A soup kettle is a type of pot designed to cook large amounts of soup or stew. It may be a tall cooking vessel with a flat bottom and lid. This kettle could also resemble a cauldron and two to four small feet and a somewhat indented lid. One of these hotpots is typically made of aluminum or cast iron and may have aluminum handles on either side. This kettle is typically used on a stove top, but an electric kettle may be used on a countertop or table.
One popular type of soup kettle consists of a tall aluminum pot. This model is primarily used on top of a kitchen stove. A pot such as this is normally cylinder-shaped and flat on the bottom. The lid normally has a rim around the outside edge which allows it to sit securely on top of the kettle. In addition to cooking soup, this vessel could be used for boiling water, cooking pasta, and for other cooking needs.
Another type of kettle somewhat resembles a cauldron. This electric soup kettle may have small feet along the bottom which keep it from sitting flat on a surface. It contains an electrical cord on the back of it, which allows it to be used on a countertop. Cauldron soup kettles may be made from cast iron rather than aluminum. Some models may have an adjustable temperature control so the device can be used for both cooking soup and keeping it warm.
These pots come in many different sizes. A traditional soup kettle may hold anywhere from six to 10 quarts (5.42 to 9.5 l) of stew. Commercial hotpots may hold as much as 12 quarts (10.84 l) of soup. Larger soup warmers may come with a very long-handled ladle so cooks can easily reach the bottom of the pot. Some models may have a slot for placing the ladle when not in use. This is common on smaller electric kettles, which are designed to be portable.
A soup kettle can be a handy item to have when making any type of soup because it usually heats evenly, allowing the ingredients to cook thoroughly without burning. Metal pots such as these also help keep the finished product hot for some time after it has been cooked. Should the contents need to be re-heated, it can easily be done whether the unit is placed on the stove or plugged into an electrical outlet.
