When it comes to kitchen gadgets, where innovative ideas meet usefulness and form usually follows function, some of the best design aspects are the ones we forget about every day. One of these unsung heroes is the small circular hole on the handle of your favorite pot or skillet.
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 tiny thing. A weird little cutout that simply sits there. But this little hole is quite strong, therefore you should handle it that way.
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 hook or rack. Yes, that’s one of the things it was meant to do. If your kitchen is small and doesn’t have a lot of cupboard space, hanging your pots and pans vertically is a great way to save space.
But here’s the twist: that’s just the beginning.
This small hole can do more than just hold a pan. You don’t just think about it afterward or add it to make it look good. You get it with your pots and pans, but you don’t use it very much.
Let’s speak about all the unexpected ways this small item could improve your time in the kitchen.
1. A spoon rest that is already there (for genuine)
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 spoon’s handle through the hole in the pot’s handle. The head of the spoon should be 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.
This method works well with wooden spoons, spatulas with flat or rounded handles, and 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 may seem more obvious, but the hole in the handle is excellent for storing things upright.
A lot of kitchens have problems because they don’t have enough cupboard space, especially for big objects like frying pans and stockpots. You can use the hole to put your pots and pans on hooks or a pegboard. This will help you keep your kitchen cleaner and provide you extra space. Hanging pots and pans also helps them dry faster, which makes it less likely that rust and moisture will get stuck.
Whether you choose a rustic wall-mounted rack, an overhead hanging bar, or a modern magnetic strip with hooks, using the handle hole for storage is a smart, elegant, and functional idea.
3. Controlled Pouring: How to Fix a Spout on Your Own
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.
To get around this, put a long utensil or wooden spoon in the hole in the handle and press it down hard on the pot while you pour. The device acts as a guide or spout, letting you control the flow of liquid and giving you more control over the pour.
This is quite useful for thicker liquids like homemade gravy, chowders, and stews. It’s also a smart way to store food for meal prep or move liquids into little jars.
4. A Quick 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 about the same size as
A regular amount of spaghetti that hasn’t been 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 keep track of 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 hang on, which makes you more steady and gives you more power. You can have more control if you gently place a finger or thumb inside the aperture, especially when
Stirring a thick sauce
Holding a full pot of soup
Removing the water from the pasta in the sink
This is a simple but effective approach to improve your grip, which makes it safer to use your cookware, especially when it’s 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 thread labels or tags through the hole.
A great idea: If you want 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 there 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. Sometimes, the things you don’t even know are there can help you the most.
When you next grab a pan or skillet, check the handle for a small hole. Do it. Believe it. And smile because your pots and pans are doing more work for you than you thought they would.
