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Glite Dictionary
double saucepan

double saucepan

4.4
A set of two pans where one fits inside the other to heat food gently above boiling water
  • noun
  • /ˈdʌbəl ˈsɔːpæn/
translation icon : baño maría
  • Melt the chocolate in a double saucepan to prevent it from burning.

Examples

  • A double saucepan is ideal for making delicate sauces like hollandaise.

  • The chef uses a double saucepan to melt butter.

  • She placed the pudding bowl over simmering water in a double saucepan.

  • I need a double saucepan for my chocolate fondue.

  • To prepare the custard, she used a double saucepan to ensure even heating.

  • He carefully stirred the cream while it heated in a double saucepan over boiling water.

  • For the perfect chocolate sauce, always use a double saucepan to avoid direct heat.

Synonyms

double boiler
vsdouble saucepan
2 3.7

Two pans, one above the other, used to melt chocolate or gently heat food

uses a hotter boiling bath for gentle heating rather than melting

Surface Forms

double saucepan singular
double saucepans plural

Morphology

double + saucepan

The compound is compositionally built from 'double' (twofold) + 'saucepan' (a cooking pan), so a B1 learner who knows both words will infer it refers to two saucepans. However, the specific functional configuration/use (one fitting inside the other as a double-boiler for gentle heating) is not fully specified by the constituents and requires additional world knowledge, so the transparency is partial.

Etymology

Double saucepan comes from the simple image of double meaning two and a saucepan sitting inside another: the inner pan holds the food while the outer pan holds hot water. This set lets you 'heat gently' so things like chocolate or sauce do not burn, which is why the name means a tool for gentle cooking.