trivet

A trivet is a stand or framework designed to support hot cookware, dishes, or serving ware to protect surfaces from heat and moisture. It is used during cooking or serving to prevent scorching and heat damage. Trivets are distinct from hot pads or pot holders, which are typically meant to be held in the hand; a trivet is intended to bear a placed item.

The name comes from the French word trivet and from Latin roots meaning 'three feet,' referring to its traditional three-footed design.

Trivets come in many materials, including cast iron, steel wire, brass, ceramic, wood, silicone, and heat-resistant composites. They can be freestanding (footed stands), folding or collapsible, or wall-mounted or hung as art. Some are simple rings or grids; others have decorative motifs.

Common uses include placing pots, pans, and baking dishes on a table or counter to protect surfaces, or serving hot dishes at the table. Care varies by material: metal and ceramic may be dishwasher- or hand-washable; wooden trivets may require oiling; silicone trivets are often heat resistant and flexible. Vintage or artisanal designs are sometimes collected.