Sorry to sound brutal, but you'll never make sauces as silky as you'd like, unless you cook them in a porringer pan. This clever pan-within-a-pan is a chef's secret weapon, the key to everything from smooth terrines to silky dessert mixes and outstanding scrambled eggs.

A porringer's contents are placed within its inner pan, where they warm up gradually over simmering water. Away from the direct heat source, they warm through gently, ensuring your sauce, scrambled eggs or savoury mousse won't congeal into chunks.

Use it when you want to make a healthy porridge too. The lack of direct heat means it preserves more of those healthy beta glucans, which play an important role in heart health. And you won't believe how much of a difference it makes to the taste and texture it'll convert even the most hardened porridge-hater.

As for the pan, it's made of robust stainless steel for worry-free, regular use. Its encapsulated base ensures even heating, and it works on any stovetop, including induction hobs. Every kitchen should have one.