I'm looking to start to make cheese and something I'm really missing is a stockpot. I want to ask if the quality of the stockpot needs to be very high. I have checked some stainless steel stockpots on amazon in cheap prices but sometimes I get scare when I see the reviews. I'm looking to start with 12 qt one and I would appreciate advices in this.
Cheap pots from the dollar stores only have a coating of stainless steel, and as soon as you scrape or ding the pot, they will develop a hole. One of the cheapest places I know for good quality stock pots is here: http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/update-international/sps-12/p5161.aspx (http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/update-international/sps-12/p5161.aspx)
I have no idea what shipping would be to Puerto Rico.
I think though, they can be made of thinner stainless steel for cheese making than you might want for cooking, since you don't need to expose the pot to direct heat if using a hot water bath.
Thanks for the advices
If you have a local home beer brewing store go there. They carry inexpensive large pots perfect for cheese making.