RACO Steel Essentials Saucepot 20cm: Buying Guide
By RACO Australia | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Buying Guides
A practical buying guide to the RACO Steel Essentials 20cm/3.8L covered saucepot: who it suits, how it performs on induction, and when to choose a different size.
Quick answer
The RACO Steel Essentials 20cm/3.8L covered saucepot is a sensible buy if you cook soups, stews or pasta for three to five people and want one stainless steel pot that works on induction. Choose it for its family-sized capacity and heavy-gauge base; look elsewhere if you mainly need a small pot for sauces or a nonstick surface.
Why 3.8L and 20cm is a useful middle size
Capacity and diameter do different jobs. The 3.8L volume gives you room for a family batch of soup, a braise or enough pasta for four, while the 20cm diameter keeps the base footprint moderate so the pot still fits a standard induction zone. That combination makes it more versatile than either a small 14cm saucepan or a very wide stockpot.
The trade-off is weight and storage. A larger covered pot takes up more cupboard space and is heavier to lift when full, so measure your shelf height and check you can handle it comfortably before committing.
Induction performance and the base
The heavy-gauge base is the feature that matters most for induction: it spreads heat evenly rather than concentrating it in a ring above the coil. That helps when you are simmering a soup or reducing a sauce, where hot spots can catch and scorch.
Stainless steel itself is not the quickest responder to heat changes compared with aluminium or copper, so expect to adjust the hob a little earlier when you turn the heat down. The polished exterior and scratch-resistant sunrayed interior are practical touches for everyday use, but they do not make the pot dishwasher-proof or nonstick; check the care instructions supplied with the product for cleaning guidance.
Where this saucepot fits in a kitchen
If you already own a nonstick frypan and a small saucepan, this pot fills the gap for liquid-heavy cooking: soups, stocks, boiling potatoes, and one-pot pasta. It is less useful as a replacement for a sauté pan or a wok, because the tall sides and lid are designed for retaining moisture rather than browning.
For households of one or two, a 3.8L pot can feel oversized for daily use, though it is still handy for batch cooking and freezing. For larger families or entertaining, it may be the pot you reach for most often.
Decision rules for buying the 20cm saucepot
- Match capacity to household size: Choose the 3.8L size if you regularly cook for three to five people or want leftovers. If you usually cook for one or two, a smaller saucepan will be easier to handle and store. Measure your most common batch size before deciding.
- Confirm your hob type: This pot is designed for induction, so it suits induction, ceramic and gas hobs. If you use a nonstick-only kitchen, you may prefer a nonstick pot for delicate foods.
- Check the lid and handles: The covered design retains heat and moisture for simmering. Check that the riveted handles feel secure and that the lid fits tightly, since a loose lid wastes energy. Lift the pot by the handles before buying if you can.
- Weigh storage and cleaning: Stainless steel is durable but not nonstick, so scrambled eggs or sticky sauces will need more oil or soaking. Confirm you have cupboard space for a 20cm pot with a lid.
Product facts
- RACO Steel Essentials Stainless Steel Induction Covered Saucepot 20cm/3.8L: Crafted from premium stainless steel with a heavy-gauge base for even heat distribution. Even heat helps prevent scorching when you simmer soups or sauces on an induction hob.
RACO Steel Essentials Stainless Steel Induction Covered Saucepot 20cm/3.8L
Who should buy it
Best for
- Families cooking soups, stews or pasta for three to five people
- Induction hob owners who want an even-heating stainless steel pot
- Buyers who prefer a covered pot for simmering and batch cooking
Not for
- Cooks who mainly need a small pot for sauces or single servings
- Anyone who wants a nonstick surface for delicate foods
- Kitchens with very limited cupboard space
