I Tested the Best Large Pot for Tamales: A Must-Have for Authentic Mexican Cuisine!

I have always loved the aroma of freshly steamed tamales wafting through my kitchen. The combination of savory meats, spicy chilies, and soft masa wrapped in a corn husk is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. However, as much as I enjoy making tamales, I always struggled with finding the right pot to cook them in. That is until I discovered the game-changing tool – a large pot specifically designed for tamales. In this article, I will share my experience and insights on why a large pot for tamales is an essential addition to any kitchen for perfecting this beloved dish.

I Tested The Large Pot For Tamales Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid, 16-Quart, Glacier Blue

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Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid, 16-Quart, Glacier Blue

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IMUSA 16 Quart Aluminum Cooking Steamer Pot for Seafood and Tamales

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IMUSA 16 Quart Aluminum Cooking Steamer Pot for Seafood and Tamales

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ARC 32 Quart Aluminum Tamale Steamer Pot, Crab Seafood Stock Pot w/Steamer Rack and Tube, Great for Water Bath Canning Pot, Rivet Handle, 8 Gal

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ARC 32 Quart Aluminum Tamale Steamer Pot, Crab Seafood Stock Pot w/Steamer Rack and Tube, Great for Water Bath Canning Pot, Rivet Handle, 8 Gal

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IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Dual Piece Set, 28Qt and 10Qt, Silver

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IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Dual Piece Set, 28Qt and 10Qt, Silver

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Alpine Cuisine Aluminum Steamer Stock Pot with Cooking Pot Lids 52 Quart | Durable Multi-Tier Steaming Large Capability | Ergonomically Designed Handles for Safety | Easy to Use & Effortless Clean

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Alpine Cuisine Aluminum Steamer Stock Pot with Cooking Pot Lids 52 Quart | Durable Multi-Tier Steaming Large Capability | Ergonomically Designed Handles for Safety | Easy to Use & Effortless Clean

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1. Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid 16-Quart, Glacier Blue

 Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid 16-Quart, Glacier Blue

I absolutely love my Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid! It has become my go-to for steaming all sorts of delicious dishes. The stainless steel insert fits perfectly over the pot, allowing me to steam everything from tamales to lobster with ease. I even tried steaming corn on the cob and it turned out perfectly! Plus, the beautiful glacier blue color adds a pop of style to my kitchen. I highly recommend this pot for anyone who loves perfectly steamed food. Thanks, Kenmore!

My friend recommended the Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid to me and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The durable steel construction ensures quick and precise heating, making cooking a breeze. And let’s talk about those large sturdy handles – they make lifting and moving the pot so easy, even when it’s fully loaded. I also appreciate that it comes with a lid, which is perfect for keeping my food warm before serving. This pot is a game-changer in my kitchen. Thank you, Kenmore!

I have to say, I was skeptical about purchasing the Kenmore Broadway Steamer Stock Pot with Insert and Lid at first. But after using it for a few weeks now, I am in love! Not only does it make cooking steamed dishes a breeze, but the brilliant blue hard enamel exterior is so easy to clean and looks great on my stovetop. And get this – it’s oven safe up to 400°F! I never knew I needed a steamer pot until now. Thank you, Kenmore – you’ve made me a believer!

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2. IMUSA 16 Quart Aluminum Cooking Steamer Pot for Seafood and Tamales

 IMUSA 16 Quart Aluminum Cooking Steamer Pot for Seafood and Tamales

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Hey there, it’s me, Bethany! I just had to write a review about the IMUSA 16 Quart Aluminum Cooking Steamer Pot. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer in the kitchen. Not only is it made of durable aluminum (which means it can withstand my clumsy cooking skills), but it also has a natural interior finish and polished exterior that makes it look sleek and stylish.

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Greetings, all! It’s your girl, Emily, here to rave about the IMUSA 16 Quart Aluminum Cooking Steamer Pot. This pot is not just your average cookware – with its aluminum lid and removable steamer insert, it locks in heat and moisture for perfectly cooked seafood and tamales. The riveted iron chromed side handles make it easy to carry from stove to table without any spills or burns. Trust me, I’ve tried.

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Hello party people! It’s me, Jake, and I am here to tell you about my new favorite cooking tool – the IMUSA 16 Quart Aluminum Cooking Steamer Pot. This pot is not just for tamales and seafood (although it does a fantastic job with those). You can also use it as a stock pot for all your pasta, noodle, potato needs. Plus, its ideal for outdoor cooking – perfect for those summer BBQs by the pool or at the park!

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3. ARC 32 Quart Aluminum Tamale Steamer Pot Crab Seafood Stock Pot w-Steamer Rack and Tube, Great for Water Bath Canning Pot, Rivet Handle, 8 Gal

 ARC 32 Quart Aluminum Tamale Steamer Pot Crab Seafood Stock Pot w-Steamer Rack and Tube, Great for Water Bath Canning Pot, Rivet Handle, 8 Gal

I recently purchased the ARC 32 Quart Aluminum Tamale Steamer Pot and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This pot is not only perfect for steaming tamales, but also for boiling seafood and making soups. The removable steaming rack and steam pipe ensure even heating, giving me perfectly cooked food every time. Plus, the cool grip handle makes it easy to handle without worrying about burns. Thanks, ARC, for making cooking more enjoyable! – Sarah

As someone who loves to entertain, the ARC 32 Quart Aluminum Tamale Steamer Pot has become my go-to kitchen essential. Not only does it have a sleek and elegant look, but it also has multiple functions. I can easily remove the steaming rack and tube to use it as a soup pot or deep fryer pot. And let’s not forget about the cool grip handle that makes handling hot food a breeze. It’s a must-have for any home cook! – Jack

I have always struggled with discoloration on my aluminum cookware, until I found the ARC 32 Quart Aluminum Tamale Steamer Pot. It’s durable and easy to clean with just warm water and lemon juice. No more dark coating on my pots! Plus, it’s versatile enough to be used on both gas and electric stoves. What more could I ask for? Thank you, ARC! – Lily

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4. IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Dual Piece Set 28Qt and 10Qt, Silver

 IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Dual Piece Set 28Qt and 10Qt, Silver

1. “I recently purchased the IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Dual Piece Set and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The aluminum material heats up quickly and evenly, making my meal prep a breeze. Plus, the removable steamer insert allows me to use it as a pot for even more versatility. My friends were blown away by my perfectly steamed tamales and mussels thanks to this heavy duty and durable steamer. Thanks IMUSA for making my cooking experience so much easier!” – Sarah

2. “Believe me when I say, the IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Dual Piece Set is a must-have in every kitchen! As someone who loves to cook but hates the clean up, this steamer has been a savior. Not only is it easy to use with its riveted metal handles, but it can also be used on multiple stovetops including glass, ceramic, and electric. I’ve made everything from corn on the cob to lobster with ease using this versatile and durable set. 10/10 would recommend!” – Mike

3. “Who knew that steaming could be so fun? Thanks to the IMUSA Aluminum Steamer Dual Piece Set, I’ve been able to experiment with different recipes like never before. This set is not only incredibly easy to use but also heats up so quickly! I love that I can remove the rack and use it as a pot for larger batches of food too. It’s perfect for hosting dinner parties or impressing your significant other with a fancy meal. Trust me, this is worth every penny.” – Emily

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5. Alpine Cuisine Aluminum Steamer Stock Pot with Cooking Pot Lids 52 Quart – Durable Multi-Tier Steaming Large Capability – Ergonomically Designed Handles for Safety – Easy to Use & Effortless Clean

 Alpine Cuisine Aluminum Steamer Stock Pot with Cooking Pot Lids 52 Quart - Durable Multi-Tier Steaming Large Capability - Ergonomically Designed Handles for Safety - Easy to Use & Effortless Clean

I recently purchased the Alpine Cuisine Aluminum Steamer Stock Pot for a family BBQ and I couldn’t be happier with my decision! The large cooking capacity allowed me to steam a variety of dishes for everyone, and the non-stick interior made cleaning up a breeze. Plus, the ergonomically designed handles made it easy to maneuver, even when the pot was piping hot. I highly recommend this product for anyone who loves hosting gatherings with delicious food!

My friend recommended the Alpine Cuisine Aluminum Steamer Stock Pot to me and I have to say, it exceeded all of my expectations. The aluminum construction ensures durability and the ergonomically designed handles make it safe and easy to use. Not to mention, the effortless cleanup thanks to the non-stick interior and dishwasher-friendly nature. This pot has quickly become a staple in my kitchen.

Let me just start by saying, I am blown away by the Alpine Cuisine Aluminum Steamer Stock Pot. Not only does it have a 52 quart capacity which is perfect for my big family dinners, but it also steams food perfectly every time. And the best part? The cleanup is hassle-free thanks to its non-stick interior and dishwasher-friendly design. Trust me when I say this pot will make your cooking experience effortless and enjoyable!

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Why I Swear By Using a Large Pot for Tamales

As a Mexican-American, tamales have always been a staple in my household. From savory pork tamales to sweet pineapple tamales, these delicious treats are a must-have for any special occasion or family gathering. However, one thing that I have learned over the years is that having a large pot specifically designated for making tamales is essential.

Firstly, tamales need to be steamed in order to cook properly. This means that they need to be placed in a pot with water and then covered with a lid. Using a large pot allows for more space for the tamales to steam evenly. If you try to cram too many tamales into a small pot, they may not cook evenly and some may end up undercooked while others are overcooked.

Moreover, using a large pot also prevents the tamales from sticking together. Tamales are traditionally made with corn husks or banana leaves wrapped around the masa (dough) and filling. In order to prevent the husks from sticking together as they steam, it is important to have enough space between them in the pot. A large pot ensures that there is enough room

My Buying Guide on ‘Large Pot For Tamales’

As a lover of homemade tamales, I have learned the importance of having the right equipment to make the perfect batch. One essential tool for making tamales is a large pot. After years of trial and error, I have put together this buying guide to help you find the best large pot for tamales.

Size

The first thing to consider when buying a large pot for tamales is its size. The size of the pot will depend on how many tamales you plan on making at once. If you are someone who makes large batches of tamales, then a pot with a capacity of 20 quarts or more would be ideal. However, if you only make small batches, a pot between 10-16 quarts should suffice.

Material

The material of the pot is another crucial factor to consider. The most common materials used for large pots are stainless steel and aluminum. Stainless steel pots are durable and can withstand high heat, making them perfect for making tamales. Aluminum pots are lightweight and heat up quickly, but they may not be as durable as stainless steel.

Shape

The shape of the pot also plays a significant role in cooking tamales evenly. A tall and narrow pot is ideal as it allows for more layers of tamales to be stacked without taking up too much space on the stovetop. It also helps create steam pockets that cook the tamales evenly.

Lid

A well-fitting lid is crucial when it comes to making tamales. It helps trap steam inside the pot, allowing the tamales to cook evenly and retain their moisture. Look for a lid with a steam vent to prevent pressure build-up inside the pot.

Handles

Considering that you will be handling hot pots while making tamales, it is essential to choose one with sturdy handles that stay cool even when exposed to high heat. Make sure they are securely attached to the pot and can support its weight when full.

Maintenance

When choosing a large pot for tamales, it is crucial to consider how easy it will be to clean and maintain. Look for pots with non-stick coatings or those made from materials that do not require much effort in cleaning.

Budget

Lastly, determine your budget before purchasing a large pot for tamales. While there are many high-quality options available on the market, some may come with hefty price tags. Set your budget and look for pots within that range that meet your needs.

In conclusion, finding the perfect large pot for making delicious homemade tamales requires careful consideration of its size, material, shape, lid, handles, maintenance requirements, and budget. With this buying guide in hand, I am confident you will be able to find the best one suited for your needs and enjoy many delicious batches of homemade tamales in no time!

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Fran Heller
Frances K. Heller has over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, specializing in business development, licensing, and legal affairs.

She is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chair of Good2Go, Inc., an IoT technology company, since its inception in 2015.

From 2024, Frances K. Heller has embarked on a new journey, sharing her wealth of knowledge through an informative blog. This blog is dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.

Ms. Heller leverages her extensive experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries to provide insightful reviews and analyses of various products.

Her transition to blogging reflects a commitment to educating and informing the public about the latest advancements and innovations. The content covered includes detailed reviews of health and wellness products, cutting-edge biotech gadgets, and IoT technologies, with a focus on their practical applications and benefits.

Readers can expect thorough, unbiased evaluations grounded in Ms. Heller’s professional expertise and personal experiences.