Types and selection criteria of covers for pans

During cooking, you can not do without a lid, which will cover the heat-resistant dishes. It will not allow the contents to splatter, and will also contribute to uniform heating of the ingredients. The lid will be needed during any type of cooking: frying, cooking, stewing, baking. Most pots and pans are pre-sold with lids, but if you bought this cookware separately, it’s important to be responsible in choosing the right closure product.

Products that are cooked under the lid always retain their juiciness and aroma. In addition, this accessory reduces the chance of food burning. For example, the moisture of vegetables does not evaporate from the pan so quickly, but is stored under a lid for a long time and allows vegetables to stew in their own juice. The same can be said about meat. So, supporters of a healthy diet prefer to cook it in a pan without oil - it is stewed in the broth or juice of vegetables and does not burn thanks to a sealed lid.

The product provides high temperature retention, due to which all ingredients are well baked. Besides, the dish is cooked faster, that is, the lid significantly saves the time of the hostess.

Lids for pots and pans may differ in material of manufacture.

The most popular option. It can be equipped with a plastic handle or a holder made of another material. This is a convenient instance that allows you to observe through the transparent coating the cooking process.The products under it languish qualitatively, that is, the temperature regime suitable for this process is observed in the vessel.

Such models can be used even when cooking in the oven or microwave, since they are made of heat resistant glass. It will not be scary to drop such a product, because impact-resistant materials are used in the production. Another advantage of the glass lid is ease of care.

Currently, young housewives are just starting to master modern silicone models, but their advantages have already been noticed. This product is easy to clean with any detergent, and it does not heat up during cooking. The accessory fits tightly on the dishes, ensuring complete tightness. Possible use in the oven. In addition, under the silicone coating, food is allowed to be stored in the refrigerator. The material of the cover It is food-grade silicone and does not harm products.

Reliable durable instance, the quality of which is time-tested. Cast-iron covers were often found in Soviet kitchens. And until now, this variety has not lost its relevance. Perhaps, a cast-iron product can be attributed to the most expensive options, but the price is explained by an almost perpetual service life, resistance to damage, and functionality.

The cover made of stainless steel is characterized by high strength, resistance to drops and shock. However, this is not the most preferred option. The fact is that such a sample does not retain heat well, and also it can not be used when cooking in a microwave oven.

Before choosing a cover, listen to important recommendations regarding size.

• If a lid is needed for a specific pan, then it is worthwhile to study information about the manufacturer of the dish and find out if he makes lids for this product. A product made specifically for a particular pan model will always fit more than another lid.
• To make the lid universal in the kitchen, select a diameter equal to the diameter of most pans in the house. Ideally, take a bowl with you to try on the lid on the spot before buying, since the diameter of some products does not always correspond to the parameters indicated on the lid.
• If you do not want to go shopping with a pan, you can measure the diameter of the pan in advance. To do this, attach the ruler through the center and write down the resulting size from edge to edge. On average, this parameter of dishes is usually limited to 16-32 cm in increments of 2 cm, that is, household departments offer models with a diameter of 18, 20, 24, 26, 30 cm. If the lid is needed for storing food or heating dishes in the microwave, then pick up caps or caps with odd parameters, for example 23 or 25 cm.

Particular attention should be paid to the shape of the product. In the arsenal of the hostess should be round, square and rectangular covers. Obviously, each variety is selected to a vessel of a certain shape. Square options designed to retain liquid when using square dishes. Usually these are specimens of heat-resistant glass, models with a diameter of 28 cm for a square grill pan are often also offered, in this case the lid can be made of cast iron.

A more popular and versatile variety is round lid. As a rule, it is this form that most pots and pans in the kitchen have.The diameter can be selected by the above methods.

Rectangular Products used in the preparation of large portions of fish or meat. When choosing a rectangular lid for a particular dish, it is important to know the exact length and width, as well as try to pick up a copy of the same manufacturer as the pan. Only such a model will provide maximum tightness. Rectangular varieties can be used to store food or retain the heat of the finished dish.

Another important criterion when choosing a cover is handle material. Usually the holders are plastic or metal. Most housewives choose products with plastic handles. This option has more pleasant tactile properties, it does not heat up, which means that the hostess will not have to grab a towel every time to lift the lid. Now most models are made with handles made of heat-resistant and environmentally friendly plastic.

Metal pen - A more stable and durable instance, but it has its drawbacks. Such a holder heats up quickly, and due to the large mass, the weight of such a lid is more than the mass of a model with a plastic handle. However, now many manufacturers equip products heat-resistant gaskets in the holder areato prevent overheating.

There are a few additional selection tips that you should also pay attention to.

• Try to give preference to products with a rubberized rim around the perimeter. This will ensure maximum tightness of the lid and reduce the chance of accidental steam burns and greasy stains on the stove. The rim is especially relevant in the case of choosing a metal cover, since over time the surface relief of this sample may deteriorate, creating a messy look.
• If you plan to often stew vegetables under the lid, then choose models with steam holes. In the process of stewing vegetables produce a lot of juice (this is not appropriate for every dish), and in the case of using such an accessory, the steam will be removed through special holes. If the lid you want to become universal in the kitchen, then choose a product with steam holes that have closing mechanisms.
• If the lid is needed for cooking at an accelerated pace, it is recommended to choose a copy of a large height. Such models are able to create a volumetric thermal cushion, which ensures quick cooking.
• Check how convenient it is to use your favorite copy. Make sure it is not too heavy for daily cooking. If the lid is glass, make sure that it has a badge confirming that it is made of refractory glass.

Modern models are offered with optional accessories that make cooking easier. For example, some manufacturers have equipped lids with special temperature sensors that allow you to control the cooking process and monitor the temperature. However, judging by customer reviews, these sensors quickly break down and become clogged, becoming the result of collectors of grease and dirt, so it is recommended not to splurge on such models.

Another novelty is spray net. It may look like an ordinary lid, but from a fine mesh. The accessory can be used in cases where the dish does not need to create a strong steam, for example, with strong frying of meat. Under the classic lid, a golden crust will not work, and if you do not use the lid, then the whole stove, walls and apron of the hostess will be splashed with hissing oil. Just for such cases, a special spray cap is designed.

You can learn more about how to properly clean the lid from the pan.