Double boiler how much water

Another option is a double boiler set : A pot and a flat-bottomed insert that fits into it, along with a lid that fits both containers. If you're going to use a double boiler often and have storage space, it's a worthy investment. Anyone can create a make-shift double boiler using two items in the kitchen.

All you need is a pot or large saucepan and a stainless steel or glass bowl that rests on the rim. You might have to experiment with combinations of pans and bowls to find the perfect fit, but it works out nicely for people who rarely use a double boiler. In a pinch, you can even use a smaller pot that fits into a larger one. It can be an awkward setup since you have to hold the upper pot steady so that it doesn't tilt over, leaving you only one hand for doing everything else.

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Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Hot water surrounding the small pan indirectly heats the ingredients, and the foil cover traps moisture to prevent the ingredients from drying out. You can easily set-up a double boiler using your pots at home. Start by choosing a large, wide pot for the bottom. A medium to large saucepan should work well. Then, find either a smaller pot, glass bowl, or metal bowl to fit on top of the large pot.

Mixing bowls tend to work well. Test your set-up before heating it on the stovetop. Make sure the top pot or bowl rests soundly so that you can stir your ingredients without holding the hot surfaces to steady the double boiler. The top pot should have a firm seal, to not let any steam escape once you are cooking. Set aside any lids because you do not cover a double boiler. If you are making a recipe, like cheesecake, that recommends using a bain-marie for baking then you can easily set-up the water bath using your pots and baking dishes.

A roasting pan or large baking dish works well for the base pot. You can easily set a cake pan or springform pan into the base pot with plenty of room to spare for adding water. Click here to find this springform pan on Amazon. For individual desserts, like pudding or cobbler, you can fit multiple oven-safe bowls, or ramekins, into the base pot.

Click here to find these ramekins on Amazon. Now you know how to set-up a double boiler, and how it works. Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Things You'll Need. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Gather your materials.

You will need both the bottom pot and the upper pot; you will not need the lid that came with your double boiler, unless the recipe or project specifically calls for one. The bowl in your homemade double boiler should fit snugly onto the large pot. There should be no gaps or spaces between the bowl and the rim of the pot. If you are making your own double boiler, consider using a glass or ceramic bowl instead of a metal one.

Glass and ceramic bowls don't transfer heat as much as metal ones do, which means that they heat slower and more evenly, thus giving you more control. Fill your bottom pot part-way with water.

You will need about two inches 5. You may need to add more water or pour some water out in order to get the right amount. Consider having some extra water nearby. The water level in your double boiler will decrease the longer you cook. You can prevent the water level from going too low and scorching your bottom pot by having a cup of water nearby.

When the water level gets too low, refill the bottom pot with more water. Place your upper pot or bowl on top of the bottom pot. The upper container should fit snugly over the bottom one. If bottom is touching the water, you have added too much water and will need to pour some out. The amount of water will vary depending on what double boiler you are using, but you should have about two inches of water. This will ensure that you have enough water and thus steam to last through most of your recipe or project.

Place the entire assembly on the stove. The water will make it heavy, so make sure that you are using both hands to carry it. Part 2. Cut the items you are heating into smaller chunks. Because double boilers generate so little heat, you will most likely need to cut whatever you are heating into smaller pieces. If the items you are heating already come in smaller chunks, you will not need to cut them up. Examples of smaller items include: chocolate chips, melting chocolate disks, shaved soap, and wax pellets.

Place the items you are heating in the upper pot or bowl. Try to spread the items out evenly across the bottom so that everything gets the same amount of heat. Turn on the stove and start heating the water.

You want the water in your large pot to simmer, not boil, unless the recipe or project instructs otherwise. Stir the items as they begin to melt.

You can use a spatula, whisk, or wooden spoon. By stirring the contents, you are making sure that everything gets heated evenly. If you do not do this, some parts may end up undercooked while others might end up getting scorched or burnt. Add more water as needed. If the water level in your large pot is less than one inch 2. Simply lift the upper pot or bowl off your large pot and add some water until you have about two or three inches 5. Transfer the items to a container or mold. Once the items have reached the desired consistency, remove the upper pot and pour the contents to a container or mold.

If you have made your own double boiler, your upper container may not have a handle; be sure to use a glove or potholder to protect your hand from getting burned. Part 3.