In modern times, cooking and baking have never been easier, with more tools and accessories being available to us than ever before.
One such example is the double boiler – a piece of equipment that is vital for boiling all manner of things.
But what is the best way to increase the temperature of these items, and what benefits would this provide?
What Is A Double Boiler?
A double boiler is a piece of equipment used to allow the application of gentle heat when placed on a stovetop.
This is done with two separate pans within one another, which allows greater insulation and a slower simmering time that is perfect for things like melting sugar and other sensitive materials that can be easily burned.
How To Increase The Temperature?
When it comes to increasing the temperature of your double boiler, there are a couple of techniques you can use.
Remove The Top Layer
The most obvious method to increase the temperature on your double boiler would be to halve the layers that are in play. This means removing either the top or the bottom pan to create only one layer that would then go in the heat.
This increases the temperature but essentially reduces the cooking time, meaning that things like sugar and other delicate materials will need to be watched and checked regularly.
Use Hot Water
You can also use heated water to increase the heating temperature of your double boiler. Granted, the water will ultimately have an upper limit before it reaches boiling point, but this can certainly increase the speed of the whole process.
Use Dry Heat Alternatives
As well as the standard ‘wet’ double boilers, it is also possible to get dry heat double boilers.
These are often inexpensive, easier to clean, and generally reach higher temperatures than their wet counterparts – meaning that you can cook your food quickly while still having the same protections from over-boiling.
Increase The Stove Heat
This might seem like an obvious one, but you can also turn up the temperature of the stove to achieve greater heat. However, this might not work in all cases.
What Are The Benefits Of Double Boilers?
When it comes to double boilers, there are many benefits that make them better than traditional boiling methods.
More Even Boil
The greater distance from the heat means that you can achieve a more even boil across the entire food – something that can create a better finish all round.
Gentle Cooking
The main benefit of a double boiler – as mentioned earlier in the article – is that you can boil the food at a much gentler rate than traditional methods.
This is great for boiling things like dairy products, sugar, and other sensitive substances that can be otherwise ruined if done too quickly.
Wider Size Range
Double boilers also come in numerous sizes, meaning that everyone can get one to suit their specific cooking needs.
This is good for those who live alone (as they can cater to themselves comfortably), as well as those with larger families, who can then cook enough for them all.
Precision Cooking
The gentle pace that double boilers allow you to cook food is a good way of achieving more precision with your cooking.
This is especially prudent for things that require very specific cooking times – such as the above-mentioned sugar, chocolate, or dairy products – all of which are key ingredients for making fudge.
Even in modern times, there are few products that offer the same level of precision in the kitchen as the double boiler.
The precision also extends to your control over the temperature – which in a double boiler is more accurate and tuned than any other method.
If the water is getting too hot, then you can simply add some cold water to bring it down. Alternatively, if the water is not hot enough, then you can easily increase the temperature.
This generally means that food never reaches the point of no return (wherein it gets ruined) and that you have complete control throughout the entire process – something that is a must for many chefs.
Are There Any Downsides?
Of course, as with any method of cooking, there are some downsides to double boilers that make them unsuitable for certain dishes.
Slower Cooking
Generally speaking, the main downside of the double boiler is that they take longer to boil food than more traditional methods.
This is due to the insulation that the food has from the heat, as well as the elevation, which allows less heat to permeate the pans.
This means that those looking for something quicker might need to look elsewhere for the right piece of equipment.
Requires Observation
Another downside of the double boiler cooking method is that it requires the chef to remain at the pan stirring the mixture while it is boiling.
This is a major downside for those who need to multitask – for example those watching children – or indeed those who are cooking a complicated meal with multiple steps.
This is one reason why the double boiler is more suited to simplified meals with less cooking steps, wherein the chef can take the desired amount of time to wait for, and observe, the double boiler as it boils the food.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about double boilers, and the best ways to increase the temperature they are capable of reaching.
It is certainly true that cooking and baking have never been easier, with more devices and accessories available to us than ever before.
However, without a proper understanding of the processes involved, these tools are no use whatsoever.
So if you are looking to increase the temperature of your double boiler, then be sure to follow these handy steps. Something tells me you won’t be disappointed!
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