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The best double boilers to melt cheese and chocolate

Looking to melt chocolate or steam vegetables? A double boiler is just what you're looking for.
By Kaitlyn McInnis  on 
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

Our Top 5 Picks

T-fal Specialty Stainless Steel Double Boiler (opens in a new tab)

Top Pick

Dishwasher-safe, lightweight design, and it's not incredibly expensive? What more could ask from a double boiler?

The Good

  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Lightweight design
  • Great price for the quality

The Bad

  • Not as heavy-duty as others on the list

The Bottom Line

While the T-fal double boiler is not as heavy-duty as others, its still got everything you need to melt cheese or steam veggies.
Pros & Cons

La Patisserie 1.5 Quart Double Boiler (opens in a new tab)

Best For Induction Burners

This tiny but mighty double boiler has handles that stay cool and tempered glass for monitoring food. It's perfect for induction burners.

The Good

  • Tempered glass lid allows food to be monitored while cooking
  • Stay-cool handles
  • Lightweight

The Bad

  • Some reviewers say this boiler may rust if it’s not dried properly

The Bottom Line

Although you have to be careful with drying to avoid rust, the La Patisserie is still a great double boiler for induction burners.
Pros & Cons

Cuisinart French Classic Tri-Ply Stainless Double Boiler (opens in a new tab)

Best Mid-size Design

If you feel like Goldilocks when it comes to your double boilers, the Cuisinart French classic double boiler is the best mid-size design for all your boiling needs.

The Good

  • Dishwasher-safe design
  • Features stay-cool handles
  • Crafted from tri-ply stainless steel

The Bad

  • Some reviewers noted that the handles are quite heavy

The Bottom Line

This mid-size boiler has the stay-cool handles and stainless steel design to tackle and melt cheese and chocolate.
Pros & Cons

Cook N Home Stainless Steel Saucepan Double Boiler (opens in a new tab)

Best For Families

The Cook N Home double boiler is a great size for big families and it's dishwasher safe.

The Good

  • Riveted handles for comfort and durability
  • Works on all stove types
  • Safe for the dishwasher

The Bad

  • The screw for the top handle may rust over time

The Bottom Line

This double boiler also has a steamer insert made for big family meals.
Pros & Cons

Farberware Classic Stainless Series 2-Quart Covered Double Boiler (opens in a new tab)

Best For Vintage Lovers

If you crave that vintage look in your cookware, the Farberware double boiler will make you feel like Julia Child in your kitchen.

The Good

  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Oven safe up to 350 degrees
  • Includes a lifetime warranty

The Bad

  • Handles and knobs may loosen over time

The Bottom Line

Although this double boiler has a vintage look, it does not sacrifice any of the modern perks of today.
Pros & Cons

Double boiling is a process of gentle cooking often used for melting chocolate, candle wax, or cheese, cooking certain sauces, and more. Water is simmered in the bottom pot, and will delicately cook or melt the contents of the top pot without burning. When choosing a double boiler, size is key, and that depends on what you’re planning to make.

Looking for the best double boiler for your own kitchen needs? We’ve got you! We’ve researched the best double boilers out there, and included different sizes for different recipes and budgets.

How do I choose the best double boiler?

Choosing the right double boiler really comes down to what you plan on using your new kitchen tool for. Do you want something that’ll allow you to precisely boil chocolate and cheese—or do you want something that will work for steamed vegetables and other larger items? If you plan to use it for a little of everything, a 1.5 quart boiler is a great mid-sized option that should work for most households.

How much do double boilers cost?

Double boilers are not as expensive as you might think. Unlike larger kitchenware, which can easily range into the hundreds, a great name brand double boiler will run you anywhere from $30 to $100.

Top Pick
Credit: T-fal
Specs
  • Capacity: Three quarts
  • Dishwasher safe: Yes

Looking for something easy to use—and even easier to clean? This double boiler by T-fal is it. The nonstick interior and exterior make this a great option for easy cooking and cleanup. The  boiler insert itself is made of stainless steel—and the product only weighs a total of two pounds, which makes it easy to use and store.

Best For Induction Burners
Credit: La Patisserie
Specs
  • Capacity: 1.5 quarts (three piece)
  • Dishwasher safe: Yes (be careful with drying)

Looking for something that’ll last for the long run? This 1.5-quart pot with a glass lid is great for melting chocolate or cheese, without worry of burning it. The handsome product is made of highly-polished stainless steel that’ll last for years. It’s also safe for the dishwasher and compatible with induction burners.

Best Mid-size Design
Credit: Cuisinart
Specs
  • Capacity: Three quarts (three piece set)
  • Dishwasher safe: Yes

This classic Cuisinart set is a great option for those who might need a slightly larger double boiler. It boasts stay-cool stainless steel handles, a three quart sauce pot, a double boiling pot, and a tight-fitting top for added ease of use. The product employs Heat Surround Technology for even heating—a huge plus for precision cooking.

Best For Families
Credit: Cook N Home
Specs
  • Capacity: Four quarts
  • Dishwasher safe: Yes (screw for top handle may get rusty)

Not only is this a double boiler, but it includes a steamer insert as well, which is great for larger households that might be cooking up more than one meal at a time. The stockpot is four quarts, with an aluminum disc-layered bottom for even heat distribution. The top is tempered glass for easy monitoring.

Best For Vintage Lovers
Credit: Farberware
Specs
  • Capacity: Two quarts
  • Dishwasher safe: Yes

This double boiler has that iconic kitchenware look we all love—but it’s also extremely practical and easy to use. There’s a reason the classics stick around after all! At two quarts, this mid-sized, stainless steel device is suitable for most families but won’t be too big to store.

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