Maximizing Heat Retention: Insulating Your Stock Pot

Keeping a stock pot hot requires insulation. There are various ways to insulate a pot, including using packing peanuts, hay, mulch, or straw. Another method is to place the pot inside a larger pot and fill the space between them with an insulating material such as styrofoam, which can help to maintain a consistent temperature. Round pots can be lined with foam peanuts, while square planters are more suited to being wrapped in styrofoam. Pots can also be wrapped in bubble wrap, blankets, or burlap to retain heat.

Use a larger pot

Using a larger pot is a simple yet effective way to keep your stock pot hot for longer. This method is especially useful if you're cooking for a large group or preparing a big batch of stock.

Firstly, consider the size of your current stock pot. If you're using a smaller pot, such as a 6-quart stock pot, upgrading to an 8-quart or 12-quart pot can make a significant difference in cooking capacity. An 8-quart pot is considered the standard size and is perfect for making stock, soup, or chilli for a family of four. A 12-quart pot offers even more cooking space, making it ideal for larger groups or if you frequently cook in bulk.

When choosing a larger pot, opt for one made from durable stainless steel, as this material can handle the high heat required for boiling liquids. Additionally, look for features such as wide, flat handles that provide a comfortable grip, even when wearing oven mitts. A snug-fitting lid is also important to prevent heat escape and ensure even cooking.

Another benefit of using a larger pot is the ability to submerge larger ingredients more easily. For example, when making stock from a turkey carcass, a wider pot helps keep everything submerged, which is more challenging in a narrower pot.

While a larger pot is a simple solution, keep in mind that it will be heavier, especially when full. Therefore, it's essential to choose a pot with sturdy handles that offer a secure grip to prevent accidents when transporting a full pot.

In summary, using a larger pot is an effective way to keep your stock hot and accommodate larger volumes of food. Consider the size of your household or typical serving size to choose between an 8-quart or 12-quart pot, both of which are versatile and commonly used options.

Pack peanuts inside

If you're looking to insulate your stock pot, packing peanuts might not be the best option. While they are often made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is used for insulation, their design makes them better suited for cushioning. The gaps between the peanuts allow for airflow, which limits their insulating properties. Additionally, many packing peanuts are now made from biodegradable cornstarch-based foam, which can melt and break down if it gets wet.

However, if you want to give it a try, here's how you can use packing peanuts for insulation:

• Choose the Right Type: Opt for polystyrene packing peanuts, as biodegradable ones will disintegrate over time. Make sure they are not made from cornstarch-based foam, as these can dissolve when wet.
• Container Preparation: If you're insulating a round pot, purchase a larger container and place your stock pot inside. This will give you space to pack peanuts around the sides and bottom of the pot.
• Packing Peanut Placement: Fill the space between the stock pot and the larger container with packing peanuts. Ensure that the peanuts are packed tightly to minimise airflow. You can also place peanuts inside the stock pot if you're using it for storage rather than cooking.
• Consider Combining Materials: Some people suggest combining packing peanuts with blown-in cellulose to fill the voids and improve insulation. However, this may not be necessary for your stock pot.
• Avoid Fire Hazards: Packing peanuts are highly flammable, so keep them away from heat sources. Do not use them in ovens or stoves, as they can release toxic gases when burned.

Remember, while packing peanuts can provide some insulation, they are not as effective as other materials and may not be suitable for all situations. Always use caution when handling hot items and follow safety guidelines.

Place against a wall

Keeping your stock pot hot is all about insulation. One way to insulate your pot is to place it against a wall. This is a good idea because the wall will give off some heat, and it will also reduce cold winds. Additionally, the wall will heat up on sunny days, transferring some of that heat to your pot. If you place your pot next to a wall, you can also surround it with other plants, putting the hardiest ones on the exposed side. This will give your pot some extra insulation from the cold.

If you're looking to insulate your stock pot, placing it against a wall is a good first step. However, there are other things you can do to insulate your pot further. One option is to use packing peanuts to insulate all around your pot. Another option is to place your pot inside a larger pot and fill the space between the two with packing peanuts. Just make sure to use polystyrene peanuts, as biodegradable ones will disintegrate over time.

You can also create a "fence" of chicken wire around your pot and fill it with hay or mulch. Covering the top of the pot with mulch will also help to insulate it. If you can, it's also a good idea to place your pot in a garage, even if it's unheated.

Wrap in blankets

Wrapping your stock pot in blankets is a great way to insulate it and keep its contents hot. This method is simple, effective, and doesn't require any special equipment. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it:

First, choose the right type of blanket. Old blankets or geotextile blankets are ideal. These materials are good insulators and will help trap the heat inside the pot. Avoid using thin or lightweight blankets as they may not provide sufficient insulation.

Take your chosen blanket and wrap it snugly around the stock pot, ensuring that all sides of the pot are covered. If needed, use multiple blankets to add extra layers of insulation. Make sure that the lid of the pot is also covered to prevent heat from escaping.

To secure the blanket in place, you can use stakes or tie the corners of the blanket together. This will ensure that the blanket stays in place and doesn't slip off the pot.

If you're using a blanket with a loose weave or holes, you can double it over to create a thicker barrier. This will improve its insulating properties and help retain more heat.

While wrapping the pot, be careful not to let the blanket come into direct contact with the hot surfaces of the pot. Use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to handle the pot and avoid touching the heated areas.

Additionally, if you need to transport the pot, you can place it in a garbage bag and then wrap the blanket around it. This will provide extra insulation and make it easier to carry.

By following these steps, you can effectively use blankets to insulate your stock pot and maintain its temperature for a longer period. This method is especially useful when you need to keep food warm for serving or when cooking outdoors.

Use a pot cozy

A pot cozy is a simple and elegant alternative to simmering that will dramatically save fuel. It will also allow you to cook many foods that you wouldn’t normally think of for backpacking, such as uncooked rice, beans and thick pasta. It is an insulating sleeve designed to reduce heat loss from pots, mugs, or anything else you want to keep warm.

Most backpacking pots are made out of thin and highly heat-conductive materials like aluminium or titanium. This makes them excellent at transferring heat from your stove to the water inside of them, but that transfer of energy also works in reverse. If it’s cold outside or particularly windy, the pot will rapidly and evenly cool—and with it the food inside. Placing a pot into a cozy provides an insulating layer to slow down that process.

A pot cozy can be made from a few different materials, but the most popular option is Reflectix, a product that consists of two 96% reflective layers of film bonded to two internal layers of heavy-gauge polyethylene bubbles. This can be purchased in small quantities from hardware stores or Amazon, or you can use a car sunshade, which is often made from the same material. You will also need some reflective foil tape or Gorilla Tape, and some velcro for the lid.

To make a pot cozy, first, find the height of your pot, measuring just below the lip. Wrap the Reflectix around the circumference of your pot to determine the length you’ll need. It’s better to be a little long than a little short. Using your measurements, cut out a piece of Reflectix. This is the sidewall of your pot cozy. Double-check the fit around the pot: the ends should meet together but not overlap. The cozy should be snug but not overly tight around the pot.

To find the measurement for the bottom of the cozy, place your pot on a piece of Reflectix and trace around the outside of the pot. Cut out this circle with at least an ⅛” allowance around the drawn line. Cut a strip of tape that is the length of the sidewall piece plus an inch or so. Take the tape and lay it flat on your work surface with the foil side down. Remove the backer tape and set it aside. Lay the sidewall piece on half the width of the tape and press to secure. Re-attach the backer to the exposed length of tape. Wrap the sidewall around your pot, with the tape towards the bottom of the pot and the foil side of the tape facing out. Secure using the small bit of exposed tape. Use the second piece of tape (cut to height) to tape the seam in the sidewall.

Turn the pot and cozy upside down so the tape is facing up. Place the bottom circle onto the bottom of the pot, double-checking the fit. It should overlap the Reflectix that makes up the sidewall, but not extend out past the wall. Carefully remove the backer tape, using one hand to hold the bottom circle piece in place. Using your scissors, cut perpendicular slits into the tape at 1”-2” intervals. Then, secure each section one by one, ensuring that there is no gap between the bottom piece and the sidewall. If needed, cut the sidewall to accommodate your handles.

On to the lid! Cut a length of Reflectix that is 1”-2” wide and long enough to wrap around the base of your cozy with the pot inside. This is your lid sidewall. To find the measurement for the top of the lid, place your pot in the cozy on a piece of Reflectix and trace around the outside of the cozy, OR if your lid extends past the outside of the cozy with the pot in it, use that to draw your circle. Cut out this circle with at least a ⅛” allowance around the drawn line. If needed, cut a slit for the lid’s D-ring or handle to go through. Cut a strip of tape that is the length of the sidewall piece plus an inch or so. Take the tape and lay it flat on your work surface with the foil side down. Remove the backer tape and set it aside. Take the lid sidewall and lay it on half the width of the tape. Press to secure. Re-attach the backer to the exposed length of tape. Wrap the lid sidewall around the cozy base (with your pot in it), with the tape towards the top of the pot and the foil side of the tape facing out. Secure using the small bit of exposed tape. With the pot lid in place, set the top circle onto the lid, double-checking the fit. It should overlap the Reflectix that makes up the sidewall, but not extend out past the wall. Carefully remove the backer tape, using one hand to hold the top circle piece in place. Using your scissors, cut perpendicular slits into the tape at 1”-2” intervals. Then, secure each section one by one, ensuring that there is no gap between the lid piece and the sidewall. If needed, notch the lid sidewall to accommodate your handles, making the gap as small as possible.

Your pot cozy is now complete!

Frequently asked questions