A double boiler or steamer is an odd pan you could find in your grandmothers cupboard if you don't have one of your own. They are not given much attention these days, but a double boiler or steamer can be a great help in bringing you compliments on several recipes. A double boiler or steamer is a specialized piece of kitchen equipment consisting of two fitted saucepans. The larger saucepan is partially filled with water brought to a simmer or boil. The inner saucepan uses this indirect heat to melt chocolate, cook custards and sauces, or even melt wax for candle making. It is a stovetop apparatus used to cook delicate sauces such as beurre blanc or to melt chocolate without burning or seizing. It is a double-decker saucepan with an upper vessel that fits into a lower pot.To cook delicate foods, there's nothing quite as effective as a double boiler or steamer. It is also quite useful in warming food. Most double boilers or steamers are made of stainless steel, glass or enameled silicone. A double boiler or steamer allows eggs and other heat-sensitive sauce ingredients to heat slowly and evenly, eliminating the possibility of scorching or overcooking. It is also quite useful in warming food. Candy makers also use a double boiler to keep their syrups viable until molding. Most double boiler or steamer models have a single lid, but many sauce recipes require constant stirring.
Whether it is to melt gooey chocolate or to let the delicious custard simmer with its aroma flitting to every nook and corner, a double boiler or a steamer is a must-have equipment in every kitchen.
