Protecting your beautiful countertops and dining table from heat damage is a fundamental kitchen task, but it doesn’t have to be an eyesore. The right trivet not only safeguards your surfaces from scorching pots and pans but can also serve as a piece of functional decor. With options ranging from rustic cast iron to modern silicone, finding the perfect balance of style and practicality is key to a well-equipped kitchen.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting nine of the best trivets available. We’ve considered a variety of materials, designs, and functionalities to help you find the ideal heat protector for your home, whether you need a decorative piece for the table or a heavy-duty mat for your busiest cooking sessions.
Our Top Picks for Kitchen and Table Trivets
- Anna Stay Table Runners – Trivet & Table Runner
- ECOSALL Natural Wood Trivets for Hot Dishes, Set of 2
- SourceTon 6 Pack Non-Slip Foldable Silicone Trivets
- Cast Iron Owl Trivet – Decorative Trivet for Kitchen
- Smithcraft Silicone Trivets Mats for Hot Dishes
- Lodge L8DOT3 Cast Iron Meat Rack/Trivet, Pre-Seasoned
- IBILI Expandable Stainless Steel Trivet for Hot Dishes
- MIU France Set of 2 Silicone Pot Holders, Red
- Gorilla Grip Original Silicone Hot Pot Holder
Anna Stay Table Runners – Trivet & Table Runner
This innovative product combines a decorative table runner with a functional trivet, offering two-in-one protection for your table. Its attractive design spans forty inches, covering a significant length of your table or countertop. This means you can place multiple hot dishes or cold containers along its surface without needing individual trivets, keeping your table safe from damage and heat marks up to 300°F.
Beyond its protective qualities, this trivet runner serves as an elegant piece of home decor. It is designed to be anti-slip and hand washable, and it won’t wrinkle, making it both practical and easy to maintain. It’s a versatile solution perfect for dining tables, kitchen islands, or even as a dresser mat, blending seamlessly into your home’s aesthetic.
ECOSALL Natural Wood Trivets for Hot Dishes, Set of 2
Crafted from 100% natural beechwood in Ukraine, these trivets offer a healthy and safe way to protect your surfaces. The wood is non-toxic and organic, making it a family-friendly choice for your kitchen. A key benefit of this material is that the trivets themselves do not get hot to the touch, even when supporting very hot dishes straight from the oven, unlike some silicone alternatives.
Each set includes two sturdy 7-inch trivets, handcrafted from premium European hardwood to ensure they won’t crack or break. Their elegant and festive design makes them a charming table decor piece. For extra large dishes, you can use both trivets together, providing a flexible solution for various platters and pots.
SourceTon 6 Pack Non-Slip Foldable Silicone Trivets
This value-packed set from SourceTon provides six colorful, non-slip silicone trivets that are highly effective at isolating heat and cold. With a heat resistance of up to 500°F, they are safe for use with items from the oven, microwave, or freezer. Their non-stick surface makes cleanup simple, whether by hand or in the dishwasher.
The standout feature of these trivets is their foldable design, which allows them to take up minimal storage space when not in use. This makes them an excellent choice for kitchens with limited drawer space. As a bonus, the set includes a spoon rest or balloon whisk rest, adding even more utility to your cooking routine.
Cast Iron Owl Trivet – Decorative Trivet for Kitchen
This cast iron owl trivet is as much a decorative statement as it is a functional kitchen tool. Its artisan, rustic design adds a touch of vintage charm and warmth to any farmhouse or traditional kitchen decor. Made from durable and sturdy recycled metal, it is built to last and effectively protect your surfaces from hot cookware.
The trivet includes rubber pegs on its feet to prevent scratches on your countertops and tables. Its versatility extends beyond the kitchen; it can be used as a unique stand for house plants or displayed on a wall as a decorative piece. This makes it a wonderful gift idea for those who appreciate hand-crafted, multi-functional home items.
Smithcraft Silicone Trivets Mats for Hot Dishes
Smithcraft’s set of two purple trivet mats are made from 100% food-grade, BPA-free silicone, ensuring a safe and non-toxic surface for your kitchen. They are notably thicker and heavier than many other silicone mats, which contributes to their durability and superior heat distribution. Their generous 9×12 inch size provides ample space for larger pots and baking dishes.
These mats are truly multi-functional. Beyond serving as a reliable trivet or hot pad, they can be used as a jar opener, a spoon rest, or a drying mat. The non-slip and flexible material offers a secure grip and can be used for extreme heat or cold protection on any surface in your home.
Lodge L8DOT3 Cast Iron Meat Rack/Trivet
This pre-seasoned cast iron piece from Lodge is a classic kitchen workhorse that serves a dual purpose. Primarily designed as a meat rack for Dutch ovens, it raises roasts and other foods to prevent scorching and promote even cooking. Its unparalleled heat retention ensures consistent results every time you use it in the oven.
When your cooking is done, this rack transitions seamlessly into a heavy-duty trivet. The sturdy cast iron construction can easily support the weight and heat of your heaviest pots and Dutch ovens, protecting your countertops from direct heat. Its 8-inch size is designed to fit all Lodge Dutch ovens that are 4 quarts or larger.
IBILI Expandable Stainless Steel Trivet for Hot Dishes
For those who need versatility, the IBILI trivet features an expandable and adjustable design made from premium stainless steel. It can effortlessly extend to fit a wide range of cookware, from small saucepans to large casseroles and baking sheets. When not in use, it folds down flat, saving valuable drawer space in your kitchen.
Durability and safety are key with this trivet. The metal construction is heat-resistant and built for daily use. It is equipped with sturdy rubber feet that provide a strong, non-slip grip on your countertops while also protecting them from scratches and heat marks. Made in Spain, it offers a reliable and stylish solution for hot pots and pans.
MIU France Set of 2 Silicone Pot Holders, Red
These vibrant red silicone pot holders from MIU France are a simple and effective kitchen essential. With a heat resistance of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, they provide a reliable barrier between your hands and hot cookware handles. The set of two ensures you always have one available when you need it most.
Their functionality extends beyond just being pot holders. The textured silicone surface also works excellently as a jar opener, providing the necessary grip to loosen stubborn lids. They can also double as a small trivet or a spoon rest, making them a versatile and multi-purpose addition to any kitchen. They are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Gorilla Grip Original Silicone Hot Pot Holder
The Gorilla Grip Silicone Hot Pot Holder is designed for maximum grip and heat protection. Made from durable, flexible silicone, it provides a secure hold on hot pot handles and lids, reducing the risk of drops and spills. Its material is resistant to high temperatures, making it safe for regular use with oven racks and hot cookware.
This pot holder is not only functional but also easy to maintain. It can be quickly wiped clean or placed in the dishwasher. The sturdy construction is built to withstand daily kitchen demands, offering a reliable tool for safely moving and handling hot items from the stove to the table.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best Trivets for Hot Pots
I’ve ruined my fair share of countertops and wooden tables by being careless with a hot pot or pan. It’s a mistake you only make once, which is why I now consider a good trivet an essential kitchen tool, not an optional accessory. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? After testing many, I’ve found a few key factors that make all the difference.
First, let’s talk about heat resistance. This is the most obvious job of a trivet, but it’s not just about handling the heat. You need to think about thermal conductivity. A metal trivet might handle 500°F, but if it’s a thin, single piece of metal, that heat can still transfer through to your surface. I look for designs with air gaps or feet that create space, allowing air to circulate and cool the bottom. Silicone is fantastic here because it’s a natural insulator, but you need to ensure it’s high-quality, food-grade silicone that won’t degrade or melt over time.
Next up is stability and size. There’s nothing worse than a wobbly trivet that sends your expensive Dutch oven crashing to the floor. A wider base is generally more stable. The size of the trivet also needs to be larger than the base of your pots and pans. My cast iron skillet has a large bottom, so my tiny, decorative trivet just doesn’t cut it. I make sure my primary trivets are at least 8×8 inches to accommodate my biggest cookware.
Then there’s material and maintenance. Do you want something you can just toss in the dishwasher? Silicone and some metals are usually dishwasher-safe. Wood, however, often requires hand-washing and occasional oiling to prevent cracking. I also think about protection beyond heat. A soft silicone or felt-bottomed trivet will protect delicate surfaces like glass tabletops from scratches, whereas a wrought iron one might cause damage.
Finally, consider versatility and storage. Some of the best trivets for hot pots are multi-functional. I have a set of silicone trivets that fold completely flat, which is a lifesaver for my small kitchen drawers. Others can double as serving platters or even pot holders. Think about your space and how you’ll store them. A bulky, rigid trivet might be a pain to put away, meaning it’s more likely to end up left on the counter.
FAQ
What material is best for a trivet?
There isn’t a single “best” material, as it depends on your needs. I find that silicone is excellent for heat insulation and scratch protection, and it’s often flexible for easy storage. Metal trivets, like stainless steel or iron, are incredibly durable and can handle very high temperatures, but they can sometimes scratch surfaces. Wood offers a classic look and good heat resistance, but it requires more care to avoid warping or staining. For most people, a combination of a sturdy metal trivet for heavy cast iron and a few silicone ones for everyday use covers all bases.
Can I use a trivet in the oven?
Some can, but many cannot. This is a crucial detail to check before you buy. Most silicone and all wooden trivets are not oven-safe. Metal trivets are often your best bet for oven use, but you must confirm the manufacturer’s specifications. I never assume a trivet is oven-safe unless it’s explicitly stated on the packaging or product description. Using a non-oven-safe trivet inside your oven can be a fire hazard or, at the very least, ruin the trivet.
How do I clean my trivet?
Cleaning methods vary wildly by material. My silicone and stainless steel trivets usually go right into the dishwasher for a hassle-free clean. Wooden trivets, however, should almost always be hand-washed with mild soap and water and dried immediately to prevent water damage and cracking. For stubborn stains or baked-on grease on a metal trivet, I let it soak in warm, soapy water before scrubbing. Always check the care instructions that come with your specific trivet to ensure you don’t accidentally damage it.
Are trivets and hot pads the same thing?
They serve a similar purpose—protecting surfaces from heat—but they are used differently. A trivet is a stationary platform that you place on your counter or table, and then you set the hot pot on top of it. A hot pad (or pot holder) is typically a thick, insulated fabric or silicone square that you use to hold a hot pot with your hands. I use trivets for serving at the table and for setting down pots while I’m cooking, and I use hot pads for lifting and moving those hot pots. It’s good to have both in your kitchen arsenal.
What size trivet do I need?
The general rule is that your trivet should be larger than the base of your most frequently used pots and pans. For me, that means my go-to trivet is a 9-inch square, which comfortably holds my 6-quart Dutch oven. If you use a lot of round pans, a circular trivet might be a better fit. I recommend measuring the diameter of your largest pot’s base and choosing a trivet that is at least an inch wider on all sides. Having a few different sizes is ideal for matching various cookware.
Can a trivet damage my countertop?
It can if you’re not careful. The two main risks are heat transfer and physical scratches. A trivet that is too thin or lacks proper feet can still allow enough heat through to damage sensitive surfaces like laminate or wood. Secondly, a trivet made of hard metal or one with rough, unfinished feet can scratch your countertop. To prevent this, I look for trivets with felt pads on the bottom or ones made from non-scratch materials like silicone. Always do a quick check to ensure your trivet is both heat-protective and surface-friendly.