Date: 07/14/2026 - GOOD TO KNOW
Physics in the kitchen: a trick with two pots that defrosts frozen food faster than you think
Instead of waiting for a long time, all you need are just two pot lids and hot water—a simple kitchen trick that takes advantage of the thermal conductivity of metals.
If you usually defrost meat or chicken for several hours, your waiting is finally over. You can quickly and easily defrost anything with just two pots.
Physics teaches us that when it comes to defrosting, the most important thing is to find a material that conducts and transfers heat well. Don’t overthink it, because the most thermally conductive part is the bottom of the pot.
Take the first pot, turn it upside down, and place the food you want to defrost on its bottom. Fill the second pot with hot water and place it on top of the first one. Of course, make sure this arrangement is stable—the hot water has two purposes: first, to help transfer heat, and even more importantly, its weight further speeds up the defrosting process.
Information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
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Quick defrosting
Kitchen trick
Defrost frozen food
Thermal conductivity
Metal pots