Quick answer

Measure the inside diameter of your pan's rim across the top, not the base, then choose a lid that matches that number. For most home cooks, an 8-inch stainless steel cover handles small skillets and sauce pans, while a 10-inch cover fits larger fry pans and sauté pans. Buy the size that matches your most-used pan first, then add the other size if you cook across both.

How to measure your pan for a lid

Lid sizing is based on the pan's top rim, not the cooking surface or the base. Flip the pan over or lay a ruler flat across the top opening and measure from inner edge to inner edge. If your pan has a flared or rolled rim, measure the narrowest point the lid must sit inside. Write down that number in inches before you shop, because a lid that is even a quarter-inch too small will slide around and a lid that is too large will not seat at all.

8-inch vs 10-inch lids: which size to buy first

An 8-inch lid is the workhorse for single servings, eggs, small sauce pans, and 8-inch skillets. A 10-inch lid covers larger fry pans, sauté pans, and pans used for family portions. If you own both an 8-inch and a 10-inch pan, buy the lid for whichever pan you reach for most often. If you are replacing a lost lid, match the original pan's rim measurement rather than guessing by the pan's advertised size, since some cookware is measured at the base.

What stainless steel covers do well and where they fall short

Stainless steel covers are durable, resist staining, and are easy to wipe clean. They trap heat and moisture, which helps foods cook evenly and keeps sauces from drying out. The tradeoff is that solid stainless steel is not see-through, so you cannot watch browning without lifting the lid and releasing heat. Stainless steel also gets hot on the handle during long cooking, so keep a dry towel or mitt nearby. If you rely on visual cues, a glass lid may suit you better, but stainless steel is the more rugged choice for daily use.

Decision rules for buying a stainless steel pan lid

  • Match the rim, not the base: Measure the inside diameter across the top rim of the pan. If the pan is sold as 10 inches but the rim measures 9.5 inches, buy the 9.5-inch lid. A lid that matches the rim seats flat and traps steam properly.
  • Buy for your most-used pan first: If you cook eggs and single portions, start with an 8-inch cover. If you cook family meals in a large skillet, start with a 10-inch cover. One well-fitted lid beats two loose ones.
  • Accept the visibility tradeoff: Stainless steel hides browning, so you will lift the lid to check. If that bothers you, choose glass instead. Stainless steel wins on durability; glass wins on visibility.
  • Check the handle before you commit: Stainless steel handles get hot during long simmers. Plan to use a towel or mitt, or look for a lid with a heat-resistant knob if that matters to you. Hot handles are normal for stainless steel; manage them safely.

Product facts

  • Cardamom™ 10 Inch Stainless Steel Cover: 10-inch diameter stainless steel cover with durable stainless steel construction, designed to fit Nordic Ware cookware and help trap heat and moisture. A good match for larger fry pans and sauté pans where you want to retain steam without lifting a lid repeatedly.
  • Cardamom™ 8 Inch Stainless Steel Cover: 8-inch diameter stainless steel cover for compatible pots and pans, with stainless steel construction for long-lasting durability and heat and moisture retention. The right size for small skillets and sauce pans, and a practical replacement if you cook single servings often.

Who should buy which size

Best for

  • Cooks who need a durable replacement lid for an 8-inch or 10-inch pan
  • Home cooks who want to trap heat and moisture without buying a new pan
  • Anyone replacing a lost or warped lid on Nordic Ware cookware

Not for

  • Cooks who want to watch food brown without lifting the lid
  • Pans with a rim measurement that does not match 8 or 10 inches
  • Anyone who prefers a lightweight lid with a cool-touch handle