Does a Wooden Utensil Prevent Boilover?

Does a wooden utensil prevent water from boiling over a pot?

Yes and no. Yes, it works but no, it doesn’t work all the time.

Using a wooden utensil to prevent a pot of water from boiling over is a common kitchen hack that many people find effective. The idea behind it is that placing a wooden spoon or a similar wooden utensil across the top of the pot can help disrupt the formation of bubbles.

Yes, It Works

When water reaches its boiling point, it starts to produce bubbles of water vapor. These bubbles rise to the surface and, if they accumulate too quickly, can cause the water to overflow. The wooden spoon method works because wood is a poor conductor of heat compared to metal. 

When you place a wooden spoon across the top of the pot, it can help to break up the bubbles as they come into contact with the cooler wooden surface, reducing the intensity of bubbling and mitigating the chances of overflowing

No, It Doesn’t Work All The Time

However, it's essential to note that this method is not foolproof and may not work in all situations. The effectiveness of this method can depend on factors such as the size of the pot, the intensity of the heat, and the amount of water in the pot.

Something to Keep In Mind

It is always a good practice to keep an eye on the pot and adjust the heat or remove it from the heat source temporarily if necessary. Remember to use caution and never leave a pot unattended on the stove, especially when using a wooden spoon or lid to prevent boiling over!