10 Best Pots for Chili
Every chili expert knows that the best way to cook chili is in a thick bottom pot — for even heating.
Let’s take a look at the 10 best pots for cooking chili.
10 Best Pots for Cooking Chili
I researched the best pots for chili that perform best across every price range, so you’ll never scorch your chili again.
Let’s take a look at the best traditional thick-bottomed pots for cooking perfect chili every time!
Related: 5 Benefits of Chile con Carne
Best Stainless Steel Chili Pot
1. Paderno World Cuisine Grand Gourmet
Perhaps the best thick bottomed stainless steel chili pot is the Paderno Grand Gourmet. This pot is perfect for chili recipes.
The ridiculously thick (5mm) thermo-radiant bottom evenly distributes heat, and minimizes scorched, burnt chili.
It’s perfect for use on gas, electric, glass ceramic or induction stoves.
Pros
- Durable and less prone to dents
- Heats very evenly and is excellent at retaining heat
- Less likely to warp
- Can handle acidic or alkaline food
Cons
- Needs oil when cooking
- Has no complementing lid
I would recommend buying a metal lid for cooking chili. Glass lids help keep in the heat, but low quality glass, cannot withstand much heat. However, the lid can be removed to help thicken chili while cooking.
If you want even heating, more heat retention, higher corrosion resistance, dent resistance, and a lifetime warranty, then the Paderno is a great choice.
Best Budget Cast Iron Dutch Oven Chili Pot
2. Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Sometimes “budget” is best. The Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven can withstand medium to high heat for several hours at a time (which is exactly what you need it to do).
Lodge produces the world’s most extensive selection of professional cast-iron cookware. Cared for properly, this cast iron Dutch oven will last for generations. And it comes at an absurdly low price.
Pros
- It comes pre-seasoned and ready-to-use
- It has ovenproof loop handles for easier handling
- The lid can be used as a skillet.
Cons
- Sudden temperature changes could make the oven crack.
- Cast iron cookware is prone to hot spots
Best Aluminum Chili Pot
3. Circulon Acclaim Hard-Anodized Nonstick
Anodized aluminum is not the same as regular aluminum cookware. Anodized cookware is sealed so that the metal cannot leach into food or react with acidic foods.
The Circulon Acclaim Hard-Anodized Nonstick pot is made of high-density non-stick aluminum, this pot has a tempered glass lid that’s heat resistant. The non-stick coating will ensure speedy cleanup.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- The double-riveted handles ensure a simple lift
- The lids produce secure seals
Cons
- Does not work on induction tops
- May dent if not handled with care
Best Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Chili Pots
4. Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Tramontina offers the finest in chili cooking. Made of high-density cast iron.
Enamel is an excellent choice in this situation because they are so easy to clean, can withstand very high temperatures, and they heat up quickly.
The best pot in its class. The Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven features easy-to-clean, PFOA- and PTFE-free porcelain enamel cooking surface. And self-basting condensation ridges on lid uniformly collect and direct vapors onto food, producing awesome chili.
Pros
- Lighter than the Lodge Dutch Oven
- Even browning
Cons
- Narrow base
- A slight bang would be enough to cause the enamel to chip
- Cast iron cookware is prone to hotspots
5. Le Creuset French (Dutch) Oven
Handcrafted one at a time, Le Creuset is famous for their Dutch ovens.
The French took the cast iron pots and glazed them with enamel. The difference between a Dutch oven and French oven is minimal and the terms are used interchangeably.
Pros
- Handmade in France, with strict oversight and quality standards
- Roomy handles make oven-to-table transport easy
- Excellent lifetime warranty program
Cons
- Expensive
- Light interior is easily scratched
- Plastic knobs can’t be used in the oven with high heat
Hot Tip: Use a SimmerMat heat diffuser between the flame and the pot to eliminate hot spots and scorched, burnt chili.
The SimmerMat can be used on all cooking surfaces including electric coil, gas burner, glass cook tops, induction cook tops, halogen, barbeque, camping or marine stoves.
Best Stock Pots for Chili
6. All-Clad 4508 Stainless Steel Tri-ply
This premium All-Clad Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Stockpot gives you the best heat distribution and withstands medium to high heat for several hours at a time. Which is exactly what you need when making chili. It also gives excellent stick resistance.
Pros
- Great all-around cookware
- Durable, and will probably last you a lifetime
Cons
- Pricey
- Some people don’t like the handles
7. Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stock Pot
This budget Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stop Pot is made from a high gauge stainless steel allowing it to withstand medium to high heat for several hours at a time. Which is exactly what you need when making chili.
Pros
- Lightweight yet sturdy and great ease of handling
- Great looking, mirror polished, stylish stockpot
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
Cons
- Can result in burns when cooking in high heat for a prolonged period of time
- If you have an induction stove top, then this product will not work for you.
Best Pressure Cooker for Chili
Not all pressure cookers are created equally. Use the Instant Pot Duo Plus.
8. Instant Pot Duo Plus
When you cook chili in a pressure cooker, it typically requires less preparation and cooking time. Because this device uses steam pressure to cook chili, you can cook in less than half of the time it would take to cook on a stove or oven.
The Instant Pot makes it hard to mess up your pressure cooked chili. Using the sauté feature, you can brown your chili meat before pressure cooking and thicken your chili over a simmer.
Pros
- Automated cooking with consistent results
- Efficient and simple to use, up to 70% quicker
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe parts
Cons
- The learning curve for new users
- Cook times are not indicated for the pressure build
- The rubber sealing gasket could keep some odors. Needs to be washed several times.
How long is the Instant Pot chili setting?
Turn the Instant Pot to the “Bean / Chili” button setting and place the lid on the pot. It will default to a high pressure for 30 minutes.
How do you thicken chili in an instant pot?
- Remove lid to allow evaporation
- Set to sautee
- Simmer until thickened
Best Crock Pot for Cooking Chili
9. All-Clad Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker
If you are in the market for a slow cooker, want the benefits of one that is easily programmable and good-looking, then All-Clad Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker should suit your needs exactly. For me another important feature is the replaceable non-toxic ceramic liner.
Pros
- Healthier ceramic insert rather than coated non-stick
- Glass lid for easy monitoring of the cooking process
- Elegant design is great for serving
Cons
- Handles and exterior of the slow cooker gets hot
- The size makes it a little heavy
Best Copper Pot for Chili
All-Clad 6508 SS Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Stockpot
The very best pot for cooking chili is a heavy gauge All-Clad C4 Copper pot. It provides the perfect balance of heat retention and distribution so that the contents inside the pot simmer at a perfect temperature without the risk of burning.
Pros
- Four-ply bonded copper stainless cookware provides absolute precision and consistent results
- Stainless-steel cooking surface is great for maintaining purity of flavors
- Stunning 1mm-gauge copper exterior
Cons
- Very expensive
- Heavy weight
7 Healthiest Pots for Cooking Chili
7 healthiest (non-reactive/non-toxic) pots for cooking chili. As well as
Here are some of the best non-reactive/non-toxic pots for cooking chili.
Why do you need a chili pot with a neutral surface?
Chili pots with neutral surfaces like stainless steel, enamel, or anodized aluminum don’t impart a taste to chili.
- Best Overall: Calphalon 1932455 Classic Pot with Lid
- Best Budget: Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Pot with Lid
- Best Ceramic: GreenPan Valencia Healthy Ceramic Stock Pot
- Best Stockpot: Cuisinart MCP194-20N MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel Saucepan with Cover
- Best Anodized Aluminum: Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Pot
- Best Dutch Oven: Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware, Dutch Oven
- Best Skillet with Handle: GreenPan SearSmart Hard Anodized Ceramic Nonstick Pan with Lid
Hot Tip: Stir your chili. Even with the best chili pot, you can still burn chili at the bottom if you don’t stir it often.
Chili Pot FAQs
What is the best type of pot to cook chili in?
Use a thick-bottomed or heavy gauge pot to avoid scorching your chili while simmering. The best pots for cooking chili usually measure 3-5 quarts.
A thick (heavy) bottom pot is ideal for cooking chili as it will reduce burning by minimizing hot spots.
Minimizing scorching of chili helps the taste.
Tip: Stir your chili frequently to avoid scorching. Or don’t. Some people scorch the bottom to add flavor — this is known as a fond in French culinary terms.
Is it okay to cook chili in cast iron?
Avoid pots that are made with cast iron or copper when cooking chili . These materials are reactive and may change the taste of your chili.
Some chili recipes call for tomatoes which are acidic. Cookware with a reactive surface can make tomatoes taste metallic and turn them brown.
Cast iron does not heat very evenly which can lead to scorching your chili.
Does cast iron change the flavor of chili?
Some chili recipes call for tomatoes which are acidic. Cookware with a reactive surface can make tomatoes taste metallic and turn them brown.
Can you ruin a cast iron pot/pan?
Reactive pots like cast iron need a pH of 4.3 or less to corrode. Acidic ingredients (like tomatoes) can also shorten the lifespan of your pot. So make sure to care properly for your cast iron.
Does cast iron distribute heat evenly?
Cast iron really does not heat very evenly. It’s far more prone to hot spots than aluminum or copper. What it does do is retain heat very well, so it’s excellent for simmering something like chili. But stir often when cooking chili with cast iron to avoid scorching.
Cast iron to be very good for chili but it’s not recommended for anybody to run out and buy a cast iron pot just for chili.
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