Storage Solutions

Storing lids is a pain. Lids are bulky, irregularly shaped, and consume an inordinate amount of space for their size. The usual solutions for this problem include:

• Storing the lids on the pans. Since this means one can not "nest" pans, it consumes a huge amount of storage space, more than is available in most kitchens, or;

• Stacking the lids in a drawer. Lids get banged up and are hard to find.

Other Lid-Handling Products

Using "drawer-type" storage systems. (more...)

These seem to be a good solution for cooks who have both lots of cabinet space and lids that don't vary in shape and size. Unfortunately: 

• These do not accommodate lids with high profiles such as a roasting pan. They won't fit in the "toaster slots" that these drawers all use for holding lids upright. 

• The drawers take up a lot of cabinet space and only store a few lids. Even these promotional photos show that these will only store a few lids. Most cooks have at least a dozen pans of various sizes, so would need three or four sets of these drawers.

The LidJet will hold almost any shape and size lid! (top)

Free-standing lid storage devices (more...)

The advantages of these are that they are very inexpensive and they can accept a wide variety of lids. In my experience, though, there are a number of disadvantages:

• They are very cumbersome and unstable when they are full of lids.

• They don't move well, and can easily fall or tip over when moving lids in or out.

• Handles tend to catch on other lids when you take them out, causing some to fall out.

• You can't find the small lids unless they are carefully arranged smallest-to-largest.

• With all this, you can't get lids in or out one-handed or in a hurry.

The LidJet keeps your lids at-hand, quickly and easily. (top)

Vertical Storage space units (more...)

The most plentiful storage space in most kitchens seems to be vertical -- cabinet doors, backs and sides. There are a few devices that seek to take advantage of these surfaces. The few examples I have found are:

• Too big for cabinets with shelves.

• Inflexible in the size and profile of the lids they will store.

• Stick out a long way, so they consume precious horizontal surface area.

The LidJet will fit almost anywhere! (top)

Cooking Help

We've all been there. You're at your stove top and the sauce needs a stir. How best to momentarily uncover a pot for stirring? You need a hand to remove and hold the lid. Another hand to hold the pan, and one more for the spoon or spatula. Only have two hands? Better set the lid someplace. Where? An unused burner, they're all in use. The counter, is it a good idea to set a hot lid there? The sink, it's across the room and full of dishes. O.K. lean it against the wall then, oops it slipped, now you have a messy disaster. 

The rack device to hold a hot lid must:

• Do so without damaging the rack, lid or the mounting surface;

• Be easy enough to use that one can attach the lid to the rack one-handed and quickly;

• Accommodate lids of multiple sizes and configurations - whichever one you are using at the moment;

• Be easily cleaned after cooking; and

• Be attractive enough to compliment the aesthetics of a well-designed kitchen.

(top)

You can put the lid on the LidJet quickly and with one hand, leaving both hands free