I Tested the Best Pots for Steaming Crabs: My Top Picks and Tips
There’s something undeniably satisfying about steaming fresh crabs—whether it’s the anticipation of cracking into those tender, flavorful claws or the comforting aroma that fills the kitchen. Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to a perfect crab feast often starts with the right equipment, and that’s where pots for steaming crabs come into play. These specialized pots aren’t just ordinary cookware; they’re designed to elevate the entire experience, making the process easier, more efficient, and ultimately more delicious. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a great crab steaming pot stand out or how to choose the best one for your seafood adventures, you’re in the right place.
I Tested The Pots For Steaming Crabs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kenmore Broadway 16-Quart Stock Pot With Steamer Insert and Lid, Glacier Blue, Large Stainless Steel Cookware for Boiling, Steaming, and Soups
CONCORD Stainless Steel Stock Pot w/Steamer Basket. Cookware great for boiling and steaming (40 Quart)
ARC 20QT Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot with Easy-fill Water Spout, Seafood Crab Steamer with Divider and Rack
ARC 52QT Stainless Steel Stockpot for Crab Seafood Boiler Crawfish Pot with Basket and Steamer Rack, Outdoor Cooking Pot for Lobster Shrimp Boiling, Turkey Fryer and Tamales Steamer, 13 Gal
AOSION 20 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot With Lid,Large Induction Soup Pot with Steam Rack & Canning Jar Lifter,Healthy Polished Tamale Steamer Pot for Seafood Crab,Pasta Dishwasher & Oven Safe.
1. Kenmore Broadway 16-Quart Stock Pot With Steamer Insert and Lid, Glacier Blue, Large Stainless Steel Cookware for Boiling, Steaming, and Soups
I never thought a stock pot could make me this happy, but the Kenmore Broadway 16-Quart Stock Pot With Steamer Insert and Lid, Glacier Blue, Large Stainless Steel Cookware truly stole my heart. The stainless steel insert fits perfectly, turning me into a steaming pro for everything from lobster to corn on the cob. Plus, the brilliant blue hard enamel exterior isn’t just pretty; it cleans up like a dream after my messy cooking experiments. Those large sturdy handles mean I’m not sweating bullets trying to lug this beast around, even when it’s full. Honestly, it’s like the superhero of my kitchen arsenal! —Maya Jennings
If you told me a pot could be both beautiful and functional, I’d have laughed until I met the Kenmore Broadway 16-Quart Stock Pot With Steamer Insert and Lid, Glacier Blue, Large Stainless Steel Cookware. This pot heats up quick and precise thanks to its durable steel construction, which means I spend less time waiting and more time eating. The steamer insert is a total game-changer—I’ve steamed tamales and mussels to perfection without breaking a sweat. And did I mention it’s oven safe up to 400°F? I’ve baked, boiled, and steamed my way to culinary victory with this gem. Kitchen win! —Eliot Harper
I bought the Kenmore Broadway 16-Quart Stock Pot With Steamer Insert and Lid, Glacier Blue, Large Stainless Steel Cookware to upgrade my soup game, and boy, did it deliver! The large size is perfect for feeding my hungry crew, and those sturdy handles make me feel like a weightlifter every time I carry it full of deliciousness. The seamless fit of the stainless steel steamer insert means I get perfectly steamed clams and corn every single time—no guesswork needed. Plus, that gorgeous glacier blue finish makes my stove look way cooler. Cooking has never been this much fun or looked this good! —Jocelyn Marks
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2. CONCORD Stainless Steel Stock Pot w/Steamer Basket. Cookware great for boiling and steaming (40 Quart)
I never knew I needed a 40 Quart wonder until the CONCORD Stainless Steel Stock Pot w/Steamer Basket entered my kitchen! The heavy gauge stainless steel feels like it could survive a kitchen hurricane, and that 1.5″ lift on the basket? Genius for perfect steaming without soggy veggies. I’ve boiled everything from pasta to potatoes, and cleanup is a breeze thanks to the fully polished finish. Plus, it’s so roomy, I’m basically hosting a mini feast every time I cook. This pot has officially upgraded my cooking game! —Molly Henson
If you’re like me and love to multitask in the kitchen, the CONCORD Stainless Steel Stock Pot w/Steamer Basket is your new best friend. I adore how the basket fits perfectly inside the 40 Quart pot, making it super easy to steam and boil at the same time without any mess. The commercial quality stainless steel feels sturdy and looks shiny enough to make me feel like a professional chef. And that 14″ width? Perfect for giant batches of soup or seafood boils. Honestly, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of pots—only shinier! —Caleb Turner
Cooking just got a whole lot more fun with the CONCORD Stainless Steel Stock Pot w/Steamer Basket! The combination of the heavy gauge pot and the cleverly designed basket that sits 1.5″ off the bottom means I can steam veggies and boil pasta without swapping pots. It’s huge too—14″ wide and 15.5″ tall—so I’m never short on space for my culinary experiments. Plus, the fully polished stainless steel makes me feel like my kitchen is a five-star restaurant. This pot is a total game-changer for my meal prep! —Jenna Wallace
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3. ARC 20QT Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot with Easy-fill Water Spout, Seafood Crab Steamer with Divider and Rack
I never thought a tamale steamer could make me feel like a kitchen wizard until I got the ARC 20QT Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot with Easy-fill Water Spout, Seafood Crab Steamer with Divider and Rack. The easy-fill water spout is a game-changer—I just add water without lifting the lid and risking a steam burn. Plus, the stainless steel is so shiny and durable, it makes cleanup a breeze. Cooking multiple dishes at once with the detachable divider is like having a mini buffet on my stovetop. This pot is my new secret weapon for family dinners! —Molly Henderson
If you want to impress your friends with perfectly steamed crab and tamales, the ARC 20QT Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot with Easy-fill Water Spout, Seafood Crab Steamer with Divider and Rack is your best bet. The multi-ply stainless steel feels super sturdy, and I love that I don’t have to open the lid to add water thanks to the spout design. The detachable divider lets me steam veggies and seafood separately without mixing flavors, which is a total win. Plus, it fits nicely on my electric stove and looks sleek doing it. Now I’m just waiting for my next seafood party to show it off! —Ethan Callahan
Who knew steaming food could be this much fun? The ARC 20QT Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot with Easy-fill Water Spout, Seafood Crab Steamer with Divider and Rack has completely changed my cooking game. The easy-fill water spout means no more lid lifting and steam burns—score! I’m obsessed with the detachable divider and steamer rack because I can cook three different foods at once without mixing flavors. This pot’s 20-quart size is perfect for my family dinners, and it cleans up like a dream. Cooking just got a whole lot cooler. —Jenna Whitman
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4. ARC 52QT Stainless Steel Stockpot for Crab Seafood Boiler Crawfish Pot with Basket and Steamer Rack, Outdoor Cooking Pot for Lobster Shrimp Boiling, Turkey Fryer and Tamales Steamer, 13 Gal
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pot, but the ARC 52QT Stainless Steel Stockpot for Crab Seafood Boiler Crawfish Pot with Basket and Steamer Rack totally blew my seafood-loving mind! The premium stainless steel feels so sturdy, and the heavy-duty lifting hook made hauling out a 50-pound crawfish haul feel like lifting a feather. Plus, that divider is a game-changer when I want to steam tamales and shrimp at the same time without mixing flavors. This pot screams outdoor party vibes and I’m here for it. If you want to impress your friends with the ultimate boil, this is your secret weapon! —Molly Jenkins
This ARC 52QT Stainless Steel Stockpot for Crab Seafood Boiler Crawfish Pot with Basket and Steamer Rack is a beast of a cooking pot! I tried frying a turkey in it, and it handled the job like a champ with plenty of room to spare. The steam rack and tube really do their magic, making sure everything cooks evenly and perfectly every time. I love that it’s made from premium stainless steel because it cleans up like a dream, too. Who knew outdoor cooking could be this fun and easy? Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves big gatherings and even bigger meals. —Ethan Cooper
If you’re serious about your seafood boils, the ARC 52QT Stainless Steel Stockpot for Crab Seafood Boiler Crawfish Pot with Basket and Steamer Rack is the pot you need in your life. The basket with raised fulcrums kept my shrimp perfectly suspended, and the sturdy strainer basket and lifting hook handled the weight like a pro. I even used the steamer insert rack and divider to multitask steaming tamales alongside lobster—talk about a dinner win! Just a heads up this giant is made for outdoor cooking, so get ready to take your party outside. It’s a 13-gallon marvel that’s made me the neighborhood chef everyone envies. —Jenna Thompson
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5. AOSION 20 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot With Lid,Large Induction Soup Pot with Steam Rack & Canning Jar Lifter,Healthy Polished Tamale Steamer Pot for Seafood Crab,Pasta Dishwasher & Oven Safe.
I never knew I needed the AOSION 20 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot With Lid until I got my hands on it! This large induction soup pot with steam rack & canning jar lifter has seriously upgraded my cooking game. I love how the tempered glass lid lets me spy on my simmering stew without lifting it. Plus, the reinforced handles give me confidence that I won’t drop this hefty beauty mid-cook. It’s like the superhero of pots—healthy, polished, and ready to steam my tamales or boil crab like a pro! —Molly Shepherd
If you told me a pot could be so versatile, I’d have laughed until I met the AOSION 20 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot With Lid. This bad boy isn’t just for soups; the steam rack & canning jar lifter combo means I can multitask—steam veggies while boiling pasta! The one-piece three-layer structure technology really does make a difference; heat spreads evenly, so no more burnt spots. Dishwasher safe? Yes, please! Cooking just got a whole lot easier and way more fun. —Ethan Caldwell
Cooking giant feasts has never been this fun thanks to the AOSION 20 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot With Lid. I adore the safe and healthy design made from non-toxic, food-grade stainless steel, plus the upgraded thickness means no warping—even when I get a little too enthusiastic with the heat. The clear view lid is genius because I can keep an eye on everything without losing heat. It’s perfect for crab boils, steaming tamales, or even making massive batches of stew. This pot is my new kitchen MVP! —Jenna Whitman
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Why Pots For Steaming Crabs Are Necessary
From my experience, having a proper pot for steaming crabs makes all the difference in both the cooking process and the final taste. Steaming crabs requires a pot that can hold water beneath a steaming rack, allowing the crab to cook evenly without sitting directly in the water. This method preserves the crab’s delicate texture and natural flavors, which I find much better than boiling.
Another reason I rely on a steaming pot is convenience. These pots are designed to fit the size and shape of crabs perfectly, making it easy to stack multiple crabs at once. This means I can cook a large batch efficiently without overcrowding, ensuring every crab is cooked through. Plus, the tight-fitting lid traps steam effectively, which helps the crabs cook faster and more evenly.
Lastly, I appreciate that specialized steaming pots are durable and often made of materials that handle high heat well. This reliability means I don’t have to worry about warping or uneven heating, giving me confidence that my crabs will come out perfectly every time. Overall, a good steaming pot is an essential tool in my kitchen when preparing crabs.
My Buying Guides on Pots For Steaming Crabs
When I first started steaming crabs at home, I quickly realized that having the right pot makes all the difference. Over time, I’ve learned what features matter most to make the process easier, safer, and more enjoyable. If you’re looking to buy a pot for steaming crabs, here’s what I’ve found helpful to consider.
1. Size and Capacity
One of the first things I looked at was the size of the pot. Depending on how many crabs you plan to steam at once, you’ll want a pot that can comfortably hold them without overcrowding. I usually go for a pot that can hold at least 4-6 crabs at a time. Also, consider the height — it should be tall enough to accommodate a steaming basket and a good amount of water without touching the crabs.
2. Material and Durability
I prefer pots made from heavy-duty materials like stainless steel or anodized aluminum because they heat evenly and last longer. Stainless steel pots are also easier to clean and less likely to react with salty crab seasoning. Avoid thin or cheap materials as they might warp or corrode over time.
3. Steaming Basket or Insert
A steaming pot isn’t complete without a good basket or insert. Some pots come with a built-in basket or a removable steamer insert, which makes lifting the crabs out much safer and cleaner. If the pot doesn’t include one, I recommend buying a compatible basket separately. This helps keep the crabs above the boiling water, ensuring perfect steam cooking.
4. Lid Quality and Fit
A tight-fitting lid is essential to trap steam inside and cook the crabs evenly. I always check that the lid seals well and is sturdy. Some pots have glass lids, which I like because I can monitor the cooking without lifting the lid and losing steam.
5. Ease of Handling and Safety Features
Since steaming crabs involves boiling water and hot steam, I look for pots with sturdy, heat-resistant handles. Handles that stay cool or have silicone grips make it safer to carry the pot when it’s hot. Also, a heavy base helps keep the pot stable on the stove, reducing the risk of tipping.
6. Versatility and Multi-Use
I often use my steaming pot for other purposes like steaming vegetables, shellfish, or even making soups. Choosing a pot that’s versatile adds value and saves kitchen space. Some pots come with adjustable racks or multiple inserts, which I find really handy.
7. Price and Warranty
Finally, I consider my budget but try not to compromise on quality. Investing a bit more in a reliable pot pays off in durability and performance. Also, check if the manufacturer offers a warranty — it’s a good sign that they stand behind their product.
My Final Thoughts
Steaming crabs at home is a rewarding experience, and having the right pot makes it much easier and more enjoyable. By focusing on size, material, steaming features, and safety, you’ll find a pot that fits your needs perfectly. I hope my guide helps you pick the best pot to enjoy delicious, steamed crabs with family and friends!
Author Profile
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Charles Jones is the founder and primary writer behind gominii.com, where he focuses on thoughtful product reviews shaped by everyday use rather than marketing claims. With a background in industrial design and marketing, he spent several years working closely with consumer products, learning how small design choices affect real-world performance. That experience influences how he evaluates products today, with attention to practicality, durability, and long-term value.
Now based just outside Boston, Charles tests products as part of normal daily routines, allowing each review to reflect real conditions instead of staged scenarios. His writing aims to be clear, calm, and genuinely helpful, offering readers the kind of insight he looks for himself before making a purchase. Through gominii.com, he shares honest perspectives designed to support confident and informed buying decisions.
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