A lobster pot is just a tall stock pot with a job to do, which is why the choice is easy to get wrong. Too small and the water stops boiling when the lobsters go in. Too big and it sits in the garage all year, or will not come to a boil on your stove at all.
This page is about that one decision: matching a pot to the number of lobsters you will really cook, and to whether you plan to boil or steam. For everyday soup and stock, our general stock pot guide is the better read.
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Quick verdict: which pot to buy for lobster
For three or four lobsters on a home stove, buy the Granite Ware 15.5-Quart Stock Pot. It is the right size, and its maker states the enamel is free of lead and cadmium. Choose the Concord 24-Quart with Steamer Basket if you want to lift the whole batch out at once, and the All-Clad Simply Strain 12-Quart if you cook for two and want a pot you will use every week.
If you are cooking for a crowd, skip ahead to the two backyard options, which need propane and more storage space.
Five lobster pots side by side
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of lobster dinner, with the details each maker or listing states. All eight pots are reviewed in full below.
| Pot | Lobsters it suits | Body and size | Rack or basket | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Granite Ware 15.5-Quart Stock PotBest overall
|
3 to 4 average lobsters | Porcelain on steel, 15.5 qt | None in this listing | View on Amazon |
Concord 24-Quart Stainless Stock Pot with Steamer BasketBest with a basket
|
5 to 6, or 1 to 2 very large | Stainless, 24 qt | Full basket included | View on Amazon |
All-Clad Simply Strain 12-Quart MultipotBest upgrade
|
1 to 2, any stovetop | Stainless, 12 qt | Straining insert included | View on Amazon |
T-fal Specialty 16-Quart Stainless Stock PotBest for induction, mid-size
|
3 to 4, on induction | Stainless, 16 qt | None included | View on Amazon |
Bayou Classic 36-Quart Stainless Stockpot with BasketBest for a crowd
|
A backyard crowd | Stainless, 36 qt | Perforated basket included | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Lobster counts follow Lobster Anywhere’s published size guide; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best lobster pot
These eight pots run from 12 to 36 quarts. They are ordered roughly by how well they suit a typical home dinner, and each one notes whether it has a rack or basket, since that decides whether you can steam straight out of the box.
1. Granite Ware 15.5-Quart Stock Pot – The Classic Speckled Lobster Pot
This is the speckled black pot most people picture when they think of a lobster dinner. It is porcelain fused to a steel core, and at 15.5 quarts it sits right at the size Lobster Anywhere, a lobster seller with a pot-size guide, suggests for three or four lobsters of about a pound and a half.
The steel core is the point of the design. The listing says it spreads heat evenly, and a thin enameled wall like this has much less metal to warm up than a heavy clad pot. The porcelain surface is non-porous and non-reactive, which matters when the pot sees a heavily salted boil.
It comes with a lid but no rack in this listing, so plan to boil, or set a rack of your own in two or three inches of water if you want to steam. Granite Ware’s maker, Cinsa, says its porcelainized steel products “are free from heavy metals such as cadmium, selenium, lead.”
Why we like it
- 15.5 quarts suits three or four lobsters of average size
- Porcelain fused to a steel core, per the listing
- Maker states freedom from lead and cadmium
- Dishwasher safe, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | F6124T-1 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 15.5 quarts |
| Body | Porcelain on steel |
| Rack or basket | None in this listing |
| Lid | Included |
| Heat source | Not stated in this listing |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | Listing says to contact the seller |
Why we recommend it
It suits a home cook who makes lobster or a shrimp boil a few times a year and wants a large pot that is easy to lift and store. It also pulls duty for corn and big batches of pozole.
Skip it if you want a basket to lift everything out at once. The Concord below includes one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Right size for a typical family lobster dinner
- Non-reactive surface for salty water
- Lead statement from the maker
Cons
- No rack or basket in this listing
- Enamel can chip if knocked
- Sold by a third-party seller at the time of checking
2. Concord 24-Quart Stainless Stock Pot with Steamer Basket – Lift the Whole Batch Out
If you would rather not chase lobsters around boiling water with tongs, a full-height basket solves it. Concord’s S24-BAK has a stainless basket that sits 1.5 inches off the bottom, so you can steam over a shallow layer of water or lower everything into a full boil and lift it out together.
The sizes are spelled out: the pot is 11.5 inches wide and 14.8 inches tall, and the basket is 10 inches wide and 12.5 inches tall. That height is useful because lobsters stack, and steam still has to get around them. At 24 quarts it covers the range Lobster Anywhere gives for one or two very large lobsters, and it is comfortably above the 19 to 20 quarts it suggests for five or six average ones.
Concord describes the stainless steel as heavy gauge and commercial quality, but the listing does not say the base is clad or list which stovetops it suits. A pot this tall can be slow on a small burner, so use your largest one and start with hot tap water if you are in a hurry.
Why we like it
- Full-height basket included
- Basket sits 1.5 inches off the bottom for steaming
- Dimensions are stated clearly
- Sold by the maker at the time of checking
Key specifications
| Model | S24-BAK |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 24 quarts |
| Body | Stainless steel |
| Rack or basket | Stainless basket, 10 x 12.5 inches |
| Lid | Included |
| Heat source | Not stated in this listing |
| Care | Not stated in this listing |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook feeding six or so who wants one pot for lobster, crab, corn and tamales. The basket makes the batch far easier to drain and serve.
Skip it if your stove has only small burners, or your cabinets cannot take a pot nearly 15 inches tall.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Boils or steams with the same insert
- Generous capacity
- Clear published sizes
Cons
- Base construction not described
- Tall to store
- Stovetop compatibility not stated
3. All-Clad Simply Strain 12-Quart Multipot – Lobster for Two, Pasta Every Week
Twelve quarts is the small end of the range here. Lobster Anywhere gives 8 to 12 quarts as the size for one or two lobsters of a pound to a pound and a half, so this is a pot for a couple or a small family, not a party.
What you get is a wide, deep insert with straining holes in its base and extra-wide handles, so you can lift out lobster, corn or a pound of pasta and leave the water behind. All-Clad says it works on any stovetop including induction, is oven safe to 600 degrees and carries a limited lifetime warranty. The body is 90 percent recycled stainless steel, per the listing, and it is designed in Pennsylvania and made in China.
It earns its place because it will not sit in the garage eleven months of the year. If you cook pasta weekly and lobster on birthdays, it does both. Our pasta pot guide looks at that use in more depth.
Why we like it
- Deep insert with straining holes and wide handles
- Works on any stovetop, including induction, per All-Clad
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Oven safe to 600 degrees
Key specifications
| Model | Simply Strain 12-quart |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 quarts |
| Body | Stainless steel |
| Rack or basket | Full straining insert |
| Lid | Stainless, included |
| Heat source | Any stovetop, including induction |
| Care | Dishwasher safe; hand wash recommended |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household that cooks for two to four and wants a pot it will reach for every week. It is also the clearest choice here for induction, as the maker states it plainly.
Skip it if you plan to cook more than two lobsters at a time. Twelve quarts fills up quickly.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Useful well beyond lobster night
- Clear stovetop and oven statements
- Long stated warranty
Cons
- Small for a group
- Made in China, despite the US design
- Hand washing recommended to preserve it
4. T-fal Specialty 16-Quart Stainless Stock Pot – Measuring Marks and a Vented Lid
At 16 quarts, this T-fal hits the size Lobster Anywhere gives for three or four average lobsters, and it comes in stainless rather than enamel. T-fal lists it for all stovetops, including induction, which is worth noting because not every big pot here states that.
Two details help with lobster. The interior has measuring marks, so you can add water by the gallon instead of guessing, and the vented glass lid lets you watch the boil without lifting it and losing heat. It is oven safe to 350 degrees and dishwasher safe, and it has a limited lifetime warranty.
There is no rack or insert, so buy a rack if you want to steam. T-fal says the base heats quickly and evenly, but does not describe its layers, so we cannot tell you how it compares with a clad pot.
Why we like it
- Interior measuring marks for water
- Vented glass lid
- Listed for induction, gas, electric and ceramic
- Limited lifetime warranty
Key specifications
| Model | G7706464 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 16 quarts |
| Body | Stainless steel |
| Rack or basket | None included |
| Lid | Vented glass |
| Heat source | All stovetops, including induction |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Why we recommend it
It suits an induction kitchen that wants a mid-size pot and does not need a premium brand. The measuring marks also make it easy to salt the water at a consistent rate.
Skip it if you want to steam without buying anything else. It has no rack.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Water marks take out the guesswork
- Induction stated by the maker
- Sold by Amazon at the time of checking
Cons
- No insert
- Base construction not described
- Low oven limit compared with the All-Clad
5. Le Creuset 16-Quart Enamel on Steel Stockpot – A Pot That Comes to the Table
Le Creuset’s enamel-on-steel stockpot is the same idea as the Granite Ware in a brighter finish. It has a lightweight carbon steel body that Le Creuset says quickly brings water to a boil, and a porcelain enamel surface described as non-reactive and resistant to stains and rust.
A stainless rim around the top edge is there to stop the enamel chipping where it is most likely to take a knock, and the knobs are made to stay cool. The 16-quart size again suits three or four average lobsters. Because the pot looks good, it can go straight to the table for a boil with corn and potatoes.
One honest note on the enamel. Le Creuset says its products comply with FDA safety regulations, but we found no explicit lead-free statement from the maker. If that matters to you, the Granite Ware above has one, and the stainless pots on this page have no glaze at all.
Why we like it
- Carbon steel body built to boil water quickly
- Stainless rim protects the enamel edge
- Non-reactive porcelain enamel
- Listed thermal range up to 500 degrees
Key specifications
| Model | 56026981597251 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 16 quarts |
| Body | Enamel on carbon steel |
| Rack or basket | None included |
| Lid | Included, with stay-cool knob |
| Heat source | Not stated in this listing |
| Care | Not stated in this listing |
| Warranty | Not stated in this listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants one good-looking pot for a seafood boil at the table and does not need a basket.
Skip it if you want an explicit lead-free statement from the maker, as Le Creuset does not make one that we could find.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Quick to boil, per the maker
- Edge protected against chipping
- Handsome enough to serve from
Cons
- No explicit lead-free statement found
- No insert
- Warranty and care not stated in this listing
6. IMUSA 20-Quart Stainless Stock Pot – Plain, Big and Simple
IMUSA is a familiar name in Latin kitchens, and this is the plain end of the page: a mirror-polished stainless pot with a lid and riveted side handles. The listing names lobster among its uses, along with broths, soups and chili.
Twenty quarts is the size Lobster Anywhere suggests for five or six average lobsters, though it also suggests considering two batches at that count. You get space, and not much else. There is no insert, the listing does not describe the base, and it does not state stovetop compatibility or a warranty.
A pot like this does the job when you need the volume a few times a year, and you can add a steamer rack later. Use it for big batches of tamales or caldo the rest of the time.
Why we like it
- 20 quarts for bigger dinners
- Riveted side handles
- Lid included
- Listing names lobster as a use
Key specifications
| Model | L300-40313TP |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 quarts |
| Body | Stainless steel |
| Rack or basket | None included |
| Lid | Stainless, included |
| Heat source | Not stated in this listing |
| Care | Not stated in this listing |
| Warranty | Not stated in this listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants space for a crowd and is judging value by capacity alone. It gives up the insert, the stated base and the warranty detail of the Concord and the All-Clad.
Skip it if you need to know it works on induction. The listing does not say.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large capacity from a known brand
- Simple to clean, with no parts to lose
- Sold by Amazon at the time of checking
Cons
- Thin on stated details
- No rack or basket
- Base construction not described
7. Bayou Classic 36-Quart Stainless Stockpot with Basket – For the Backyard Boil
Bayou Classic is a known name in boil gear, and the 1136 is a pot for a burner in the yard more than the stove. It holds 36 quarts, and its perforated stainless basket sits 2.5 inches above the bottom, so you can steam a large batch over a few inches of water or use it for a full boil.
The lid is vented and the handles are welded. Thirty-six quarts is above the 24 to 30 quart range Lobster Anywhere mentions for six to eight lobsters, so you have headroom for potatoes, corn and sausage. The same guide says an outdoor burner recovers heat faster than a stove after you load the pot.
Think about weight before you buy. Filled with water, a pot this size is too heavy to carry safely, so fill it where it will cook, and drain it by lifting the basket out first. The listing does not include a burner, so budget for one.
Why we like it
- Perforated basket sits 2.5 inches off the bottom
- Vented lid
- Welded handles
- 1-year limited warranty listed
Key specifications
| Model | 1136 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 36 quarts |
| Body | Stainless steel |
| Rack or basket | Perforated stainless basket |
| Lid | Vented |
| Heat source | Not stated; suited to an outdoor burner |
| Care | Not stated in this listing |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits a family that runs a big seafood boil a few times a year. The size also gives you room for a full meal in one pot.
Skip it if you only cook indoors. It is too large for most home stoves.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Room for a large batch and sides
- Basket makes draining simple
- Listing gives clear basket height
Cons
- Burner not included
- Very heavy when full
- Takes up real storage space
8. Gas One 30-Quart Seafood Boil Set with Propane Burner – Pot and Burner in One Box
If you have no burner yet, this set saves a second purchase. Gas One sells it as a turkey fryer and seafood boil kit: a propane cooker, a regulator and hose, a 30-quart pot with a perforated basket, a thermometer, a marinade injector and a turkey rack.
Thirty quarts sits at the top of the range Lobster Anywhere gives for a fryer pot used on six to eight lobsters. Gas One describes the burner head as cast iron, with an alloy steel and aluminum frame, a steel-braided hose and an adjustable regulator. The listing does not state the pot’s material, so do not assume it is stainless.
The listing presents this as outdoor equipment. Set it on a level, non-flammable surface away from the house, and follow Gas One’s manual for the hose and regulator before the first lighting. It will also do double duty for frying a turkey.
Why we like it
- Burner, regulator, pot and basket all included
- 30-quart capacity
- Thermometer and turkey rack in the box
- Doubles as a turkey fryer
Key specifications
| Model | B-5155-RED |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 30 quarts |
| Body | Not stated in this listing |
| Rack or basket | Perforated basket |
| Lid | Not stated in this listing |
| Heat source | Propane burner, outdoor use |
| Care | Not stated in this listing |
| Warranty | Not stated in this listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone starting from nothing who wants a backyard seafood boil this season. Buying the pot and burner together removes any question of whether they fit each other.
Skip it if you want to know what the pot is made of before you buy. The listing does not say.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Everything needed except the propane tank
- Fair capacity for a group
- Useful for turkey and fish too
Cons
- Pot material not stated
- Outdoors only
- Needs storage room for several parts
How to choose a lobster pot by the number of lobsters
Start with how many you will cook, not with the biggest pot you can find. The figures below come from Lobster Anywhere, a lobster seller that publishes a pot-size guide. Treat them as a starting point, since lobster shape and how you stack them both change the fit.
| Lobsters | Suggested pot |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2, about 1 to 1.5 lb each | 8 to 12 quarts |
| 3 to 4, about 1.25 to 1.75 lb each | 16 quarts, or a 24 to 30 quart fryer pot |
| 5 to 6, about 1.5 to 2 lb each | 19 to 20 quarts; consider two batches |
| 1 to 2 very large, 3 to 5 lb each | 20 to 24 quarts |
| 6 to 8, about 1 to 1.5 lb each | 24 to 30 quarts or more, on an outdoor burner |
Boil or steam. The same guide allows about a gallon of water per lobster for a boil. For steaming it says 2 to 3 inches of water under a rack, with headroom above. If you want to steam, buy a pot with a rack or basket, or budget for one.
Burner power. A big pot only works if your stove can bring it back to a boil after cold lobsters go in. Lobster Anywhere says that if the boil stops for 30 seconds or more, the batch is too large, so split it or steam instead.
Weight and storage. Water weighs a little over eight pounds a gallon, so a full large pot is heavy. Think about where you will lift it from and where it will live for the rest of the year.
Body material. Enamel on steel is light and does not react with salty water, though it can chip. Stainless is tougher, and can pit if salt sits undissolved on the bottom, so add salt once the water is hot and stir.
How we picked these lobster pots
We looked at capacity against published size advice, and at whether each pot has a rack or basket. We also read each listing for stated materials and stovetops, and checked that each pot was in stock from Amazon or a named seller. Our search did not turn up an independent side-by-side test of lobster pots, so the picks rest on maker details and Lobster Anywhere’s size guide.
Enamel pots had to carry a lead statement from the maker or an honest note saying we could not find one, and we left out other enameled pots with neither. We also skipped pots already listed on our main stock pot page, so this page adds new options to it.
Lobster pot questions, answered
What size pot do I need for four lobsters?
Lobster Anywhere suggests a 16-quart stockpot for three or four lobsters of about 1.25 to 1.75 pounds, or a 24 to 30 quart fryer pot if the stockpot looks tight.
Is it better to steam or boil lobster?
Either works. Lobster Anywhere says steaming is more forgiving with very large lobsters and mixed sizes. A boil needs more water and a stronger burner, so a steamer setup is often easier on a home stove.
Can I use a regular stock pot as a large seafood steamer pot?
Yes, if it is big enough and you add a rack to hold the lobsters above 2 to 3 inches of water. Our steamer basket guide covers inserts, and a tamale steamer pot works the same way.
Does the pot need a lid?
Yes for steaming, since the steam does the cooking. For boiling, a lid helps bring the water back up to temperature. Vented lids, like the T-fal’s and the Bayou Classic’s, let some steam out.
Is an enameled lobster pot lead-free?
Check the maker. Granite Ware’s maker, Cinsa, says its porcelainized steel products are free of lead and cadmium. Le Creuset says its products meet FDA regulations, but we found no explicit lead-free statement. Stainless pots have no glaze to think about.
Our final word on lobster night
For most home dinners, the Granite Ware 15.5-quart pot is the right size and easy to live with, and the Concord 24-quart is the one to choose if you want a basket. For more general soup and stock pots, see our best stock pot guide. The tamale steamer page covers rack-equipped pots that also suit a batch of shellfish, and the pasta pot guide covers insert pots. If you would rather let someone else do the cooking, read about seafood at a Mexican restaurant, or call to order from Julia’s.