Anne Selects Space Saving Lids

Every day, elegance meets function — say goodbye to lid chaos.

Author

Anne Benissan
June 05, 2025

CRISTEL FLAT GLASS LIDS

THE PROBLEM

Lids are surprisingly annoying — and you know it the moment you’re crouched on the floor, digging through a chaotic pile, only to grab the first one that sort of fits.

No matter how sleek your kitchen setup is, lids are notoriously hard to store. They rarely stack well. Their handles snag on racks. And somehow, they always seem to demand an entire shelf to stay upright.

It’s one of those daily design failures you don’t think about — until it slows you down.

THE PICK

Cristel’s flat glass lids are a quiet revolution. With no protruding knobs or bulky handles, they stack seamlessly — no wobble, no wasted space.

Here’s why they work so well:

  • Flat design: No knobs or curves — they stack beautifully and stay put.

  • One handle, many uses: Use the same removable handle as your Cristel pots — less clutter, more flexibility.

  • Built-in hook: Easy to lift without needing a handle at all.

  • Vertical storage: Pair them with a shelf hook to store upright and grab one without touching the others.

  • Drawer storage: Stack them in a drawer for easy storage.

Smart, sleek, and deeply satisfying.

Why Not Another Option?

What about stainless steel lids? They’re lighter, unbreakable, and often come with the same pots.

Here’s why I still pick Cristel’s flat glass lids:

  • Visibility: With glass, you can check on your cooking without lifting the lid.

  • Space-saving shape: Most stainless steel lids still have domes or knobs that make stacking awkward.

  • Design harmony: Cristel’s flat lids are purpose-built to work with their modular system, resulting in a streamlined, space-efficient kitchen that functions effectively.

Unless you’re prioritizing weight or you’re especially prone to dropping things, I’d choose these every time.

Behind the Pick

Cristel is a French heritage brand that has been crafting high-quality cookware since 1826. I’ve had my stackable Cristel pots for over 20 years — they’re still going strong and still a joy to use.

What I love most is how Cristel consistently designs with real-life use in mind. Their flat lids with removable handles are just the latest example of their space-saving brilliance.

If you’re in Europe, take a look at their new stainless steel pans — they might be a fantastic alternative to Hestan, especially if you’re looking for top-tier performance with thoughtful design.

TAKEAWAY

Cristel France is one of those trustworthy brands that quietly delivers — widely loved in France, still a hidden gem in the U.S.

These flat lids will streamline your cooking setup, saving you from the hassle of bending, rummaging, and wasted shelf space. Buy them from Sur La Table to get the best customer service. Their lid holder is beautiful, but just too tall for me.

Just pick the sizes that match your pots — and you’re all set.

WHAT I HAVE

I have had my four stackable pots for over 20 years. Cristel has similar ones on their site.

6-inch Bain Marie set, and 7-inch and 71/2-inch pots

I replaced all my lids with the corresponding size from Cristel Flat glass lids, and also got a tumbler holder that perfectly holds them vertically in my cabinet.

WHAT IS NEXT?

What do you think of this idea? Hit reply—I’d love to compare notes.

My next focus:

A revolutionary toaster that will meet the most demanding toasting needs.

Is there anything you would like me to research? Hit reply and let me know.

With love, until next time

Anne

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