I was looking for a medium vat to replace my cheapo smaller set and wanted 3-4 US gallons for making batches of 6 Camemberts.
I still like a stockpot for a cheese making vat with triple-ply bottom for better heat distribution as a stockpot is multipurpose and I don't see the need to go to a double boiler system.
After reading reviews on several on Amazon.com here in US I ordered a 4 piece Cuisinart Brand 3 US gallon stockpot with lid, and bonus pasta & steamer inserts for USD61. Unit is nicely made and today I used it for making a batch of Camemberts.
Observations:
- This stockpot will like all fit the rated 3 US gallons but it will be full to the rim, I filled using 3 US gallons less 2 cups, was too full for stirring etc, next batch will be 2 US gallons and 3 quarts.
- Nice quality.
- Metal scratches easily, see pictures of marks from cutting the curd using our kitchen long bread knife. Yes I used the sharp edge to cut but my older cheapo set nor our kitchen saucepan set 1 US gallon pot never did that after many uses.
- Price is great, and bonus pasta and steamer insert are useful.
In summary, because of the scratching I would not but this product again.