What is a trivet?
A trivet is an oversized coaster used to protect kitchen countertops from hot pots and pans. Trivets come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but generally, they are circular-shaped to match the silhouette of a standard pot bottom. Historically, most trivets came equipped with three feet (hence, the “tri”) to provide extra space between hot objects and the countertop. Most of these early trivets were made of iron, but over time trivets gradually came to include a wider array of construction materials, including ceramic, steel, Lucite, resin, and bone. As construction materials diversified, so did trivets’ design. By the mid 20th century, many trivets assumed whimsical, tongue-in-cheek designs, such as fruit and vegetable, animal, and sport and leisure motifs. Another (more traditional) trivet design is elaborate monograms, often sculpted of iron or brass. Trivets can sometimes be mistaken for spoon rests or coasters, but most often trivets are larger than both.
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Lead photo by Victoria Ninette