If you’ve followed a recipe that says “simmer,” you might pause and ask: does simmer mean cover? It’s a common question for home cooks. Simmering refers to maintaining a gentle heat where small bubbles rise to the surface, usually between 180°F and 205°F — just below boiling. But whether you cover the pot or not depends on what you’re cooking.
In this guide, we’ll explain when to simmer with a lid on, when to leave it uncovered, and share helpful cookware that makes controlling a simmer much easier.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: All-Clad Stainless Steel Saucepan with Lid — Durable, even-heating pan with a fitted lid for simmer control.
- Best Budget: Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven — Affordable and excellent for soups, stews, and braises.
- Best Premium: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven — Luxury option for precise simmering with superior heat retention.
Does Simmer Mean Cover?
Simmering itself refers to the cooking temperature, not the lid position. Whether you cover the pot or not depends on the dish:
- Cover the pot: When you want to trap moisture and heat, such as cooking rice, steaming vegetables, or braising meats.
- Leave uncovered: When you want liquid to reduce and thicken, such as making sauces, soups, or stews that need to concentrate in flavor.
- Partial cover: Some recipes suggest leaving the lid slightly ajar to balance evaporation and moisture retention.
When to Cover vs. Uncover
✅ Cover
- Rice and grains
- Braising meats
- Steaming vegetables
✅ Uncover
- Reducing sauces
- Thickening soups or stews
- Cooking with wine or stock that needs to concentrate
Detailed Product Reviews
1) All-Clad Stainless Steel Saucepan with Lid
Who it’s for: Everyday cooks who need a reliable pan for simmering sauces, grains, and soups.
- Key Benefits:
- Tri-ply stainless steel for even heating
- Tight-fitting lid for moisture control
- Durable, long-lasting design
- Pros:
- Great heat control for simmering
- Works on all stovetops including induction
- Dishwasher safe
- Cons:
- Pricier than basic saucepans
Final Verdict: A versatile saucepan perfect for both covered and uncovered simmering. Check Price
2) Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Who it’s for: Home cooks who want a budget-friendly, heavy-duty option for stews and braises.
- Key Benefits:
- Excellent heat retention
- Great for stovetop or oven use
- Comes pre-seasoned and ready to use
- Pros:
- Affordable and durable
- Perfect for soups, beans, and chili
- Classic cast iron performance
- Cons:
- Heavy to lift
- Requires maintenance (seasoning)
Final Verdict: A cost-effective choice for simmering hearty meals. See Price
3) Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Who it’s for: Serious home chefs who want a premium option for perfect simmering.
- Key Benefits:
- Superior heat retention and distribution
- Enamel coating prevents sticking
- Beautiful design with multiple color options
- Pros:
- Handles everything from soups to roasts
- Easy to clean
- Durable and long-lasting
- Cons:
- High price point
Final Verdict: The gold standard for simmering and braising. View Price
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Key Feature | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Clad Stainless Saucepan | Everyday simmering | Tri-ply with tight lid | Check Price |
| Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven | Budget braises & stews | Cast iron heat retention | See Price |
| Le Creuset Dutch Oven | Premium simmering | Enameled cast iron | View Price |
FAQ
Does simmering mean boiling?
No. Simmering is just below boiling, with gentle bubbles instead of a rolling boil.
Should you cover soup while simmering?
Cover if you want to keep more liquid in. Leave uncovered if you want it to reduce and thicken.
What heat level is simmer?
Usually low to medium-low heat, around 180°F–205°F.
Why do recipes say “simmer uncovered”?
Because leaving it uncovered allows water to evaporate and flavors to concentrate.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
So, does simmer mean cover? Not necessarily. Simmering refers to temperature, not lid placement. Cover your pot if you want to trap moisture and heat; leave it uncovered if you want liquid to reduce. The right cookware — from a stainless saucepan to a premium Dutch oven — makes controlling your simmer simple and stress-free.
Get the All-Clad Saucepan today and simmer with confidence.