The Best Double Boilers (Review) in 2020
Double boilers are a must-have in your kitchen if you are fond of preparing very delicate recipes. Not every meal should be prepared directly over the fire as that may ruin their delicateness. Some recipes require slow and mild heat to produce the results we desire. This is where double boilers come in – to assist you in preparing your sauces and gravies. They are also ideal for melting some ingredients for your favorite cake or candy. Most nutritionists agree that using double boilers is the healthiest way of cooking some foods using low thermal energy. This is because double boilers help preserve the nutrients in the food. So if you usually prepare delicate foods, you’ve got to grab a double boiler. But before you dash off, here is a review of the best double boilers you should pick from.
2-quart capacity stainless steel construction with heavy-duty aluminum core
Ergonomic phenolic handles with hanging loop
Integrated self-basting lid
350-degree Fahrenheit oven-safe and dishwasher-safe design
4.5-quart hard-anodized aluminum pan
Flat, scratch-resistant, tempered glass cover
Stay-cool stainless steel handles
Stackable and dishwasher-safe design
2.5-quart polished stainless steel pan
Stay-cool stainless steel handles with integrated hanging loops
See-through, scratchproof tempered glass lid
Dishwasher-safe design
The Best Double Boiler
1.
Fabware Classic Stainless Double Boiler
Farberware Classic Stainless 2 Quart Covered is considered an irresistible choice because it combines affordability with quality and styling. No wonder Fabware is seen by many as a trusted brand when it comes to cooking supplies. This double boiler is built with quality stainless-steel which has been well-polished to give it class. It comes with two quarts covered saucepan, a full base cap on its double boiler, and a core that is made of thick aluminum.
It is safe to use in the oven up to 350 degrees
It is made of polished stainless-steel
It has a two-quart covered saucepan
It has a self-basting lid which helps to trap moister and heat
2.
Oster Double Boiler
Oster 108132 03 Steamer Stainless-steel makes our list of best double boilers albeit it a small double boiler. This double boiler from Oster is made of polished stainless-steel material. This gives it its class finish that exhumes excellence. It is a three-quart steamer that can be used on the top of a stove. It comes with a lid and a steamer that has been inserted which helps to trap heat and moister for perfect steaming. Talking about perfection, the Oster 108132.03 Steamer is a perfect option for steaming your vegetables and cooking rice at the same time. But that is not all, this steamer is also ideal for re-steaming leftover tamales.
This is a 3-quart Steamer and casserole
It comes with a steamer insert with glass lid
It is a stainless-double steamersteel double boiler
It is hand-wash recommended
3.
T-fal Double Boiler with Phenolic Handle
T-fal-B1399663 Specialty Stainless Phenolic is made of aluminum that gives it character and makes it stand out. Both the exterior and the interior of this double boiler is made of non-stick material which makes it easy to clean after use. The handles are phenolic and large enough to give the holder a firm and secure grip without slipping. The T-fall double boiler is set up to make for even heating. It comes with a glass cover so you can check on your cooking without bothering to open it. If you are concerned about laboring your hands with its washing, do not worry.
It is made of quality aluminum with non-stick exterior and interior
It provides even heating base
It is easy to use and clean
The handle is ergonomic and offers a secure and good grip
4.
Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Double Boiler
Cuisinart MCP111-20N MultiClad Stainless Universal is dandy-looking and has good reason to be so. It doubles up as steamer set and a double boiler. One thing most buyers praise about the Cuisinart MCP111 is that it helps to preserve the original taste of one’s cooking. This is due partly to its construction from stainless-steel. It is professional-looking and has been tagged by many as the choice for professional cooks and chefs. However, it fits perfectly into any kitchen type so long as it is needed. Cuisinart has a commitment to innovation and quality. Both of which abound in this universal double boiler.
It has a triple set construction that ensures maximum heat retention
Its handle is uniquely designed to make for good grip and easy control
it is safe to use in an oven up to 550 degrees F
It comes with a limited lifetime warranty
5.
Cook N Home 2 Quarts Double Boiler
Cook Home 02655 Quarts Double is made of stainless-steel. It is a double boiler and its cover is made stainless-steel that is polished. At the bottom of its interior, it has is layered with an aluminum disc. This aluminum disc provides quick end even distribution of the heat and, therefore, gets rid of hot spots around the lower walls of its interior. The lid is made from tempered glass which makes it durable. Plus, one can keep an eye on the content cooking without needing to open the lid.
It is made of stainless-steel that is polished
It has an aluminum disc layered in the bottom of its interior
The stainless-steel construction and the aluminum disc allows for even distribution of heat
Its handle is wrapped with silicone for safe and comfortable handling
6.
ExcelSteel Stainless Steel Double Boiler
ExcelSteel 579 Piece Boiler Stainless is made from highly polished stainless-steel. It has a lid made of glass that has been tempered. It is also transparent so one can see and monitor one’s cooking content without needing to open the lid. The handles are made to be safe and comfortable to hold. Per their design, they are long enough to be away from the heat source. As well as giving you a nice good grip, the handles have hoop-like holes at the rear. This makes for efficient storage.
It is safe to use in a dishwasher
the lid is made of tempered glass that is see-through and therefore allows one to monitor one’s cooking
It is made of highly polished stainless-steel
Its size measures 2.5 quarts and therefore sizable enough to be ideal
7.
Calphalon Premier Nonstick Pan with Double Boiler
Just as its name suggests, the Calphalon Premier Saving Nonstick Double is a space-saving nonstick cookware that has been coated with an oxide coat. Its uniqueness lies in its design. Its design is purposely to save space by stacking and nesting. Calphalon indicates that it saves thirty percent more space when it is stacked. The lids are made flat enough to allow the pans to stack into a smaller size and, therefore, create enough space in your storage area. As indicated earlier, the hard aluminum material has been coated with oxide to further strengthen it.
It helps to save up space when the pans are stacked
It is made of durable nonstick aluminum that has been anodized
the lids are made of flat see-through glass that has been tempered to make them durable
It safe to use both in a dishwasher and in an oven with a temperature up to 450 degrees
8.
Cook N Home Double Boiler Steamer
Cook N Home NC-00313 Double Steamer enters our list as the second entry from Cook N Home. This double boiler and steamer come with four-quart stockpot and steamer set just like its name suggests. It also has a double boiler insert with a glass lid topping it. One thing that makes this boiler standout in terms of appearance is the mirror-like polished stainless-steel interior and exterior. This also makes for very easy cleaning after use. The Cook N Home NC-000313 Double Boiler’s construction comes with an aluminum disc that has been reduced in volume.
It measures twelve inches in length, twelve inches in height, and eight and a half inches (8.5 inches) in width.
It is safe to clean in a dishwasher
It is made of stainless-steel that is mirror-polished which makes for easy cleaning
It is compatible with induction
9.
Winware Stainless 8 Quart Double Boiler
Winware Stainless Quart Double Boiler is a large double boiler and considered the ideal choice for your day-to-day tasks in the kitchen because of its size. It is a standout in terms of size when compared to other double boilers. Its design is from stainless-steel that is heavyweight and, at the bottom, its volume has been reduced. Even the lid was not left out of the uniqueness. It is also made of stainless-steel and has a heavy gauge. This basically is a large heavy pot with a double boiler insert. Winware Stainless 8 Quart Double Boiler’s expanded capacity makes it ideal for a large family.
Its size gives it an expanded capacity and ideal for a large family
It has a stainless-steel cover that is heavy-gauge.
It is heavy-weight with a stainless-steel bottom which has been reduced in volume
It is durable with well-made features like sturdy handles that offer a secure grip
10.
Purelife Double Boiler And Stainless-Steel Steamer
Purelife Double Boiler Melting Chocolate Candle is the final entry into our list. As its name in full suggests, Purelife Double Boiler And Stainless-steel Steamer is ideal for melting candle, chocolate, cheese, and more. It is made of stainless-steel which suggests easy cleaning after use. It also comes with a glass lid which is tempered to improve its durability. The glass lid is see-through. Again, this means you can check on your cooking project without lifting the lid and affecting the cooking temperature.
The handles are designed to make for efficient storage
It is dishwasher friendly
It is safe to use in an oven
It allows for even heat distribution and therefore removes heat spots
Best Double Boiler Buying Guide & FAQ
Things To Consider Before Purchasing A Double Boiler
Double boilers are designed to heat food slowly and evenly over steaming heat. Aside from melting chocolate, cheese, and cooking thick sauce, the double boiler can be used for cooking other delicacies. Since there are several brands available, there some things to consider before making a choice.
- The Pan
Most boilers have pans with two or three quarts capacity. The upper insert pan is mostly one quart or two. Your cooking will be done in the upper insert pan and therefore you must be sure you are buying the right size for your usage.
- The Lid
Many double boilers come with lids. However, they are usually not used because most cooking requires stirring constantly. Some the lids are see-through glass for those times when you do not need to stir but monitor your cooking.
- Stainless-steel
Most boilers are made from polished stainless-steel and aluminum discs. Aside from making them look beautiful, they play important roles in the even distribution of the heat. Be certain of what a boiler is made of before making a purchase.
How Does It Work: Double Boiler Construction
A double boiler pot comprises two pots or pans. One is larger than the other. The larger one serves as the base pot or pan and transfers steam from water placed in it to the smaller pot. The smaller pot or pan is fitted into the larger one and usually comes with a lid. Most of the cooking is done in the smaller pot. The gentle heat from the lower pan slowly cooks the content in the smaller pan or pot inserted in it. Most double boilers come with layered aluminum discs placed at the bottom of the larger pan. This disc, coupled with the stainless-steel pans, distribute heat evenly along the walls of the upper pan. The heat boils the water in the larger pan, and the steam slowly cooks the content in the smaller pan inserted. An evenly distributed heat is important in ensuring the contents are cooked well and evenly. Most double boilers come with lids. Although most often require constant stirring, there are times when it should be closed and monitored. Most of the lids are see-through so you can check on your cooking without needing to open it. Some of the lids have vents that release some moisture.
Best Double Boiler FAQ:
Q: How much water should I use in a double boiler?
A: It is recommended to put about one to two inches of water in the bottom pan of the double boiler. However, the exact amount may differ from boiler to boiler because of difference in sizes. That notwithstanding, about one to two inches of water is all that is needed. Double boilers cook with steam and not the water. It is therefore very important to keep in mind that, no matter the size or water capacity of the lower pan of your boiler, the amount of water you fill it with should not touch the bottom of the upper pan. It is also advisable to have some extra water available. The water in the lower pan may decrease while cooking lasts. When the water levels get too low, the bottom pot should be refilled.
Q: Can I use a double boiler to make fudge and candy?
A: The simple answer is, yes. Many people believe using the double boiler to make fudge and candy is the most preferred method. This is because the double boiler ensures that the melting is slow and even enough and the fudge does not seize up. This is a much better option than, say, putting the pot directly over low heat. This is because once a cooking pot put directly over the heat, even the lowest heat could be too much and could cause the candy to seize up or even burn. the double boiler makes for a low heat over simmering water that evenly distributes the heat. This makes it possible to have better control over your cooking.
Q: How does it melt chocolate?
A: Double boilers are used to melt chocolate over low heat. The lower pan of the boiler is filled with water and placed over low heat. The chocolate is placed in the upper pot and inserted in the lower pot. The chocolate could either be coarsely chopped or in chips. It is important to ensure that the water in the lower pot is hot but not boiling. This allows the chocolate to melt slowly. It is then stirred until smooth when the melting chocolate becomes shiny. Care is taken not to cover the chocolate in the upper pot as it melts. Doing so may trap in some more heat and increase the temperature. Once the chocolate is well-melted and stirred smooth, the top boiler is removed from the heat.
Sources:
- Technique Time: DIY Double Boiler - RachaelRayMag
- How to Melt Chocolate - HowStuffWorks
