double boiler

noun

Meaning

A cooking utensil consisting of two nested pots, where the bottom pot contains boiling water that gently heats the contents of the top pot.

Examples

  • Use a double boiler to ensure the custard thickens evenly without curdling.
  • If you do not own a double boiler, you can create one by placing a heat-proof glass bowl over a saucepan.

Synonyms: bain-marie