The Best Pot for Making Delicious Gumbo: All You Need to Know!

Originally posted on May 22, 2023 @ 3:01 am

Making the perfect gumbo is a labor of love. It requires patience, skill and the right pot — one that will transfer heat evenly to ensure all ingredients are cooked properly. The best pots for gumbo are those made from cast iron or enameled cast iron because they can withstand high temperatures and have excellent heat retention qualities.

These materials also won’t react with acidic ingredients like tomatoes, which can be an issue in some types of cookware. Additionally, these materials do not leach harmful chemicals into your food as some other metals may do when heated up.

So if you’re looking for the ideal vessel to make a delicious pot of gumbo, look no further than cast iron or enameled cast-iron cookware!

What is a Gumbo?

A gumbo is a soup or stew that is typically made with a roux, vegetables, and meat or seafood. The dish originated in Louisiana and is popular in the southern United States. Gumbo can be served over rice or with French bread.

What uses Gumbo Pot for?

Gumbo Pot is a versatile, multi-purpose kitchen tool that can be used for a variety of cooking tasks. It is primarily used to make classic Creole dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, but it also has many other uses. It can be used to prepare soups and stews; boil shellfish or vegetables; fry seafood, poultry, or meats; sauté onions, peppers, and spices; simmer sauces or gravies; thicken roux’s for gumbo and more!

Whether you are an experienced cook or just getting started in the kitchen, Gumbo Pot offers something for everyone. Not only does Gumbo Pot provide convenience in the kitchen but it helps to bring out the flavors of traditional Creole cooking that can’t be found in any other type of cookware.

What Size for Best Gumbo Pot?

The size of the pot you use to make gumbo will depend on the recipe you are using and how many people you are serving. For a small batch of gumbo, a 1-quart pot will suffice. For a larger batch, you will need a 3 to 4 quart pot. When in doubt, it is better to use a larger pot so that your gumbo has plenty of room to simmer.

Which Material is Best for Gumbo?

There are three popular materials used to make gumbo pots: cast iron, stainless steel, and nonstick. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

1. Cast iron is a classic choice for gumbo pots. It retains heat well, so your gumbo will stay hot longer. Cast iron is also very durable and can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. The downside to cast iron is that it can be heavy and difficult to clean.
2. Stainless steel is a lighter weight option than cast iron. It also heats evenly and retains heat well. Stainless steel is easy to clean and is dishwasher safe. The downside to stainless steel is that it can be more expensive than other materials.
3. Nonstick pots are a good option if you want an easy-to-clean pot. Nonstick surfaces make it easy to remove gumbo from the pot without having to scrape or scrub. The downside to nonstick is that it is not as durable as other materials and can be more difficult to control the heat.

Reviews The Best Pot For Gumbo in 2023

#1. Rachael Ray 87393 Hard Anodized Non-Stick Pot

The odd oval form of 8-quart pot stood out to us right away as the first thing about Rachael Ray 87393 pot that we noticed. This shape proved to be especially useful while cooking long pasta such as spaghetti.

The ingenious pour spout located on the side enables you to immediately fill bowls with excellent gumbo without spilling a single drop of the liquid in the process. Aluminum that has been hard-anodized is very robust and ensures an equal dispersion of heat. The coating’s lack of adherence to the surface, of course, makes cleanup a breeze.

When you need to keep an eye on the food while it cooks, having a transparent cover is of great assistance. This is quite crucial when dealing with gumbo recipes. The riveted rubberized grips on each side of the pot as well as a third handle on the shatter-resistant lid are impressive features that we found. 

Pros

• Dishwasher safe
• Riveted handles
• Rubberized handles for cool touch
• Distributing heat evenly
• Non-stick
• Hard and durable material

Cons

• The base area is designed with a large oval
• Not compatible with the induction hobs

#2. Concord Sapphire 7 Qt Nonstick Stockpot

The Concord Sapphire Nonstick Stockpot will be the best pot for gumbo for you if you are seeking cookware that can both improve the aesthetics, and functionality of your kitchen.

It is available in a one-of-a-kind sapphire hue and has a nonstick coating designed to last 3 times as durable as the coatings currently available on the marketplace.

Customers who have purchased this stockpot have provided positive feedback on its overall build customer service, quality, and the simplicity of its operation. 

This soup pot’s volume of seven quarts makes it an excellent choice for preparing meals for intimate parties and households. This pot is versatile and may be used to create a variety of foods, including gumbo, steaks, and soups.

Pros

• Free of PFOA, PFAS, Calcium, and other harmful substances
• The helpful sloped rim helps pour the stocks or soups easily
• Stainless steel handles
• Coming with a transparent glass vented lid

Cons

• Not found

#3. IMUSA USA 20-Qt Steel Stock Pot

What makes the IMUSA USA L300-40317 stand out from the competition to the point where we consider it to be the best pot to cook gumbo?

To be more specific, the product’s primary selling points are its longevity and its adaptability to a variety of settings. As a direct consequence of this, it is less likely to get damaged quickly and will continue to function well for an extended amount of time.

In addition to this, you will get a lid that is the same color as the pot it comes with. The cover of this pot guarantees that the product receives a uniform dispersion of heat throughout the cooking process. so, the food will cook correctly since the heat will be distributed evenly. In addition to gumbo, you’ll also be able to make stocks, stews, and soups in this kitchen. 

Its polished finish, along with the streamlined design that is lightweight and has silver color makes it seem very appealing to the eye. As a result, it will also improve the aesthetics of the kitchen.

Lastly, the meals that are now in the pot may be moved to other pots with relative ease. This is mostly due to the fact that the handles are made of metal. In addition, the metal handles make them durable and easy to lift, allowing you to remove meals from the pot.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Easy to handle. 
• Solid and durable construction. 
• Polished design
• Metal handles help transfer foods easily
• Deliver the heat evenly

Cons

• The rust can appear over time. 

#4. Cooks Standard Quart Classic 12 QT Steel Stockpot with Lid

The Cooks Standard Classic Stainless Steel Stockpot is a pot with a capacity of 12 quarts that is made out of stainless steel that has been polished to a professional level. It includes a circular base made of flat metal that acts as a plate and allows heat to circulate more quickly and evenly throughout the pot.

The lid of the pot is constructed out of stainless steel, helping the pot maintain its internal temperature, pressure, and humidity. Your food will be able to cook evenly and keep its taste thanks to this. A section of the kettle has been purposefully reduced in width in order to make pouring simpler and more accurate.

Rivets provide a strong and sturdy connection between the pot and its two handles made of stainless steel. Because of this, the handles become hard and have a reduced risk of being yanked off when subjected to the pressure of the weight. Even when this pot is heating or very hot, it is easier for the handles to maintain their normal temperature.

Because of its user-friendly and huge capacity design, this pot has become the best pot for gumbo which is also used for other kinds of stew and soup. The oven is safe for use with the pot at the temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and it is also compatible with induction cooking.

Pros

• Straightforward to handle. 
• Strong handle
• Looks gleek thanks to the polished finish
• Distributing even heat is maintained. 
• Durable

Cons

• Not working too effectively with the induction burners

#5. Farberware Classic 16 Qt Steel Pot

If you have a big family, the Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Stockpot is the best gumbo pot for you to consider purchasing.

A complete cap base has a robust aluminum core that is encased in stainless steel on all sides. This construction allows for quick and uniform heating. The good-quality stainless steel covering is polished like a mirror that comes standard on the gumbo pot lends it an air of traditional sophistication.

One of the nicest characteristics of this pot for gumbo is its comfy handles, which have an iconic design and give a very pleasant grip.

Its self-basting lid does an excellent job of retaining both heat and moisture. First and foremost, the pot may be put in the washing and can withstand temperatures in the oven up to 350°F.

It is compatible with the electric coil, induction, electric smooth top, and gas coil options. The manufacturer stands by the quality of this long-lasting pot by giving a guarantee that is good for life.

Pros

• Sturdy built construction
• Iconic finish
• Dishwasher-safe
• Coming with the lifetime warranty
• Great even heat delivery

Cons

• Careful with the hot handle

The Best Pot for Gumbo Buying Guides

When it comes to gumbo, there are many factors to consider when choosing the best pot. The size and shape of the pot, the type of material it is made from, and the way it is cleaned and stored all play a role in determining how well your gumbo will turn out.

1. Size and Shape

The first factor to consider when choosing the best pot for gumbo is the size and shape. Gumbo is a dish that is best made in a large pot. If you do not have a pot that is big enough, you can use two smaller pots. The size of the pot will determine how much gumbo you can make at one time.

The shape of the pot is also important. Gumbo pots are typically round or oval in shape. This allows the gumbo to evenly cook and prevents it from burning.

2. Material

The next factor to consider is the type of material the pot is made from. Gumbo pots are typically made from cast iron, aluminum, or stainless steel. Cast iron is the best material to use because it evenly distributes heat and does not react with acidic ingredients. Aluminum is also a good choice because it is lightweight and conducts heat well. Stainless steel is a good choice for those who are concerned about rusting.

3. Handles

Another factor to consider is the type of handles the pot has. Gumbo pots typically have two handles that are attached to the pot with rivets. These handles make it easy to move the pot around and keep it from tipping over.

4. Lids

The last factor to consider is the type of lid the pot has. Gumbo pots typically have a tight-fitting lid that helps to prevent evaporation. This is important because gumbo can be a bit watery and you want to keep as much moisture in the pot as possible.

5. Weight

The final factor to consider is the weight of the pot. Gumbo pots are typically quite heavy. This is because they are made from cast iron or another heavy-duty material. If you are concerned about the weight of the pot, you can choose a lighter-weight option such as aluminum or stainless steel.

The Best Way to Make Gumbo

Now that you know the basics of gumbo, it’s time to learn how to make the best gumbo. This recipe uses a roux to create a rich and flavorful base. The addition of sausage, shrimp, and crabmeat makes this gumbo extra special.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 pound smoked sausage, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon file powder
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 pound frozen shrimp, thawed and peeled
• 1 pound lump crabmeat, cooked

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the flour and stir to make a roux. Cook the roux, stirring constantly, until it is the color of dark chocolate.
2. Add the sausage, bell pepper, onion, garlic, cayenne pepper, black pepper, thyme, salt, and file powder to the pot. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and white wine. Bring the gumbo to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
4. Add the shrimp and crabmeat and cook for 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through.
5. Serve the gumbo over rice or with French bread. Enjoy!

What Kind of Ingredients to Use in Your Gumbo?

Now that you know the basics of gumbo, it’s time to learn about the different ingredients you can use. Gumbo is a versatile dish that can be made with many different meats, vegetables, and seasonings.

The most important ingredient in gumbo is the roux. The roux is what gives gumbo its characteristic flavor and thick texture. Roux is made by cooking flour and oil together until it forms a paste. The longer you cook the roux, the darker and more flavorful it will be.

There are many different meats that can be used in gumbo. Sausage, chicken, beef, pork, and seafood are all popular choices. You can use just one type of meat or a combination of several.

Vegetables are also a key ingredient in gumbo. The most common vegetables used are onions, celery, and bell peppers. These vegetables are known as the “holy trinity” of gumbo. Other popular vegetables include okra, squash, and tomatoes.

How to Store Your Gumbo Pot?

After you have used your pot, it is important to clean and store it properly. Gumbo is a dish that is best made in a large pot. If you do not have a pot that is big enough, you can use two smaller pots.

It is important to clean your pot after each use. Gumbo can be a bit tricky to clean because of the roux. The best way to clean a gumbo pot is to fill it with water and bring it to a boil. Boil the pot for 10 minutes and then let it cool. The roux will dissolve in the water and your pot will be much easier to clean.

Once your pot is clean, it is important to dry it completely. Gumbo pots are made of cast iron and can rust if they are not properly dried.

Once your pot is clean and dry, you can store it in a cool, dark place. If you have a pot that is not used often, you can keep it seasoned by coating it with oil. This will help to prevent the pot from rusting.

Best Gumbo Pot FAQs

1. What is the best material for a gumbo pot?

The best material for a gumbo pot is cast iron, steel. Cast iron evenly distributes heat and does not react with acidic ingredients.

2. What is the best way to store a gumbo pot?

The best way to store a gumbo pot is in a cool, dark place. This will help to prevent the pot from rusting.

3. How often should I season my gumbo pot?

You should season your gumbo pot every few months to keep it from rusting.

4. My gumbo pot is starting to rust. What can I do?

If your gumbo pot is starting to rust, you can try scrubbing it with a stiff brush. If the rust is stubborn, you can try using a rust remover.

Conclusion

When it comes to making the perfect gumbo, having the right pot can make all the difference. A cast iron Dutch oven is one of the best pots for cooking gumbo due to its even heat distribution and excellent retention properties. Cast iron also has a non-stick surface which makes clean up easy and efficient. If you don’t have access to a Dutch oven, other types of heavy duty pots with thick bottoms will work as well.

For those who are looking for something more lightweight or portable, aluminum cookware is an option but keep in mind that this material doesn’t retain heat as efficiently as cast iron does. Ultimately, when selecting your ideal pot for making gumbo, be sure to consider both durability and function over form!