Melted butter

Melting butter is simple. Heat the pan on low, add your butter in and rotate the pan gently for the butter to cover its surface. If you would like to melt the butter in the microwave, place the butter in a microwavable container, without a lid and set the timer for anything between 20-40 seconds.
Soft butter

Soft, room temperature butter is attained when you plan beforehand and place the required quantity of butter on your kitchen counter for an hour or two,(depending on the weather) before cooking. Take your finger and gently apply pressure to the surface of the butter if it gives way easily, it means it's at the right temperature. If it feels softer than that, place it back in the fridge to harden up for about 30-40 minutes.