When shopping for a wooden trivet, a consumer should consider cost, appearance, and construction. No one wooden trivet is ideal for all people and all situations, but careful consideration of these factors will allow a consumer to choose a trivet that is right for their needs and budget. As a general rule, cost will increase along with appearance and quality of construction, but some bargains can be found when shopping for antique wooden trivets, and anyone with modest carpentry skills can fabricate their own wooden trivets.
The cost of a wooden trivet is driven by several factors. More expensive woods, such as oak, walnut, or more exotic hardwoods, cost more than pine or birch. Intricate carving and patterning will add a great deal to the price of a hand-crafted trivet but often add little to the price of one produced by a machine. The finish of a wooden trivet will also sometimes contribute to the overall price of the piece, as lacquer or paint can be costly when applied carefully by hand.
Personal preference plays a major role in analyzing the appearance of a wooden trivet. Some people may be drawn to the elaborate painted finishes that are used on largely decorative trivets, especially in the Slavic and Nordic countries. Others may find this level of decoration to be too busy and may prefer either simple carved decorations or the clean lines of a plain wooden trivet. All of these styles are available, and a consumer should consider which would best match their current décor or personal preference.
The construction of a wooden trivet should also be taken into consideration when planning a purchase, especially if the trivet will be put to practical use rather than serving as a decoration. Trivets with elaborate finishes are usually designed to resist high heat, but some models, especially those marketed to tourists, may not be, and it is always a good idea to check. A trivet made out of edge-glued wood, in which several pieces of wood are assembled to form a whole, will probably be less expensive but may not last as long, as the wood joints can be damaged by heat or cleaning. A wooden trivet made from a single piece of hardwood, with a simple but durable and heat-resistant finish, will last for many years and endure both spills and cleaning.
Some manufacturers and crafters add additional features to trivets to increase their ease of use. These features may cost a bit more, but can make using a trivet substantially easier. One such feature is a built-in magnet. This allows the trivet to stick to a saucepan, making the task of moving and carrying the pan and trivet much easier.