Over heat, the water in the bottom pan begins to simmer and transfers a gentle, steady heat to whatever youre cooking in the pan above. Check the bottom pan every now and then to make sure the water hasnt boiled off, and add more water if needed. Owning an actual double boiler is handy if you do a lot of cooking that requires it. If you only need one occasionally, you can accomplish the same effect by setting a metal mixing bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Just make sure the bottom of the mixing bowl doesnt touch the surface of the water. You can find double boilers, or single pans that fit over your regular saucepans, at most kitchen supply stores. We recommend buying one with a fairly shallow top pan, as this makes it much easier to whisk and stir sauces. Here are a few places to find them online Basic Stainless Steel Double Boiler, 4. Turkey Ala King more. Sur la Table Welco 3 Piece 2 Quart Double Boiler, 2. Target All Clad Stainless Steel 3 Quart Double Boiler Insert, 4. Williams Sonoma. Do you often use a double boiler Related Hot or Not Double Wall PotImage Sur la Table.