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An idea for a practical 3D print for the kitchen - pot lid holder

p.kaczmarek2  25 8667 Cool? (+25)
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TL;DR

  • A 3D-printed pot lid holder hangs lids vertically inside cupboard doors to save space and make them easier to access.
  • The holder was modelled from scratch in Blender, printed in PLA on a Creality Ender 3 Pro, and sliced in Cura with supports and Draft quality.
  • The first print used a 0.6 mm nozzle and took about an hour and a half; the design was later adjusted 1 mm deeper for easier insertion and removal.
  • Larger holders were split into two halves because the printer’s 220 mm x 220 mm bed was too small, then glued together with strong superglue.
  • The design was adapted for different lid diameters, including 188 mm, 170 mm, and 210 mm versions, and it has worked well in three kitchens.
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Hello my dears
I'd like to share here share an idea for a practical 3D print for the home and kitchen that has already appealed to several people and allowed us to get our cupboards in order. The idea is a simple organiser/handle/hanger for pot lids. I designed the whole thing from 0 and at the end of the topic I will give the 3D printable model files for download.

Introduction
The idea is trivial but very practical. Instead of keeping the pot lids together with the pots (which makes them difficult to pull out), you can keep them hung vertically from the inside of the cupboard doors. This saves space in the cupboards and makes it easier to access the lids themselves.
It was for the purpose of storing the pot lids in this way that I designed a suitable holder - I made the 3D model itself in the program Blender , whereas I printed it out of PLA on a Creality Ender 3 Pro printer.

Beginning of the project
I started the project by sizing the smallest of the lids:

I designed the whole piece. There could have been fewer fixing holes, but I assumed that the whole thing should last quite a long time and, moreover, I already knew that for larger lid diameters I would print the parts divided into two halves:





I have enabled support (supports) in the print configuration in Cura:

I selected the smallest print quality - Draft - that was sufficient.
I then started printing. I was then still using the nozzle 0.6mm and not as is usually the case 0.4mm , so it went quite quickly, about an hour and a half:

First test of the printed piece with the lid:

Everything came out reasonably well on the first try:

The only change I made to the overall mounting scheme after the first print was to make it 1 mm deeper to make it more convenient to insert/remove the lid.

Two-piece mounts
The printer 3D that I use ( Creality Ender 3 PRO ) can print items with a maximum base of 220mm x 220mm . Larger ones simply do not fit. To this end, most holders i had to divide it into two pieces before printing so that it could be glued together easily afterwards:


After printing, they presented as follows:


I used an all-purpose, strong drop/superglue to glue it together.

Gluing the printed parts is very easy, you just need to hold them together a little to allow the glue to catch.
Finished fixing:

Finished kit for the first cabinet:

Final result (I did not choose the mounting location):

The solution seen in the photo above has been in place for a month now and works very well.

Fixes for a second set of pots
A few weeks later I received another set of pots (actually lids) from another kitchen, also to prepare the handles.
It was immediately apparent that the dimensions of some of the lids were different, on top of which the lids were more deep (deep on the right, shallow on the left):

An additional collar must be included in the model 3D :

I have thus enriched my collection of 3D handles with further versions, including two 'deep' versions:



When printing one of the mounts for the new lids, a minor problem occurred - the support (prop) of one of the mounts did not start to print correctly; a so-called 'spaghetti' of filament was created. However, in the end, by some miracle the mount itself printed correctly and the piece came out 100% correct. You can see the whole thing in the pictures:


Close-up of the whole:

When removed and inverted:


But only the support element printed incorrectly here, not the handle itself, so after removing the support everything was ok.
The second set of handles was also fully printed and fitted in the second kitchen, and was also well received by the householders.

Attachment
I place here the .blend source file with all the mounts I printed.
There are separate objects in it:
- mounting_diam188 - 188mm diameter mount
- mounting_diam170 - mount with a diameter of 170mm
- mounting_diam210_a - 210mm diameter mount - half one
- mounting_diam210_b - 210mm diameter mount - half two
- itp. etc.
The naming of the objects indicates their size, so that it would be easy to find what we are looking for.
They should be exported to STL so that they can then be opened in Cura or another slicer.
Of course, we export each object separately - only the one that interests us at the moment.
Attachment:
lidHolde..2.zip (228.31 kB)You must be logged in to download this attachment.

Summary
The design has worked well for us, and I have done it for three different kitchens already. I'm sharing the design with the idea that maybe someone will like it too and it will help to make the kitchen tidy. If anyone is interested, everything is downloadable in the appendix. The individual objects in the .blend file are also properly signed and have dimensions in mm. If anyone needs a particular STL or a handle modelled to a particular dimension, please let me know, I'd be happy to help.

About Author
p.kaczmarek2
p.kaczmarek2 wrote 14408 posts with rating 12345 , helped 650 times. Been with us since 2014 year.

Comments

Ty-grysek 10 Feb 2020 08:25

The idea is interesting and practical, and the workmanship also deserves praise. However, I would like to point out that the filaments are not approved for food contact and - although in this case the... [Read more]

error105 10 Feb 2020 08:56

Neither are the hands, the pipes from which the water flows the same, and we boil soups. So yes, you are oversensitive :) I'm leaving aside the fact that the pot also touches a cupboard which has no... [Read more]

Ryszard49 10 Feb 2020 09:02

Ty-grit , read: Link [Read more]

Ty-grysek 10 Feb 2020 09:47

Thanks, that's what I missed. The price is high, but not prohibitive. I wonder if and when it will be available in Poland. [Read more]

szeryf3 10 Feb 2020 11:55

A cool project and quite useful in real life. I've been looking for similar components from our brothers in Asia, but they don't have any. Pity. [Read more]

error105 10 Feb 2020 13:02

It is the filament that will be allowed, but what about the printer nozzle, the Teflon tube or the table on which we print ? It becomes one dog whether we print with PETG without certificate or with c... [Read more]

jariko 10 Feb 2020 14:50

3 such mounts per lid are sufficient https://allegro.pl/oferta/zacisk-uchwyt-mocowanie-lustra-szkla-szyby-calv-6889756448 [Read more]

kretowicz14 10 Feb 2020 14:59

I printed such mounts for myself because 4 out of 8 had crumbled and were holding the glass. The design and printing time was a mere hour, and if anything happens the file is lying around as if another... [Read more]

0ceanborn 10 Feb 2020 19:54

As someone already said - food contact material. Typical filaments are not suitable but there are special ones. Of course for the right printer, with a regular daVincim you won't do it. Bad idea. Why... [Read more]

lubik00 10 Feb 2020 21:54

The idea is a cool one, and what counts is designing and making it yourself. If someone wants a ready-made one, for example, there are these: https://m.ceneo.pl/90559013;pla?se=YxWbm1iqQxdyrhZALD2q0_UL_WUc7rQs&gclid=Cj0KCQiAm4TyBRDgARIsAOU75spJdZLaYqfnJKiVpj7WFulWyyelWHCilir_BkHzYpcTlBH32Kl39oAaAqqFEALw_wcB#tab=click&shop=147428024 The... [Read more]

error105 11 Feb 2020 06:50

Then why haven't you presented any of these things until today ? Or are you also advocating to buy a printer and print the much needed figures from the thingiverse ? [Read more]

szeryf3 11 Feb 2020 07:39

@lubik00 these handles shown by the topic founder are cooler. [Read more]

lubik00 11 Feb 2020 09:24

It's a matter of taste. [Read more]

pietszyk 11 Feb 2020 19:14

Very cool idea. I, due to the lack of a printer, managed it like this. https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/8247797500_1581444822_thumb.jpg [Read more]

KJ 11 Feb 2020 22:03

Filament certified for food contact is only part of the problem, even assuming that the printer also has such a certificate. The problem here is reportedly the porous structure of the print which encourages... [Read more]

0ceanborn 12 Feb 2020 09:45

I don't know how to design shapes. No, and the Thingverse is not only useless figures, there are also a lot of necessary things e.g. spare parts for various devices. Yes, although there are probably... [Read more]

Belialek 12 Feb 2020 15:06

That's a mate flying a bit... It's not a question of whether or not someone prints lid holders for themselves at home, it's just that these types of "projects" are posted on the electrode - right next... [Read more]

szeryf3 12 Feb 2020 21:03

Do you think you are wrong? [Read more]

noel200 13 Feb 2020 08:31

Hi, handles quite nice, but why waste so much filament. A few hooks would suffice. E.g.: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3137982 [Read more]

FAQ

TL;DR: DIY 3D‑printed pot‑lid holder prints in about 1.5 hours; "works very well" after a month. Designed in Blender, sliced in Cura, with modular sizes for shallow and deep lids. For makers wanting tidy cabinet‑door storage using Ender‑3‑class printers. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #18461075]

Why it matters: It’s a low‑cost, space‑saving kitchen upgrade you can customize and reprint on demand.

Quick Facts

What is this pot‑lid holder and who is it for?

It’s a 3D‑printed organizer that mounts on the inside of cabinet doors to store pot lids vertically. The designer modeled variants for different lid sizes and depths, then shared the source file for others to print. It targets makers with entry‑level FDM printers who want better kitchen storage without buying commercial racks. The first installation ran a month and “works very well.” [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #18461075]

Will it fit large lids if my printer bed is only 220×220 mm?

Yes. The design includes two‑piece versions for larger diameters. You print each half, then align and glue them to create a full‑size holder. This approach works within the Ender 3 Pro’s 220×220 mm limit and keeps prints stable. The author used superglue and reported easy bonding and solid results. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #18461075]

What printer settings worked well (time, nozzle, supports)?

The author used an Ender 3 Pro with a 0.6 mm nozzle, Cura’s Draft quality, and enabled supports. One mount printed in about 1.5 hours. The larger nozzle reduced time compared with a 0.4 mm nozzle while maintaining strength for this utility part. “Everything came out reasonably well on the first try.” [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #18461075]

How do I install the holder on a cabinet door?

  1. Pick the model matching your lid diameter (or the two‑piece version).
  2. Print with supports, remove supports, and glue halves if needed.
  3. Position on the door and fasten through the provided fixing holes with suitable screws. This simple process produced a month of trouble‑free use in the example build. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #18461075]

Are typical 3D‑printing filaments safe for food contact?

A forum contributor flagged that typical filaments are not approved for direct food contact. Even here, contact is indirect, but caution is reasonable. If you want food‑safe parts, research certified materials and consider the full workflow (nozzle, tube, bed). For lid holders, indirect contact reduces risk, but hygiene still matters. [Elektroda, Ty-grysek, post #18461387]

What about porous prints and cleanliness in kitchens?

Another member noted that FDM prints can be porous, which can harbor microbes. You can mitigate by designing with fewer crevices, printing with higher flow and thicker walls, and finishing the surface. However, this project stores lids, not food, so standard cleaning practices usually suffice. “The problem...is the porous structure of the print.” [Elektroda, KJ, post #18465646]

How do I handle deep lids that need extra clearance?

The designer created “deep” versions by adding a collar in the 3D model. Select the deep variant in the .blend file when your lid’s handle sits lower relative to the rim. This gives insertion clearance and stable support without stressing the door. Two deep versions are included. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #18461075]

Where are the files and how do I export them for printing?

Open the provided .blend file and select the labeled object that matches your lid size (e.g., mounting_diam170). Export that single object as STL. Load it into Cura or another slicer, enable supports, choose Draft quality, and slice. Print, remove supports, and test‑fit with your lid. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #18461075]

What if my support fails and I get filament “spaghetti”?

One print showed failed support but the main part still completed correctly. If this happens, stop if the model integrity is compromised. If the geometry is intact, remove loose strands and evaluate fit. Improve support settings or adhesion for the next run. This edge case did not ruin the final mount. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #18461075]

Are there ready‑made alternatives if I don’t want to print?

Yes. Members pointed to inexpensive off‑the‑shelf clamps and holders that can secure lids or glass. If you lack a printer or want metal hardware, those can be a fast solution. Printing shines when you need custom sizes or rapid replacements. [Elektroda, jariko, post #18462129]

Can I print a replacement pressure‑cooker handle?

Avoid FDM filament parts for pressure‑cooker handles. A member warned that ordinary 3D‑printer filaments aren’t temperature‑resistant enough for that application. Heat and steam can exceed the softening point and lead to failure. Use certified, heat‑rated parts from the manufacturer when safety is critical. [Elektroda, Ty-grysek, post #20823197]

How long has this design been field‑tested?

The first cabinet install ran for about one month at the time of posting and “works very well.” That’s a useful early signal of durability under normal kitchen use. Keep screws tight and check adhesion if you glued a two‑piece holder. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #18461075]

Is there a more material‑efficient option than full rings?

Yes. One contributor suggested using simple printed hooks to cradle lids and save filament. Hooks reduce print time and plastic while keeping access easy. Try a minimal hook pattern if your door layout is tight or you want a lighter look. [Elektroda, noel200, post #18468133]

Where else can I find kitchen or repair models to print?

Community libraries like Thingiverse include many functional parts, not just figures. Users highlighted spares and useful household items. Search with specific keywords (e.g., “lid hook,” “cabinet organizer”) and filter by printer size and material. “There are also a lot of necessary things e.g. spare parts.” [Elektroda, 0ceanborn, post #18466180]

What is PLA and when should I avoid it?

PLA is a common, easy‑printing bioplastic. A member noted its softening temperature is about 120°C. Use it for room‑temperature organizers like this holder. Avoid PLA for high‑heat parts such as cookware handles or near ovens and stovetops. Choose heat‑tolerant materials for hot environments. [Elektroda, OPservator, post #21530529]

What is a slicer, and which one was used here?

A slicer converts 3D models into printer instructions (G‑code). The project used Cura with Draft quality and supports enabled. That balance delivered strength and a fast print for utility hardware. You can replicate those settings as a starting point on similar FDM printers. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #18461075]
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