Lids for pots: selection and storage

The lid is an inseparable companion of the pan. It retains moisture inside it, which prevents the dish from being overdried - it turns out to be juicy and aromatic. It also speeds up the cooking process.

Usually the lid is included with the pan. But at the request of the hostess, she can additionally purchase a more convenient accessory.

Usually choosing a lid for the pot is not a big deal. All manufacturers of this utensil use standard sizes. Proceeding from them, the diameter of the caps ranges from 16-32 cm in increments of 2 cm.

If the utensil has non-standard parameters, then the cover, as a rule, is always included in the kit.

The most common covers are glass and stainless steel. They are considered universal, very convenient to use, do not affect the taste of food, they are easy to care for.

The glass product is perfectly washed, being cleaned even in the dishwasher. It can be used in microwave ovens. Glass holds temperature perfectly.

But there is also a minus - increased fragility.

When choosing a glass cover, pay attention to its rim. His presence is welcomed as he:

• reduces sliding and friction of the product on the sides of the pan;
• provides tightness of fit;
• holding the glass in a strong rim reduces its invasiveness.

The rim is made of stainless steel or silicone. If it is absent, then the product must be made of especially durable glass.

The steel lid is more durable and less fragile.But it retains heat worse. And, covering it with a pan, you will not be able to observe the cooking process, since it is opaque. For microwave ovens, it is contraindicated.

A variation of the universal lid is an accessory for sterilizing cans. It can be either glass or steel. It differs from a conventional product by a hole in the center corresponding to the size of the can. Having placed it over the water boiling in the pan, a jar is inserted into the hole, which is sterilized by the steam formed when the water boils. This is simply an indispensable thing for those who are seriously engaged in conservation.

In addition to standard materials - glass and steel, other materials are also used for the manufacture of covers. For example, ceramics. But a similar product you can use exclusively for pots of the same material. It has an attractive appearance, easy to clean, suitable for ovens and microwave ovens. But he is afraid of sudden changes in temperature.

Wood lids are environmentally friendly but impractical. Given that the tree is afraid of moisture, the use of such products is strictly limited. They either cover ready-made dishes, or are used to prepare pilaf, stew and other dishes where the amount of liquid is minimal. Compatible with cast iron pots.

Particular attention is required silicone lid - non-boiling. This is just a godsend for any housewife. Its name speaks for itself: it does not allow liquids to escape from the pan. Its structure causes the foaming cap to collect on the surface of the lid, and water flows back into the container. Thanks to this, your stove is always kept in perfect cleanliness. Using this technology, it is convenient to boil milk, boil broths and other liquid dishes.

Its advantages do not end there. The silicone “cap” easily turns into a double boiler if you put it in a pan with water, put food in it, and cover it with a lid. When storing plant food in the refrigerator, the silicone lid will preserve its freshness and turgor for a long time. In care, it is simple to obscene: easy to clean even in the dishwasher.

When choosing covers for pots, you should initially consider the material from which they are made. It is the quality of the material that affects the life of the product and the taste of the cooked food.

However, there are smaller parts that also play a role in operation.

• Handle material. Choose products with a silicone or bakelite handle. They practically do not heat up, which makes it possible to take them with bare hands. This is not the case with steel heating up too fast.
• Corresponding to the size of the pan and lid, tightness when closing.
• The presence of holes on the surface of the glass lid, allowing steam to be released.
• The presence of a protective rim.

Since the covers are used in the cooking process quite often, they should be quickly accessible for the hostess. But still, they must be arranged in an orderly manner so as not to drop and create a lot of noise when removing them.

We pay special attention to the storage of glass covers, as they are very fragile.

There are many ways to store caps. The old grandfather method is acceptable - along with the pan. But current trends are making adjustments. There are many devices that allow you to arrange all the available covers:

• horizontal stands for perfect visibility of all accessories;
• vertical holders with dividers - they are installed in drawers, on a table or suspended on a wall;
• railing - a vertical stand, the holders of which can change position;
• on the cabinet door, where hooks, strips, holders are attached;
• retractable shelves mounted in furniture;
• dryers;
• organizers.

Before sending the covers to the storage place, they are thoroughly cleaned and well dried. Store products only in dry form.

See how to keep covers from pots in the video below.