double boiler

American  

noun

1. a utensil consisting of two pots, one of which fits partway into the other: water is boiled in the lower pot to cook or warm food or melt a substance in the upper.

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double boiler British  

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): double saucepan.  a cooking utensil consisting of two saucepans, one fitting inside the other. The bottom saucepan contains water that, while boiling, gently heats food in the upper pan

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Etymology

Origin of double boiler

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

There are a few ways to make hollandaise — some chefs swear by a blender or even the microwave — but I still use the double boiler method I learned in school.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2025

If you have a double boiler, set that up with water in the bottom.

From Washington Times • Nov. 1, 2023

She melted soy wax in a double boiler and added oils to create different scents: pink sugar, cucumber melon, fallen leaves, sweater weather.

From New York Times • Mar. 23, 2022

Some cooks prefer mixing the sauce in a double boiler, or a bowl set over a pan of simmering water, which is one of the methods Gill and Parla share in their book.

From Washington Post • Feb. 23, 2022

An hour later, Dee is washing and prepping the strawberries and cherries while Jorge melts dark chocolate in a double boiler.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King

Related Words

• bucket
• frying pan
• kettle
• pot
• saucepan
• sheet
• skillet