A stock pot is a large, deep cooking pot designed for making stocks, soups, and stews. Typically made from stainless steel or aluminum, it features a heavy bottom to distribute heat evenly. Stock pots often come with a lid and two sturdy handles for easy lifting, making them ideal for both home cooks and professional chefs. These pots are usually available in various sizes, ranging from 6 to 20 quarts or more, allowing for the preparation of large quantities of food. Using a stock pot helps extract flavors from ingredients like vegetables, meat, and bones, resulting in rich, flavorful broths.