Have you ever found yourself constantly checking on a simmering pot, worried that it might boil over at any moment and create a mess on your stove? Don’t worry, there’s an easy trick that can help you prevent pots from boiling over, which was recently shared on CNET’s Kitchen and Household section.

When cooking pasta, rice, or any other meal where a pot is prone to boiling over, just place a wooden spoon or a heat-resistant silicone spatula horizontally over the top of the pot. This simple yet effective method will stop the liquid from spilling onto your stovetop.

The science behind this trick is simple: as the liquid reaches the wooden spoon or silicone spatula, it experiences a change in temperature due to the cooler surface. This causes the bubbles to collapse before they have a chance to boil over and spill onto your stovetop. Plus, wooden spoons and heat-resistant silicone spatulas can withstand high temperatures without melting or getting damaged.

Here are some additional tips for preventing pots from boiling over:

1. Use a larger pot: A pot with a larger capacity allows for more space for expansion as water boils, reducing the risk of spillover.

2. Adjust the heat appropriately: Don’t set the heat too high; instead, let the water come up to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to maintain it.

3. Use a pot lid with steam vents: Steam vents release excess steam while allowing your food to cook evenly.

4. Keep an eye on your cookware: While these tricks might help, remember to always monitor whatever you’re cooking as added precautions.

Now you can enjoy cooking worry-free! So next time you’re preparing dinner or hosting friends, impress them with this handy trick and spend less time worrying about spills and more time enjoying your delicious meal.