Frying pan or saucepan handles all have a hole at the end. And contrary to what one might think, this hole is not used to hang them on the wall…
In every kitchen, pots and pans are essential tools. You probably use them every day to simmer dishes, sauté vegetables or cook meat. If you’ve ever paid attention to the handles of these utensils, you may have noticed a small hole at the end.
We usually think that this hole is only used to hang pots and pans, on hooks or splashback bars for example. A practical way to store your equipment while optimizing the space in your kitchen, and a huge time saver since you no longer have to empty the cupboard to grab the pan that is at the bottom of the pile ! However, this is not the real function of these holes, which in reality have a much more clever use.
Too often, when you’re preparing a meal, you don’t know where to put your wooden spoon or spatula. Placing it directly on the work surface is not always hygienic, not to mention that you risk staining it or getting it dirty. Likewise, if you choose to place it on the edge of the pan, you risk burning it or dropping it.
The solution? Simply slide your utensil into the hole in the handle of your pan or saucepan, which will then hold it upright! It’s a kind of spoon holder, which allows you to keep it within reach, without dirtying your work surface or the hob. In addition to this, these holes can help dissipate the heat accumulated along the handle, reducing the risk of burns when handling the pan or saucepan.
So, this element that many consider innocuous or purely decorative has in reality been designed to make cooking easier, cleaner and more secure. A very simple invention, but extremely practical for those who spend time behind the stove.
But pots and pans aren’t the only items in the kitchen that have holes. The spaghetti spoon also has one in its center, intended to measure the quantity of pasta for one person. Enough to avoid cooking for an entire regiment! Likewise, the hole in the center of the cutting board allows you to hang the object, but also to pour its contents without risking putting everything aside. This shows that kitchen utensils and other everyday objects sometimes have functions that we wouldn’t suspect!