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  • 5 Best Double Boiler Sets of 2024 (Chef-Reviewed) 1
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5 Best Double Boiler Sets of 2024 (Chef-Reviewed)

Some of the most delicious things require a little bit more finesse than the average kitchen is prepared to give. Think melted chocolate, hollandaise sauce, or even reliably unburnt stovetop rice. For that, you need a double boiler, which is essentially a pot on top of a pot of boiling water that will give you lower, more even heat.

Picking out a double boiler can seem like a bit of a chore; there are a ton of options, and they all look more or less the same. In this guide, which was reviewed by a professional chef, we’ll go over the things you should specifically look for when deciding which double boiler is best for your needs. Our 5 best list introduces double boiler sets, so you can find what fits you best; our favorite was La Patisserie's set. Having a glass lid, is made of tri-ply stainless steel, and has long handles to protect you from the heat. 
Last updated 02/21/2024
Jim Quast
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Executive R&D Chef
Jim Quast

Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!

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mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

How to Choose a Double Boiler – Buying Guide

Deciding on a double boiler relies heavily on how you'll use it. So, think about the following factors when making your choice.

1

Sets Are the Most Effective and Will always be a Perfect Fit

Sets Are the Most Effective and Will always be a Perfect Fit

A double boiler set is comprised of a base pot that holds water and a top pot with a flat bottom that gets inserted into the base pot. The top pot holds the ingredients that need to be heated.


These two pots should fit together perfectly to reduce the risk of anything spilling, steam getting into your food, and anything tipping over. Keep in mind that, with some sets, the base pot can only be used with the top inset, not by itself to cook items separately.


While a set may be more convenient, they take up quite a bit of space, since they are a set of two. These sets would be best for those who would use a double boiler more often and have the storage space for both pots. 

2

A Mix of Stainless Steel and Aluminum will Give you the Best Performance

A Mix of Stainless Steel and Aluminum will Give you the Best Performance

While most double boilers are made of stainless steel, this doesn't heat as evenly as other alternatives like aluminum. However, there's a remedy for this. Some double boiler sets are made of tri-ply stainless steel. This material is stainless steel with an aluminum core, combining a rust-free, dishwasher-safe exterior with an interior that heats quickly and evenly.


With stainless steel, you don’t have to worry about any unnecessary chemicals or flavors leaching into your foods. Plus, there’s no need to consider nonstick coatings, since nothing will stick at such low temperatures.

3

Consider What Capacity Suits Your Cooking Habits

Consider What Capacity Suits Your Cooking Habits
Sets are best for large batches. Common sizes for sets are between one and four quarts. But, some sets can be eight quarts or larger. For most uses, like making a few servings of hollandaise, chocolate, or melting butter, two quarts or fewer would be ideal.

Though this is more of an issue with inserts, keep in mind that the top pot or bowl should not be submerged in boiling water. Steam is what provides gentle heat, and the temperature of boiling water is too high.

4

Pick a Boiler With a Clear Lid for Faster Cooking

Pick a Boiler With a Clear Lid for Faster Cooking
Lids may seem like a bad choice for a process that requires low heat. Extra heat can burn your food or the droplets from condensation can drop back into the food, thinning it out and altering the flavor and thickness.

But, the extra heat can speed up the melting process. And since the ingredients need to be watched, a clear lid will make it easier to keep an eye out and prevent burning. With an opaque lid, you'd have to lift it to check on and stir the food constantly, releasing valuable steam. 

 
5

Look for Useful Features, Like Pour Spouts

Look for Useful Features, Like Pour Spouts

Double boilers can have numerous beneficial features. Pour spouts, for example, are grooves or spouts on your top pot that allow you to easily pour out your ingredients once they have completely melted or cooked. This is especially useful for pouring melted chocolate or candle wax into molds or drizzling the chocolate sauce onto other food items. They may also come with tools or a unique design too!


Long, heat-safe handles, or any handle for the top pot and the base pot, are also very important features for double boilers to have. A handle will protect your hands and make it easy to hold the top pot as you stir or when removing it from the base pot. 

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5 Best Double Boiler Sets

Here are our five favorite double boiler sets; as these can take up a decent amount of space, make sure you have enough room before buying one.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Farberware

Farberware Classic Stainless Double Boiler

Farberware Farberware Classic Stainless Double Boiler 1

$39.99

Mid

Best Set for Versatility

2

Cook N Home

T-fal Specialty Stainless Steel Double BoilerNC-00313

Cook N Home T-fal Specialty Stainless Steel Double Boiler 1

$67.00

High Mid

Best Set for Chocolate

3

JKsmart

JKsmart Double Boiler and Classic Stainless Steel Saucepan

JKsmart JKsmart Double Boiler and Classic Stainless Steel Saucepan 1

$29.99

Low Mid

Best for Small Servings

4

Cuisinart

FRENCH CLASSIC TRI-PLY 3 PIECE DOUBLE BOILER SETFCT1113-18

Cuisinart FRENCH CLASSIC TRI-PLY 3 PIECE DOUBLE BOILER SET 1

$141.78

High Mid

Best for Even Heating

5

Bene Casa

Flan Mold Double Boiler with Glass Lid

Bene Casa Flan Mold Double Boiler with Glass Lid 1

$29.99

Low Mid

Best Set for Flan

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

FarberwareFarberware Classic Stainless Double Boiler

Farberware Classic Stainless Double Boiler 1
Source:amazon.com
Farberware Classic Stainless Double Boiler 2
Source:amazon.com
Farberware Classic Stainless Double Boiler 3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$39.99
Mid
Reference price
$39.99
Mid

Best Set for Versatility

Pros:
  • Both the top and base pot have handles and can be hung on a kitchen rack
  • Seamless fit between top and base pot traps steam well for even, gentle cooking
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Oven-safe up to 350 degrees

Cons:

  • The lid is opaque, so it has to be removed for monitoring food

This Classic Stainless Steel Double Boiler set by Farberware is designed to cook a variety of ingredients and be used in many different ways. It's oven-safe for up to 350 degrees and dishwasher-safe. The tight fit between the top and base pots traps heat perfectly to cook a variety of foods or melt candle wax. Both pots have ergonomic handles with hooks to protect your hands from the heat.


A few reviewers say the metal of this set is too lightweight. They also find it hard to clean because the top has a ridge that collects foods. But, many reviewers love that it has handles for safe, easy use. They also mention that this set is great for rice, melted chocolate, and hollandaise.
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No.2

Cook N HomeT-fal Specialty Stainless Steel Double BoilerNC-00313

Reference price
$67.00
High Mid

Best Set for Chocolate

Pros:
  • Includes steamer
  • Has a clear lid
  • The top and base pots have handles for safety
  • Great for larger batches
  • Aluminum bottom for even, quick heating

Cons:

  • Requires more storage space

Cook N Home's Double Boiler and Steamer is a great stainless steel set with numerous uses. The insert has an encapsulated aluminum bottom for quick, even heating, perfect for melting chocolate without burning it. The insert is three quarts, larger than most inserts on the market. The handles are for safe, easy use, and the clear lid allows you to monitor your food. 


Several reviewers say that the inserts don't fit within the base pot properly, letting steam escape. A few reviewers also feel that this set is too small for their needs. However, many customers find this set to be high quality and love the steamer that's included. They also say that this product is sturdy and very versatile. 

No.3

JKsmartJKsmart Double Boiler and Classic Stainless Steel Saucepan

JKsmart Double Boiler and Classic Stainless Steel Saucepan 1
Source:amazon.com
JKsmart Double Boiler and Classic Stainless Steel Saucepan 2
Source:amazon.com
JKsmart Double Boiler and Classic Stainless Steel Saucepan 3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$29.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$29.99
Low Mid

Best for Small Servings

Pros:
  • Includes a clear lid with stand-up handle
  • Deep base pot to keep water from touching the insert
  • Both the top and base pot have handles
  • Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

  • Reviewers say the light weight makes it a bit unstable

JKsmart's Double Boiler and Saucepan are made of dishwasher-safe stainless steel. While the set is 2.5 quarts total, the saucepan is one quart; perfect for heating small servings of chocolate, cheese, honey, and other foods. The top pot fits snugly with the base pot. The lid, base pot, and top pot have heat-proof handles for safety. 


A few reviewers mention that the top pot is unsteady and moves too much during use. However, most reviewers find this set to be durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. They love to make fillings for pies and cakes and also melt candles in it as well, despite the small size. 
No.4

CuisinartFRENCH CLASSIC TRI-PLY 3 PIECE DOUBLE BOILER SETFCT1113-18

Reference price
$141.78
High Mid

Best for Even Heating

Pros:

  • Made of tri-ply stainless steel for quick, even heat
  • Top and base pots have long handles for safe handling
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Includes lid to seal in heat
  • Oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit

Cons:

  • Lid is opaque, so you can't check on what's inside

Cuisinart's double boiler set is signed for even heating with tri-ply stainless steel and an aluminum core. This set includes a saucepan, boiler, and lid to retain heat. The long handles on both the top and base pots create a safer cooking experience. It's safe to use in ovens and freezers, as well. 


Some reviewers say that the curved bottom of the saucepan renders it difficult to set on a countertop. They also say the insert has ridges that can trap flour or other ingredients. However, many customers find this product to be sturdy, heat evenly, and like the comfort and safety of the handles

No.5

Bene CasaFlan Mold Double Boiler with Glass Lid

Reference price
$29.99
Low Mid

Best Set for Flan

Pros:

  • Has a clear lid to monitor cooking
  • Two handles for easy, safe handling
  • The inner pan has a unique mold shape for flan
  • Aluminum material for even heating

Cons:

  • Not as multipurpose compared to other double boiler sets
  • Some reviewers report manufacturing defects

Bene Casa's Double Boiler will be a favorite for flan lovers. The eight-inch inner pan has a built-in mold perfectly designed for making flan. The all-aluminum material provides even heating. The clear lid allows you to keep an eye on your flan without removing it. Safely and easily maneuver your double boiler with the two handles. 


Some reviewers wish the pan was deeper to make a taller flan and have issues with the water boiling over. However, most customers love that this product is easy to use and easy to clean. They also find making flan easier with this product. 

Tips for Using a Double Boiler

Tips for Using a Double Boiler

The point of using a double boiler is to cook foods more delicately, and while the process seems straightforward, here are some extra tips to help make using a double boiler or insert easier for you. 


One of the most important things to remember is how double boilers work. The boiling water in the base pot doesn't heat the top pot, steam does. This is why it's important that the fit between the top pot or insert is snug with the base pot so the trapped steam provides ample slow heat.


This also means that you shouldn't fill the base pot with so much water that it touches the bottom of the top pot or insert. Usually, one to two inches of water does the job. 


Another tip is to slowly heat water in the bottom pot until it’s simmering. Then, fill the top pot with ingredients while it’s still cool and lower it onto the bottom pot. If you put the ingredients into an already hot top pot, you run the risk of burning the ingredients. 


Since double boilers rely on a gentle cooking process, using high heat isn't necessary and can also burn your ingredients or cause the boiling water to bubble over. It's best to keep the heat at a simmer, on low heat, or at medium heat at the highest. 

Put Your Double Boiler to Good Use

Whether you plan on making homemade chocolates or homemade candles, you'll need more supplies than just the double boiler. Check out our other guides if you need some pointers on how to buy the best products!

Amazon's Best Selling Double Boilers

For more options on double boiler sets and inserts, check out Amazon's bestseller's list of double boilers below!

Top 5 Double Boiler Sets

No. 1: FarberwareFarberware Classic Stainless Double Boiler

No. 2: Cook N HomeT-fal Specialty Stainless Steel Double BoilerNC-00313

No. 3: JKsmartJKsmart Double Boiler and Classic Stainless Steel Saucepan

No. 4: CuisinartFRENCH CLASSIC TRI-PLY 3 PIECE DOUBLE BOILER SETFCT1113-18

No. 5: Bene CasaFlan Mold Double Boiler with Glass Lid

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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