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9 Best Double Boilers: Your Easy Buying Guide

If you spend any amount of time melting chocolate or performing similarly delicate culinary tasks, a double boiler is a very worthwhile investment. It doesn’t cost much and can save the day with its precise temperature control. From cheese to chocolate to candles and more, you can use this versatile kitchen tool for a wide range of applications. Make the most of your next meal or dessert with our top picks below.

Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Fast and even heating
  • Polished mirror finish
  • Two-quart capacity
Price: $39.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Easy to clean
  • Made in USA
  • Aluminum construction
Price: $22.96 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Even heat distribution
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Dishwasher safe
Price: $29.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Three-quart capacity
  • Flat, stable bottom
  • Spill-free pour spout
Price: $32.82 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Tight-fitting lid
  • Stay-cool riveted handle
Price: $44.95 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Polished cooking surface
  • Contoured handles
  • Induction compatible
Price: $498.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Induction compatible
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Glass lid included
Price: $80.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Affordable
  • Dishwasher safe
  • See-through lid
Price: $18.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Universal size
  • Double pour spouts
  • Fits smaller pots
Price: $10.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Our Unbiased Reviews
  1. 1. Farberware Classic Double Boiler

    Pros:
    • Can also be used as a saucepan
    • Self-basting lid retains moisture and heat
    • Dishwasher and oven safe
    Cons:
    • Long handles can be cumbersome for storage
    • Several note the interior groove can be tough to clean
    • Some wish the top pot was deeper

    The Farberware Classic Double Boiler can also be used as a saucepan when needed. Whether you’re using it as a double boiler or a saucepan, you’ll appreciate the pan’s fast and even heating.

    Other features include a polished mirror finish and a self-basting lid that retains moisture and heat. The boiler is dishwasher safe. It’s also oven safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

     

     

     

  2. 2. Nordic Ware Double Boiler

    Pros:
    • Fits 2- to 4-quart pans
    • Ideal for melting chocolate and cheese
    • Nonstick interior
    Cons:
    • Some find the grooves can prolong clean-up
    • Handles can get hot
    • Round bottom makes it hard to stand on its own

    You can use this double boiler on 2- to 4-quart pots and pans. It’s particularly handy for melting chocolate and cheese as well as for heating up your favorite sauces. A nonstick interior keeps food from sticking.

    If limited storage space is an issue, use the handle with the hold to hang up the boiler on a pot rack.

     

     

  3. 3. T-fal Double Boiler

    Pros:
    • Aluminum construction
    • Stainless steel boiler insert
    • Nonstick interior and exterior
    Cons:
    • Some find the material a bit thin
    • Groove inside top portion tends to collect food
    • Inverted lip inside pan can be tough to clean

    The T-fal Double Boiler features a durable exterior aluminum construction along with a stainless steel boiler insert. It also has a 3-quart capacity and comes with a clear glass lid. Both the interior and exterior have a nonstick finish to help keep food from sticking.

    An ergonomic handle lets you safely and comfortably move the boiler when necessary. This double boiler is dishwasher safe.

     

     

     

  4. 4. Norpro Double Boiler

    Pros:
    • Fits most 6- to 8-inch pans
    • Ideal for melting butter, chocolate, cheese, and caramel
    • Stay-cool handle
    Cons:
    • Handle isn’t riveted
    • Some wish it was more balanced
    • Hand washing recommended

    This double boiler is just the right size to fit most 6- to 8-inch pans. It also has a 3-quart capacity. You can use the boiler to melt butter, chocolate, cheese, and caramel, making it a solid choice for cooking and baking. Each side has a pour spout for added convenience. This double boiler is also equipped with a stay-cool handle for your safety.

     

     

  5. 5. Cuisinart Double Boiler

    Pros:
    • 18/10 stainless steel construction
    • Oven safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit
    • Tapered rim prevents spills when pouring
    Cons:
    • Curved bottom makes it tough to balance
    • Lid isn’t clear
    • Some occasionally find it won’t fit into a standard sized pan

    The Cuisinart Double Boiler features a high quality 18/10 stainless steel material. The handle is also made of stainless steel and is riveted for added durability. You also won’t have to worry about burning your hand when moving the boiler, as the handle is designed to stay cool.

    This double boiler is oven safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit and can also go in the dishwasher. It fits 2- to 4-quart saucepans and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

     

     

     

  6. 6. All-Clad Double Boiler

    Pros:
    • Includes a 2-quart stainless steel saucepan
    • Ideal for melting chocolate, making custards, and cooking lighter sauces
    • Safe for the oven and broiler
    Cons:
    • Inner container can take awhile to heat up
    • Only external pot is induction safe
    • Pricey

    The All-Clad Double Boiler comes with a 2-quart stainless steel saucepan, which can be used separately if necessary. There’s also a 1.5-quart porcelain insert for double boiling.

    You can use this double boiler to make custards, melt chocolate, or cook your favorite lighter sauces. It’s induction compatible and is safe for use in the broiler and oven up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Layers of stainless steel surround an aluminum core for fast and even heating.

     

     

     

  7. 7. Cook N Home Double Boiler

    Pros:
    • Set includes double boiler and steamer inserts
    • Mirror polished stainless steel finish
    • Layered bottom ensures even heat distribution
    Cons:
    • Doesn’t have a nonstick interior
    • Handles can get hot
    • A few mention the pieces don’t fit snugly together

    This combination double boiler and steamer set has a 4-quart capacity. The set includes double boiler and steamer inserts as well as a 4-quart stockpot. There’s also a glass lid so that you can check the progress without removing the lid. Each insert comes with three steps and will work with 1 to 4-quart pans.

    The set works on all cooktop surfaces, even induction. It’s also dishwasher safe. A polished stainless steel exterior adds an upscale look and makes cleanup a bit easier.

     

     

  8. 8. ExcelSteel Double Boiler

    Pros:
    • Polished stainless steel exterior
    • 2.5-quart capacity
    • Ideal for melting chocolate and cheese
    Cons:
    • Thin material
    • A few mention the handles can get hot
    • Not rust-resistant

    If you’re looking for a smaller, budget-friendly double boiler, consider the ExcelSteel Double Boiler. This boiler has a 2.5-quart capacity and is ideal for melting chocolate and cheese. Stay cool handles will keep your hands from getting burned when cooking. They also have hanging loops for storage.

    The boiler also comes with a glass lid so that you can monitor your meal as it cooks. It’s dishwasher safe, so you don’t have to worry about a time-consuming cleanup.

     

     

     

  9. 9. SONGZIMING Double Boiler Pot

    Pros:
    • Stay-cool handle
    • 18/8 stainless steel construction
    • Front hook keeps pan in place
    Cons:
    • Small capacity
    • Handle can get very hot
    • Not dishwasher safe

    If you’re looking for a smaller baking tool to cover the essentials, this boiler is a practical choice. Its universal size allows this double boiler to fit inside of most pots. Additionally, it’s made with a durable 18/8 stainless steel. You can use it for melting butter, cheese, caramel, and chocolate.

    Features such as a front hook to keep it steady and pour spouts on either side make this double boiler a convenient choice for any kitchen. It also has a flat bottom.