Ah! You’re talking about the small hole at the end of most saucepan or skillet handles. It’s one of those little details almost everyone notices but few fully understand.
Purpose of the hole in saucepan handles
- Hanging storage
- The most common use: hang your pan on a hook or rack to save cabinet space.
- Keeps cookware organized and accessible.
- Steam release / utensil slot (less common)
- Some cooks thread a spoon or spatula through the hole to rest it above the pan.
- Modern cookware rarely relies on this, but it’s a clever hack.
- Weight reduction & design
- Reduces some of the handle’s weight, making heavy pans easier to lift.
Common misunderstandings
- Not a pouring hole: Some beginners think it’s for draining liquids—don’t do that.
- Not a safety feature: It’s not meant to attach a lid or prevent boiling over.
Extra tip
If your kitchen is small, those holes are perfect for hanging sets of pots on a wall rack, saving space and keeping them within easy reach.
If you want, I can make a list of other small “hidden features” on cookware that most home cooks misuse or ignore—it’s actually pretty fun to discover! Do you want me to do that?
