Don't waste your hard-earned cash on an actual double boiler pot... This DIY double boiler pot hack uses kitchen items you already own!
Not sure what a double boiler is? You're not alone! Deanna left a comment on my buckeye candy recipe a few days ago asking this very question...
Ok, so I don't mean to sound like an airhead. But what does it mean when the recipe says to melt the chocolate and shortening in a double boiler?
I'm SO glad she spoke up! And I think we can all agree she definitely does NOT sound like and airhead.
What Is A Double Boiler?
Wikipedia defines a double boiler as "a stovetop apparatus used to cook delicate sauces such as beurre blanc, to melt chocolate without burning or seizing, or cook any other thick liquid or porridge that would normally burn if not stirred constantly."
Now you could go out and buy an actual double boiler pot... But I'm sure there are many other things you'd rather spend your money on. Right? Which is why I'm here to tell you the absolute truth - YOU DON'T NEED ONE!
Chances are the perfect double boiler substitute is already in your kitchen. And I'm going to show you exactly how to double boil without a double boiler!
How To Make A Double Boiler
A homemade double boiler can be made with just two very common kitchen items - a small saucepan and a heat proof bowl.
What to look for:
- Saucepan: a standard 2-quart saucepan with straight sides is ideal. Preferably one without a pouring spout, which can leak steam while double boiling.
- Heat safe bowl: choose a medium mixing bowl that is slightly wider than the inner rim of the saucepan. A 1.5 to 2-quart glass or metal bowl should be a perfect tight fit for a 2-quart pan.
⚠️ Important: When using a glass bowl, double check that it's marked as heat proof. Look for stamped labels like "oven-safe" or "heat-resistant" on the bottom or side. A Pyrex bowl is always a trusted choice!
How To Use A Double Boiler
The goal when double boiling is to produce and capture steam, which creates an indirect heat source. Steam is generated by bringing a small amount of water to a simmer in the saucepan. Placing a heat-safe bowl on top traps the steam, allowing the gentle, constant heat to slowly warm or melt the bowl contents.
- Fill the saucepan with 2 to 3 inches of water. Place the pan on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer.
- Add the ingredients to a heat-proof bowl. Set the bowl on top of the saucepan, ensuring that the base of the bowl is not touching the water.
- Stir the ingredients until they reach the desired consistency.
Easy-peasy, isn't it? I most often use this double boiler method for melting and tempering chocolate, like for my buckeye candies. Be sure to take extra care to avoid any escaping steam or condensation when working with chocolate. Both can cause the melted chocolate to seize up.
This method is also useful for melting cream cheese and butter. And it's ideal for making sauces that are egg-based, such as hollandaise sauce, or finicky custards.
Tips For Best Results
- Use A Tight-Fitting Bowl: Be sure that the bowl completely traps the steam and its base sits above the water. Condensation that escapes and runs into the bowl can ruin your ingredients. If the base of the bowl is touching the water, it will become too hot, which causes scorching and/or curdling.
- Stir Or Whisk Constantly: Keep the ingredients moving to ensure they melt smoothly with an even texture.
- Safety First: Don't forget for a second that the bowl is extremely hot! Yes, I'm speaking from personal experience... Use potholders when handling and removing the bowl from the DIY double boiler. And be sure to place a trivet on the countertop before setting it down.
Did you try this hack?
I'd love to see this DIY double boiler pot in action... Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!
Silvia says
Hello, I'm borrowing one of your picture for my article. It's right here https://eggknock.blogspot.com/2013/03/many-ways-to-dulce-de-leche.html
If you have any objections, please tell me and I will delete the picture. Thank you :)
Monica says
I'm just glad she said we can use Pyrex bowls! I have 2 sizes, as my smallest shattered when it hit the floor (they're almost 10yrs old!) I've always fought with a pan & a skillet, the steam, it hurtzd! But now I'll be safe, thanks much!! :)
Shay says
Was going to ask if you had any suggestions if one doesn't have a dbl boiler. Right on time. Thanks, Tara!