Lay flat handles for pot lids are described. They make backpacking cookware lighter, more versatile and packable with multiple pots.
Introduction
Lay flat handles for lids make alternative ultralight DIY lids possible and practical, particularly with nesting pot and pan sets where safe storage of the delicate foil lids during backpacking is often difficult.
These lay flat handles are made from micro welded hard stainless steel and can be retrofitted to any lid that has a simple small round hole or slit in it. They are designed to lay flat while packed and ‘pop up’ when in use and block steam venting. They locate themselves in a position that will minimise the risk of steam burns for the cook. This stainless steel is a poor heat conductor so it does not burn the cook’s fingertips. The typical weight is 0.5g and they can be posted for delivery in ordinary mail.
Where a lid has an existing hole (where the original knob has been removed), I use this hole to mount the lay-flat handle and the hole may need a little enlargement to allow it to fit through. If it is a ‘new’ custom lid a small slit can be cut in the lid, with a tool such as a craft knife, to mount the lay-flat handle and thereby allow less steam venting near the handle.
A central location of the lid handle seems to be optimum as it gives the most control when putting the hot lid down in a suitable clean place while camp cooking. “No one I know likes dirt and muck in their cup of tea.”
[Add description of new replaceable plug-together lay-flat handle for light foil lids]
Tim
gge