Tiffany Haney
There are many different names for the things you put hot pots on, including trivets, hot pads, pot holders, and hot plates. These items are designed to protect countertops, tables, and other surfaces from heat damage. They are typically made from materials such as cotton, silicone, cork, or woven rattan, which are excellent heat resistors. While hot pads and pot holders are similar, pot holders are designed to cover hands when moving hot dishes and usually have a slit for the hands to go in. Trivets, on the other hand, are more general-purpose and can also protect surfaces from scratches. They come in various designs and materials, including silicone, cork, wood, metal, and ceramic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Names | Trivet, hot pad, pot holder, hot plate, tablemat, placemat, coaster |
| Materials | Silicone, cork, cotton, bamboo, stainless steel, iron, wood, ceramic, rattan |
| Features | Heat-resistant, non-slip, flexible, lightweight, durable, easy to clean, foldable, expandable, multi-purpose, decorative |
| Use cases | For hot pots and pans, dishes, teapots, instant pots, cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, countertops, dining tables, kitchen tables, coffee tables |
What You'll Learn
Trivets
Silicone trivets are popular due to their heat resistance, non-slip properties, and flexibility. They are safe to use on kitchen countertops and tables and can withstand temperatures up to 480°F. Some silicone trivets have multiple purposes, such as jar openers, spoon holders, or drying mats. They are also easy to clean and can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.
Cast iron trivets are another durable option, often featuring rubber pegs to protect your surfaces from scratches. Cast iron trivets come in various designs, including vintage and rustic styles, adding a decorative touch to your kitchen or dining table.
Other materials used for trivets include bamboo, wood, and cork. Bamboo trivets are natural and eco-friendly, providing a sustainable option for your kitchen. Wood trivets, such as those made from black walnut, offer a stylish and heat-resistant option, often featuring tree-shaped designs. Cork trivets are lightweight and functional, with high-density thick cork boards that protect your surfaces from heat.
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Hot pads
- Zulay 2-pack silicone hot pads: These are durable, flexible, and heat-resistant.
- Walfos silicone trivet mats: These come in a set of four and can also be used as pot holders, jar openers, and spoon holders.
- Home Basics Sunflower Collection heavy-duty cast-iron trivet: This is a decorative and functional trivet that can hold hot dishes, pots, pans, and teapots.
- CHEFBEE 3-piece silicone trivet mat: This non-slip, heat-resistant trivet is ideal for hot dishes, tables, and countertops.
- Yopay 2-pack cast iron trivet: These heavy-duty, rustproof pot stands have rubber pegs to protect countertops and dining tables.
- Joyhalo silicone trivets: These flexible and easy-to-clean hot pads can also be used as pot holders and spoon rests.
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Pot holders
While pot holders and hot pads are often used interchangeably, they are technically different. Hot pads are slabs of material meant to be placed under hot dishes to protect surfaces, while pot holders are pieces of textile with slits for your hands to go into, used to cover your hands when moving hot kitchenware.
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Table mats
When choosing table mats, consider the shape of your dining table. Rectangular table mats are the most common and work well with square or rectangular tables, while round table mats can accentuate the curves of a round table and soften the modern look of square or rectangular tables. You can also find table mats in unique shapes like ovals, squares, starbursts, and flowers for a more decorative touch.
When selecting table mats, consider their size and function. Typically, table mats range from 12 to 19 inches in length, and you should choose a size that fits comfortably on your table and accommodates your place settings. You may also want to consider heat-resistant or charger table mats to protect your table from hot dishes. Non-slip silicone table mats are a great option for families with children, and disposable paper table mats are perfect for dinner parties and get-togethers.
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Coasters
When choosing a coaster for hot pots, it is important to select one made from heat-resistant material that can effectively prevent heat transfer to the surface. Silicone, cork, and cotton are popular choices for their heat-resistant and protective properties. Additionally, some coasters have non-slip features to ensure stability and others have a raised design with feet to elevate the hot item and allow for air circulation.
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Frequently asked questions
Cotton, silicone, cork, and woven rattan.
Hot pads are placed under hot dishes to protect surfaces from heat. Pot holders, on the other hand, are used to cover hands when moving hot dishes and usually have slits for your hands.
A trivet is an object placed between a hot dish and a table or countertop to protect the surface from heat damage. They are often made of materials like cork, wood, silicone, or metal.
