# The Essential Guide to Double Boilers
A double boiler is a gentle and effective cooking tool used for heating delicate foods that require indirect, even heat. It consists of two parts: a lower pot filled with simmering water and an upper pot or bowl that holds the ingredients.
## How It Works
The steam from the simmering water in the lower pot heats the upper container, preventing direct contact with high heat. This method is ideal for melting chocolate, making custards, hollandaise sauce, or warming milk without scorching.
## Benefits
– Prevents Burning – Protects heat-sensitive foods from direct flame.
– Even Heating – Ensures smooth, consistent results.
– Versatile – Useful for sauces, desserts, and homemade cosmetics like lotions.
## DIY Double Boiler
Don’t have one? Use a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (ensure the bowl doesn’t touch the water).
Perfect for both amateur cooks and professionals, a double boiler is a must-have for precision cooking!