Stove Top Method

• To melt butter on the stove top, place it in a heavy saucepan over low or medium heat. To avoid overheating, melt it until there are only a few small pieces of softened butter remaining, and stir until it is completely melted. You can also melt butter on the stove top by placing it in the top of a double boiler; apply low or medium heat, as you would using a saucepan.

Melting via Microwave

• Cut the butter into small pieces and melt it on low heat, or 30-percent power, to medium heat, or 50 percent power. You can also use the defrost setting. Check the state of the butter every 15 or 30 seconds to ensure that it has not overheated.