The Best Double Boilers

This is a little embarrassing to admit, but I never really got the idea behind a double boiler. My parents always had one and used it often, but as far as my own kitchenware? Nah. I don't like a lot of gadgets, and I didn't simply have a need for a double boiler – that is, until someone gifted me one. Two words: game-changer. With the right double boiler, you can effortlessly melt chocolate or candy, warm up gravy, melt cheese, or heat up delicate leftovers. Recently, I used mine to melt beeswax for a craft project with my 3-year-old. Honestly, it has come in handy in so many unforeseen ways, that it has totally earned its spot in my otherwise as-minimalist-as-possible kitchen. See for yourself with any one of the boilers we've chosen as our favorites.

SONGZIMING Stainless Steel Double Boiler Pot

No Need to Reinvent the Wheel

This boiler fits into a pan you already own for easy steam-cooking accessibility.

Best Overall

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Since a double boiler is just a system of two pots, if you already have a pot at home, you don’t need to purchase a two-pot system. What you really need is a bowl-like pot with a lip that’ll rest gently on a pot that you already own. Add in a long handle and high-quality materials, and you’d have exactly what you need. In other words, this exact double boiler pot from SONGZIMING. Made from 18/8 stainless steel, this rust-resistant double boiler pot is designed to fit on top of a pot or pan that you already own. With a 2-cup capacity, you can use this for steaming just about anything.

Pros:

Ideal size for melting sweets, dairy, or even wax, as well as for creating one-of-a-kind recipes or craft projects.
Sturdy front hook that’ll hold up – no need to worry about the pot slipping down into the boiling water.
Long handle that stays cool for easy handling.

Cons:

For bigger melting or steaming needs, the 2-cup capacity isn’t ideal.

Farberware Classic Stainless Series 2-Quart Covered Double Boiler

2-Pot System

This entire system comes as one, but the boiler can be removed for use of just the pan. Even better? The entire boiler, lid, and pan can go in the oven since it's approved for up to 350F.

Best Oven-Safe

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Featuring a double boiler, saucepan, and lid, this combo Farberware set is made from the highest quality aluminum core for even heat distribution and admirable durability. The stainless steel is rust-resistant, keeping your double boiler looking in top condition no matter how many times you use it. Which, due to the easy-clean up (pop it in the dishwasher) and the convenience (use it as a saucepan or as a double broiler), chances are you’ll be using it quite a bit.

Pros:

The entire saucepan and double broiler can be put in the oven. It’s rated up to 350F.
Comfortable handles for an ergonomic grip.
Lifetime warranty.

Cons:

There is no pour spout.

ExcelSteel 3 Piece 2.5 Quart Stainless Steel Boiler

Sleek as Steel

Is there anything that looks classier in your kitchen than polished stainless steel? For devotees of the material, you'll love this pan-and-boiler combo.

Best Stainless Steel

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This polished stainless steel pot has one of the handiest designs: a see-through tempered glass lid. This makes it possible to watch as it cooks, which is ideal for more sensitive ingredients. And whether you’re cooking with the stickiest of ingredients or you’ve accidentally left it cooking for too long, clean-up is super easy. Not only is this system entirely dishwasher-safe, but there aren’t any points where ingredients can get stuck. I’ve had a double boiler with this really annoying lip by the handle attachment point, and when I’d melt chocolate, it would get stuck in there every single time. There’s nothing like that on these pans. It’s the small things, right?

Pros:

2.5-quart capacity.
Handles stay cool no matter how hot the ingredients get.
Polished, classy stainless steel construction.

Cons:

While it’s nice to have a lightweight saucepan and double boiler system, it is a bit temperamental with induction ranges.

T-fal Specialty Double Boiler with Phenolic Handle

Two Are Better Than One

This combo set comes with a high-quality nonstick saucepan and a beautiful stainless steel boiler.

Best Combo

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T-fal has made a true 2-in-1 double boiler system. Without the boiler, you have a nonstick saucepan with an even heat base, an easy-clean nonstick exterior and interior, and a heat-resistant, comfort-grip handle. On its own, it’s a perfectly nice pot. For the boiler itself, you’ve got extreme durability. Made of high-quality stainless steel, you’ll have a totally safe insert for heating and melting virtually anything you need. Best of all? You can wash both of these pans right in the dishwasher for easy clean-up.

Pros:

Ergonomic grip on both the saucepan and the boiler component.
Budget-friendly price point.
Heat-resistant on both pan and lid handle.

Cons:

For sticky ingredients, you’ll want to make sure to clean the boiler as soon as possible. As this portion isn’t nonstick, if you let it sit until it cools, it’s pretty hard to clean.

Nordic Ware Universal 8-cup Double Boiler

Universally Appealing

Coming as just one durable boiler pan, this nonstick 8-cup boiler will fit in any pan that's 6 to 9 inches in diameter.

Best Stand-Alone Boiler

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There are so many things to love about this boiler. First, it is a high-quality aluminum boiler that has a super handy nonstick interior. This makes for not only easy cleaning, but also a really gentle heat application when you’re using it. Next, there are two small handles that are easy to grip when removing it from the heat source (although you will need to use oven mitts for this, as they are not heat-resistant). And finally, and perhaps the best design component of all, this boiler is meant to be used with any pan that you already have as long as it has a diameter of 6 to 9 inches. For space-saving, less-is-more addicts like myself, this is a wonderful thing.

Pros:

High quality nonstick that is scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
Made in the USA.
Universal design.

Cons:

Only fits pots that are 6 to 9 inches in diameter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose behind a double boiler?

A double boiler is a system of two pots that uses steam as a source for heating or cooking food. Because of this steam system, it is typically used for gentle cooking or heating when you have temperature-sensitive ingredients.

You can find a double boiler that’s typically designed in one of two ways: as a stand-alone boiler that is universal (meaning it can be added onto any pot or pan that it will fit), or a double boiler that’s part of a collection (meaning it’s a boiler that comes inside of an included pan). You can use the included pan for other cooking, too, as the boiler is removable. Neither design is better than the other – it’s just a matter of which style you prefer.

What can I make with a double boiler?

You can use a double boiler for literally anything you want to steam. This can be melting chocolate, or using it to gently melt butter. You can use it to steam broccoli or melt down wax for making candles. Honestly, a double boiler might not seem like something that’s necessary, but once you get one? Well, you’ll see. Total game-changer. I once made this super fancy cake for a friend, and as part of the frosting process, I had to gently heat the frosting in a double boiler. What a joy.

So while you might not find yourself using it every single day, they definitely come in handy for whatever random recipe you have that requires one.