Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cooking utensil consisting of two saucepans, one fitting inside the other: The lower pan holds simmering water, and the upper pan, which sits above (not in) the water, holds food. This setup provides gentle, indirect heat, preventing scorching or curdling.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate smoothly.
  • She placed the bowl over the pot of simmering water, creating an improvised double boiler.
  • A double boiler is essential for making delicate sauces like hollandaise.

Advanced Usage

• "To use a double boiler": To employ this specific cooking method.
  • The recipe instructs you to use a double boiler for the custard.
• Conceptual use: Referring to the gentle heating method itself.
  • The chef prepared the lemon curd using the double boiler technique.

Variants and Related Words

• Bain-marie (n): The French term for the same cooking technique or utensil. Often used interchangeably with "double boiler."
  • The crème brûlée was baked in a bain-marie.
• Double saucepan (n): A less common synonym.

Synonyms

• Water bath: A broader term for the technique, which can also refer to a baking pan placed inside another pan of water in an oven.
• Bain-marie: (As above).

Related Phrases

• Set up a double boiler: To prepare the utensil for cooking.
  • First, set up a double boiler and bring the water to a simmer.
• Over a double boiler: Describes the position of the cooking food.
  • Whisk the eggs and sugar together over a double boiler.

Noun

1. two saucepans, one fitting inside the other