I seem to be very unlucky with my saucepan lids. I now have several lidless pans! I just thought I'd ask you clever people on here if you have any idea what I could use as a replacement?
Depending on the size of the pan, use pie or cake tins for a more permanent lid. For just a quick fix, cut and form a lid from aluminum foil -with or without a piece of cardboard (think empty cereal box) wrapped in it. Even a glass, china, or stoneware plate will do. Any of these ideas will work, just remember to use a mitt or pot holder, since your DIY lid doesn't have a handle/knob.
You can use a cookie pan/sheet or a pizza pan.
Try turning it upside down so it catches the condensation or you may prefer using the bottom.
Thrift stores usually have an assortment of pan lids - glass or metal and may not be more than $1 (or less).
Take a frying pan of roughly proximate size and put it over the pot.
Use a sheet pan. It's an old test kitchen and restaurant secret for when the right-sized lid isn't available or doesn't exist.
A double sheet of foil works well as a lid when you need a closer fit than a sheet pan or a frying pan would provide. It's a little more difficult to manipulate than a lid, but it traps heat and moisture just as effectively.
You can cut a circle of parchment paper and put it on top of the dish you're trying to keep covered, it works particularly well with sweating vegetables.
I have a universal lid I got at Bed Bath and Beyond for a skillet that was purchased without a lid. I can use that lid for any pot or pan I want.
I myself have the same problem and I have found that using my dinner plates or side plates upside down on top of the pot or pan works splendidly. If you happen to not have plates that are of the no paper variety, you can always ask a neighbor.
I needed some lids and went to a thrift store and found several in various sizes and the prices were very reasonable.
I flip plates upside down. Or, usually I'll have an existing pan lid that I can use temporarily.
Other ideas:
- Pizza pan
- Baking sheet
- Or purchase universal pan lid
