Double Boilers

Heat temperature-sensitive sauces, puddings, and sugars with a commercial double boiler to prevent them from burning. Also known as a Bain Marie, this cylindrical cookware has an inner and outer container to help you with temperature-sensitive tasks like melting chocolate and butter. Simply fill the outer pot with water and heat it over a stovetop. When you place your ingredients in the inner pot, they will heat gently rather than burn because they aren't as close to the heat of the burner.

Make caramel, candy apples, chocolate sauce, and more in a commercial double boiler. Both the boiler and inset have outer handles, making it easy to transport them safely and securely. Choose an aluminum or stainless steel double boiler to get the heat conductivity you prefer. Our double boilers come in a large range of capacities from several quarts to over a dozen quarts to suit the size of your recipes.

What Is a Double Boiler?

A double boiler is a set of two pots that are designed to prevent delicate foods from seizing up over direct heat on the stove. One pot is small enough to fit into the other, and when they are stacked, there is space between them. This allows your food to receive indirect heat from water that is heated in the bottom pot.

What Is a Double Boiler Used For?

A double boiler is used when cooking foods that would burn if they came in contact with direct heat. They are commonly used for tempering chocolate, preparing custards or other egg-based dishes, or melting butters and oils.

How Does a Double Boiler Work?

When you fill the bottom portion of your double boiler with water and then stack the second pot on top, it creates a seal that traps steam. As a result, the water in the bottom pot can only reach a maximum of 212° Fahrenheit, its boiling point. This helps to control the temperature that your food in the upper pot can reach, and it slows the rate at which the heat reaches your food.

How to Use a Double Boiler

To use a double boiler, fill the bottom pot with an inch or two of water. Place the top pot inside the bottom pot and allow the water in the bottom pan to start simmering. As you cook your food in the top pan, remember to check that the water has not boiled off. If it has, add more water as necessary until you are done cooking.

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