What the heck a double boiler is

By Madison Coiner

A lot of recipes that involve things such as melting chocolate tend to call for a double boiler, but they aren’t often explained within the recipe. They can seem like difficult or complicated things, but they really aren’t.

Double boilers are used to melt things like chocolate in a way that won’t result in chunks or burnt spots. They’re simple to use, and more consistent than a microwave. Plus, they use common household supplies! No complicated stuff needed!

In order to make a double boiler, you’ll need a small pot filled with water and a small bowl that can sit on top of the pot. The water should be filled up about as much as it would be to make mac and cheese, so about two thirds of the way.

Melting chocolate can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be with a double boiler — photo by Madison Coiner

The double boiler heats and melts things by using steam vapors produced by the water in the pot, similar to how pressure cookers cook things. Steam can get much hotter than water, which makes it able to melt or cook things quickly.

Place the water filled pot on a stove turned to medium heat. Then, place the bowl on top of it so that the bottom rests just above the water. Place the chocolate or whatever else is being melted into the bowl and allow the water to start to heat and come to a boil.

The chocolate should be checked often while the water heats. This allows for you to know how hot it’s getting and how it’ll melt. Once the water gets hot enough to produce enough steam, the chocolate will need to be stirred almost constantly to avoid it burning on the bottom. Depending on how much is being melted, the time it takes to melt will vary but it’s never too long.

The steam does need to escape, so the bowl may lift a little along the sides to release. To avoid being burned by the steam if needed, you should wear oven mitts while holding the bowl in place.

“I really enjoy not burning myself. It’s generally pretty great,” said Sara House. She does not bake much.

Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, remove the bowl and use the chocolate IMMEDIATELY!! It’ll harden quickly if it’s left out for too long.

This is a wonderful way to melt things like chocolate, and I highly recommend it over methods like using a microwave which can be less consistent. If you have any questions about how to do this or have anything you’d like to see in the future, let us know!! We’ll get back to you as soon as possible!