Double Boiler

As the name implies, this utensil consists of two sets of similar pans or pots that are used for cooking ingredients with boiling water. The lower pot holds the water that is heated while the food is placed in an upper pot. The upper pot is placed into and positioned above the lower pot containing the water that is to be boiled or heated. This allows heat sensitive foods to be cooked without directly sitting in water and without causing the food to burn. Foods such as custards, puddings, sauces, and chocolate are often prepared by using a double boiler.