Using My Half-Century-Old Non-Stick Pan, I Just Discovered the Secret Use of This Little Hole—And I Blame My Own Ignorance

It turns out, the small hole on the handle of a pan isn’t just for hanging it up.

 

 

The Surprising Truth Behind the Hole on the Handle

For decades, I’ve used my non-stick pan—stir-frying, sautéing, and frying a wide variety of dishes. The long handle has a small, charming round hole, which I always assumed was simply for hanging the pan neatly on a hook, keeping the kitchen tidy and organized.

Over the years, I took pride in washing the pan and hanging it up perfectly in the corner, thinking I was quite clever. But just last week, while stir-frying some greens, I accidentally discovered a truth that left me in disbelief: that little hole isn’t just for hanging—it has several incredibly useful functions I had never known about! I chided myself for being so oblivious and decided to share these “secrets” with you so you don’t miss out like I did. Let’s explore what it can really do!

Function 1: Securing the Spoon While Cooking

The primary purpose of the hole is to hold a spoon or spatula in place during cooking. Instead of leaving your spoon to lie around on the countertop—risking it falling onto a dirty floor—you can simply insert the handle of the spoon into the hole. It stays put, keeping your kitchen tidy and convenient. I tried this while stir-frying water spinach, and my wooden spatula no longer slid around, saving me the hassle of wiping up spills. The manufacturer designed this feature to help you cook more cleanly, yet for years, I only used the hole to hang the pan on the wall!

Function 2: Cooling the Handle

The hole also helps keep the handle cooler when you’re cooking over high heat for extended periods. Heat from the pan travels up the handle, but thanks to the small hole, air can circulate more freely, slightly cooling the area you hold. I noticed this when frying soft-boiled eggs—the handle didn’t get as uncomfortably hot as before, even on high flames. A small but smart detail that I wish I’d discovered sooner for a more comfortable cooking experience!

Function 3: Easier Grip While Washing the Pan

When it comes time to wash the pan, the hole proves its worth again. You can slip your finger into the hole to get a better, firmer grip on the pan, preventing it from slipping out of your hands in soapy water. I tested it out, and it really worked—the heavy pan felt much easier to handle, especially when scrubbing off stubborn grease. Who knew that this little hole wasn’t just for hanging, but also provided support during cleaning!

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Now that I know all these clever uses, I’m never going to underestimate the little details on my trusty pan again! Enjoy cooking—and don’t forget to take full advantage of every smart feature your kitchen tools have to offer.