Best Double Boiler Reviews 2018

Whether you’re preparing custard, making hollandaise sauce, or melting chocolate, the right double boiler can give you optimal results. These one-piece kitchen appliances are designed for both novice and seasoned cooks, and for ease of use. The not-so-easy task, however, is choosing the right double boiler given the sheer number of options available. But we’ve done the homework for you, and present you with 5 of the best double boilers with a mix of features and prices.

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Capacity

Material

Handles

Even Heating

Warranty

Our Top Choice

All Clad 42025 Stainless Steel Double Boiler

All-Clad is an all-American company that specializes in mixed-bonded materials for a variety of industries, and to make great products such as the 42025 Double Boiler.

Robust construction. Great capacity. Even heat distribution.

May be a little small for large families.

2 Quart

Stainless-steel

One handle / metal

Yes

Limited lifetime

Best Value

Farberware Classic Series Covered Double Boiler

Founded in the early 1900’s, Farberware is today one of the most esteemed names in the appliances, cookware and tableware arena for superior products such as the 2-Quart Boiler.

Glass lid allows you to see what’s cooking inside. Great style and superior construction.

2-quart capacity may be a little small for some kitchens.

2 Quart

Stainless-steel

One handle / plastic

Yes

Limited lifetime

Cuisinart FCT1113-18 French Classic Double Boiler

As an all-American appliance company, Cuisinart products can be found in literally every home due to their outstanding quality, and their French Classic is one great example.

Lifetime warranty. Dishwasher safe. Crafted of tri-ply stainless steel

3 quarts may be a bit small for larger families.

3 Quart

Stainless-steel

One handle / metal

Yes

Lifetime

Winware Stainless Steel Double Boiler & Stock Pot

Conceived in 1992, Winware aka DWL Industries Co. is one of the leading manufacturers of kitchenware and tableware products such as steam table pans, bakeware and pizza supplies.

Large capacity. Durable commercial grade, thick walls and sturdy construction. Excellent price.

Some isolated reports that quality not as good as expected.

8, 12, 16 or 20 quart

Aluminum

Two handles / metal

Yes

N/A

T-fal B13996 Specialty Stainless Steel Double Boiler

T-fal is one of the most reputed brands in the appliance space and is renowned for their superior quality products, including the Specialty Stainless Steel Double Boiler.

Durable construction. Even heat distribution. Lifetime limited warranty.

Need to be careful when ordering because the model with stainless steel handle is a steamer, not double boiler,

3 Quart

Stainless-steel

One handle / plastic

Yes

Lifetime Limited Warranty

(Updated December 29, 2017)

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How Do I Choose the Best Double Boiler?

Have you ever tried cooking egg yolks over a stovetop pan to make a thick sauce? Did you notice the egg yolks harden and become unusable at times owing to quick, uneven heating? Another great example is cheese used to make fondue that might scorch when exposed to direct heat. Simply put, a double boiler is the best solution if you’re looking to cook foods slowly, gently, and gradually such as chocolates and glazes to make desserts. Just like pressure cookers, kitchen knives, and deep fryers, double boilers can be bought in several different sizes and features. Our guide below will help you decide on the best double boiler for your needs, preference, and budget.

Price

The price of double boilers for the most part will vary across size and the material it’s crafted with. There are single-piece cheap double boilers made of silicone that cost a little over $10 and are ideal if you’d like to like to gently heat or melt ingredients for custards, cream sauces, and puddings. For anything more than that and best for regular use, your best bet is to invest in a robust, superior-quality double boiler. Expect to pay anywhere between $20 and $100+ for a double boiler that is oven and dishwasher-safe. Just like most cooking appliances, the most expensive options in this range tend to be more durable, easier to clean, offer steam cooking options, and have safety features.

Features

A double boiler is a specialized piece of cooking equipment that consists of a straight-sided sauce pan and an insert pan with a slightly rounded bottom. Although this appliance is pretty straightforward to use, there are a few features that make it worth the investment.

Some of the noteworthy features to look for in an ideal double boiler include:

Stay-cool handles
Dishwasher-safe components for easy maintenance
Size of the double boiler usually available as 2 and 3-quart
Encapsulated bottom/triple construction for rapid and even distribution of heat
Solid construction for superior longevity

Construction and Design

There are two main types of double boilers you will come across in your double boiler shopping journey – aluminum and stainless steel. Aluminum double boilers are lightweight and typically less expensive than their stainless steel counterparts. But on the downside, they stain and warp easily. Stainless steel double boilers offer a much better service life owing to the fact that they are nonporous and heavier.

Further, they are more expensive than aluminum double boilers, and generally offer consistent results and arrive in a great finish. Some of the best double boilers are outfitted with multiple bases for uniform heating and even distribution of heat. Many double boilers come with a lid, but you will most likely not use it because most foods you prepare in this type of appliance require constant stirring. However, if you anticipate cooking foods that do not require frequent stirring, consider buying an appliance that comes with a transparent lid.

Performance and Ease of Use

Cleaning a double boiler can be a daunting task considering that many of the foods cooked can leave an impressive mess behind. Think chocolate and cheese! The bottom pan, however, is a joy to clean because it simply holds water, which in most cases will only leave behind calcium, lime, and other mineral deposits.

Nevertheless, double boilers are a no-fuss appliance where you simply place water in the large lower pan, bring it to a steady simmer, place your food in the upper insert, and set it in the appliance with or without the lid on.

What is the Best Double Boiler?

Double boilers are just one of those no-frills kitchen appliances that you can use for multiple things if you don’t feel like using or investing in another kitchen pot. It’s basically a combination of two pots, where the larger is similar to a regular saucepan and the smaller is shallower and tucked away inside. Double boilers can be ordered in several different sizes and material qualities, so in order to ease your buying decision, we got the rundown on 5 of the best dual boilers available in the market.

Our Top Choice

The All-Clad 42025 has a 3-quart capacity that’s just about right to satisfy a medium size family. By the way, if it turns out all you want is a high quality saucepan, the All-Clad 4203 3-Quart Sauce Pan showcases the same superior construction and finish, is dishwasher safe.

All Clad Stainless Steel 3-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Sauce Pan with Porcelain Double Boiler and Cookware Lid

All Clad Double Boiler 42025 - 3 Quart

Features

Founded in 1967 by John Ulam, a brilliant metallurgist, All-Clad is a company that initially started out by bonding several metals together. After being awarded with more than 50 US patents and even a contract with the US Mint to make dimes, quarters and half dollars, the company today has perfected the bonding process, and now manufactures a professional range of superior quality bonded cookware such as the 4203 Double Boiler that is welcomed in homes all across the United States and globally.

The All-Clad 4203 Double Boiler is a premium kitchen appliance that is a preferred choice of professional and budding chefs. This 3-quart capacity saucepan with lid is appointed with a double boiler insert, which delivers heat gradually and slowly to prevent scorching of delicate foods.

There are several features that make the All-Clad 4203 Double Boiler our top choice. Here are few of the notable ones.

Measures 9.1'' H x 6.5'' W x 13.8'' and weights 7lbs
Crafted of stainless steel with non-stick surface and is dishwasher- and oven-safe
800 degrees F maximum temperature
FDA-approved and backed by lifetime warranty
Tri-ply construction delivers even heat distribution

The All-Clad 4203 boasts a robust build and will last you for years to come, and makes a great choice for cooking a wide range of foods.

Want a bigger double boiler? A copper bottom one? Check out other All Clad Double Boilers on Amazon.

Best Value

The Farberware 2-Quart Double Boiler is a great cooking companion for small kitchens. If you need a bigger capacity double boiler with the same high quality build and similar price, the Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 3-Quart Covered Stack 'n' Steam Saucepot and Steamer is what you should buy.

Farberware Classic Stainless Series Covered Saucepan with Double Boiler Insert - Thick Aluminum Core

Farberware Double Boiler 50057 - 2-Quart

Features

Conceived in the 1900s, Farberware is one of the biggest names in the appliance space. The company’s products are known for their durability and outstanding innovation that collectively improve the overall cooking experience.

The Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 2-Quart Double Boiler is crafted of a high-quality, stainless steel exterior and thick aluminum base. Further, it is appointed with phenolic handles that can withstand heat up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, making it extremely safe.

The Farberware Classic 2-Quart Double Boiler has just the right amount of features, but here are a few that make it a great choice.

Suitable for ceramic, gas, solid plate, and induction stoves
Dishwasher-safe
Appointed with glass lid

Looking for other Farberware Double Boiler appliances? Head to their online store on Amazon today.

The Cuisinart FCT1113-18 French Double Boiler is great for small kitchens, but if you’d like a bigger appliance with capacity to fit 2-, 3- and 4-quart saucepans, the Cuisinart 7111-20 Chef's Classic Stainless Universal Double Boiler with Cover is worth a second look.

Cuisinart French Classic Tri-Ply Stainless 3-Piece Saucepan and Double Boiler Set

Cuisinart Double Boiler FCT1113-18 - 2-Quart

Features

Cuisinart, owned by Conair, is one of the market leaders in the home appliance industry. Founded in 1971, the company has grown to be an American favorite and manufactures an extensive range of products such as the Cuisinart FCT1113-18 Double Boiler.

If you’re looking for a double boiler that will last you for years to come, the Cuisinart FCT1113-18 appliance is a great choice. It is dishwasher-safe, and the package includes a 3-quart saucepan with cover and double boiler

Here are a few more features that make the Cuisinart FCT1113-18 a great choice.

Lifetime warranty
Dishwasher-safe
Stay-cool stainless steel and handles

For other Cuisinart double boilers and kitchen appliances, check out the company’s extensive portfolio on Amazon.

The 8-quart Double Boiler by Winware is a great choice if you’d like to cook a wide range of food, but if you’d like to cook pasta specifically with tantalizing servings each time, the Winware Stainless Steamer\/Pasta Cooker with Cover is a great choice.

Winware by Winco Stainless Double Boiler with Cover - Can Use as Stock Pot, Available in Four Sizes

Winware Double Boiler - SSDB-8 - 8 Quart

Features

Winco established in 1992 is an esteemed name in the cookware and flatware space. The company boasts a massive, high quality product portfolio that includes kitchen utensils, bar supplies and even janitorial equipment. With a state=of-the-art distribution center located in state-of-the-art distribution center based in Lodi, New Jersey coupled with unparalleled customer support, Winco is the name to go with if you’re looking for superior quality products that will last you for years on end.

The Winware Stock Pot/Double Boiler arrives with all the right features. Here are a few that make it a great buy.

Can be ordered in 8, 12, 16 and 20 quart sizes
Heavy duty stainless steel cover
Arrives complete with double boiler insert
Stainless steel brushed finish
Appointed with riveted handles

Not what you want? For other Winware double boilers, check out their store on Amazon today.

The T-fal B13996 Specialty Stainless Steel Double Boiler features both a non-stick interior and exterior, for easy cleaning. While we were doing our research, we came across T-fal’s Excite line of non-stick cookware that not only has ergonomically designed handles but they are stove, oven and dishwasher safe.

T-fal Specialty Specialty Stainless Steel Double Boiler with Phenolic Handle Cookware - Doubles as Two Separate Pans

T-fal Double Boiler B13996 - 3-Quart

Features

T-fal, founded in 1956, is a French cookware manufacturer that has received global recognition for their remarkable quality of products. The company also manufacturers care items such as garment steamers and steam irons.

Listed below are a few noteworthy features of the T-fal double boiler.

Appointed with ergonomic black handle for safe and secure grip
Even heat base
Dishwasher safe
Lifetime limited warranty

For other great cooking products, take a look at what T-fal has to offer on Amazon.

Get the Best Double Boiler of 2018!

A double boiler is arguably one of the handiest kitchen appliances you can add to your kitchen, but choosing one can be overwhelming given the vast number of options available. But we hope with our detailed and well-researched double boiler reviews, you were able to make a viable choice.

Our Top Choice

All Clad 42025 Stainless Steel Double Boiler

Best Value

Farberware Classic Series Covered Double Boiler

Cuisinart FCT1113-18 French Classic Double Boiler

Winware Stainless Steel Double Boiler & Stock Pot

T-fal B13996 Specialty Stainless Steel Double Boiler