rivals much more expensive dutch ovens. And you can use it for everything from chili and gumbo to pasta and chicken soup.
Update International SPS-24 Induction Stock Pot
Editors’ Choice: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
We end our list with a monster. This Update International brand stock pot has a colossal 24 quart capacity. The bottom is triple layered so it will last you a lifetime without warping.
The handles are also oversized which you are going to need to move this leviathan around in your kitchen. And the entire pot including the lid is made of stainless steel.
Pot for Gumbo Buying Guide
If none of the products on our list entice you, here are some helpful tips for buying the best pot for gumbo:
Stainless Steel Interior
Many pots say they are made of stainless steel but you have to make sure that the interior is also made of stainless steel if you want a pot that is durable and easy to clean.
Enamel Interior
Enamel is also a good material for the interior of your pot. And with enamel, you can use your stock pot for a wider range of foods.
Ergonomic Handles
Since pots for stock and gumbo tend to be hefty, make sure that you opt for one with comfortable, ergonomic handles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much roux per gallon of gumbo?
A: The general rule of thumb is 1 cup of roux per gallon of gumbo
Q: How long should gumbo simmer?
A: You should allow for 3-5 hours of simmering
Q: Do you need a lid to cook gumbo?
A: A lid will help bring the gumbo to a boil but is not needed throughout every stage of cooking
Some Final Advice
Trust us; you can make your job a whole lot easier if you have a solid gumbo pot. Gumbo isn’t the easiest dish to get right so having the best pot for gumbo will take some of the guesswork out of the process.
But because gumbo can include so many different types of ingredients, the best pot for you is a subjective matter. But starting with our list will give you a great shot at landing the perfect pot so be sure to check them out first.