Customer Reviews

Calphalon Simply Calphalon 2-Quart Small Stainless-Steel Double Boiler Insert

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Because I acquired much of my Calphalon cookware collection more than five years ago, I have pasta, steamer, and double boiler inserts that were made from the same hard-anodized aluminum alloy as their pots and pans. Since Calphalon now manufactures these accessories using 18/10 stainless steel, I've begun upgrading my collection. This beautiful 2-quart polished stainless steel double boiler insert is very heavy duty, has a lifetime guarantee, and it fits perfectly into my 2.5-quart Calphalon sauce pan. I place the insert in the sauce pan, which is partially filled with simmering water, to melt Callebaut chocolate for candy-making. I also use it when making Hollandaise, Béarnaise, and Béchamel sauces; and for making custard, pudding, and chocolate mousse. Calphalon also makes a 4-quart stainless steel double boiler insert that works well with their 4.5-quart sauce pan for making larger amounts of sauce or dessert recipes. I hand wash and dry this insert to keep it looking like new. I like the double handles on these Calphalon inserts much better than the one long handle on some other double boiler inserts. Someday I hope to buy a Mauviel French copper and porcelain bain-marie, but until then, I'll be very happy with this one.

Does not fit Calphalon Commercial Hard Anodized Collector's Edition 2 1/2-Quart Shallow Saucepan with Lid

I really enjoy my calphalon products. My complaint with this product is that the inside has a groove (around the circumference where the insert rests inside the pot) - which makes it difficult to remove melted chocolate and other items. So I sometimes using a stainless steel mixing bowl instead of this insert because of the annoyance factor.

I bought this double boiler specifically for my 2 1/2qt Calphalon Professional Saucepan thinking it would fit together nicely as it was advertised "fits all Calphalon Professional and Commercial 2 1/2qt saucepans". Wrong. Not only is there a decent sized gap around the edges where the double boiler pan should snuggly meet the saucepan, but the bottom of the double boiler sits directly on the bottom of the saucepan, not allowing for any water barrier, and essentially, defeating the purpose of using a double boiler. I'm very disappointed. The product itself is well made and feels quite durable and sturdy but it was mismatched with my saucepan. I mistakenly threw out the packaging before realizing this and am now unable to return it....anyone need a double boiler pan and want to take a gamble that it will fit your saucepan?!

This is a beautiful, well-constructed piece; however, be very careful to measure your saucepan first. I looked on the bottom of my pan prior to purchasing this item and verified it was a 2-1/2 qt. saucepan, but I did not know Calphalon has a "shallow" saucepan and regular saucepan. The "shallow" saucepan that I have is just over 8-1/2" in diameter across the top rim. The double boiler measured right around 7-1/4". I had to go to the Calphalon website to purchase a regular narrow/tall saucepan so that this insert will fit. Please measure your saucepan first or be prepared to get another in order to use this product. It gets 4 stars because I had to drop an additional $80 at Calphalon to get it to fit.

Unfortunately, despite this being a "universal" calphalon double boiler, it does not fit their newest line - the "Unison" nonstick cookware set(Calphalon Unison Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set). Perhaps buying in store it lists on the box all the sets it does fit, but I did not see the info before registering for it online. The same applies to the steamer. Just a head's up! Overall, though, the quality seems good, I wish it would fit!

Our old Calphalon double boiler was larger and the same anodized aluminum users of Calphalon find so familiar. We hardly ever used it. This stainless steel version is "right sized," and despite my initial reservations about an all-stainless pot, it seems to conduct heat quite well, and it cleans up with a quick wipe of the sponge.