I’ve been in a situation where I’ve had to handle a hot camp pot with a bandana or a folded-up tea towel. It’s clumsy, unsafe, and often results in a dropped meal or a singed fingertip. When you’re using a camp stove, you often have a pot or pan without a handle to save on weight and space. That’s where a pot lifter comes in. I picked up this simple aluminum alloy pot clip to see if it was a worthwhile addition to my cooking kit or just another gimmick.
The good
- Extremely lightweight (30g)
- Provides a strong, secure grip
- Compact and easy to pack
- Made from durable aluminium alloy
- A safer alternative to a cloth
The not-so-good
- Not for lifting heavy, full pots
- May scratch non-stick surfaces
- Can feel awkward on very small pots
What You’re Getting
An ultralight and compact aluminum alloy pot lifter designed to safely and securely handle hot pots and pans on a camping stove.
Quick Specs
If you’re ready to dive into the details, here are the key specs for this product. The table below gives you a clear and quick overview of everything you need to know.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Length | 12.5 cm |
| Weight | 30g |
| Color | Black |
| Features | Ergonomic design, anti-scald |
| Use Case | Camping, hiking, ultralight cooking |
First impressions
As I pulled the pot clip out of its packaging, the first thing I noticed was just how light it felt. I weighed it, and at a mere 30 grams, it truly is feather-light. The design is simple and elegant, looking a bit like a pair of scissors with a specialised clamp on the end. The black finish gives it a sleek look, and it feels solid in my hand. It has a spring mechanism that keeps the clamp open, ready to grip, and a simple lever to lock it in place.
It’s a small piece of gear, but it feels well-made. There are no loose parts or flimsy hinges, just a solid piece of aluminum alloy that feels like it can handle some serious use. My initial thought was that it would be a very useful addition to my ultralight cooking kit, especially for handling my pots that don’t have a built-in handle.
Materials & Build Quality
This pot clip is made from a durable aluminum alloy. This material is an excellent choice for a camping accessory because it provides a good balance of strength and low weight. It feels much more robust than the plastic equivalents you sometimes see, and it can withstand high heat without any issues. The clamp has a smooth finish on the inside that grips the lip of a pot.
The overall build quality is surprisingly good for a generic piece of gear. The spring mechanism is strong and consistent, and the locking lever clicks into place with confidence. There are no sharp edges or rough finishes, which is a nice touch. I found that it handles a bit of rough handling without any scratches or dings, which is a good sign that it will hold up over time.
Ergonomics & Weight
This is where the pot lifter truly excels. Its weight of just 30 grams means you will barely notice it in your pack. It takes up minimal space and can easily be tucked into your pot or pan with the rest of your cooking gear. The design is intuitive and feels comfortable in the hand. You simply press the handle, clamp it onto the lip of your pot, and lift. It’s much easier and safer than trying to use a cloth or a pair of tongs.
The grip on the pot is very secure, and I felt confident carrying a pot full of boiling water or a hot skillet. The clamp has a rubberised pad to prevent slipping, which works well. However, because it clamps onto the lip of the pot, you should be a little careful with non-stick cookware to avoid scratching the surface. It works best with standard aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel pots and pans.
Performance & Features
In the field, this pot lifter performed exactly as it should. It provides a rock-solid grip on a wide range of pot sizes, from small coffee pots to larger frying pans. Its primary function is to safely move hot pots on and off a stove, and it does this flawlessly. The simple scissor action makes it easy to use with one hand, freeing up your other hand for stirring or balancing.
I also found it to be a very versatile little tool. In addition to lifting pots, you can use it as a simple tong to move food around in a pan, and it’s also perfect for lifting a hot grill grate off a fire. While it’s not designed for extremely heavy pots (a full 2-litre pot of water is a bit of a stretch), it handles anything you would realistically be using on a backpacking stove.
Gear That Complements Your Camping Setup
A great pot lifter is a perfect companion to a good camp stove. Check out our reviews on compact camp stoves and our guides on choosing ultralight titanium camp cookware to build a complete camp kitchen. Having the right tools for cooking and eating can make all the difference in your enjoyment of the great outdoors.
The Camping Pot Clip is a prime example of a simple, effective piece of gear that makes a big difference.
It’s lightweight, incredibly portable, and provides a safe and secure way to handle hot pots and pans on the trail. While it might not be a must-have for every trip, for anyone using cookware without built-in handles, it is an essential accessory. Its durable construction and ease of use make it a reliable and smart addition to any camp kitchen.
This pot lifter is best for backpackers, ultralight campers, and hikers who are looking to save weight by using handle-less pots and pans. It’s a perfect solution for those who want a safe and simple way to handle hot cookware without bringing bulky tongs or oven mitts.
Yes, absolutely. The cost of this simple tool is a minimal investment for the added safety and convenience it provides. Compared to struggling with a bandana or risking a burn, this pot lifter is an excellent value and a smart upgrade for your camp kitchen.
