Cooking pots are essential for preparing delicious and flavorful meals, especially for dishes like crab, crawfish, lobster, and clams. These seafood items require specific cooking pots that are designed to cook them evenly and efficiently, while also ensuring that their natural flavors are preserved. With so many different types of cooking pots on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best cooking pots for crab, crawfish, lobster, and clams, to make your decision a little easier.
Types of Crab Steamer Pots
There are two types of crab steamer pots: aluminum and stainless steel. Aluminum pots are light in weight and heat up quickly, making them an excellent option for indoor cooking. However, they tend to stain and are prone to corrosion. Stainless steel pots, on the other hand, are durable, resistant to corrosion, and easy to clean. They take longer to heat up, but they retain heat better, ensuring your crabs are cooked evenly.
Size Matters
When choosing a crab steamer pot, size matters. You want a pot that is big enough to hold all your crabs, but not too big that it takes forever to heat up. Generally, a 6-quart pot is suitable for cooking up to 4 pounds of crab. For larger batches, consider an 8-quart pot.
Accessories
A crab steamer pot often comes with additional accessories like a steaming rack, lid, and a basket. A steaming rack helps keep your crabs above the water, allowing them to cook evenly. A lid helps trap the steam inside, cooking your crabs faster and more efficiently. A basket is useful for separating your crabs from the cooking liquid, making it easier to remove them once they are cooked.
Cooking with a Crab Steamer Pot
Once you have your crab steamer pot, here’s how to cook your crabs:
- Fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Place the steaming rack inside the pot, and add your crabs to the basket.
- Place the basket in the pot, and cover it with the lid.
- Steam your crabs for 8-10 minutes, or until they are bright red and fully cooked.
- Remove the crabs from the pot and serve with melted butter or lemon wedges.
Enjoy Your Crabs!
With a crab steamer pot, cooking delicious crab is a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned crab cooker or a beginner, this versatile kitchen tool is sure to make your crab-cooking experience a success. So, go ahead, buy yourself a crab steamer pot today, and enjoy some delicious crab!
Why do you care about a Crab steamer pot?
If you love seafood, particularly crab, then you understand the importance of having the right tools in your kitchen to cook it perfectly. One of those tools is a crab steamer pot.
Not only does it make the cooking process easier, but it also ensures that your crab is cooked evenly and retains its natural flavors. The steamer basket allows you to cook the crab in its own juices, giving it a succulent and delicious taste that cannot be achieved by any other cooking method.
Additionally, a crab steamer pot is great for outdoor cooking. You can take it to the beach, on camping trips, or even to the park for a picnic. It’s a versatile tool that provides a convenient way to cook crab without the hassle of cooking it indoors.
In conclusion, if you love crab, then you should seriously consider getting a crab steamer pot. It will make your crab-cooking experience much more enjoyable, and it will result in delicious, perfectly-cooked crab every time.
10 Best Crab Steamer Pot: Easy Seafood Boil
GasOne ST-32 Gas One Stainless Steel Crab Pot
The GasOne ST-32 Crab Pot is made of stainless steel and can hold up to eight gallons. It comes with a lid and a steamer rack. Crabs, crawfish, dumplings, and tamales can all be cooked in this crab pot’s one-millimetre-thick walls. This crab pot is a versatile kitchen tool that looks great and lasts a long time.
The steamer rack on the GasOne ST-32 is ideal for keeping food off the bottom of the pot, whether you’re boiling peanuts or making homebrew. This pot is made of stainless steel, which is known for its durability and excellent heat conductivity. In addition, cleaning it up is a cinch.
Crab pots made of commercial-grade materials like the GasOne ST-32’s are thicker and more durable than those on the market. Its satin finish gives it a sleek and sophisticated appearance that won’t rust, stain, or scuff. This crab pot has a fast boiling and cooking speed thanks to its ability to maintain an even level of heat throughout the cooking process.
Bayou Classic 1124 1124-24-qt Stainless Stockpot with Basket
This stainless steel 24-quart stockpot is ideal for outdoor cooking. A basket is included with the Bayou Classic 1124, so you can cook pasta and blanch fresh vegetables quickly and easily. Shrimp, vegetables, cord, and seafood can all be steamed or simmered in the basket, as well as fried items such as hush puppies, fries, onions, chicken, and fish.
You can make your brews in this pot if you’re into homebrewing. Commercial-grade, high-gauge stainless steel is used in the Bayou Classic 1124’s 24-quart capacity. That three-inch gap at the bottom of this pot’s design makes it a great steamer, allowing for steam to build up in the pot’s interior. The Bayou Classic 24 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot has welded handles and a flat lid, making it ideal for tailgating and backyard parties.
King Kooker KK36SR Ridged Stainless Steel Pot
In comparison to other stainless steel pots on the market, the 36-quart King Kooker KK36SR is only 12 12 pounds. Seafood, vegetables, and tamales can all be cooked in this crab pot thanks to its steam-rim, making it ideal for large gatherings. The versatility and ease of cleaning this pot make it ideal for those who live near the coast or cook a lot of steaming and boiling.
The King Kooker KK36SR has a high-quality construction and features lids and stainless steel baskets. When it comes to cooking and cleaning, this stainless-steel pot is an excellent choice. You’ll also be able to keep your food warm thanks to the lids’ precise fit.
Norpro 573 Stainless Steel Vertical Cooker/Steamer
For steaming, stocking, or cooking vertically, the stainless steel Norpro 573 comes in three pieces. Shellfish, crab legs, asparagus, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and corn all cook beautifully in this pot, which features a steamer rack and a vented tempered glass lid. This 10-inch-tall pot has a capacity of three quarts and is dishwasher safe.
Stainless steel construction and a classic mirrored finish give the Norpro 573 a contemporary look. This pot isn’t going to stick to your food, and it’s also going to keep the heat in as your food cooks. Seafood and vegetables are no problem in this pot.
IMUSA USA Aluminum Tamale and Steamer Pot 32-Quart, Silver
The IMUSA Aluminum Tamale and Steamer Pot is an excellent choice for large-batch cooking because it is long-lasting and versatile. Even a lobster boil or a large amount of corn on the cob can be cooked in this pot, which can handle pasta, sauces, lentils, beans, stock, and soups. This pot is made of aluminum, which is extremely durable.
This pot features two handles on each side, as well as a removable steamer insert rack, making it simple to use and clean. They also come with their matching aluminum lid, which has a handle for easy lifting and pouring. This pot can be used as both a stockpot and a serving dish by removing the steamer insert.
Vasconia 32-Quart Aluminum Steamer
The Vasconia Aluminum Steamer has a 32-quart capacity and comes with a lid and a steamer rack. Cooking seafood, tamales, or corn in this large steamer is a breeze. This pot is dishwasher safe, so you don’t have to worry about scrubbing it after each use.
The Vasconia Aluminum Steamer can also be used as an oversized stockpot for soups and stews thanks to its lid knob and stay-cool handles. This is a dishwasher-safe pot that is easy to clean.
CHARD ASP60, Aluminum Stock Pot and Strainer Basket Set
The Chard Aluminum Stock Pot has a 42-quart capacity and comes with a perforated strainer basket set, making it an excellent addition to your outdoor cooking equipment. With a recessed, vented lid made of non-rusting aluminum, this stockpot keeps food warm until you’re ready to eat it. Added security is provided by the heavy-duty riveted side handles.
You can use the Chard Aluminum Stock Pot to cook pasta and seafood such as oysters, clams, and lobsters. To facilitate rapid drainage, the perforated strainer basket that comes with the kit has 12-inch diameter holes. When it comes to cooking, this stockpot can do it all.
Professional Grade 80 Quart All Purpose Boiling Pot
It has an 80-quart capacity and is designed to be used for a variety of different tasks. The heavy-gauge aluminum used in the construction of the Houston Seafood Boiling Pot allows it to be used to cook a wide variety of foods. Gumbo, fried turkey, seafood boils, fish fries, and seafood chowder can all be made in this pot.
You can also use the Houston Seafood Boiling Pot to cook beans, pasta, and vegetables in the 12-quart stockpot that comes with the pot. Cooking crawfish, shrimp, Alaskan King Crab Legs, and Maine Lobster in a Houston Seafood Boiling Pot is a breeze because the pot can hold up to 45 pounds of shellfish.
A strainer basket and a lid with riveted handles are also included in this heavy-gauge aluminum boiling pot. You can use the Houston Seafood Boiling Pot almost anywhere because of the pot’s aluminum construction, which is durable but lightweight.
CONCORD 53 QT Stainless Steel Stockpot
The Concord Stock Pot is made entirely of stainless steel and contains no aluminum. It has a 53-quart capacity and can be used for any type of event or party, making it ideal for catering. Commercial-grade quality means that it can be used in a restaurant.
Because of the strainer basket’s height of 1 12 inches above the pot’s bottom, this pot also works well as a steamer. Steaming crab legs, lobster, crawfish, and shrimp with their shells on adds an extra layer of heat protection for the seafood. Steaming results in more tender and flavorful meat, but it does take longer.
As a heavy-duty pot, the Concord Stock Pot can also be used for boiling water or deep-frying food. The heavy-gauge straining basket on this Concord Stock Pot makes it easy to remove a whole turkey, duck, or chick. This pot is ideal for beach parties and outdoor camping because it can be placed directly on a burner.
The commercial-grade stockpot has a height of 15 12 inches and a diameter of 16 14 inches when polished. The Concord Stock Pot’s versatile and long-lasting design makes it ideal for holiday cooking.
Ballington Stainless Steel Stock Pots
The 42-quart capacity of this extra-large crab pot makes it ideal for feeding a large number of people. This pot can be used as either a steamer or a stockpot, depending on your needs. The stainless steel Ballington Stock Pot has a list and a basket included.
The deep steamer basket insert is ideal for steaming vegetables and seafood in large quantities. The Ballington Stock Pot can also be used to prepare tamales, crabs, chili, stew, soup, and stock.
The Ballington Stock Pot is a commercial-grade stainless steel pot that can also be used to brew beer. The tight-fitting lid prevents spills while keeping food warm, so if you like fried foods, this is the pot for you. It can also fry favorites like hush puppies, chicken, and fish.
Considerations Before Buying a Crab Steamer Pot
When it comes to cooking at home, at a party, or in a restaurant, having the right equipment makes all the difference. Those of you who have attempted to steam seafood for a large number of people will know that a crab pot is an absolute need. In order to avoid purchasing a crab pot that you will later come to regret, the following are the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing a new crab pot or replacing an old one.
Safety
When placed over an open fire, crab pots can become quite hot. We recommend that you select the best crab pots that include safety features such as a robust handle, a lid that fits tightly, and a body that does not melt when exposed to high temperatures.
Scalding can occur as a result of steam. When you try to open a lid that isn’t properly fitted, hot steam can be sent into your palm.
A faulty handle can result in spilling, which can result in burns and the melting of metal, which can result in a fire outbreak.
Materials
Crab pots made of aluminum are significantly lighter in weight than crab pots made of stainless steel. Because of the weight of stainless steel crab pots, they are more balanced.
Additionally, because of the hardness of stainless steel, the handles of stainless steel crab pots are more durable. Aluminum crab pots are ideal for steaming since they distribute heat evenly.
Stainless steel crab pots retain heat more effectively than aluminum models and maintain temperature for a longer period of time. Stainless steel crab pots, in contrast to aluminum crab pots, are not susceptible to leaching.
Size
Getting the best crab pot is essential for any occasion, whether it’s a tailgate party, wedding reception, family reunion, or large group gathering. The size of the crab pot you choose should be determined primarily by the amount of food you intend to cook.
Given the fact that not everyone prepares for a large group of people, smaller homes should stick to purchasing crab pots with capacities ranging from 10 quarts to 32 quarts.
The capacity of 80 quarts or greater will be sufficient for restaurants and large gatherings of people.
Types
Crab pots are available in three different materials: stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum. In comparison to aluminum, stainless steel crab pots are more robust but also weigh more.
Compared to stainless steel crab pots, aluminum crab pots are lighter and heat up more quickly than their steel counterparts.
Handles
When stuffed with food, crab pots can weigh a lot. Crab pots with weak handles make it dangerous to carry and move such a large weight.
A welded or tightly riveted handle is always preferred in a crab pot. They have a higher strength-to-weight ratio and a longer lifespan.
Frequency of use
Crab pots should be purchased based on how frequently they are used. If you use a crab pot only three times a year or fewer, an average-priced crab pot will be adequate. A durable crab pot is a wise investment if you want to use it frequently.
Easy to clean
Every cook’s dream is to have an easy-to-clean crab pot. The majority of crab pots are simply too huge to be cleaned in a dishwasher. Choosing a crab pot that doesn’t have hard-to-clean places or crevices is a smart idea.
LID
When steaming or broiling crab, lobsters, mussels, and oysters, a sturdy lid keeps the heat inside the crab pot. Vents are standard on certain lids, but not all of them. Some have domes, whereas others don’t.
We recommend purchasing crab pots with hefty and durable lids that are capable of coping with high temperatures and pressures during the cooking process.
Indoor and Outdoor use
It can be difficult to use large crab pots like those with capacities of 80 quarts (about 75.7 liters) or more indoors. Smaller crab pots would also force you to cook in batches, which would be inconvenient and time-consuming if you were catering an outside event. Before making a purchase, think about where you plan to keep it.
Cooking speed
Seafood is a rich source of important minerals and vitamins, including selenium. It is recommended that you cook the seafood for a shorter amount of time in order to maintain all of the nutrients.
Aluminum crab pots prepare food in record time. Stainless steel crab pots are not as fast as aluminum crab pots, but they keep their heat for a longer period of time.
Price
Buying a crab pot should not cost you an arm and a leg. Take the time to figure out the best type, size, metal construction, and brand of crab pot to meet your cooking demands without breaking the bank.
Cooking Tips
- Bring salted water to a boil, then add seasonings (Old Bay Seasoning is a classic for crabs). Add all the crabs. They’ll cook evenly. When the crabs start to float, remove them with tongs.
- Some crab pots, especially aluminum ones, have a low melting point.
- Always use the larger crab pot so you can cook for more people if needed.
- If you plan to use your crab pot as a saucepan, make sure the bottom is thick enough to spread heat evenly.
- Feet improve a strainer’s stability and create a space for boiling water while steaming meals.
- Riveted handles are more durable than welded ones.
- Cook crabs the day they’re caught.
FAQs
Is a crab pot only for cooking crabs?
Yes! A crab pot can boil pasta, steam artichokes, make tamales, brine meats, blanch veggies for the freezer, and more. Can I also use the pot for other cooking purposes Crab pots and steamers can be used for other purposes, including as heating large quantities of water, cooking pasta, steaming vegetables, and even creating sauces.
Should I buy a high-quality crab pot or go cheap?
Expensive crab traps are larger and more durable. Even with constant use, they endure years. Cheaper pots are less durable and trustworthy. How often you use the crab pot is key. If you only use a crab pot once or twice a year, a cheaper one should do. If you want to use the pot often, choose a more expensive one.
Do I need a Propane Burner?
Consider carefully the gas burner you want to use if you’re using a pot larger than 40 quarts or if you intend to cook crabs outside. I advise going with the ARC Series Propane Burrner to maintain consistency (click here to check the price on Amazon.com).
It fits your larger crab pots just well. Some claim it emits a little bit too much heat, but I think that’s actually a benefit. It’s ideal for swiftly heating up your larger pots.
The fact that this product is made in the USA is an additional benefit. No less, made in Texas!
How much water should I add to my steamer?
When utilizing a basket with a steamer pot, begin by adding between one and two inches of water to the pot. Avoid using water that would reach above the steamer basket in the pot. This would impair the taste and quality of the meal you are steaming.
Can I wash my pot and steamer in the dishwasher?
It depends on the materials used to create your kitchenware. However, it is generally advised that they be washed by hand to prevent the growth of rust (for stainless steel pots).
Conclusion
When it comes to cooking crab, crawfish, lobster, and clams, it’s important to have the right cooking pot. Whether you’re looking for a traditional boil pot, a steamer pot, or a pot that’s specifically designed for seafood, there’s a cooking pot out there that will meet your needs. By choosing one of the best cooking pots we’ve highlighted in this article, you can be sure that your seafood dishes will turn out perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful, every time. So, whether you’re a seasoned seafood chef or just starting out, make sure to choose the best cooking pot for your needs and enjoy delicious seafood dishes every time!
