By Tribune-Review

Published: Sunday, January 27, 2013, 9:00 p.m.
Updated: Sunday, January 27, 2013

The claim: The HeatWave is the trivet that keeps giving with its removable silicone pot grip. The high-heat (to 300 degrees) nylon wave design lets heat disperse into the air — not on your tabletop. The high-heat (to 500 degrees) silicone wave design snaps off to offer easy flex and grip. The pieces can be used individually or together and are dishwasher-safe.

Cost: $15

Where: www.fusionbrands.com

There are pros and cons to using the HeatWave trivet. The silicone grip felt secure in my hand, and I did not feel any heat passing through. The bottom, white portion, did disperse the heat well away from the surface on which a dish was placed. However, I found that if you placed an irregular-shape dish on top of it, the dish was a bit shaky.

It says you can use the two together, but I found that proved to be a bit of a problem, as well. If you use the silicone grip to pick up a pot or dish and want to set it on the two together, you then need an additional hot mitt to lift the pot onto the combo after snapping the silicone grip back on top.

I did not find it particularly attractive. I think there are many prettier trivets out there to grace your kitchen space. I do like the fact that it is dishwasher-safe.

I would not be inclined to buy the piece. A couple of decorative, durable oven mitts, along with a pretty trivet, work for me.

— Heidi Murrin

The HeatWave trivet is certainly interesting to look at, but I'm not sure how useful it is as a trivet. I put a glass baking dish on it without the pot grip on top, and the dish slid around — not good for a hot dish filled with food.

With the pot grip connected, the dish doesn't move, but you need the pot grip to carry your dish to the table. I liked the pot holder by itself. It was substantial enough that I had no fear of heat seeping through to my fingers. It's just about the right size for my hands, but larger hands might need more gripping space.

— Sue Jones

I like to cook, and already have and use several flat silicon squares that are designed to be used as trivets, potholders and even jar openers. The HeatWave is a great addition to my collection.

Because it's a little larger than the ones I have, and because of the nylon base, I was able to take a pan straight from boiling on the stove to the table without a worry of marring the tabletop. I also used it under a teapot to guard against drips. And when I wanted to pick up a warm bowl to stir, the removable silicon top nestled well into the palm of a hand to keep things gripped securely and the hand protected from warm contents. The dishwasher cleanup is another bonus.

One slight issue: The HeatWave is thicker than most silicon mats, and its ridges are permanent, so you need to be careful if you use it to grip smaller knobs on pot lids.

— Vaunda Bonnett

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