Revere Ware Double Boiler – Classic Copper-Bottom Cookware
Our double boiler brings the same copper-bottom heat technology that made Revere Ware a staple in American kitchens to the gentle world of indirect cooking. The copper-clad base spreads warmth evenly across the lower pan, while the fitted upper insert sits just above simmering water to melt chocolate, warm custards, or emulsify hollandaise without direct flame contact.
The copper disc bonded to the base of our double boiler isn’t just heritage—it’s functional science. Copper conducts heat five times faster than stainless steel alone, spreading warmth uniformly across the pan bottom and eliminating hot spots that can cause uneven simmering. The stainless steel body then holds that heat steady, creating a stable water bath for the upper insert.
Upper Insert Design & Fit
The upper pan sits snugly atop the lower vessel without touching the simmering water below. We shaped the insert with a rounded bottom that maximizes surface area exposed to rising steam while making it easy to scrape out melted chocolate or custard with a spatula. The rim is rolled for drip-free pouring, and the handle is positioned to balance the weight when the pan is full.
A 1.5-quart capacity gives you room to work with two cups of heavy cream for pastry cream or a full pound of baking chocolate without crowding. The insert also doubles as a standalone small saucepan for reheating soups or warming milk—just set it directly on the burner when you don’t need the steam bath.
Materials & Maintenance
Stainless Steel Construction
We use 18/8 stainless steel throughout—18% chromium for corrosion resistance, 8% nickel for durability and a mirror finish that cleans easily. This alloy won’t react with lemon juice, wine, or tomatoes, so you can emulsify a beurre blanc or warm a citrus curd without metallic flavors.
Daily Care
Both pans are dishwasher-safe, though hand-washing preserves the mirror polish longer. For stuck-on residue, a paste of baking soda and water lifts most stains without scratching. The copper bottom may develop a patina over time; if you prefer the original shine, a dedicated copper cleaner restores the finish in minutes. Avoid abrasive scouring pads on the stainless surfaces—a soft sponge and dish soap handle everyday cleanup.
Construction & heat distribution
Classic Revere Ware Essentials for Your Kitchen
Customer reviews
Double Boiler Questions
No, the copper-clad base is not magnetic and won’t activate induction burners. This double boiler works on gas, electric coil, and ceramic glass cooktops. If you have an induction range, look for our fully-clad stainless cookware that includes a magnetic steel layer in the base.
Fill the lower pan about one-third to halfway full—enough that it won’t boil dry during extended use, but not so much that the water touches the bottom of the upper insert. You want steam to do the heating, not direct water contact. Check the level every 20–30 minutes for tasks that take longer than an hour.
Yes, both the lower pan and upper insert are dishwasher-safe. The stainless steel holds up well to detergent and high heat. Hand-washing preserves the mirror finish longer, but the dishwasher won’t damage the cookware. If the copper bottom loses its shine over time, a copper cleaner brings back the original luster.
Absolutely. The upper insert has its own handle and can sit directly on a burner for reheating soups, warming milk, or cooking small batches. It functions like a 1.5-quart saucepan when you don’t need the double-boiler setup. Just make sure the handle is positioned away from adjacent burners.
Start with medium-low heat to bring the water in the lower pan to a gentle simmer—you’ll see small bubbles but not a rolling boil. Once you’ve added chocolate to the upper insert, reduce to low. The goal is steady steam that warms the insert to around 110–115°F, which melts chocolate smoothly without overheating.
The copper layer may develop a natural patina with use, which doesn’t affect performance. If you prefer the original shine, use a copper cleaner or a paste of lemon juice and salt, then rinse and dry. The stainless interior cleans with regular dish soap and a soft sponge—no special products needed.
The phenolic Bakelite handles are designed to stay cool during stovetop cooking. They don’t conduct heat the way metal handles do, so you can lift the pans without a potholder in most cases. For extended cooking or very high heat, use caution—handles can warm slightly but rarely become too hot to touch.