Calphalon All-Purpose 8-Quart Insert

by Calphalon

Product Features

• Ideal piece for cooking pasta, shellfish, and corn
• Insert nests snugly into an 8-quart stockpot
• Durable 18/10 stainless steel with riveted handles
• Lifts out easily to remove cooked food
• Hand wash in hot, soapy water, with a nonabrasive sponge; lifetime warranty

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00004SY5V
• Item model number: APC808
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #115,411 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining)

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

When cooking pasta, shellfish, or corn, you need to quickly remove the contents of the pot to prevent overcooking; this insert allows you to do just that. And when cooking stocks, you can remove vegetables and meaty bones by simply lifting the insert by its sturdy handles, avoiding the risks of pouring from a heavy pot into a strainer in the sink. Unlike many inserts, you don't sacrifice any space with this 8-quart stainless-steel piece. It rests gently on the base of the stockpot and then rises above the pot lip another two inches so that you don't lose any height. The lid fits just as neatly on the insert as it does on the pot. Care for this pan with consideration for the long useful life it offers: wash it by hand with mild cleaners. --Sherry Smith

Product Description

Using an insert is so much safer and easier than juggling a pot full of boiling water and a colander. Simply lift the insert up, allow the water to drain back into the pot and then pour your pasta into a serving bowl. This is also extremely handy for corn on the cob, clams and sundry other candidates for steaming or boiling.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential for Cooking Pasta al Dente, December 30, 2000

By 

Michela (Seattle, WA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Calphalon All-Purpose 8-Quart Insert (Kitchen)

The Calphalon "All-Purpose" Insert that fits the Calphalon 8-quart stockpot (either hard-anodozed aluminum or Commercial nonstick) is an essential piece of cookware if you love pasta. Once you have made any kind of pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne rigate, orecchiette) in this insert and pot (sometimes sold together in a slightly wider shape called a pasta pentola), you will never want to cook pasta any other way.

You put the insert in the pot, fill it about 3/4 full with water, put on the lid, and let the water come to a full rolling boil (it won't take long). Then remove the lid and add your pasta (I keep a little chart handy that has the cooking time for each variety, but you can always look on the box or package--make sure you buy semolina pasta imported from Italy, if possible). Add some sea salt (1 tsp.) if you wish. I also add a bit of extra-virgin olive oil, too. Give the pasta one or two stirs--14-inch stainless steel tongs work the best. It will come back to a boil, and then you start the timing. One or two minutes before you think it is done, lift up a strand or two from the pot (I use the serrated side of my large Wusthof bread knife for this, or I use a long-handled slotted spoon for smaller pasta.) Taste it. You want the pasta to be cooked "al dente" (lit., "firm to the tooth"). If it tastes almost done, then lift the insert slowly and carefully from the pot, letting the steaming water run back into the pot. After the water has completely drained, then shake the pasta a bit in the strainer. Do not rinse the pasta. Pour it out onto a large platter. Add one or two spoonfuls of the water from the pasta (which you have not thrown out yet), and then sauce it. You will love the pasta al dente! I have taught many non-cooks to make pasta with this insert (and the stockpot), and they are successful on the first try! Buon appetito!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A definate must addition for the 8 quart stockpot!, May 9, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Calphalon All-Purpose 8-Quart Insert (Kitchen)

If you are going to invest in any of the Calphalon 8 quart stockpots, you do need this! The insert fits like a glove, and with a bit of practice filling with water to the correct level, about three quarters full as mentioned by the previous reviewer, you will have few problems with boil over. When using the pot and insert as a set, it will confortably hold up to one pound of dried or fresh pasta.

I would also like to recommend the steamer insert found here as an add-on to complement your cooking experience!

15 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars PASTA INSERT IMPOSTER, July 23, 2004

By 

Diana Reyna "D.REYNA" (BROOKLYN, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Calphalon All-Purpose 8-Quart Insert (Kitchen)

ITS GREAT IF YOU HAVE EVERY OTHER CALPHALON LINE ITEM. BUT DON'T BE FOOLED WHEN THEY MENTION STAINLESS STEAL, IT DOES NOT, AGAIN DOES NOT FIT THE TRI-PLY STAINLESS STEAL 8QT. STOCKPOT AS IT INDICATED!(...)