Abstract: A self-releasing pan-handle holder for thermally insulating a handle on pots and pans. The pan-handle holder is designed to receive the long handle on a pot or pan. The pan-handle holder comprises an insulating sleeve having a sleeve axis with first and second complimentary sections and a lumen, which allows for closely receiving a pan-handle. The pan-handle holder further includes a biasing mechanism for holding the first and second complimentary sections apart. When the pan-handle holder is placed on a pot or pan-handle, it is squeezed tightly and held around the pan-handle to protect the user from heat in the handle. Typically, the component parts of the of the present pan-handle holder are made of a non-metallic thermal insulating material.