A double boiler consists of two pans joined together with one pan filled with water and the second pan sitting atop - to create a water double boiler. This set up is essentially used in the process of melting chocolate so that burning of chocolate maybe avoided.

A double boiler is used a lot in baking. It can be used in melting, mixing different ingredients with chocolate, for example cream and sugar to make a chocolate mousse.

Make home made double boiler: take one pan and fill it half with water. Take another pan with a handle and rest it atop the water. Add your ingredients in the top pan.