If you remove a hot pan from the stove or oven, you may accidentally burn your hands. This is especially true for bare cast iron pans, which can remain hot long time after removal from the heat source. To protect your hands from hot pan handles, you can often use oven mitts or towels.
A silicone handle cover is an innovative and useful kitchen accessory when handling hot pans on the stove or placing a hot pan in the oven to finish the meal. Some people have found this new insulating kitchen accessory to be safer and more practical than traditional heat protection tools.
Benefits of Silicone Handle Covers
- The main advantage of a removable handle cover over a fixed insulated handle is that you can place your cookware in a hot oven (after removing the cover) without fear of damaging the handle.
- A hot handle holder makes handling your pans safer when cooking on the stove. You can comfortably hold the frying pan to empty the food into a serving bowl. You can also leave the lid on while preparing quicker meals on the stove, such as frying eggs.
- A permanent protective handle cover may be ruined if exposed to high heat in the oven. A silicone holder enables you to use cookware with a bare metal handle in the oven. You can use the holder to transfer the hot pan from the stovetop to the oven and then take it off. You will again use the holder when taking the pan out of the oven.
- A rubber holder is dishwasher safe and easier to maintain than traditional handle holders or kitchen towels. Plus, it can be easily cleaned by hand. However, be sure to remove it from the pan before washing it, as the water can cause the handle to rust.
- Silicone grip covers are available in a variety of colors and will retain their new appearance even after repeated use and washing.
- One silicone handle cover can be used for multiple pans.
Limitations
- The thinner handle covers do not provide adequate protection from heat if your pan is very hot or you grip the handle tightly. Additionally, if you hold a very hot pan for a long time, you will need to use additional protection. On the other hand, the thicker lids can be heavy, and the pan can tip over.
- If it’s not the right size or doesn’t fit, it may be difficult to slide the holder onto the handle of a pan and remove it. The handle may also slip when you lift the pan.
- They are just as or less practical for use in the oven than traditional heat protection accessories. You cannot leave the handle cover on when you put your pan in the oven, or the cover will become very hot.
How to Use Silicone Handle Covers on the Stove
Silicone handle covers are primarily intended for stovetop cooking. If the handle cover is not exposed to the heat of the stove, it can remain there while cooking. Be careful not to grip the device too tightly or hold it for too long. This is because the cover absorbs the heat from the handle if left on while cooking.
For longer cooking sessions, silicone handle covers should be used like regular pot holders. Do not put the handle cover on unless absolutely necessary and remove the pan from the heat. Then immediately remove the lid, as the handle of a cast iron skillet can become very hot, and the heat will be transferred to the lid.
Can Silicone Handle Covers Go In the Oven?
It is not recommended to leave the handle cover on while cooking in the oven. Silicone can withstand oven temperatures up to 450 degrees. However, if the holder were left in the oven, it would also get too hot, so you will have to use regular pot holders to remove the pan from the oven.
The handle cover works well when trying to remove a cast iron skillet from the oven. As you place the pan on a rack, it will remain cool enough for a few seconds. Leaving the lid on after removing the pan from the oven allows the lid to absorb heat from the handle. Therefore, with the lid on, you will need to use kitchen gloves or a towel to grip the handle.
Can You Use Pan Handle Covers Over Direct Heat?
A silicone handle cover is not suitable for direct use with flames as it will be very hot to the touch. To protect your hands from burns, remove the lid once you place the pan on or over direct heat and replace it when you remove the cookware from the heat.
Do Pan Handle Covers Work On a Grill?
It is recommended that you remove the cover after placing a pan on the grill. If you leave the cover on with the handle fully over the heat source, the silicone holder will also absorb heat from below. It can get quite hot and therefore defeat its intended purpose.
Related product: Lodge Silicone Hot Cast Iron Skillet Handle Holder (Amazon)
The Verdict
A silicone handle cover is most useful when you use it for stovetop cooking. It is not recommended to use it over an open flame. A silicone hot handle holder can be useful when you need to take hot cookware in and out of the oven, but for oven cooking it is no more practical than traditional kitchen accessories with heat protection.
Silicone hot handle holders are best for cast iron pans because they tend to absorb and retain heat. These pans are also heavy and remain stable after you put the lid on the handle. If you use a silicone sleeve to handle your cast iron pans, there’s a good chance it will meet your needs. For smaller pans made from lightweight materials, a traditional hot handle holder may be a better choice.
Related product: Lodge ASCRHH41 Silicone Hot Handle Holders for Carbon Steel Pans (Amazon)
