Kitchn Love Letters

The Unsung Kitchen Hero I Keep on My Countertops at All Times

Rochelle Bilow
Rochelle Bilow
Rochelle Bilow is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, and the former social media manager at Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines. She has also worked as a cook on a small farm in Central New York and a Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City. Her first book, a…read more
published Oct 19, 2021
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Organized white kitchen with wooden shelving and decor.

Picture this: You’re in the middle of dinner prep. You’ve got multiple pots simmering away on the stovetop, when you reach into the oven to grab that pan of roasted veggies. But — ack! — there’s nowhere to put it. The burners are all occupied, and even your cutting board is covered in scraps. You can’t set it on the bare counter; that would leave a burn mark. And speaking of burn marks, suddenly that potholder between your hand and the 400-degree metal is suddenly feeling a little hot …

Have you been there? Of course you have. We all have! After years of having mini-moments of crises every time I took a hot pan out of my oven, I finally invested in a tool that saves my countertops and reduces my stress level. I’m talking trivets.

While trivets are traditionally meant to be placed on a dining table, to allow for tableside serving, I like to keep mine right on the counters, where I’m working. I even have a couple of different sizes readily available, so there’s always a safe place to place a hot pot. (I will note that trivets are useful for more than just screaming-hot cookware. They can also absorb condensation from pitchers, and serve as part of a pretty table setting!)

Trivets can be made from a variety of materials — like felt, silicone, bamboo, and ceramic — and the only real requirement is that they can absorb heat without becoming damaged. A pot holder will work as a trivet in a pinch, but trivets are much sturdier. And trivets are, as a whole, much prettier than pot holders or oven mitts, so you’ll actually want to keep them out on your countertop, ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Here are five different trivets that get the job done and look gorgeous doing it. Which one fits your style best?

1. blomus Modern Silicone Trivets

Minimalist, modern, and just the right amount of quirk — these chunky silicone trivets won’t take up much space on your counter. They come in a set of two, and reviewers note that they appreciate their pale, muted colorways.

2. Stone Felt Trivet

These felt trivets take up practically no space when they’re not in use. They’re lightweight, stain-resistant, and come in two different sizes. You get three in a pack, too.

3. Hex Terrazzo Trivet Duo

These trivets look like expensive tiles but are actually made from recycled rubber crumbs that allow scraps to get rolled into LEED-certified recycled rubber sheets.

4. Kamenstein Acacia Wood Trivet

This is a lovely choice for kitchens with natural wood finishes. It’s sturdy yet elegant-looking, and contains soft foam pads on the bottom to prevent slipping or scratching.

5. Sicily Trivet

Ceramic and patterned in a bright, colorful floral medallion design, this Italian-made trivet looks like an heirloom. It’s just over 8 inches, and is even dishwasher- and oven-safe.

Do you have a trivet you love? Tell us about it in the comments!