The $1.25 Dollar Tree Find So Good I Went Back for More

I don’t have convenient or appropriate kitchen storage for some of my essentials. Getting to my pots and pans, for example, is a multi-step process. As organized and thoughtful as I try to make it, I often find myself rummaging through the cabinet, playing a frustrating game of “Find That Lid.” 

When I urgently need a matching lid, they seemingly vanish into the same dimension as missing socks. In a moment of lid torment (and deep curiosity), I picked up a Cooking Concepts silicone pot lid during a Dollar Tree run. At just $1.25, it was worth experimenting with, even if it was just for research purposes.

Little did I know what a game-changer it would be. This flexible silicone lid has become my new favorite kitchen tool. To my genuine surprise, I find myself reaching for it far more often than the more expensive lids that came with my cookware set.

Why I Love Dollar Tree’s Silicone Pot and Pan Lids

While they currently only come in one size, these 8 1/3-inch silicone lids are kitchen multitaskers in the truest sense. They create an impressive suction seal on any smooth-rimmed container, whether a pot, pan, or mixing bowl. I’ve used mine for everything from simmering soups, sauces, and stews to storing leftovers. Their flexibility allows them to conform to different sizes, and their light, slim design means they can be stored easily and almost anywhere.

The silicone is heat resistant up to around 400°F, which means I can use the lid on the stovetop, in the oven, and even in the microwave without worry. It helps to prevent splatters and allows just enough steam to escape while keeping my food from drying out. The only quirk I’ve found is that condensation can collect on the underside of the lid during cooking, so I have to tilt the lid away from me when removing it to avoid the hot drips. It’s a small price to pay for the added convenience!

Because they work well on a variety of round vessels, I also use them when I’m meal-prepping to cover bowls of chopped vegetables or other mixed ingredients in the fridge. I don’t use plastic wrap often, but this reduces my need for it even more. I like these lids so much that I’ve even gone back and bought a few to give to friends. My kitchen drawer may be full of impulse purchases that I regret, but this silicone lid isn’t one of them.

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