In the world of kitchen gadgets, where innovative ideas meet usefulness and form usually follows function, some of the best design aspects are the ones we forget about all the time. One of these unsung heroes is the small circular hole on the handle of your favorite pot or pan.
Many of us have seen it. You could have used it to hang pots and pans on a rack on the wall. But what else? You might not have thought about it again.
At first, it seems like a little detail. A weird little cutout that doesn’t move. You should treat this small hole with respect, on the other hand.
Let’s talk about some smart ways to use this minor feature to make cooking easier, more fun, and more organized.
People Get This Wrong About a Kitchen Detail That Isn’t Just for Hanging
The hole in the handle of a pot is usually there so you may hang it on a wall hook or rack. Yes, that’s one of the things it was made to do. Hanging your pots and pans vertically is a great way to save space if your kitchen is small and doesn’t have a lot of closet space.
But here’s the twist: that’s just the beginning.
This small aperture can contain more than just a pan. You don’t just think about it afterward or add it to make it appear better. You get it with your pots and pans, but you don’t use it very often.
Let’s speak about all the unexpected ways this small equipment could make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable.
1.A spoon rest that is already there (really, really)
Putting your cooking spoon or other tools in the hole in the pot handle is one of the best methods to use it.
You know you’re stirring the soup or sauce a lot. You would generally put your spoon on a plate, a napkin, or, let’s be honest, directly on the counter. But it makes a mess.
Instead, put the handle of the spoon through the hole in the pot’s handle. Place the head of the spoon on the edge of the saucepan. This not only keeps the spoon where you want it, but it also lets any drips go back into the pot, so your counters don’t become dirty.
It works nicely with wooden spoons, spatulas with flat or rounded handles, or spoons with holes in them. It helps a lot if you don’t have a lot of counter space or want to keep things neat while you cook.
2.A way to store things that doesn’t take up as much space.
This one might seem more obvious, but the hole in the handle is helpful for storing things vertically.
Many kitchens have problems because they don’t have enough cupboard space, especially for big objects like stockpots and frying pans. You can use the hole to put your pots and pans on hooks or a pegboard. This provides you extra space and helps you keep your kitchen tidy. Hanging pots and pans also helps them dry faster, which means that moisture and rust are less likely to get stuck.
It’s a smart, elegant, and helpful idea to use the handle hole for storage, no matter if you choose a rustic wall-mounted rack, an overhead hanging bar, or a modern magnetic strip with hooks.
3.How to Fix a Spout Yourself: Controlled Pouring
Have you ever tried to pour soup or sauce from a pot and ended up with more on the counter than in the bowl? We’ve all been there.
Put a long utensil or wooden spoon in the handle hole and press down hard on the pot while you pour to get around this. The gadget acts as a guide or spout, letting you control the flow of liquid and giving you more control over the pour.
This is extremely handy for heavier liquids like homemade gravy, chowders, or stews. It’s also a smart way to place food in containers for meal prep or shift liquids into small jars.
4.A Rough Guide to Measuring (Surprise!)
You can sometimes use the hole in a pot handle to measure things, but it’s not really a science.
Some pots feature holes that are around the same size as:
A usual amount of spaghetti that isn’t cooked
A teaspoon to a tablespoon of dry goods
For example, some pasta pots contain a hole in the handle that is just the right size for one serving of spaghetti. Just put the noodles through the opening to utilize them. That’s all there is to it: a way to control amounts without a measuring cup.
This isn’t a good way to measure exactly, but it’s a helpful hint for cooking quickly.
5.It’s easy to grip and safer to use.
Have you ever tried to lift a big, hot pot while wearing heavy oven mitts or a towel? It seems weird and could be bad for you.
The hole for the handle gives your fingers a place to grasp on, which makes you more steady and gives you more strength. You can have more control if you gently place a finger or thumb inside the aperture, especially when
Stirring a thick sauce
Having a whole pot of soup
Getting the water out of the pasta in the sink
This is a simple but effective approach to improve your grip, which makes it safer to handle pots and pans, especially when they are hot, heavy, or both.
More Ways to Make the Most of the Handle Hole
Make sure to clean it well: The aperture could get filled with dirt or grease. Don’t forget to scrub the hole with a sponge or dish brush when you wash your pots and pans.
Be creative: To keep your pots and pans in order, you can tie herbs together or put labels or tags in the hole.
If you wish to use open shelves or hanging storage, cookware with holes for handles can make your kitchen look more interesting and lovely.
A Reminder on How to Make Things Smarter
It’s nice to see such simple inventiveness in something that doesn’t get much attention these days, when kitchen tools are getting more and more high-tech. The hole in the handle of your pot isn’t just for appearances. It has a meaningful purpose that assists with real kitchen concerns.
It shows that smart design doesn’t have to be complicated or showy. You can get the most out of things you don’t even realize are there.
When you next take up a pan or skillet, search for the small hole in the handle. Do it. Believe it. And smile because your pots and pans are doing more work for you than you thought they would.