The 4th Burner Pot: A Stovetop Multitasker

We're rapidly approaching the time of year when our stoves and ovens are pressed into full duty — every burner on full blast. But it can get crowded on the top of the stove, especially when big sauté pans and Dutch ovens claim more than their fair share of space. Enter the 4th burner pot, a smart, economical piece of cookware designed to get maximum efficiency out of your stove.

I don't remember when I first saw this pot, but I remember thinking at first that it might be a rather silly idea. A whole special pot for the 4th burner? What's that all about? I'll just stick a saucepan on it, thanksverymuch.

But the more I read about this pot, the more I was won over. (The sweep of 5-star reviews on Amazon didn't hurt either.) It has smart features, too, that go beyond its 4th burner duty: It has a pour spout, measuring markings inside, a lid with strainer holes, and a steamer basket insert. It seems like the perfect thing for cooking asparagus, potatoes, a couple ears of corn, and other vegetables. It would also be great for boiling eggs, and it would make a pretty good pasta pot, for smaller quantities (it only holds 3.5 quarts).

What do you think? Have you tried this pot?

• Find it: Kuhn Rikon 4th Burner Multi-Pot, $34.99 at Amazon. Holds 3.5 quarts.

(Image: Kuhn Rikon via Amazon)

Comments (12)

This very pot was also featured as a small kitchen canning tool on Food in Jars:

http://www.foodinjars.com/2011/06/urban-preserving-small-batch-strawberry-vanilla-jam/

Excellent! I just moved into a studio with a teeny tiny kitchen without much storage space, so this is good to know.

I don't understand why it is called a "Fourth burner pot" though...what is the significance of the fourth burner?

clampers, here's my guess:
When all three burners have pots/skillets on them, there tends to be less space for the fourth burner. The small footprint of this pot enables it to be used in a crowded cooktop, as opposed to those times when you're only using one or two burners and any pot-- large or small-- will do.

genius! Totally on my Christmas list!

I bought this pot a couple years ago mostly because it was cute and irrisistable. It was $25 at home goods, and boy and I glad I picked it up. We're a houshold of 2, so it's a great size for 4 ears or corn, asparagus and smaller quantities of pasta. While I don't use it more than once or twice a month, it's very versatile, and I'm definitely glad I bought it. It's also of good quality, and the stay cool handle and lid make it easy to use on a hot gas stovetop. Its narrow footprint also makes it a cinch to store. Love this pot.

Yes! It's one of my favorite pots and just amazing for small batch canning and prepping pickling brine (you can pour the hot brine straight from the pot without transferring it to a measuring cup or ladle).

@clampers--my gas stove has one "super burner," 2 regular-powered burners, and the 4th burner is a lower powered burner, perfect for simmering (but terrible if you need to boil a pot of water or something). So I'm guessing this pot has that less powerful burner in mind. The size of the actual burner is the same, but the flame/power is smaller.

I was going to put this on my Christmas list, then I realized by the time I would get it I probably wouldn't need it. Pre-holiday gift to self.

I didn't know this existed. How many times have I needed just one more deep pot to stick back there and do veggies or heat up some broth for another dish.
I'd love to put this on a wishlist, but our kitchen is full enough as it is.

QVC is selling this pot for around $25! I'm thinking I'm going to get one for myself. I saw it several months ago on QVC but they sold out before I could make up my mind, but it is back in stock!

This is perfect for the small stove top in an RV. The pour spout is great, (how many times are pour spouts just awful?) No tea kettle necessary. It's great for heating water for tea or coffee or making iced tea. Can use it in the RV fridge too. It steams like a champ with just a cup of water. Measurement markings on the side up to 11 cups. Boils pasta or potatoes and no collander necessary due to the strainer in the lid. This is a really versatile piece of cookware and is handy in the limited space in an RV since it can do many jobs. I use it a lot at home too.