Emilie Meyer
Holding hot pans and pots is a common issue in the kitchen. It is important to protect your hands and kitchen surfaces from heat damage. There are several ways to do this, including using oven gloves, tea towels, trivets, and pot holders. These items can be made of materials such as metal, silicone, or wood and can be found in various designs and colours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of glove | Oven gloves |
| Material of glove | Insulating |
| Flat and sturdy | Yes |
| Alternatives | Tea towel, wooden chopping board, trivet (metal or silicone) |
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What You'll Learn
Use oven mitts or gloves
Oven mitts or gloves are a great option to protect your hands when handling hot pans. They provide insulation from the heat and are designed to handle hot cookware. When selecting oven mitts or gloves, opt for those made from heat-resistant materials, such as silicone, which can withstand high temperatures without melting or catching fire. Longer oven mitts that extend up your arm are also beneficial as they offer increased protection by covering a larger surface area of your skin.
It is advisable to use oven mitts or gloves that fit snugly on your hands. Ill-fitting gloves might slip off, exposing your skin to the hot pan. Additionally, look for gloves with textured or gripped surfaces. These provide a better grip on the hot pan, reducing the risk of it slipping from your grasp.
When using oven mitts or gloves, ensure they are dry. Wet fabric can conduct heat more efficiently, increasing the risk of burns. Always use oven mitts or gloves when handling hot pans, even if the pan has been off the heat for a while. It takes time for pans to cool down, and you can still burn yourself on a pan that feels mildly warm to the touch.
Remember to inspect your oven mitts or gloves regularly for any signs of wear and tear. Holes, thinning fabric, or melted spots indicate that it's time to replace them. Always have a spare pair or two, so you can quickly grab a fresh pair if one becomes soiled or damp while cooking.
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Place on a wooden chopping board
If you're looking to protect your kitchen worktops from hot pans, one option is to place the pan on a wooden chopping board. This will prevent the heat from the pan from damaging your worktop.
A wooden chopping board is a good option for this purpose as wood is a natural insulator, meaning it will slow the transfer of heat from the pan to the surface below. This makes it ideal for protecting your worktops from hot pans, as well as providing a stable and sturdy surface to place your pans upon.
When selecting a wooden chopping board for this purpose, consider the size of your pans and choose a board that is large enough to accommodate them comfortably. It is also important to ensure that the board is thick enough to provide adequate protection for your worktop; a thicker board will provide better insulation than a thinner one.
In addition to its functionality, a wooden chopping board can also add a rustic or natural aesthetic to your kitchen. You can choose from a variety of wood types, such as oak, maple, or walnut, to find a board that complements your kitchen's decor. You may also consider personalizing your wooden chopping board with engravings or decorative handles to enhance its visual appeal.
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Put a folded tea towel underneath
Using a folded tea towel is a simple and effective way to handle hot pans. It is a common household item that can be used to protect your hands and surfaces from hot cookware. When removing hot pans from the oven or hob, a folded tea towel can be placed underneath to prevent damage to the cooker surface. Tea towels are made from fabric, typically cotton or linen, which provides a layer of insulation between the hot pan and your hands or surfaces. This method is particularly useful if you don't have access to other protective items like oven gloves, trivets, or pot holders.
To use a folded tea towel effectively, it is important to fold it neatly and securely. You can try different folding techniques to find the most comfortable grip for your hand. It is also essential to ensure that the tea towel is not wet, as this can defeat the purpose and conduct heat instead of protecting your hands. It is always a good idea to have a dedicated tea towel for this purpose, one that is clean and dry, and perhaps thicker or more durable than your standard tea towels.
When handling hot pans, it is crucial to be cautious and aware of the potential risks. Even with a folded tea towel, it is essential to minimise direct contact with the hot pan to avoid burns. Hold the pan with a firm grip, using the folded tea towel as a barrier, and always be mindful of the hot contents inside the pan to prevent spills or scalding. It is also important to consider the weight of the pan and its contents, as a heavy pan can be more challenging to handle and may require additional support or assistance.
Additionally, it is essential to use a dry, sturdy, and secure surface to place the hot pan on. A folded tea towel can also be used as a protective layer between the hot pan and the surface to prevent damage or discolouration. However, it is crucial to ensure that the tea towel is not placed near the edge of the surface to avoid accidental knocks or spills. By following these precautions and using a folded tea towel correctly, you can safely manage hot pans while protecting your hands, surfaces, and the pan itself.
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Use a trivet
Trivets are an effective way to hold hot pans and protect your kitchen surfaces from heat damage. A trivet is a small, sturdy platform that you can place between a hot pan and a surface to protect it from heat damage. They are available in a variety of materials, including silicone, cork, bamboo, wood, stone, ceramic, and metal. Trivets made from natural materials like cork, bamboo, or wood are reasonably priced and sustainable, but they will show wear over time. Stone and ceramic trivets are more durable but can chip or crack if dropped. Silicone trivets are lightweight, flexible, and highly heat-resistant, but some may not prefer their plastic appearance. Metal trivets, such as those made from steel, brass, or cast iron, are extremely durable but can transfer heat to the surface below if the pan is hot enough.
Felt 'river stone' trivets are another option that offers both functionality and aesthetics. They come in various sizes and colors, allowing you to mix and match while maintaining visual cohesion. Merino wool trivets are stain-resistant, durable, and provide an essential layer of protection between your hot pan and table. However, it's important to handle them with care when cleaning as wool can stretch or lose its shape when wet.
When choosing a trivet, consider factors such as durability, heat resistance, ease of cleaning, and aesthetics to find the best option for your needs. Trivets can also serve as pot holders or decorative pieces when not in use, making them a versatile addition to your kitchen.
To use a trivet effectively, place it on your countertop or dining table before setting down a hot pan. This will create a barrier between the hot pan and the surface, preventing heat damage and scratches. You can also use two trivets side by side to provide extra protection for larger pots or sensitive surfaces. Remember that while trivets can protect surfaces from heat, they are not intended for lifting or holding hot pans. Always use pot holders or oven mitts for safe handling.
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Le Creuset Cool Tools for tables
Le Creuset has been manufacturing world-class cookware from its foundry in Fresnoy le Grand, France, since 1925. The brand's Cool Tools are highly functional and convenient, both in the kitchen and at the table. Crafted from stain-resistant, non-abrasive silicone, the flexible tool can resist heat up to 482 degrees Fahrenheit (250 degrees Celsius). The Cool Tool is easy to clean, can be cleaned in the dishwasher, and has a hole for storing it on a kitchen hook.
The Le Creuset Cool Tool is a versatile product that can be used for various purposes. It can be used as a trivet to protect tabletops and countertops from hot dishes, pots, and plates. Its size is suitable for most pots and plates, and its thickness ensures benchtop protection. It can also be used as a coaster for drinks, a hot pad, or a surface for draining hand-washed glasses. The Cool Tool can even keep your cutting board from slipping while chopping vegetables or kneading bread.
The elongated Cool Tool measures 6-1/4 by 9-1/2 by 1/5 inches, making it ideal for rectangular and oval-shaped dishes. The rectangular shape of the Cool Tool makes it a perfect surface protector for dishes as they cool on the countertop or rest on the table during meals.
Le Creuset Cool Tools are available in various shapes and sizes, and they come in bright retro colours, with Volcanic (orange) being the company's trademark. The Cool Tools are highly appreciated by customers for their quality, durability, and functionality.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use regular oven gloves, which do a good job of insulating your hands from the heat.
You can use a wooden chopping board, a folded tea towel, or a trivet.
Trivets come in metal or silicone. Silicone trivets are lighter to handle and easier to store and clean.
You can use Le Creuset Cool Tools for tables and self-adhesive rods for permanent solutions on kitchen countertops.
You can use a folded tea towel or the grill from the oven or microwave to protect the surface underneath the hot pan.
