Hot Pot Heroes: The Surprising History Of Pot Stands

The thing you put under a hot pot is called a trivet. It is a small plate or stand that you put a hot serving dish on to protect your table or countertops from heat damage. Trivets can be made from various materials, including silicone, cork, metal, wood, or woven fabric. They are designed to disperse heat and prevent scorch marks on surfaces. Some people also use hot pads, oven mitts, or pot holders for the same purpose.

Trivets

A trivet is a small plate or stand placed under a hot dish to protect the table or countertop from heat damage. The word "trivet" comes from the Latin word "tripedem", meaning "three-footed", and the original meaning of trivet was a "three-legged stand", especially one used under a cooking pot in a wood stove or over an open fire.

In addition to their functional purpose, trivets can also add a decorative touch to a table or kitchen. They come in various designs and colours, allowing for creativity and personal style in the kitchen.

Hot pads

Secondly, hot pads can be used as makeshift pot holders or oven mitts in a pinch. If your pot holders or oven mitts are out of reach, hot pads can be folded or wrapped to provide extra layers of insulation between your hands and the hot item. However, they are not designed for this purpose and may be slippery, so you should always use proper pot holders or oven mitts if possible.

Finally, hot pads can add a splash of colour or personality to your kitchen. With so many options on the market, it's easy to find hot pads that match your kitchen's aesthetic or add a pop of colour.

Pot holders

Hot pads are essential in the kitchen as they protect surfaces from heat damage. They are especially important when placing hot dishes on wooden, laminate, or marble countertops, as direct exposure to heat can cause these surfaces to soften, warp, or become discoloured.

In addition to their practical use, hot pads can also add a splash of colour to a kitchen. They come in various sizes, shapes, colours, and designs, allowing for creative decor opportunities.

Overall, hot pads are a useful tool in the kitchen, providing protection for surfaces and complementing cookware.

Tablemats

While some people may use the terms interchangeably, it is important to note that tablemats and pot holders are not the same thing. Pot holders are designed to cover your hands when moving hot dishes, and they usually have a slit for your hands. Tablemats, on the other hand, are left in one place and act as a protective barrier.

So, the next time you're serving a hot dish, don't forget to use a tablemat to protect your surfaces and add a touch of style to your meal!

Coasters

While the terms "coasters" and "pot holders" are sometimes used interchangeably, they serve different purposes. Coasters are meant to be left in one place to protect surfaces, while pot holders are used to handle hot items and often have a gripping material like silicone. Coasters can also be used as a makeshift pot holder or oven mitt in a pinch, but it is important to use the correct tool when possible, especially when dealing with high heat.

In addition to their functional purpose, coasters can also add a splash of colour and personality to a space. They come in various sizes, shapes, colours, and designs, making them a great way to decorate a kitchen or dining area.

Overall, coasters are an essential item in the kitchen, helping to protect surfaces from heat damage and adding a touch of style to any setting.

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