ExcelSteel 8 Qt Multifunction Stainless Steel Pasta Cooker with Encapsulated Base, Vented Glass Lid, and Riveted Silicone Covered Handles

Love it always wanted one

it's canning/freezing season.. I bought this to replace my Graniteware blancher that bit the dust. That was OK because it is not suitable for my recently-purchased glass cooktop. Not only have I used it for blanching, but I find that I use it daily- for steaming veggies, for reheating food instead of the evil microwave, and for pasta. The SS is heavy duty; heats evenly and the glass lid is such a bonus. I use both sizes of strainer inserts, and the size of the whole unit is perfect- not too large or small. Cool-touch handles are great. I don't even bother to put it away anymore!

I recently purchased this 8 quart pasta pot set. Upon receiving it, I washed it twice in hot soapy water before using it. I then cooked some pasta. Immediately after emptying it, I wiped down the basket and was very alarmed. There was a dark gray residue on the basket and the paper towel I wiped it down with was completely discolored. This happened again after the next two uses. What is this residue? This dark colored residue had a metallic smell. Why is this happening? Is there a materials issue? This cannot be healthy to cook food in and ingest. I am completely alarmed and dissatisfied. It also appears to be rusting on the rim edge. I then researched the reviews and noticed there are other reviews complaining about these problems. My family’s health is at risk. Further adding to the frustration is the fact that I was unable to contact EXCELSTEEL (no ask a question option on Amazon) so there is no way to provide this feedback to them. According to Amazon customer service, the only way to provide feedback is through this review.

Very impressed with this pot, and so pleased with the steamer part! Thank you

Not as heavy as I thought. Good for what it is though. Haven't had the chance to use it, but it looks good. I like the size. Should be able to cook all sorts of things in this.

I needed a steamer/pasta pot and this does both nicely. The rubber protection on the handles however does not keep them cool enough to lift with out pads/mittens. They get too hot to handle.

Our old pasta pot finally gave up the ghost- the bottom just wore away. This one is so much nicer! I love the glass lid, you can see what's going on. And the handles with the silicone? Genius. Can't tell you how many times I burned my hand on the old one. The only thing that would make this better would be a selection of handle colors.

Perfect as pot, steamer or pasta pot.So Purdy, it lives on the stove top.Induction cooktop friendly and always cool handle!