Chapelnik: what is it and how to choose?

Having met in the text or having heard the word "chapelnik", few understand what the speech is about. A synonym for this concept - "frying pan", already evokes more specific associations. A chapelnik is a kitchen utensil that in its classic form looks like a wooden handle with a hook and a stop. With the help of such a device, you can grab a frying pan (chapel) and put it in the oven or oven. In the dictionary of V. I. Dal, it is indicated that the word "chapelnik" was formed from the dialect verb "chapat", which means "to grab."

A frying pan is a kitchen utensil that can be found in any kitchen. It should be voluminous, safe and comfortable, so a removable holder would be a good solution. A frying pan with a chapel can be used for frying and stewing not only in the oven, but also on any type of stove (gas, electric, induction). However, not all types can use such a removable handle. Let's take a closer look at which pans the chapel is compatible with.

• Cast iron... These pans are usually not sold with a cap, as cast iron is a heavy metal. Disconnecting a loose handle can result in injury from a falling cast iron pan. In addition, such dishes get very hot and, attaching a holder to it, you can accidentally get a severe burn. In the old days, a special grip for a cast iron frying pan was widely used. It was quite sturdy and had a long handle.
• Grill pan. This type is very often sold with a removable handle. The chapel can be easily detached in order to put the grill pan in the oven. For this kind of kitchen utensils, this is a very handy tool.
• Pancake pan. Pancake pans generally come with non-removable handles, so it is more convenient to hold them in your hand when preparing pancakes. But now this type of frying pans is also available with a chapel. This is a huge plus when storing cookware.

Typically, caps are made for a specific series of pans.

The handle of the holder can be made of wood or metal. But currently the best option is considered to be a handle with a coating of fire-resistant plastic.

Frying pans with a chapel have the following advantages:

• easily transforms into a convenient holder for frying;
• can be used for all types of stoves and for the oven;
• after detaching the pan, the dishes are easily placed in the dishwasher;
• a frying pan with a removable handle is easy to store, even in a small drawer.

The disadvantages include the following points:

• not all models have a cap to put on easily and quickly;
• The holder slot becomes overgrown with layers of grease and dirt over time, which interferes with the proper attachment of the handle.

Currently, there are the following mechanisms for attaching handles to a frying pan.

• With a clamp. With this option, the droplet can be detached by unscrewing the clamp attached to the holder. But the hostesses have to use both hands, which is not very convenient. It can also burn your fingers if the pan is hot.
• Push-button mechanism. This is an uncomplicated and convenient option, since it only requires pressing a special button on the droplet and lifting the handle up. This method is very popular among cooks, as it takes only a few seconds, and you can handle the mechanism with one hand. But you need to press the button hard, otherwise the handle will not detach.
• With a lever. This mechanism makes it possible to detach the pan with one hand by turning the lever fully counterclockwise. This option is simple, but requires some experience and skills.
• Moving button. In this case, the chapelnik is put on the bracket. When it falls into place, there is a click. To remove it, move the button away from you and pull the removable handle. The disadvantages of this mechanism are that the pan needs to be supported when disconnecting, and it can be very hot.

A chapel is also called a tourist accessory for holding pots and cups. Most often it is made from aluminum, and it is designed for dishes with food weighing no more than three kilograms. This holder is very convenient for hiking due to its light weight (about 45 grams) and compact size.

Chapelnik is a universal device for gripping pans, pots, metal cups. It is popular both with exemplary housewives and tourists who love outdoor romance. Now the choice of removable handles is so diverse that everyone can find the right and practical option.

Other varieties of the cap can be seen in the video below.