How to Get an Unstuck Lid off a Stainless Steel Skillet

Quck answer

To remove a lid stuck on a stainless steel skillet, you can try these simple steps:

1. Fill the sink or a large bowl with hot, soapy water.

2. Place the skillet, with the stuck lid facing down, into the water.

3. Let it soak for about 10-15 minutes to loosen the lid.

4. Gently twist and wiggle the lid while applying even pressure to lift it off.

5. If the lid is still stuck, try using a rubber jar opener or a towel for better grip.

6. If all else fails, you can use a wooden spoon or a butter knife to carefully pry open the lid.

Remember to be cautious and avoid using excessive force to prevent any damage to the skillet or yourself.


When a lid is stuck on a stainless steel skillet, it is usually because of a vacuum seal created by the temperature difference between the hot air inside the skillet and the cooler air outside the lid. This vacuum seal causes the lid to be tightly drawn towards the skillet, making it difficult to remove. In some cases, the lid may even become inwardly dented due to the suction of the seal.

Step 1

To remove a stuck lid, hold the handle of the skillet firmly in one hand (use a pan holder if the skillet is hot). Use your other hand to carefully lift the lid straight up and off. If the lid doesn’t budge, move on to Step 2.

Step 2

If the lid is still stuck, place the skillet back on a stove burner and turn the burner to low heat. Allow the skillet and lid to heat up for a few minutes.

Step 3

While holding the handle of the skillet with one hand, grip the handle of the lid (which may be warm) and pull upwards to release the lid. If this doesn’t work, proceed to Step 4.

Step 4

Remove the skillet and lid from the heat and let them cool down. Place a towel soaked in hot water on top of the lid for a few minutes.

Step 5

Repeat these steps as necessary until the vacuum seal is broken and the lid can be easily removed. Allow the lid to cool down between attempts to prevent it from becoming too hot to handle.

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