How do I keep the bottom of my cheap stock pot from burning inside when I cook soup?

The only way to keep it from burning it to use very low heat, which means it will take a lot longer to cook. Or, you can get a flat wooden spoon and stir constantly, keeping the food off the bottom of the pot. Either way, it has probably outlived its usefulness.

As soon as you get extra cash, I'd replace it. Bed Bath and Beyond and a few other outlets sell inexpensive pots, just make sure the pot you buy has a thick bottom.

Are you using gas?

If so, one of the cheap and easy "hacks" we used to use was to place a tin can lid on the center of the burner. It displaces the flame further out to the edge of the pot and dilluting the intensity of it in any one place.

Just take a can lid, lay it on top of the burner grate, and light er up.

Be careful to let the lid cool off when you are done -- it will obviously be hot.

Put the soup pot in another pan then on the stove.

Using the grill part of a broiler pan under the pot. Seems to be working

Put it in a microwave or a double boiler.

First, is the pot stainless? If yes, use a stainless scouring powder name "Cameo" for stainless utensils. Sometimes if your pot gets a build-up (when bottom looks dull) this will cause food to stick - I have RevereWare - it's old, and the bottom is copper I use Cameo (for copper). From many years of cooking, and soup's a favorite of mine, I have learned the cleaner the pot. Easier cooking. Last of all, if you are using one of those nasty coated pots. Throw it away! If money is issue, go to Goodwill store, for about $5-$10 get yourself a stainless!

This question is from 2008 - why is it still open for comments?