Review of Granite Ware 50 Quart Stock Pot, Black

I received this on Sept 10, 2009.The purchase price was $59.99 with free shipping.This pot measures 13.25" high without the lid on, and 17.5" in diameter.The lid adds 4 inches or so, but is difficult to get an exact measurement.

It is much too big for any standard 30"-wide kitchen stove, so if you're one of those people trying to Macgyver some solution for indoor use, I wouldn't pursue it.Buy an outdoor propane or NG burner, preferably a single burner that stays close to the ground so you aren't trying to lift a full pot to above waist level.

I ordered this for canning, and just to test, put several empty quart jars in it.I estimate about 12 to 14 quart jars will go in (10 around the circumference, 2 to 4 in the center), but because of the shorter pot depth, you can't stack them 2-high without exceeding the 13.25" height limitation.You could probably stack pints on top of the quarts.

Further, it doesn't come with a canning rack insert, as graniteware pots sometimes do, so you would have to improvise.I was pretty sure it didn't when I ordered it, but one can always hope.This pot would probably work great for brewing beer.

I was extremely disappointed that the pot's label reads "Made in Mexico".If that's not bad enough, the rest of that sentence is "FOR Columbian" (emphasis mine).So not only did Columbian not make it in the USA, it isn't even made BY Columbian.Amazon's description as of 9-10-2009 still says Made in USA, which was a major selling point.Also, I've never seen an enamelware pot with "runs" in the finish, but this one certainly has quite a few on the inside - I ran my finger over them to make sure it wasn't lighting.For all I know it's not a run but is rusted underneath and has been enameled over.Seen my share of that from Chinese products, where the welds are rusty and they just paint over it.The quality is something you would expect from products made in 3rd world countries.

In any case, I don't know if the "run" is a negative or not, but I like the idea of a $60 pots that might last me a few decades, and I'm not convinced this one will last more than three years, due to the fit and finish.

If you appreciated the old Three's Company TV series, you'll recognize this is perhaps the "finest pot from Mexico".That's not saying much, but I always got a chuckle out of that episode.Speaking of comedy, the pot label clearly states it is "dishwasher safe".Now that's funny.Does that include the moons orbiting it?Just remember: when you dismantle your DW to fit this monster into it, remember the open end of the pot goes DOWN.

My recommendation - if your pockets are deep enough - is to spend more money and get a stainless pot of similar capacity.It will probably not be made in the USA, either, but if you drop it, you won't chip any enamel off, and it will probably last a lot longer.

In sum, I will be returning this item due to the country of origin misrepresentation, and the lack of quality.

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It's disappointing to see so many products being outsourced to other countries.Some economists keep saying it's good for our country because it brings down the price point for the poor to afford goods.Rubbish.Companies don't make things overseas so they can SEll them cheaper; they make things overseas so they can MAke them cheaper.I really have no problem with that - good for them if they can find enough sheeple to buy their junk.However, I'm an educated consumer who is more likely to do without, or make do, or take my broken stuff and have it repaired rather than purchase some company's crapcakes.Alas, buying over the internet is a lot tougher, so I just buy from companies with good return policies.
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Product Description
Granite Ware is made by fusing a thin layer of porcelain to high quality enameling steel. Columbian's technology for applying porcelain creates a durable, chip resistant product that lasts most families a lifetime. This makes an ideal material for large pots as the glass-like surface is inert and does not interact with or alter the taste of food. The steel core is an excellent heat conductor, requiring less time and energy. No PFOA's or any other chemicals are used that may affect food taste, color or healthfulness. This 50 quart size is great for seafood boils, and serving large groups.

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