The device (1) i.e. removable handle, has two gripping arms (4A, 4B) that are movable to and from a resting position and a gripping position in which the arms are spread apart. A fix-mounted gripping unit (2) is in contact with an outside face of a side wall of a cooking vessel e.g. skillet. A displacement unit such as lever (5) is manually guided to and from an open position and a closed position. An anti-return valve (9) is separate from the displacement unit and is displaced from a resting position to a clamping position between the two arms and prevents the arms from coming together. An independent claim is also included for a cooking vessel and gripping device assembly.