The Japanese-made Piggy Steamer, a 7-inch circle of thin silicone with a thicker, raised center shaped like the face of a pig, turns out to be not only whimsical but also functional.
Published Mar. 1, 2011.
The word “pig” is pronounced almost the same as “lid” in Japanese, and this floppy tool makes the perfect cover for a bowl or plate in the microwave. It’s unbreakable and stays cool, with protruding ears that function as convenient handles. (The nostrils also vent steam—and are used in Japan for lifting the lid with chopsticks.) In Japan, the lid is typically placed directly on food. For microwave reheating, we rested it directly on rice on a plate and on the edge of bowls containing soup and tomato sauce. The rice became steamy without drying out; the soup and tomato sauce emerged piping hot, but the lid kept the microwave splatter-free. We love this funny, floppy lid, which easily washes clean and is also effective for prying open jar lids.
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Lisa is an executive editor for ATK Reviews, cohost of Gear Heads on YouTube, and gadget expert on TV's America's Test Kitchen.