Do you love pasta? But hate the hassle of holding a pot full of steaming hot water and trying to pour the pasta into the colander without getting a steam burn?
If so, the solution is finding the best pasta pot with a strainer that fits your cooking style and demands.
Read on below and learn more about pasta pots with strainers built-in, what to look for in the best one for you, and find out which 10 are our favorite ones!
Quick Summary
Here’s a quick summary of our top picks and why we selected them:
| Product Name | Why We Picked It |
| 7265 Bialetti Oval 5.5 Quart Pasta Pot with Strainer Lid
|
|
| Mockins 3 Piece Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Steamer Pot Set
|
|
| Cuisinart 77-412 Chef’s Classic 4-Piece 12-Quart Pasta Pot
|
|
| Farberware Glide Nonstick Saucepan with Straining and Lid
|
|
| 1.5 Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan With Pour Spout
|
|
What to Consider When Buying a Pot with Strainer
Before you simply toss the first pasta pot with a strainer into your shopping cart (online or in-person), there are a few important factors to consider.
Durability
The durability of any kitchenware, but especially pots and pans that go in or on the over, is incredibly important.
The last thing you want is a brand new pot needing its handles tightened every other Tuesday before spaghetti night.
If you have a chance to look at it in person, pick up the pot and strainer and try to get a feel for how long-lasting it may be.
Size
The size of the best pasta pot with a strainer for you and your kitchen varies depending on several factors.
The most important factor is that it needs to fit both your stovetop, sink, and dishwasher.
Also, the pot should be wide enough for your favorite sort of pasta.
You don’t want to be forced into breaking all of your pasta in half in order to fit it into the water.
Handles
The handles of any cooking equipment are crucial, whether it’s a spatula, skillet, or pasta pot.
With pasta pots, handles are even more critical because you have to lift the pot off of the stove with both hands.
When you remove your pot from the burner, after cooking pasta, the inside is full of steaming hot water. One slip and you are burned. That’s why quality handles are super important.
Materials
The materials that your new pasta pot with strainer are made out of are also important to consider.
If you prefer working with ceramic, cast iron, stainless steel, or some other material, make sure to check the pot before purchasing it.
All the most common materials pasta pots are made out of having their pros and cons, including how much they cost and how long they last.
Weight
Speaking of materials, and handles for that matter, both of these considerations play into how much a pasta pot weighs.
The handles are important because they need to easily hold the weight of the pot, including when it is completely full of water and pasta.
Keep in mind to check the pot’s dimensions and weight before making a purchase. A pot that’s too heavy for your liking won’t likely see much use in the kitchen, new or not.
Lid Type
There are several types of lids that come with pasta pots. The most common materials for pasta pot lids are stainless steel, aluminum, and tempered glass.
Depending on your cooking style, and other factors (like whether you care how it looks or not, or if it matches other kitchen equipment you already own), the best type of lid for your pot may vary.
Locking or Not
A super-important aspect to consider before making up your mind about which new pasta pot to invest in is whether or not it has locking features.
Many of the best pasta pots out there have either locking handles, locking lid, or both. Whether or not your pot should have locking features is a choice only you can make.
Bottom
Believe it or not, even though it is the part of the pan you look at the least, the bottom of your pasta pot is extremely important.
The bottom of the pot is the part of the pot that is exposed to constant temperatures, often quite high. If it is made from high-quality materials, the pot will heat evenly.
But, if the materials aren’t so high-end, the bottom of the pot develops heat spots (and does not heat the inside evenly).
Finish
The type of finish that a pasta pot has is another crucial but often overlooked detail. Stainless steel (polished and non-polished), polished mirror, and ceramic are a few of the most popular types of finish to have on your pasta pots.
Cost and Warranty
The cost and warranty are also important considerations to make before making a decision about which pasta pot and strainer are best for you and your kitchen.
If you have a budget, that helps make things a bit easier.
At any rate, despite budget, one thing you mustn’t compromise on is finding a pot with a warranty. Products without warranties or guarantees or some sort are often bad products with really good marketing (and you should avoid them!).
Best Pasta Pot with Strainer
7265 Bialetti Oval 5.5 Quart Pasta Pot with Strainer Lid
This 4.72-liter oval Bialetti pasta pot is both super-functional in the kitchen and appealing to the eye. It’s also lightweight but heavy-duty thanks to an aluminum design.
This pot doesn’t have a pasta insert, but it holds 5.5 quarts of liquid and weighs 3.5 pounds(dry). Instead of an insert, there are drain holes built into the lid.
The pot measures 16.25-inches, by 9.5-inches, by 7.75-inches, making it perfect for most kitchens.
Pros
- Quick and even heating
- Twist and lock lid
- Non-stick and easy to clean
- Affordable choice
- Comes with 5 years of coverage
Cons
- It may not be a large enough pasta pot for you and your needs
Mockins 3 Piece Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Steamer Pot Set
The Mockins’ 3-piece pasta pot is a premium heavy-duty product made of stainless steel.
It is everything you need for safely and easily boiling and straining pasta.
It has a Ceramic finish and weighs approximately 3.25 pounds without water in it, which is about average for a pasta pot.
The pot holds 3 quarts of water and measures 13-inches, by 8-inches, by 8-inches, a good fit for both residential and commercial kitchens.
Pros
- Made from 18/8 stainless steel (heavy-duty)
- 3-piece set with pot, pasta insert, and lid
- Durable and thick rolled pot rim
- Handles are sturdy and stay cool
- Heats quickly and evenly
Cons
- You may need a pasta pot that’s bigger than this one
- doesn’t have a locking lid or strainer lid
Cuisinart 77-412 Chef’s Classic 4-Piece 12-Quart Pasta Pot
This Chef’s Classic 12-quart pasta pot from Cuisinart is one of our main picks for the best pasta pot for making large amounts of cooked pasta at once.
The pot is large, holding up to 11 liters of liquid, and comes with a strainer insert and steamer basket.
This stainless steel pot’s measurements are 11-inches, by 14.5-inches, by 9-inches.
This unit weighs a bit more than others, at 11.13 pounds, and has a mirror finish.
Pros
- Great for home use and commercial use
- No heat spots, cooks and heats evenly
- Cool grip handles make it safe to handle
- Drip-free pouring eliminates needless burns and spills
- It is dishwasher friendly, saving you time and effort
Cons
- The pot may be larger than what you need for cooking at home
- More expensive than other pasta pots on our list
Farberware Glide Nonstick Saucepan with Straining and Lid
This 3-quart pot is great for cooking pasta, and much more, as it comes with a safe and convenient see-through glass lid and has an easy-to-use built-in strainer.
The pot weighs 5.29 pounds and measures 14.88-inches, by 7.88-inches, by 6.88-inches.
A non-stick saucepan, this Farberware pasta pot is made from high-end aluminum and has a non-stick finish.
That mean’s it heats evenly and it’s easy to clean as well.
Pros
- Quick and even heating on stovetops
- Fully dishwasher safe
- Non-stick finish for easy food release
- Comfortable and safe grip
- Oven-safe design and shatter-resistant glass lid
- Afford and comes with lifetime coverage
Cons
- It may not be large enough to boil pasta for your entire family
- No ceramic finish
1.5 Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan With Pour Spout
This 1.5-quart saucepan is made from stainless steel and aluminum and features a built-in pour spout, making it ideal for making much more than just pasta.
The lid to the pot is see-through glass, for more convenience than most pots for cooking perfect pasta.
The pot also has a high-end ceramic finish, which is a nice touch for any piece of cooking equipment.
One of the lightest weight options on our list, this pot only weighs just a tad over 2 pounds. Its measurements are 5.51-inches, by 4.72-inches, by .031 inches.
Pros
- Produced by a less well-known brand
- Smaller than other pasta pots on this list
- Holds 6 cups of water
- Consists of 18/10 food-grade stainless steel
- Even heating thanks to the aluminum bottom
Cons
- It may not work well for all types of pasta
- It may not be large enough for your needs
All-Clad E414S6 Stainless Steel Pasta Pot and Insert
This stainless steel pasta pot and insert from All-Clad is another excellent choice for those who don’t want a huge pot but don’t want a tiny one either.
The E414s6 is perfect for the average couple or small family to prepare pasta in.
The pasta pot is made from stainless steel, including a stainless steel finish. It holds exactly 5.68 liters of water for cooking posts.
The pots measurements are 12.6-inches, by 9.6-inches, by 11.4-inches, a more than adequate size pot for most small to medium size families.
Pros
- Good size, 6-quart capacity
- 4-quart pasta insert included
- Loop handles that are both sturdy and cool to the touch
- The pasta pot is dishwasher friendly
- Crafted from heavy-duty stainless steel and aluminum
Cons
- It may not be the size pasta pot you need for your kitchen
- No ceramic finish, if that matters to you and your pasta cook
Cook N Home 4-Piece Stainless Steel Pasta Cooker
This 4-piece pasta pot from Cook N Home is the biggest and baddest pasta cooker on our list. It is made from stainless steel and has a polished ceramic finish.
The pot features a convenient pasta insert, steamer, pot, and tempered glass lid.
The pot holds up to 12 quarts of water for boiling pasta and heats completely evenly across the bottom.
Measurements of the pasta cooker are 14-inches, by 10-inches, by 13.5-inches, which is rather large for a pasta pot.
Even more impressive, for the size and nature of it, the price is quite affordable as well.
Pros
- The pot is large enough to feed a small army
- Consists of high-end materials and construction
- Riveted handles that stay cool, help avoid burns
- Durable tempered glass lid you can see through
- Good bargain for the price
Cons
- May be a much larger pasta pot than you’re looking for
T-fal Stainless Steel with Easy-Lock System Cook & Clip
The T-fal stainless steel unit with an easy locking cook and clip system is another really good choice when it comes to picking the right pasta pot.
This pasta pot is made of heavy-duty stainless steel, including a polished stainless steel finish as well. It holds up to 5 quarts of water at a time.
The most impressive feature of the pot is its easy lock lid with a built-in strainer, making boiling and straining pasta quicker and easier than most pots and equipment.
Also worth mentioning, the ergonomic design of the handles, and materials, make the handles extremely easy to grip and hang onto even if they are wet or greasy.
Pros
- High-end easy locking rubber grip handles
- Built-in pouring spout that helps avoid burns
- Tempered glass lid lets you see inside
- Heavy-duty design lasts longer than others
- Dishwasher friendly and saves time on clean up
Cons
- It may be slightly smaller/larger than what you’re looking for in the right pasta pot
3 Tier Multi-Tier Layer Stainless Steel Steamer Pot
This 3-tier stainless steel steamer and pasta pot is another great example of what it takes to be one of the best products out there.
The pot has three sections, including a pasta pot, a heavy-duty insert, and a see-through glass lid.
The lid consists of strong tempered glass that you can see through, so you can monitor water levels without ever lifting the lid. The steamer insert is stainless steel.
As far as pasta boiling water goes, you may fit up to 10 quarts of liquid in this baby at a time.
Pros
- Heavy-duty design and steamer insert
- Large capacity and tempered glass lid
- Easy to handle with cool grips to the touch
- Equally useful for at home or commercial uses
- Multi-purpose (for far more than just cooking pasta)
Cons
- It may be a bit more expensive than what you’re looking to spend on a pasta strainer and pot
- It may be quite a bit larger than the sort of pasta pot you need
8 Quart 18/10 Stainless Steel 4 Piece Multi-Cookware
Last but far from least is this medium-size stainless steel 4-piece pasta pot multi-cookware set. The set consists of a pot, steamer insert, strainer, and lid.
The pasta pot holds 8 liters of water and measures 12-inches, by 10-inches, by 8-inches.
It is made up of stainless steel materials and has a stainless steel finish to it as well.
The stainless steel used to make these sets is 18/10 food-grade quality. Combined with their size, and design, their high quality makes them great for home use as well as commercial purposes.
Pros
- Large enough water capacity for most families
- Works well for commercial purposes
- Heavy-duty and long-lasting design
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Affordable for the size and quality
Cons
- It may be more expensive than your budgeting allows for a pot to cook pasta
- It ay be a bit larger than what you really need in your kitchen
Different Types of Pasta Pot with Strainer
Now that you’ve had a chance to consider what type of features make the best pasta pots with strainers, and have taken a look at 10 of the best pots on the market, it’s time to do a bit more homework.
Before making a purchasing decision (about a better pasta pot than the one at home in your kitchen right now!), it’s crucial to explore the various sorts of pots for pasta that come with strainers.
Below, we discuss the different types of pasta pots with strainers most commonly found in the market:
3-Piece and 4-Piece Stackable Strainer Pots
The 3-piece and 4-piece pasta pots with stackable inserts are among the high-quality and longest-lasting strainer pots out there.
Most of these heavy-duty stainless steel pots have tempered glass lids, are easy to clean, and are available in sizes as small as 1.5 quarts on up to pots as large as 12 quarts or more.
To use these pots, simply add water, and boil pasta as you would in a normal pot. Once it’s ready to strain, slip the steamer inserts in, put the lid on, and head over to the sink to easily strain the water out.
A friendly warning: don’t forget to let the pasta insert cool down before trying to remove it from your stainless steel pasta pot after you cook pasta. Otherwise… ouch!
Locking Lid Strainer Top Pots
Pots for pasta with locking strainer lids are also incredibly useful and popular for preparing other foods as well.
A pasta pot with a locking lid may not look as fancy or as impressive as a 4-piece stackable 12-quart stainless steel pot, but they are among the safest pots with strainers that you can get your hands on.
Once you’ve prepared your pasta, just engage the locking handles, lift the pot off the stove, and tilt the pot.
That way, the water can run out of the strainer lid holes (typically positioned on the side, near the pour spout). Just remember, always lock the lid before pouring!
Some pasta pots with locking lids are oven-safe, though most of them are meant for stove-top use only.
Non-Locking Strainer Top Pots
Another popular type of pot for boiling pasta, that comes with a strainer, is the non-locking strainer lid pots with built-in straining holes up top.
These pots work just like a classic pot for making pasta, except when you’re done cooking you slap the lid back on and tip it up over the sink to strain the hot water out.
It is best to wear a pair of oven mitts when handling the non-locking strainer top pots. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and accidents can and do happen!
Wear protection and avoid severe steam burns.
An obvious downside to this sort of pasta pot is that they are not all oven-safe. That said, make sure to check the details, because many pots with lids are indeed oven safe.
Common Questions
What Are Is a Pasta Pot?
Pasta pots are pots that hold anywhere from several cups of water to several quarts (or more). They are used primarily for boiling and cooking pasta.
However, most pots for pasta are also used for other various recipes as well (chili, stew, soup, and more).
If you can fit water in it, as well as your favorite pasta, it is officially a pasta pot (regardless of shape or size).
What Are Pasta Pots Called?
Small, medium, and large pots that are often used for preparing pasta are generally referred to as pasta pots.
You’ve probably got at least one (if not two or three) in your kitchen cabinets right now.
Sometimes a pasta pot may also be referred to as a saucepan, stockpot, pasta cooker, crock, pasta pan, or even cauldron.
What Are Pasta Pots Made of?
The best pasta pot may be made of one of a few materials, but mainly consist of stainless steel and/or high-end aluminum.
Lids for these pots are also typically stainless steel and aluminum but may be mirrored metal of some sort or tempered/transparent glass of one quality or another as well.
Which type of pasta pot, and the materials it is made of is a decision best left up to you (or the one who’ll be using the pot in your kitchen!).
How Much Does a Pasta Pot with Strainer Cost?
The price range for pots for pasta that comes with built-in strainers varies from as low as roughly $25 (for a basic pot with strainer lid) to as much as approximately $100 (for a thick aluminum multi-purpose pot with pasta strainer insert and veggie steamer).
The price difference depends on the level of pot features; like the quality of the components and materials used in its construction (including the handles and strainer insert), guarantee or warranty options, whether or not it is dishwasher safe, and more.
Only you and your budget have a say-so in how much you should spend on the best pasta pot with a strainer for you, your family, kitchen, and cooking needs!
Why Does a Pasta Pot Need a Strainer?
Why does butter need a butter knife?
It may seem like a no-brainer to you (if you have as much experience in the kitchen as we do), but remember, not everyone is a cook or has even tried their hand at boiling a cup of water let alone preparing pasta.
Any pasta pot may benefit from a strainer because once the pasta is cooked, the hot water needs to be drained right away.
The best way to do so is with a strainer.
How much easier then, is it, to prepare pasta from start to finish with a pasta pot that has a strainer built right in.
To say the least, it saves you time and effort on pasta night, for sure!
How Much Water Do I Put in a Pot for Pasta?
Technically speaking, the average pasta pot holds around 6 to 8 quarts of water, so add 4 or 5 quarts for a single package of pasta.
Depending on the size pot, and the type and amount of pasta you are cooking, fill your pot between 1/2 and 3/4 of the way full with water.
Also, you may add a pinch of salt to the water for it to boil faster (don’t forget to throw a dash of it over your left shoulder while you’re at it – for good luck!).
Are Pots With Built In Strainers Safe?
Pots with strainers built into them may be considered safer than standard pots that you need to use a colander with, for cooking pasta.
Not only are you less likely to get a steam burn, or burned from the hot water itself, but you’re also less likely to lose any pasta while straining it.
At any rate, you should approach pasta cooking with the same level of caution regardless of what pots, pans, and strainers you use.
Also, don’t forget to wear safety equipment like oven mitts while moving the pot and straining the hot water.
Are Pasta Pots With Strainers Hard to Use?
Pots with a built-in strainer or pasta strainer inserts are relatively easy to use. Most cooks consider them to be much easier to use than a normal dedicated pasta pot and strainers.
With a pot that has a built-in strainer, or inserts, there is far less chance of steam burns, as well as from scolding yourself with hot water.
That said, depending on the model, pasta pots with strainers do have more components than simple pots. So they may require a bit of extra time and care when cleaning.
Is a Stainless Steel Pasta Pot the Best?
Stainless steel pots for pasta are considered among the best that money can buy (even though they are pretty affordable for what you get).
These pots are heavy-duty, usually have riveted stainless steel handles that are sturdy and easy to grip, and have bottoms that typically heat evenly.
Stainless steel kitchen equipment also tends to last quite a bit longer than pots and pans made from other materials. In commercial kitchens, stainless steel pots are standard.
Does It Matter If My Pasta Pot Has a Tempered Glass Lid?
Whether or not your pot has a transparent glass lid, tempered or not, is a decision only you can decide. However, if you do want a tempered one, you’ll pay a few extra dollars for it.
If you enjoy seeing the progress of boiling water, cooking pasta, and whatever else you’re whipping up on the stove in your pot, a glass lid is incredibly useful.
That said, if you want a quality pasta pot with a glass lid, having a tempered one is genuinely the best option.
Cheap glass lids let too much heat out, and may even crack or break in the dishwasher or after a few years of use.
What Else Can I Use a Pasta Pot For (Besides Cooking Pasta)?
Pasta pots are great for much more than simply boiling water and cooking various kinds of pasta. For example, steaming vegetables is a popular use for a pasta pot.
You can also use the pot for making many of your family’s favorite recipes like soups, puddings, stews, dumplings, chili, beans, and much much more.
In truth, if your pasta pot is oven safe, your imagination is the limit when it comes to what else you can use a pasta pot for besides cooking your favorite kinds of pasta.
Wrap Up
Choosing the right pasta pot with a strainer for you and your cooking needs boils down to your personal preferences and what sort of food you enjoy the most.
That said, keep in mind the considerations mentioned above while you shop for a new pot with a strainer to cook pasta in!
Hopefully, our guide helps make your decision about the best pasta pot with strainer for your kitchen the easiest and most natural choice possible!
Happy cooking!
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
