Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef that 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! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-quast-59769011/
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Deciding on a double boiler relies heavily on how you'll use it. So, think about the following factors when making your choice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cons:
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.
Cons:
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.
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
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.
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!
For more options on double boiler sets and inserts, check out Amazon's bestseller's list of double boilers below!
No. 1: Farberware | Farberware Classic Stainless Double Boiler
No. 2: Cook N Home | T-fal Specialty Stainless Steel Double Boiler | NC-00313
No. 3: JKsmart | JKsmart Double Boiler and Classic Stainless Steel Saucepan
No. 4: Cuisinart | FRENCH CLASSIC TRI-PLY 3 PIECE DOUBLE BOILER SET | FCT1113-18
No. 5: Bene Casa | Flan Mold Double Boiler with Glass Lid
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