The 10 Best Trivets for Your Kitchen in 2023

Oct 09, 2023

Stop relying on your oven mitts and invest in a handy trivet or two.

Liz Mundle is currently the managing editor at Domino Magazine. She has been the photo editor at a variety of publications, including This Old House, Byrdie, and MyDomaine.

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A trivet is essential to any tablescape, protecting your dining table and countertops from heat damage and water stains. “Trivets feel old-fashioned, but when you need one, you need one,” says Ilene Rosen, co-owner of R&D Foods and R&D Goods in Brooklyn, NY. “It should be something that does the job better than a ratty kitchen towel and is aesthetically pleasing as well.”

While a few objects can be used in a pinch, a good trivet will not only support a hot pan but can also serve as a pot holder or spoon rest and, even better still, will shine as an objet d’art on your table outside of mealtime. Modern trivets are available in endless combinations of designs and materials, so have fun with various colors, sizes, and styles while shielding surfaces from burns and stains. We've gathered our favorite options for all needs, styles, and budgets.

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Pros: Easy to clean, functional, and available in multiple colors, this trivet has superior heat resistance and fits any kitchen.

Cons: The trivet isn’t lifting your pot or pan very high above the table, so you might want to use two side-by-side to protect sensitive surfaces for oversized pots.

Le Creuset has a collection of excellent trivets, including our favorite silicone option. It’s an easy choice thanks to its durability, ease of use and storage, and many available colors. The price is right for this one, and the fact that it’s both appealing to look at and easy to clean makes a winning combination in our book.

Price at time of publish: $20

Nordstrom

Pros: A stylish trivet that is sustainable, lightweight, and durable.

Cons: Cork can biodegrade if exposed to prolonged moisture - keep it dry when not in use.

Cork is an excellent trivet material because it is a poor conductor, meaning it won’t transfer heat from your piping-hot dish to the surface below. It is also a highly sustainable material, both renewable and biodegradable. Cork comes from the bark of cork oak trees, which can have thick but lightweight bark stripped every decade without damaging their health. This simple ring of cork balls is held together by a leather string, adding a touch of modern décor to your table while protecting your surfaces and will look just as lovely on your table as it will hanging from your pot rack or living on your table.

Price at time of publish: $30

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Pros: The dual purpose of this trivet makes it a durable and versatile option.

Cons: It has a more utilitarian appearance, and the iron feet could scratch delicate table surfaces.

Bakers will love this trivet that can also function as a rack for keeping bread lifted inside your Dutch oven, avoiding scorching on the bottom. It comes pre-seasoned for use in Lodge cast iron skillets as well as Lodge Dutch ovens 4-quarts or larger. The perforated surface is also great for searing meat and getting better crisp on seared vegetables. Home cooks should avoid using this with enameled cookware to prevent scratching, and as a trivet, it’s not ideal for delicate wood tables or glass cooktops. It’ll fare better on stone countertops, and for cast iron enthusiasts, it’s a nice accessory to own.

Price at time of publish: $10

EQ3

Pros: A simple-but-chic trivet available in multiple sizes at an affordable price point.

Cons: These are hand-wash only, and the wood requires light maintenance.

These understated, modern wooden trivets from EQ3 will protect your table and look great on display. Like cork, wood is a poor heat conductor and will efficiently protect whatever surface it’s on, from a brand-new marble counter to your grandmother’s antique tablecloth. They come in three sizes, all under $11, so you can mix and match them depending on your needs.

Because wood is prone to warping and splitting in the dishwasher, these trivets must be hand washed when they get dirty. Additionally, you’ll need to oil them to make them last occasionally, or the wood will eventually crack.

Burke Decor

Pros: A sturdy set of trivets that you’ll want to keep on display.

Cons: Because they are made of brass if subjected to intense heat, these trivets can absorb enough to damage the surface below.

The words "soft" and "metal" aren't commonly used together, but these trivets from Ferm Living are just that. The shape of these trivets is inspired by moving water, adding a touch of organic sophistication to your tabletop. And because of the sturdy brass construction, they’ll endure years of heavy use and abuse.

While handsome, metal can be tricky for trivets, given its high conductivity relative to other materials. Be mindful of extended, intense heat exposure on delicate surfaces, and double up if you're unsure.

Price at time of publish: $89

Bloomingdale's

Pros: Form meets function in this stylish trivet that expands to accommodate different size serving platters.

Cons: It’s hand wash only.

To complement your next culinary pièce de résistance, turn to the hundred-year-old Italian kitchenware brand Alessi for a high-design trivet. Designed to mimic a school of fish, this is the piece you’d expect to find in the kitchen of someone who outfits their home from museum gift shops. But it’s also practical, smoothly expanding to accommodate large dishes and then folding in on itself to slip easily into a kitchen drawer.

Price at time of publish: $125

West Elm

Pros: Made of hardwearing merino wool, these are both stain- and heat-resistant.

Cons: Wool can stretch out if manhandled, so use a delicate hand when cleaning them.

These felt 'river stones' vary in size and color (so you can mix and match) while maintaining overall visual cohesion. “We sell Graf Lantz stain-resistant mats in different sizes and shapes,” says Rosen. They provide a “necessary layer between a hot pan or dish and your table,” and they “also work as placements or even decor.”

Price at time of publish: From $45

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Pros: Rest your substantial hot cookware on this heavyweight cast-iron version with a glossy enamel finish, and you’ll never worry about damaging your dining table.

Cons: Enamel, while strong, can chip if dropped.

This enameled cast iron trivet from Home Basics channels francophile sophistication without the price tag of brands like Le Creuset or Staub. The enamel coating offsets the conductivity of the iron, making it suitable for piping hot dishes. We also like the rubberized tips on the legs that prevent scratches and sliding.

Price at time of publish: $25

Zara

Pros: A simple and stylish trivet made from natural stone.

Cons: Marble stains easily, so watch out for spills.

Marble doesn’t readily conduct heat, which will protect your table. You can also find a spoon rest to match, making cleanup a breeze. It can also double as a small serving platter for cheese and crackers before dinner -- just clear the crumbs, and it's ready to take the heat. Marble is prone to staining, so be careful with greasy pots and tomato sauce.

Price at time of publish: $50

Areaware

Pros: This handcrafted ceramic trivet/coaster combination can serve multiple functions depending on your needs.

Cons: While by no means fragile, ceramic is the only material on this list that can shatter beyond saving.

This four-piece set can be used as a single trivet or as four mini-trivets or coasters. Ceramics can take the heat, and the ridged design allows minimal contact with your vessel, further preventing heat transfer. And with their additional layer of cork backing, there’s an extra barrier against heat and protection from scratches.

Price at time of publish: $45

Though there are plenty of attractive and functional options, Le Creuset’s Silicone Trivet is great quality with the most user-friendly design. It’s easy to clean and store, can double as a pot holder, and will never scratch your countertop or tables.

Trivets come in a wide range of materials, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Responsibly harvested natural materials like cork, bamboo, or wood are sustainable and typically reasonably priced but will show wear with regular use. Stone and ceramic are more durable but can chip or crack if dropped (or dropped upon). Silicone is flexible, lightweight, and remarkably heat resistant, but not everyone will care for the unavoidable plasticky appearance. Metal trivets (like those made from steel, brass, or cast iron) are tough as nails, but metal is conductive, and when they come in contact with a hot enough vessel, it can transfer heat to the surface below.

When it comes to trivets, material and cleanup go hand in hand. Of the trivets we reviewed, only the silicone can be tossed in the dishwasher. All others must be wiped down with a dry or damp cloth to keep them fresh or soaked in hot soapy water for more stubborn stains. While this is easy with metal, porous materials like wood, stone, or unglazed ceramic can take on permanent discoloration from errant dribbles and spills.

The word “trivet” comes from the Latin phrase for “three” (tri) and “feet” (ped). Simply put, the feet elevate a vessel to stand above the surface below rather than directly on it. Initially, this was to keep cauldrons away from the hottest part of the fire or off the ground. These days, they are more likely to protect a surface from damage from contact with something scorching (like a wood table or plastic surface), or that can stain easily (like stone countertops).

Silicone is an inexpensive yet effective way to protect your countertops from a hot dish fresh from the stove. Silicone has a low thermal conductivity, meaning that it transfers heat much slower than some other materials (like metal or glass), leading to excellent heat resistance. It’s also lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. However, be mindful of spills and splatters: because it is not a porous material, it won't absorb them, and if they are substantial enough, they could pool underneath the trivet, staining the surface below.

In addition to being affordable and sustainable, cork is an “excellent material for heat absorption,” says Rosen. We chose a cork pick since it does have great form and function. Still, if you’re on a budget or looking to buy in bulk, Rosen recommends looking for various-size cork rounds in the plant section of gardening centers or hardware stores.

Liz Mundle is a writer, editor, and chef in New York City with over a decade of experience in kitchens and magazines. Her writing has appeared in Food & Wine, Saveur, and Domino, among others. She is opening Circus Provisions, a specialty grocery store in Brooklyn, later this year.