The 10 Best Tamale Pots
This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in January of 2017. If you want to prepare mouthwatering tamales, using the freshest ingredients is only one important part of the process. You will also need an efficient and effective steamer to ensure your food comes out perfectly. The generously-sized pots on our list can also be used to cook vegetables or simmer soups, sauces, and stocks, so they earn the space required for storage. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Concord Stock Pot
2. Oster 3-Quart Casserole
3. Kenmore Broadway Glacier
Editor's Notes
August 25, 2020:
We made a handful of changes for our latest update, including saying goodbye to the Rick Bayless for Gorham, GasOne 8-Gallon, and Imusa Mexicana 424, all of which became unavailable. We also brought on two new selections to round this list out to an even ten. We prioritized large options, as those who make tamales usually craft sizeable batches, but kept the Oster Double Tiered and Oster 3-Quart Casserole on for casual cooks who want to warm up pre-made tamales or the have the option to steam smaller amounts of food.
Thankfully, the Imusa and GasOne brands offer their pots in myriad sizes, so we were able to supplant them with the GasOne ST-40, an option with a capacity larger than its predecessor by two gallons, and the Imusa Mexicana 428, which has an extra four quarts of space and is not much more expensive than its smaller counterpart. Each of these is a solid choice, whether you're looking for something thick and resilient like the GasOne model, or an affordable option to bust out during the holidays, like the Imusa. The GasOne pot can also stand in for a home brewing kettle, especially if you prefer to use pots without spigots.
While metal models are popular and attractive, not everyone is a fan of that surgical aesthetic and so we incorporated the Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick and Kenmore Broadway Glacier for those who desire quality cookware with a pop of color. Then, we added the Farberware Classic Series Silver to give budget hunters a reliable choice that will get the job done without breaking the bank.
July 23, 2019:
To complement a range of cookware sets, we've elected to keep both smaller and larger options, from the diminutive Oster 3-Quart Casserole to the robust Concord Stock Pot that's offered in sizes from 40 to 180 quarts. You'll need room to store these larger sizes, of course, but for churning out larger batches, they can be worth it. We've also opted to add an electric option at this time, the Oster Double Tiered. This won't be for everyone, for a couple of reasons. To begin with, it has a 60 minute time limit, so for long steams, you'll need to refill and reset it; plus, it's on the smaller side. But for casual cooks who make small batches of tamales and don't want to bother with manually boiling water, it might be a good option to consider. And it lets you make plenty of other foods, too, which helps justify the space it will take up in your cabinets. Finally, we decided to remove both the Heuck Classics and the Bayou Classic 8512 due to availability issues.
Special Honors
Williams Sonoma Signature Thermo-Clad Steam & Braise Oven The Williams Sonoma Signature Thermo-Clad Steam & Braise Oven may cost a pretty penny, but it's made to last, so you could potentially prepare hundreds of batches in it. It's also big enough to steam an entire fish, as well as induction ready. williamssonoma.com
Magimix Multifunction Steamer The Magimix Multifunction Steamer will steam, reheat, or cook meat, rice, vegetables, and desserts while locking in flavor. It comes with two stainless steel baskets, one of which sports a removable base so you can double your steaming capacity. The second basket has six divets for cooking eggs. Its 1.5-liter liquid reservoir is nestled in a stay-cool base that's outfitted with a safety system that alerts you when the water is too low. It has a handy timer and several temperature settings for different meals. magimix.com
4. GasOne ST-40
5. Farberware Classic Series Silver
6. Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick
7. Imusa Mexicana 428
8. Granite Ware 15.5-Quart
9. Oster Double Tiered
10. Smart Cook Vaporera
Born in Arizona, Gia is a writer and autodidact who fled the heat of the desert for California, where she enjoys drinking beer, overanalyzing the minutiae of life, and channeling Rick Steves. After arriving in Los Angeles a decade ago, she quickly nabbed a copywriting job at a major clothing company and derived years of editing and proofreading experience from her tenure there, all while sharpening her skills further with myriad freelance projects. In her spare time, she teaches herself French and Italian, has earned an ESL teaching certificate, traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and unashamedly devours television shows and books. The result of these pursuits is expertise in fashion, travel, beauty, literature, textbooks, and pop culture, in addition to whatever obsession consumes her next.