Are you hunting for the best crawfish pots to rock your boil parties? Look no further. I’ve got you covered with this roundup of only the top-rated crawfish pots on the market.
Get ready to unleash your inner Cajun chef and boil up a storm with these 2 incredible options–I’ve reviewed a 3rd product to save you as well.
From easy cleanup to even heat distribution, these pots have been best rated by users for their performance. And now, they can take your crawfish boil game to the next level.
So, be more attentive and mindful to dive into the world of crawfish pots.!
Note
Crawfish or low-country boil pots cost you heavily. And by making wrong decisions, you can lose your hard-earned money. So, please read this well-researched article more carefully, For I’ve put my blood… gathering the necessary knowledge to give you a great experience ultimately.
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Professional Grade Aluminum Made 80 Quart All Purpose Boiling Pot
When it’s about choosing a crawfish pot, even heat distribution can be a priority for many of you. It’s because aluminum pots let you do versatile cooking: food doesn’t burn off in the. So, if you prefer an aluminum pot for boiling crawfish, I couldn’t find several options because many of them lacked quality.
But, here is this only 80-quart, USA-made boiling pot by Houston Seafood Company. It features excellent-quality aluminum construction. It means it offers fantastic heat distribution but saves your pot from rust.
Likewise, it’s portable because the aluminum material is light in weight. Therefore, you can take this pot to camping sites to enjoy seafood with your dear ones.
I like the professional-grade craftsmanship by Houston Seafood Company: the handles are riveted, not welded. Besides this, the round basket’s handle has a spot for a hook, which is a great addition to allow you to lift the food easily.
Looking at the complete package, you might think that the added 12 qt pot means to win good feedback from you. The truth is it’s the quality of the actual crawfish pot that impresses you–yes, it does!
I really appreciate that the company has backed you with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you get a defective item with a manufacturing defect or shipping.
I haven’t got anything bad to discuss about this pot, seriously (from construction to performance, everthing is incredible). Except, you get no freedom to choose the sizes–it’s only available in 80 qt size. And that company might be in a hurry while shipping this pot to you–there have been a few complaints about the wrong size of basket sent.
Some folks have been concerned that the basket doesn’t fit as raised from the pot bottom. Let me tell you, if it’s an aluminum pot, the basket doesn’t need to fit hanging inside the pot. Such construction is needed for stainless steel pots because they can burn the food if there isn’t a gap between the basket and the pot’s bottom.
In short, for the pot’s quality and performance, everything is great.
Pros
- Excellent quality aluminum construction is rust-proof.
- More even heat distribution
- Easy-to-clean pot is dishwasher-safe
- Safe cooking experience because of outstanding construction of handles
- 30 days money-back guarantee for defective pots or faulty shipments.
Cons
- No freedom to choose sizes-it’s 80 qt only.
CONCORD Stainless Steel Stock Pot w/Steamer Basket
First introduced in 2012, these stainless steel stock pots for low country boil has earned higher customer satisfaction over a decade. These are the pots made by Concord Cookware Company.
Concord Cookware, founded in 1994, is a USA-based company, fully committed to combining high-grade material and craftsmanship to bring restaurant-grade products to you. And it’s evident from their stainless steel crawfish pots.
These pots perfectly combine sturdiness and aesthetic goodness–thanks to the external and internal polish finishings. From the material of reinforced stainless steel, it’s obvious that these crawfish pots are extremely durable and easy to clean.
What else makes the difference?
The size, design, and quality control….!
These pots are available in 9 different sizes, ranging from 24 quarts to 180 quarts. Thus, they have the capacity to hold a crawfish from 10 pounds to 90 pounds. The inner steaming basket sits 1.5 inches high to ensure the food is evenly steamed.
For easy use, the pots have riveted handles (except for the 53 qt pot, maintaining the original design), while the inner baskets also have a handle.
Let me clarify one more thing–steaming pots come in a bit larger capacity than advertised. That’s actually the margin to allow you to cook food without running the space.
Do the pots by Concord lack something?
Yeah!
Though these crawfish boiling pots have earned overall excellent feedback, there are some flaws too.
The Concord seafood pots have only a 1-year limited warranty – could better have a longer warranty. You might also not like that their customer service is less responsive.
In short, these are great quality pots; you can have any.
Remember, some users have negatively rated these pots for they used theirs on conduction cooktops or electric stoves. Come on…large pots aren’t meant to be used that way.
Ignore such feedback!
Pros
- High-quality stainless steel to withstand higher BTUs of crawfish burners.
- Durable and rust proof
- Easy-to-clean pots are dishwasher-safe.
- The actual size is a bit larger to provide enough capacity.
- Beautiful pots owing to polished finishing
Cons
- Customer service isn’t helpful.
By Now
Above discussed both crawfish pots are equally suitable for your backyard seafood cooking. The only difference is of material. So, you can choose any.
Bayou Classic 1160 Stainless Stockpot – AVOID IT!
Bayou Classic pots have been considered excellent for their build quality, ease of cleaning. First introduced by Bayou Classic, pots have been selling like hot cakes for 22 years. No other could compete with them. After the arrival of Concord seafood pots, Bayou Classic still has its fan base.
At first, when I started my research for finding crawfish boiling pots, looking at Bayou Classic crawfish pots, I was a little biased. Honestly, their finishing didn’t impress me compared to Concord Cookware pots. Yet, as I dug deeper, I got to know them. And, after the research, these pots have failed to amaze me. I’ve only included them to show you the flip side of the coin.
First thing first, let’s start by discussing the material and build quality. The Bayou Classic pots are easy to clean and dishwasher safe, but they’re not of high-end stainless steel. For cooking or boiling seafood, the pots do their job.
Most of the users have used their seafood boil post on 1-2 occasions to prepare meals. The frequency is less to assess the actual value of a product for which you’ve paid so heavily.
The major complaints have been about the basket catching rust–high-quality stainless steel pots aren’t meant to rust.
Second, the manufacturers have not improved the design since they introduced it. There have been tons of complaints about the handle not being riveted but welded. Yet, they’re fine with it. Still, the pots have welded (rather badly welded) handles. The welded handles are not sturdy and can cause a seriou accident if any off these comes off.
In short, I’m not sold!
Pros
- Good quality stainless steel to withstand higher BTUs of crawfish burners.
- Easy-to-clean pots are dishwasher-safe.
- True to size
Cons
- Handles are not riveted but welded, so they’re not safe.
- The pot can catch rust after a few uses.
How Should you Choose a Crawfish Pot?
Choosing the right boiling pot with a basket is essential for cooking a hearty crawfish meal for your family and friends. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a boiling pot with a basket:
Material
Two materials make popular options for crawfish pots: stainless steel and aluminum. You can carefully decide between them by considering their characteristics. These have been discussed below:
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is more durable and easier to clean than aluminum. It’s also less likely to react with acidic foods and discolor resultantly. Yet, it’s more expensive than aluminum and not as good of a conductor of heat. However, stainless steel is an excellent choice if you use your crawfish pot for boiling or frying purposes only. Stainless steel cookware can only be problematic when you cook thick foods like soups and sauces.
Here, I’ll advise you not to be fooled by the label “stainless steel” because low-quality stainless steel can catch rust. So, ensure that the pot you’re getting must be made of restaurant-grade stainless steel.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a better conductor of heat than stainless steel, which means that it’ll heat up your water faster. It is also less expensive than stainless steel. However, aluminum is more likely to react with acidic foods, and it can be more difficult to clean.
So, which material is better for boiling seafood? Though it depends on your priorities, I recommend stainless steel crawfish pot for it’s a durable, non-reactive to acidic food, and easy-to-clean pot.
Size and capacity
The size of the crawfish pot you should get depends on how much crawfish you plan to cook and how many people you are serving. The general rule of thumb is to use 2 quarts of water per pound of crawfish. So, if you are cooking 30 pounds of crawfish, you will need a 60-quart pot.
And for boiling 40-50 quarts of crawfish, you can opt for an 80-100 quarts pot. In short, you can choose the crayfish pot size according to your needs.
Basket design
Crawfish boiling pots come with a removable basket or strainer insert. The basket allows you to lift and drain the food easily, eliminating the need for additional tools. Ensure that the basket is sturdy and has handles for safe lifting and pouring.
Likewise, for a stainless steel pot, the basket must fit raised from the pot’s bottom. It’s because the stainless steel’s uneven heat distribution can cause the food in the basket to burn.
And, for aluminum pots, there is no need for the basket to fit hanging in the pot because aluminum has excellent heat distribution, and it doesn’t cause your food to burn off.
Pot depth
It’s crucial to consider the depth of the pot, especially when boiling or steaming large items like lobsters or corn on the cob. A deeper pot prevents boiling liquids from splashing out and allows for submerging larger items fully.
Lid and handles
Check if the boiling pot comes with a tight-fitting lid. The lid helps bring the water to a boil faster and can also retain heat or steam. On the other hand, sturdy, heat-resistant handles are also important for safe and easy handling of the pot.
When looking at handles, don’t ignore the fact that rivetted handles are sturdier and more secure. Welded handles can come off and cause accident while lifting the heavy meal or stew.
Compatibility
If you plan to use the boiling pot on a specific type of stove or heat source, ensure your pot is compatible. Some pots are designed for gas burners, while others may work better with electric or induction stovetops.
Price
Set a budget for your boiling pot purchase and research reputable brands known for their quality and durability.
Remember to assess your specific cooking needs and preferences when selecting a boiling pot with a basket. Considering these factors, you can choose a pot that meets your requirements and ensures a delightful cooking experience.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a crawfish burner, crawfish pot, and crawfish boiler?
The terms “crawfish burner,” “crawfish boiler,” and “crawfish pot” can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but they refer to different components of a crawfish boil setup. Here’s a breakdown of their possible distinctions:
Crawfish burner
A crawfish burner is a cooking appliance or stove used to prepare crawfish and other seafood boils. This outdoor burner is specifically designed for high-heat cooking with 50,000 to 200,000 BTUs.
Crawfish pot
A crawfish pot is a large pot or container for boiling crawfish. It’s designed to cook large quantities of crawfish and other ingredients such as corn, potatoes, and seasonings.
Crawfish pots are often made of stainless steel or aluminum and come in various sizes mentioned in qt. They have a lid, handles, and sometimes a strainer basket for easy removal of the cooked crawfish from the boiling water.
Crawfish boiler
A crawfish boiler refers to a complete appliance used for boiling crawfish. It has two parts:
- The bruner
- The boiling pot or container (if it’s commercial size).
Can you use your crawfish pot for turkey fry?
A crawfish pot is typically designed for boiling seafood, particularly crawfish. Yet, it may not be the most suitable option for frying a turkey.
You may be able to use it for turkey frying in a pinch, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Size
Crawfish pots are smaller in size compared to turkey fryers. So you may need to ensure that your turkey fits comfortably in the pot without overflowing or causing hot oil to spill.
If you have a large size crawfish pot, you can use it for frying turkey.
Safety
Crawfish pots may not have the same safety features as turkey fryers, such as a built-in thermometer, a secure stand, or a hook for lifting the turkey out of the hot oil. These safety features are important for safe turkey frying.
Heat distribution
Crawfish pots are often designed to distribute heat evenly for boiling seafood. But it may not be optimized for deep-frying a turkey. Turkey fryers also have a burner specifically designed to provide high heat for frying.
So, if you decide to use a crawfish pot for turkey frying, exercise extreme caution. Make sure you follow safety guidelines for deep frying. It’s better to use a purpose-built turkey fryer for frying turkeys.
