[Top7] Best Double Boiler for Melting Chocolate

Temperance chocolate, which has a mixture of cocoa powder and other naturally occurring ingredients, is an integral component of chocolate candy and confectionery. It is often processed either manually or using high temperature equipment known as a double boiler. It also involves several steps in the process including grinding cocoa, boiling the powder, chilling, adding milk, flavoring and finally bottling and packaging.

First, cocoa powder is ground into fine powder, which then has to be combined with water before it can be heated. The water is added so the water is able to penetrate into the powder. When cocoa is mixed with water, it becomes a liquid cocoa butter. The resulting liquid butter is then added to milk, which creates a lather, which allows it to glide onto the chocolate.

This lather is then spread onto the chocolate and allowed to stand for several minutes to allow the chocolate to harden. Once hardened, the chocolate can then be prepared for flavoring. This process is not only used in chocolate candy, but also confecteries, cookies and many types of cupcakes.

Flavoring can be achieved in different ways. Some of the most common ones are using vanilla, mint or chocolate-flavored ice cream. Most chocolate products are also flavored with caramel and rum. These are all popular options that most people like to use when they are out shopping for chocolate candies or confections.

The chocolate is then ready for the second step – heating it again using the double boiler to make cocoa butter. This is the final step in the chocolate’s processing before it is sold to consumers. This final step involves adding a cooling agent to the chocolate to cool it down before packaging.

The final step of making chocolate involves the melting and then pouring into chocolate bars. There are several varieties of chocolate bars that can be made from cocoa butter, such as dark chocolate bars and milk chocolate bars. These chocolate bars are the most popular chocolate bars that are consumed by consumers. While other varieties of chocolate bars can also be made, the most popular ones are usually the milk chocolate bar and the dark chocolate bar.

The melting of cocoa butter and the making of chocolate bars are the process used in producing chocolate candies, and confections. These processes help to create a smooth chocolate bar that tastes good and is easy to eat. If you are looking to buy chocolate candies or other confections, you will want to have a selection of different brands of them to try out. A wide variety is important because each brand has its own characteristics that make it different and therefore different products taste different.

For instance, some chocolates have a more bitter taste than others while others are more creamy or sweet. Some companies use more cocoa while others useless.

There are many ways to get your hands on these chocolate bars. You can buy them in the store or purchase them online. Whichever way you choose to go, you should make sure that you choose the right type of chocolate you are looking for.

Once you have found the right type of chocolate you want, you should then heat it using the double boiler until it becomes soft and then pour it into the mold. After you have finished pouring the chocolate into the mold, you will then need to add the flavoring agent. After you have done this, place the chocolate into the storage container and cover it.

The next step is to then put the lid on the container, close it up and place the container in the double boiler. Let the chocolate cool in there for approximately 30 minutes. At this time, you will notice that it will solidify again and start to form into the shape of the candies or other confections.

Store your chocolate in a cool, dry place, and you will keep it for about two to three years. If you want to take care of your chocolate bars, you will want to store them in a cool, dry, dark place, away from light. The longer you store them, the longer they will last.

Let’s take an in-depth look at the best double broilers for melting chocolate to help you find one that’s perfect for your needs.

1T-Fal B1399663 Specialty Stainless Steel Double Boiler – Best Stainless Steel Double Boiler

T-fal, known for its non-stick cookware, has an entry in the competition for the best stainless steel double boiler. Theirs is a three-quart set with the bottom pot of aluminum construction sporting the famous non-stick coating on the interior and exterior. The boiler insert is stainless steel.

The handles on the pots are phenolic, a plastic derivative, and ergonomic for a comfortable and cooler grip. The set is dishwasher safe, and it comes with a lifetime limited warranty.

How is it at melting chocolate?

This double boiler does its job just fine, but we did run into a few issues as we were cooking. One problem was that since the side of the boiler pan meets its base at almost a 90-degree angle, it is difficult to get a whisk or spatula into the bottom edge of the base of the pan.

Chocolate, as well as many other things which you might be hoping to melt in this boiler, should be stirred often during the melting process in order to prevent burning and to get the unmelted chunks to the heat. If you can’t get the kitchen utensil to slide smoothly along all surfaces, you can have problems with burning or unmelted pieces.

Sticky mess…

Another issue is the lip at the top of the pan. It makes the lid fit securely, which we liked, but whatever you’re cooking in the double boiler also gets stuck in that lip and does not slide back down into the pan. We found that to be frustrating.

Please be aware that although the top of the double boiler is stainless steel and does have a flat bottom, it is not meant to be used as a pan in its own right. The boiler is very thin, perfect for conducting heat from the boiling water below, but not so good for cooking on its own.

Great for those who need a lot of chocolate…

We did like that the boiler is a 3 quart. Many of the boilers we will be reviewing below are considerably smaller. If you are melting something of a larger quantity, the size of the boiler itself might be an important factor.

PROS

• Three quart boiler.
• Nonstick lower pan.
• Cool handles.
• Dishwasher safe.
• Warranty.
• Middle of the price range.

CONS

• Difficult to stir edges of the boiler.
• Food gets in boiler pan’s lip.

2Mr. Rudolf Stainless Steel Double Boiler & Steam Pots – Best Double Boiler and Steam Pot

The offering by Mr. Rudolf is a four-piece stackable set. The three pots of this double boiler and steam pot set have an aluminum disk on the bottom surrounded by stainless steel. The bottom pot is a three-quart capacity, and the other two inserts are smaller. All three pieces have ergonomic handles. The glass lid fits all three pots.

What is the purpose of a double boiler?

A double boiler is meant to avoid burning food while melting it or cooking it. To that end, a double boiler cooks via indirect heat. If you want to melt chocolate without burning it, you can fill the bottom pan with water and bring the water to a boil. The heat from the boiling water warms the boiler on top and melts the chocolate.

All of us on the review team have burned chocolate in an attempt to melt it. Even a microwave is not an option, as some parts of the chocolate can burn even while other parts are not yet melted. A double boiler is the best bet for melting chocolate, cheese, wax, and other items.

Keep an eye on things…

As double boilers go, this set was okay. We like the glass lid so we can see how things are progressing. We also like that the cookware is dishwasher and oven safe. What makes this oven safe, however, is that the handles are stainless steel, and they do get hot while cooking. So, you’ll want to keep a potholder or one of the best oven mitts handy.

Another positive, however, is that this set is good for use on induction cooktops. If you have that kind of stove, you are well aware that many pots and pans are not compatible with that style cooktop. There is also the option to use the steam pot insert as well as having the double boiler.

Great value considering what’s included…

This set is at the lower end of the higher price range, but you do get three pans and a lid. For the price, we’ll gladly use oven mitts to protect our hands.

PROS

• Compatible with induction cooktops.
• Boiler and steam pot included.
• Three pots and a lid.
• Dishwasher safe.
• Oven safe.

CONS

• Higher end of the price range.
• Handles get hot.

3All-Clad 8400000266 Stainless Steel Sauce Pan – Best Premium Double Broiler for Chocolate

Cue the patriotic music… this double boiler is offered by All-Clad, proudly made in the USA. If you’re wanting to buy American, you’re already aware that there are not that many products from which to choose. But there’s a price to patriotism; All-Clad’s entry for the best double boiler for chocolate is also the most expensive of all those we reviewed.

Is it worth the extra cost?

Well, we have to say it is very well made. You can tell just by looking at the handles which are riveted securely in place. It is also definitely heavier in weight than the other pans we reviewed. As are many of the others, this is 3-ply bonded, meaning there is a disc of aluminum sandwiched in between the stainless steel interior and exterior.

That aluminum helps with even heat distribution. The stainless steel, in a pretty starburst finish, helps reduce stick and ensures easy clean-up. Plus, unlike non-stick coatings, there is nothing to react to with the food you are cooking. The handles, too, are stainless steel, so you will need to use an oven mitt.

Versatile and practical…

Like the other stainless steel pots, the bottom pot is dishwasher safe. It is safe to use in the oven and even the broiler for up to 600 degrees F. The lid, too, is stainless steel. You can put it in the dishwasher, but you cannot see through it to monitor whatever you might be cooking.

All-clad’s double boiler is different in another way. The bottom pan is 2 quart stainless steel. The boiler insert is 1.5 quart and is porcelain.

Why is that good?

Porcelain transfers heat gently, making custards, delicate sauces, and even melted chocolate look and taste like an expert chef was in control. And isn’t that what we want when we spend time in the kitchen? We want our output to look like Gordon Ramsay worked in the kitchen for us. In addition, if any of us testers actually had an induction cooktop, this cookware would work on it.

The bottom of the porcelain boiler is flat, not rounded, which is one of those personal preference things. Two of our reviewers prefer rounded for ease in stirring. The rest of us didn’t really care either way.

PROS

• Excellent quality.
• Porcelain boiler insert.
• Compatible with induction stovetops.

CONS

• Highest price of the products reviewed.
• Handles get hot.

4Cuisinart FCT1113-18 Saucepan and Double Boiler Set – Best Heavy Duty Double Boiler for Chocolate

Another three-quart saucepan with a double boiler and a cover, this set by Cuisinart is also stainless steel. As with some of the other higher quality pans, it has an aluminum core between the stainless steel on the bottom of the pan to provide even heat distribution and consistent heat along the bottom and sidewalls of the pan.

Because Cuisinart is a quality manufacturer, their handles are riveted to the pan. In addition, their handles are said to be “stay-cool” handles even though they are made of stainless steel.

Do the “stay-cool” handles really stay cool?

The handles on Cuisinart’s pans are quite long, so the heat transfer does not seem to travel up to the part of the handle where you would normally put your hand. They really do stay cool. Well, that is unless you cook like our tester, Mike. We couldn’t figure out why his handle was always hot, while ours did indeed stay cool.

Mike, when he was cooking, often had his pot handle over another pan rather than to the outside of the cooktop. The heat from whatever was cooking in that other pan transferred to his handle. We had to show him the proper way to place his pots and pans while working at a cooktop.

In case you weren’t sure, Mike usually gets carry-out!

Cuisinart’s double boiler is dishwasher safe. We like that it also comes with a lifetime warranty, something very few of the other products we reviewed had.

PROS

• Good quality.
• Dishwasher safe.
• Stay-cool handles.
• Lifetime warranty.

CONS

• High end of the price range.

5Farberware Classic Stainless Series 2-Quart Covered Double Boiler – Best Farberware Double Boiler for Chocolate

Farberware, another well-known name, is quality cookware, has a two-quart double boiler with a lid. Unlike some of the boilers we reviewed, their handles are covered to provide a comfortable grip and prevent scorched palms. They are still oven safe up to 350 degrees.

Why Farberware?

Farberware, like many of the other quality cookware, has the aluminum core surrounded by stainless steel. This combination provides durability along with even heating. In addition, it is induction compatible, a nice feature for those who have that kind of cooktop.

It also has that iconic Farberware look–mirror finish on the stainless steel and a large knob on the lid for easy grabbing. The pot’s edges are rolled, making it super easy to pour from the boiler into your candy forms, or wherever you’re putting that luscious melted chocolate.

Seal in the flavor…

Another feature on Farberware is their stainless steel lid, which seals in heat and flavor. Any condensation that rises during cooking falls back into the food, basting it with moisture. Other pans will sputter hot liquid from between the lid and the pan’s lip. Farberware’s seal will not spit and is better than the other products we reviewed.

Farberware has a reputation for quality backed by a lifetime warranty. The only complaint we had was that though this is advertised as a 2 quart double boiler, it is only the bottom pot that can hold that amount of liquid. The top really has a 1.5 quart capacity.

It is also dishwasher safe and falls in the middle of the price range.

PROS

• Cool handles.
• Lifetime warranty.
• Sealed lids.
• Dishwasher safe.
• Middle of the price range.

CONS

• Small boiler capacity.

6ExcelSteel 3 Piece Boiler, 2.5 quart, Stainless Steel – Best Budget Double Boiler for Chocolate

The double boiler by ExcelSteel is a 2.5 quart pan in polished stainless steel. It is dishwasher safe and has a tempered glass lid. It is also compatible for an induction stovetop.

Why is a glass lid nice?

To state the obvious, you can see through a glass lid, and that is nice when you’re cooking delicate sauces or melting cheese or chocolate. Every time you lift a lid to look at what you have cooking, heat escapes, and your cooking time is extended. You can tell from a look if your chocolate chunks are melted or if they need another stir.

The handles on this double boiler are supposed to be “stay cool,” but we found they got pretty hot. We would recommend having oven mitts or pot holders nearby while you’re using this double boiler set. The handles have hanging loops, so if you have a pot hanger, these are compatible.

Should you take their word for it?

ExcelSteel says their boiler is constructed from high-quality stainless steel. They say it will be durable, reliable, and will last a long time. We aren’t so sure. It is very thin and does not appear to have some of the features more durable cookware tends to have, such as riveted handles.

PROS

• Nice size pan.
• Glass lid.
• Dishwasher safe.
• Lower end of the price range.

CONS

• Feels thin and flimsy.
• Handle gets hot.

7Purelife Double Boiler & Steam Pots Stainless Steel – Best Mid-Range Double Broiler for Chocolate

In the middle of the price range, this is a four-piece, stackable, stainless-steel double boiler and steam pot set by Purelife. There are three 3-quart pans and one lid in the grouping. The pans have thin aluminum disk bottoms enclosed with stainless steel to provide even heat distribution for your cooking pleasure.

What is a steam pot?

A steam pot is designed to keep the food you want to cook above the water line so that it is cooked by steam. Many double boiler sets also come with a steam pot, like the set we’re looking at right now.

If you wanted a steamed vegetable, for example, you would put water in the bottom pot to a level where it will not touch the bottom of the steam pot above it. Make sure you have enough water that there is no chance of it running dry during the course of cooking. Your vegetable would go in the steam pot above it, where it would then be covered to retain the heat.

What did we like?

Steam pots and double boilers naturally go together as both are nested into the bottom pot from which they get their heat. They do, however, serve two completely different purposes. We like the stackability of this set as a space saver in our cupboard.

This set by Purelife is a three-quart set. It has a glass lid so that you can see what you are cooking. The pots themselves are both dishwasher and oven safe. We do not recommend putting a glass lid in the oven. The set also works on an induction cooktop.

Some like it hot…

We found that the handles can get a little hot while cooking as can the lid knob, so we would recommend having an oven mitt handy. However, we do like that the handles are riveted on.

One of our testers found that white marks appeared on the bottom of the pan after the first use, and they would not come off. She scrubbed, thinking it might be a hard water thing, but the marks seem permanent. Thankfully, Purelife has a 90-day no-risk return policy.

PROS

• Boiler and steamer pots included.
• Dishwasher and oven safe.
• Middle of the price range.
• Safe for induction cooktop.

CONS

• Handles get hot.
• Subject to stains.

Best Double Boiler For Chocolate Buyer’s Guide 2020

As you can see from the above reviews, there are many things to consider when choosing what you hope is the best double boiler for melting chocolate. Making the right decision is difficult unless you consider more than just the features of the items offered. We’ll help you consider some of the other things that might influence, which is best for you.

Do you want a double boiler and a steam pot?

After seeing some of these four-piece sets (three pieces plus a lid) reviewed above, you may have decided to try a set that also has the steam pot. These sets will work as a double boiler if you use one of the inserts and will work as a steam pot if you use the other insert.

If you’re at all interested in steaming your food as well as melting chocolate, we would suggest purchasing one of these sets. Yes, they’re more expensive than just a double boiler, but you’re getting a pot that will do a completely different function that you may actually use more often than the double boiler you set out to buy.

How to melt chocolate using a double-boiler

Tip: Chocolate has a very low melting point. It must not be subjected to excessive heat, such as baking temperatures in an oven. Always melt over very low heat – do not boil the water. Moisture is the enemy of melting chocolate – it can cause the mixture to stiffen. Don’t let any water get into the chocolate (that’s why you shouldn’t cover the double boiler; condensation will drip in).

Do you only need the boiler part, or do you need the set, including the bottom pot?

What is it you’re really looking for? Perhaps you were not even aware that you could purchase just the boiler part of the double boiler and use it with a pot you have at home. Depending upon what you are planning to use it for or how often you plan to use it, that might be a sufficient solution.

How often do you really think you’ll use the double boiler?

If you plan to make chocolate candy in forms only for the upcoming Valentine’s day, you may not want to spend a significant amount of money on your double boiler. If, however, you secretly hope your candy making turns into a profitable side business, you should go ahead and get a quality double boiler even though there is a significant difference in the cost.

What are you planning to use the boiler for?

Does your plan for the double boiler only focus on melting chocolate for candy making or for chocolate fondue? Or are you thinking about mixing ingredients for homemade lip balm or melting wax for candle making? The answer to these questions may determine the cost you are prepared to expend on your double boiler.

For example…

If you’ve always wanted to try candle-making, you may prefer a double boiler that is basically expendable. Wax is going to drip down the side, and it is difficult to get it completely clean. Most candle makers have a pan that they only use for melting the wax. If this sounds like you, a less expensive double boiler might be best.

If, however, you’re planning to go into the candy-making business as a supplemental source for income, you need a better quality double boiler set that will hold up to your rigorous demands. In this scenario, the purchase of a lesser quality set simply does not make sense.

Speaking of Chocolate…

Check out our review of the Best Hot Chocolate Mix.

How To Melt Chocolate

Melting chocolate can be intimidating. Leaving it for just a few seconds too long or unattended can lead to a disastrous, burnt mess. With a few simple tips, you can feel confident melting all types of chocolate for all of your Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Oreo Truffles.

Melting on the stovetop

Melting chocolate on the stovetop is the preferred method. A double boiler gives you the best control over the heat. The steam of the simmering water gently melts the chocolate so that it doesn’t burn.

Create a double boiler by bringing a medium pot filled a little less than halfway with water to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl that’s just big enough to sit on top of the pot and add your chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar to the bowl. Keep the pot over low heat and stir the chocolate with a rubber spatula until silky smooth.

Pro tip: After removing your bowl from the double boiler, take a towel and wipe the bottom dry. You don’t want to risk any water finding its way into your bowl. Water is chocolate’s worst enemy and will cause it to seize so you want to avoid water touching it all costs.

Melting in the microwave

Melting in the microwave is the faster of the two methods, but it is still important to watch it carefully. Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl and only microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each time. Once chocolate is looking almost melted with just a few lumps, don’t microwave it again just stir the chocolate until it is completely smooth.

Adding a tablespoon of coconut oil or vegetable oil while microwaving helps the chocolate melt more smoothly and makes it the perfect consistency for dipping!

So, what is the Best Double Boiler For Chocolate?

Since you’re reading a review on the best double boiler for chocolate, we have decided to assume you plan to melt chocolate in your double boiler. For that purpose, we’re also assuming you plan to do this more than just once, because we all know how addictive chocolate is. For that reason, we suggest the…

Cuisinart MCP111-20N MultiClad Pro Stainless Universal Double Boiler with Cover

…for your needs.

This is the boiler only, but you can use it with your pans at home, reducing the expense of what we can agree is a high-quality product. It will last for years rather than just for a few uses. Furthermore, should you choose to someday purchase more Cuisinart cookware, this will work with your purchase.