Kitchen

Silicone stretch lids

Stretchy lids for bowls, tubs, jars and even half an onion.

They replace cling film and tin foil when you cover bowls and leftovers. You simply pull the lid over the rim, it seals, and afterwards it goes in the dishwasher instead of the bin.

saves effortsaves money
My recommendation Stretch lid set, 12 pieces, round and square Price range: Mid-range
See price on Amazon* All 3 price ranges

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What it takes off your hands

How much effort you save
Before
With stretch lids
Cling film
  • Unroll it, and it sticks to itself
  • Doesn't cling to every bowl
  • Into the bin after one use
With stretch lids
  • Pull it over the rim, it seals
  • Fits round and square containers
  • Into the dishwasher and use it again
Right for you if …
  • You often have cut fruit, vegetables or leftovers
  • You want to throw away less plastic
  • Cling film regularly drives you to despair
To be honest
  • None from the set fits very large bowls
  • It holds less well on a wet rim
  • The size has to fit: too big and it slips off, too small and it can tear when you stretch it

Which model is right for you?

One recommendation for each price range. You can see the current price on Amazon.

Budget

Stretch lids, 12 pieces, round

  • 12 round lids, two each in six sizes from 6.5 to 21 cm
  • For bowls, jars and half pieces of fruit

To try them out, and if you mainly cover round bowls and jars.

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My recommendation
Mid-range

Stretch lid set, 12 pieces, round and square

  • 6 round and 6 square lids in six sizes from about 6 to 19 cm
  • Also for square tubs
  • Dishwasher-safe

For most kitchens. My tip, because with round and square lids you're ready for almost anything.

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Premium

Lékué stretch lids, set of 3

  • Branded product from the kitchen specialist Lékué
  • Three lids of about 11, 15 and 20 cm, for bowls up to about 24 cm

For you if you'd rather have fewer lids, but high-quality ones.

To be honest

Only three sizes. For small jars you'll also need a cheap set.

See price on Amazon*

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Is it worth it in euros, too?

This product mainly saves you effort. If you want to know what it's worth in euros and minutes, open the calculator.

Open the calculator

Questions and answers

Do they really seal tightly?

Yes, if the lid is pulled fully over the rim and the rim is dry. In tests, not even water ran out of a tipped bowl. But they're not as airtight as a vacuum container, and I wouldn't carry a bowl of soup upside down with one.

Can they go in the microwave?

Most can, check the packaging. Leave a small gap open when heating so the steam can escape.

Which size do I take?

The lid should be a little smaller than the rim, then it stretches over it. A set with six sizes covers everything from half a lemon to a bowl just over 20 cm across. For bigger bowls you need a set with an extra-large lid.

How long do they last?

That depends on the quality. At America's Test Kitchen all the lids survived ten dishwasher cycles without damage; for other testers, some tore while being put on. Don't stretch them more than necessary and keep them away from knives and sharp edges.

Do they take on smells?

Yes, after onion, garlic or mustard they often smell for a while. It fades with every wash. If the smell lingers, rub them with a little baking soda and a damp sponge.

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