Reddit mentions: The best potholders

I'm still not sure why carbon steel frying pans haven't caught on yet.

Basically carbon steel frying pans are a kind of happy medium between cast iron and your standard non-stick pan. Like non-sticks, they heat up pretty quickly, but like cast iron they are very durable, can tolerate very high heats (unlike a non-stick!) and once properly seasoned are pretty non-stick. I love it for making eggs in the morning because unlike a cast iron, I don't have to wait 5-10 minutes for it to get properly hot.

If you recognize the metal from their use in woks, which are pretty bad at holding heat, skillet style carbon-steel pans like the kind I'm talking about tend to be a little thicker and hold heat better.

There are downsides: fast heating means fast cooling, too, so unlike cast iron, they can't hold heat as well and you're not going to get the kind of sear and heat you can get with a cast iron or a stainless steel pan. On the other hand, they're not terrible at holding heat, and if you get a bigger pan (which you might want anyway) and leave yourself some breathing room, this isn't a problem most of the time.

They're also more expensive than cast iron and most non-sticks, but not by much. They also last forever (unlike non-sticks) so it ends up paying for itself over time.

If you're trying to minimize kitchen items, the carbon steel frying pan is a great all-around, utility player.

A good option is the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet, which like their cast iron comes pre-seasoned (but it's a good idea to do a round or three of seasoning anyway). If you get this, I highly recommend you pick up a silicone handle. It's almost a necessary accessory as it turns the pan from painful to hold due to heat and form to a friendly handshake from your frying pan.

That is the one I have and it's easily my most used pan. That said, I do eat way more eggs than seared meats. On the other hand, if I had to I'd still feel comfortable cooking a good, well-seared steak in this pan if for some reason I couldn't reach for my cast iron (I couldn't say the same about a non-stick).

If you want a little bit better heat retention, the deBuyer is in the same price range, but it's a little heavier, which'll help it retain heat. It doesn't come pre-seasoned, so you'll have to put a little bit more work into it. I don't own this, but it's generally a good, popular brand.

I am proud of myself for finally almost "having my shit together" at age 28. It took some time, but I am pretty happy in my life right now. For awhile, I was depressed, and just not very happy about anything in life. I am just proud of myself that I am finally happy!!

this would make me happy too thanks for the contest!!

Autogenerated.

I got a Stargazer for my birthday. AMA.

I received a Stargazer for my birthday in October this year. I've used it nearly every day since. I have 7 lodges that I use extremely less frequently now. Here's what I know:

• It's polished at the factory and doesn't have the rough grainy feel of nearly every other new, modern pan. They still cast it, but it goes through another step.
  
• It has a bronze color. I don't know if it's expected to turn black. Their website pics imply that it won't.
  
• I made two pizzas, one in the stargazer and one in the lodge. The stargazer produced a crispier crust, which I attribute to a slightly thinner material, and therefore less "heat up" time. Maybe it got hotter quicker, and therefore, longer
  
• During French Toast days, the handle of the lodge requires a lodge condom, and the Stargazer did not. It has a funny forked handle, which likely conducts less heat.
  
• It did not pass the egg test out of the box but outperformed my well-used main lodge. I cooked two eggs at the same time, with the same amount of oil. (the lodge may not have been properly cleaned from the night before, at the time, so your mileage may vary)
  
• It's very pretty.
  
  Should you (or Santa) spend $80 on one? Yes, if you're into Cast Iron, and I know all you suckers are, this might be your prized pan. And like any iron, it's generational. Maybe your great grandkids will be using your pan on Mars.
  
  
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I'd like to wish a SUPER THANKSGIVING to /u/RoseHearth for being such a good friend to me! Thank you RoseHearth for being so nice :)

[This] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005HMDK9O/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=ENWVVIV3KA1V&coliid=ICV9L8SZ8BQFT&psc=1) is on my Under $5 list and would be a big help.

Just to counterweight this experience, let me share my own. Again. :-)

Posted this on another Stargazer thread, but here are my two Stargazers. The 10.5" is about a year old, the 12" is a couple of months. As /u/JamesEdward34 points out, keeping seasoning sticking is a little bit of a problem, but really only a cosmetic one. Both pans are a little splotchy, but both cook like a dream. The 10.5" looks darker in the picture than in real life, but it is getting darker as it gets more use. Yes the seasoning tends to come off, and yes, it builds back just fine.

No matter how splotchy they look, they're pretty non-stick. I cooked scrambled eggs on the 12" yesterday -- I don't think teflon would have been any slicker.

Most of the slickness comes from stovetop seasoning, not from the oven. I seasoned both in the oven when I first got them, but other than for baking or roasting actual food, they haven't been back in the oven since. You really don't need to do oven seasoning more than once.

Oh, and if you need a handle cover, there are handle covers that will fit. I got these, and use them occasionally, but mostly the handle doesn't get hot enough to matter. I use a mitt coming in and out of the oven.

My favorite thing I've done since the beginning of 2014 would be joining the subreddit actually! I've had so much fun meeting new people and chatting and having an all around great time!

This is under $10 and pretty much the cutest thing evar.

Leather Cast Iron Skillet Pan Handle Cover - Made In USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07234J2NT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_M6KUCb9PDH5HM

for anyone that likes the brown one...good deal imo. the white one i bought with my field skillet on their website. the brown one fits my lodge pretty snug. the cover is about 4 and 5/8 of an inch. its made of nice leather and made in the usa. the white one fits the field perfectly as its tailor made for it.

This will help keep my hand cool! Hehe.

Happy Birthday Lukie!

I love bananas!!

And pot holder. XD

• nonstick pan is nonstickiest on it's first use, and begins to degrade
  
• you can scrape your wife's burnt food out pretty easily.
  
• they come in a million different configurations to suit your needs.
  
• you can use it in a campfire
  
• your wife can't scratch your pan
  
• you can keep it your whole life, plus your kid's whole life.
  
• it's restorable
  
• it's cheap
  
• it predates all the other popular pan types, and will out-live them
  
• you can use thin metal spatulas, without fear of scratching
  
• you can get them super hot
  
• many folks display their collection, with pride
  
• they don't discolor (well, beyond being black)
  
• they work well in the oven, lacking stupid plastic handles (though you will likely need a lodge condom).
  

Maybe these kind of silicone sleeves for pot handles work? Don't know if these will fit, but there's a lot of sizes. Has the benefit of being easy to remove, grippy and heat resistant.

Get one of this, you wont regret it. One of the best purchases I've ever done. They're pretty handy if you want to get a pan out quick too.

Lol first time I did it my left hand was under running water while my right was ordering [these] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WIZTQC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8vxqzbPSMWEZP) or something like them on Amazon.

Of course it depends on what setting your hotplate is on, but if it's hot enough to cook, then yes, the handle will get very hot. I use hot pads, or silicone or leather handle covers all the time. There are a couple new skillet makers like Stargazer that make handles designed to dissipate heat, so that might be worth looking into.

This looks really useful, thank you.

Have you considered one of those little things that slides over the handle (after done heating)? I've seen them in leather and silicone. Like this:

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Silicone-Handle-Cover-Holder/dp/B01L7XWEQQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1503605238&sr=8-4&keywords=silicone+handle+for+cast+iron+skillet

I've done something similar I completely freaked out because I had about $350 in my wallet for rent, I went beserk started crying the whole nine yards as you say. Turns out I placed it in an area of my car that I didn't normally put it, I felt like such an idiot I should have stopped an thought about it for a moment before going into full break down mode. Why on earth did I do that?

If I won I would love either This bathset ours is looking pretty shabby, or if we can combined two items to be $17 I would love a Mixing bowl set & a set of pot holders it drives me nuts not having a set of both, my kitchen is lacking in needed items.

I've had one on my amazon wish list forever. Apparently no one thought I needed another pan for Christmas.

I think most are made with restaurant use in mind, so not super ergonomic like home cookware. You can get a silicon holder that looks pretty comfortable and is made just for this pan.

I'm on mobile so excuse the long link. Here it is.
Lodge ASCRHH11 Silicone Hot Handle Holder, Black
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C61O4ZI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_u5EIwbS2F06W9

Detroit has a good orchestra!! I'm not sure what my Canadian friends would think about me saying Montreal Sucks, but who cares, eh?

This is useful

I can never have enough coconut oil...use it in the kitchen and for my awful skin.

Or any of the Lodge Cast Iron Silicone Hot Handle Holders. As, I don't like to use pans with any chemicals and such, so these ones would be awesome too!

Thank you for the contest. :)

These make great little mats for your pieces, as well as these.

Once the initial burst of Reddit love died down, I decided to check on a product that I have recently returned that had a lot of "I received a discount for honest review" kind of stuff.

While the site did accurately flag the product reviews as a whole untrustworthy, it ironically identified the most honest and accurate review as the least trustworthy.

I like the Cloth ones better. They don't heat up nearly as much as the silicon ones when left on the pan, at least on an electric stove.

https://www.amazon.com/DII-Washable-Resistant-Everyday-Baking-Barn/dp/B071S8K3D6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1517450226&sr=8-2&keywords=2+handed+pot+holders

They're awesome!

Get one of these: https://www.dickblick.com/products/aluminum-brush-washer/

Edit: Oh, and if you use a LOT of brushes or big ones, get a paint try like this. You can fill the deep end with water and lay your brushes down in it with the tips submerged. If they slide around too much you can put like a rubber or silicone mat in there, like these pot holders; they're very grippy.

The easiest option would be to just get a colored silicone handle cover like these: https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Silicone-Hot-Handle-Holder/dp/B004QM8W5S

I bought leather covers for my cast iron handles, love them.

I got this one, and the longer version too for a skillet with a longer handle.

Leather Cast Iron Skillet Pan Handle Cover - Made In USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07234J2NT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3nGPDbSMN8X7T

I bought a few on Amazon that I love. And it's 20% off [here](Rustic Leather Hot Handle Holder (Cast Iron Panhandle Potholder) Double Layered, Double Stitched and Handmade by Hide & Drink :: Bourbon Brown https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017M7VG5G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-sCOBbE1NFNDK)

This one is the best I've ever used

https://www.amazon.com/Leather-Cast-Skillet-Handle-Cover/dp/B07234J2NT/

I just got a leather one that I've really enjoyed using!

I have that exact one. They’re $5 on amazon and they hold up very well. Buy one here

I've also read good things about Hardmill's leather handle covers, which have kevlar thread for heat resistance - got one on my Christmas list this year haha:

• https://amazon.com/Leather-Cast-Skillet-Handle-Cover/dp/B07234J2NT

Lodge also makes a leather one, looks better than these imo.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CP6BUWS/

Grip works wonders - does well with heat. Bought mine off of Amazon. Here's the Canadian link

Yep! You can get silicone covers for them!

This is the kind I have. Multiple layers of thick leather means you don't even feel heat through it unless you literally just took it out of a 500 degree oven. I also like how eventually the leather molds to the handle making it snug as a glove.

Although this isn't answering the question directly, I use this silicone trivet in my refrigerator when I have something hot and need to move it more quickly than it can cool down. That prevents the thermal shock to my glass shelves in the refrigerator, and seems to be the perfect size for my pressure cooker steel insert.

This is where I found the handle cover. Also these silicone covers come in handy as well.

Silicone? I bought these cloth ones and they really work well. The only thing is that on a gas stovetop they need to be removed while the flame is on high or they will begin to burn

On Amazon!!


Lodge Silicone Hot Handle Holder - Red Heat Protecting Silicone Handle for Lodge Cast Iron Skillets with Keyhole Handle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QM8W5S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_qZmZAbKX63Q5V

I strongly advise getting one of these, it will mitigate a lot of the heat

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Silicone-Hot-Handle-Holder/dp/B004QM8W5S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1497855105&sr=8-3&keywords=lodge+pan+cover

I had got these when I was gifted a cast iron years ago, and they worked fine. they kind of fell apart after a couple years, and i just turned to using kitchen towels instead of buying a replacement

Hm. Bet sugru or some other silicone sleeving would help with the heat, but it would ruin the nice lines of it's design.

In fact, this would almost be perfect [no affiliation], as it claims it's 2" wide at the opening. If I come across heat probz it'll probs be worth the $6 to find out.

If you only used it to mark the end of the handle and baked it in the oven after it dried (without food). It should be fine. It will stink at first.

Going off of another posters suggestion something like this may be more suitable.
http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-ASHH41-Silicone-Handle-Holder/dp/B004QM8W5S

Don't be a fool, cover your tool

Lodge sells some well made ones. I have one, it works, but I never use it.

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-ASHH41-Silicone-Handle-Holder/dp/B004QM8W5S

you may want one of these

You want a few of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-ASHH41-Silicone-Handle-Holder/dp/B004QM8W5S

this one is made by Lodge, it is made out of Silicone:

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Silicone-Hot-Handle-Holder/dp/B004QM8W5S/

silicon handle covers, people. \o/

(i know, i know, "details")

Lodge Striped Hot Handle Holders/Mitts, Set of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000050AV8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kb.FybQZ4A9DT

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004QM8W5S/

here!

Don't burn yourself! Hot handle covers, essential for cast iron cooks.

I've used these Lodge handles for years now.

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-ASHH41-Silicone-Handle-Holder/dp/B004QM8W5S

Silicone pan handle cover. Slip it on and never take it off. Never burn hands again.

Not OP, but the people who make new cast iron skillets in the USA also make accessories.

Leather Cast Iron Skillet Pan Handle Cover - Made In USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07234J2NT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BQs1BbEBM7P32

this one^ fits most cast iron pan. it’s leather and stitched with kevlar for heat resistance

the food - just beef, salt, american cheese!

Get protection! https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Silicone-Hot-Handle-Holder/dp/B004QM8W5S

I have done this numerous times so I finally got a few of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Grips-2-Piece-Handle-Holder/dp/B003WIZTQC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419873858&sr=8-2&keywords=pan+handle+sleeve

I use these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000050AV8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_C1EpzbKG7FVX2

It's a silicone handle cover: Lodge ASHH41 Silicone Hot Handle Holder, Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QM8W5S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0trHyb6EREC7N

Lodge Striped Hot Handle Holders/Mitts, Set of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000050AV8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OhzSyb1NYWFDG

To stop me from burning my hands again and again after I forgot that the pan on the stove just came out of the oven

I used those for a bit, except I ended up burning the crap out of them. I recently upgraded to the silicone Lodge holder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QM8W5S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-mzSybKFKF318

That's why I usually stick one of these on the handle whenever I'm using it, keeps me from absent mindedly grabbing the thing and hurting myself.

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Striped-Handle-Holders-Mitts/dp/B000050AV8/ref=sr_1_20?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1419265908&sr=1-20

500F is just about right.

I have the same red Lodge silicon handle for my skillet—and I have forgotten to take it off the handle a couple times. Most of the time, it's been no big deal; I've used a hot pad to take the pan out.

But once, I had the broiler on (making broiled chicken with peppers, if I remember correctly). I opened the oven door a couple minutes later to discover that the handle had bubbled, cracked, and turned an ugly shade of mottled brown.

The good news is that you can buy a new handle for $4.