How can you tell if a stock pot is made of aluminum or stainless steel?

Answer 1

If it's anodized or a dull-whitish looking metal, it's aluminum.

If it's shiny/polished and reflective, then most likely it's stainless steel.

Also, look on the bottom of the pot, sometimes the material is stamped on the bottom of the pot along with brand name.

Answer 2

Stainless steel is more expensive, so genereally the manufactureres will mark that on the bottom. Another is the weight, it's significantly heavier. If you holding a light pot it's probably aluminum. Another thing, generally stainless still will have an extra layer on the bottom to radiate the heat all around the pot. Maybe a 1/4" on the bottom.

Answer 3

Magnets will stick to 400 series stainless steel but not 300 series stainless so don't go by if it is magnetic or not. Aluminum is pretty light and stainless steel is heavier if they are both made out of the same thickness of material.
Aluminum will dent easily but stainless steel is more durable.

Answer 4

If it's newer (less than 20 years old), look at the bottom. It will usually say "stainless." Also, aluminum is lighter.

Anodized aluminum is different from both aluminum and stainless steel. It is the darker, carbon-looking material you'll find in Calphalon, etc.

Answer 5

by way of finding on the density of the bottle. i'm tremendously helpful that it is made in China if it is made from aluminum. stainless-steel is costly, and China is frequently the place greater low-fee products are made.

Answer 6

An aluminum pot will be MUCH lighter in weight.

Answer 7

steel pots are heavier in weight and more expensive....i love my wolfgang puck 18/10 stainless steel cookware :)

Answer 8

Look on the bottom it should tell you if its stainless steel.....

Answer 9

steel should be heavier, or you can hold a magnet to it, it will stick to steel not aluminum.

Answer 10

the old reliable magnet test. a magnet won't stick to aluminum