The Wilton Trivet - Sugar Maple

WHO IT'S FOR: The Wilton Sugar Maple Hot Pad is built for active kitchens where countertop protection matters as much as cooking performance.

CONSTRUCTION: Heat causes wood to expand, and in multi-piece trivets with glued joints, this expansion creates shear stress that eventually breaks the adhesive bond. Once a glue joint fails, the trivet loses its structural integrity and can no longer distribute heat evenly across the surface. This hot pad uses single-board construction that allows the entire piece to expand and contract as a unified structure, maintaining consistent thermal protection throughout its service life. The quarter-inch thickness provides sufficient mass to absorb and dissipate heat from cookware bottoms before that thermal energy reaches your countertops, preventing heat marks and damage to laminate, butcher block, or stone surfaces.

WOOD SPECIES: Sugar maple was chosen for its tight, uniform grain structure that resists thermal shock. When sudden temperature changes occur—like placing a hot pan on a room-temperature surface—woods with irregular grain patterns can develop stress cracks along weak points. Sugar maple's consistent density throughout the board prevents these failure points from forming.

FEATURES: The 7x7-inch dimensions fit standard burner spacing on most cooktops, making it easy to slide hot pans directly from stove to hot pad without repositioning. A laser-engraved wheat design adds visual appeal while creating subtle texture that prevents smooth cookware bottoms from sliding. The beeswax oil treatment penetrates deep into the maple's dense fibers, creating moisture resistance that prevents water damage from steam condensation. Four rubber feet on the underside create airflow beneath the hot pad, allowing heat to dissipate more quickly while protecting delicate counter finishes from scratches. The pale cream color of sugar maple brightens kitchen spaces and develops a warm golden hue with age.

DAILY CLEANING:

1. Wait until the hot pad has completely cooled to room temperature
2. Clean the surface with warm water and a soft cloth
3. Pat dry with a towel immediately after washing
4. Allow 30 minutes of air drying before putting away

REGULAR MAINTENANCE: Maintain the beeswax oil finish every 2-3 months by applying a light coat of food-grade mineral oil or fresh beeswax oil blend. Work the oil into the wood using circular motions with a clean cloth, covering the entire surface including edges. Let the oil penetrate for 60 minutes, then remove any remaining residue with a dry cloth. This conditioning replaces natural oils that escape during heat exposure, keeping the wood flexible and preventing brittleness.

WHAT TO AVOID: Never leave the hot pad soaking in water or run it through the dishwasher—prolonged moisture exposure compromises the wood's structural integrity. Avoid placing pots hotter than 500°F directly on the surface without brief cooling. Don't use abrasive cleaners or steel wool that scratch the beeswax finish.

STORAGE: Keep the hot pad in a dry drawer or hang it near your cooking area for easy access. Ensure the storage location has adequate ventilation to prevent moisture accumulation.

LONGEVITY: Sugar maple's density ensures your hot pad maintains its flat surface and thermal protection capabilities for many years of daily cooking use.

Your Wilton Sugar Maple Hot Pad ships within 5-7 business days via USPS or UPS in protective packaging. All purchases from Amish Classic Creations include our satisfaction guarantee. Should you encounter any defects in materials or workmanship, our customer service team stands ready to make things right.

What temperature range can this hot pad safely handle?
This hot pad protects surfaces from cookware up to 500°F, covering the full range of stovetop cooking temperatures. Quarter-inch sugar maple provides sufficient thermal mass to prevent heat transfer to countertops even during extended contact periods, such as when a hot Dutch oven sits during family-style serving.

Why choose wood over silicone or cork hot pads?
Wood offers superior heat protection compared to thin silicone or cork alternatives. While silicone hot pads are typically 3-5mm thick, this quarter-inch maple construction provides roughly twice the insulation thickness. Wood also maintains its protective properties indefinitely, whereas silicone degrades with repeated heat exposure and cork compresses over time, reducing effectiveness.

How do I know when to reapply the beeswax oil?
The surface will appear lighter and slightly dull when the finish needs refreshing, usually every 2-3 months with regular use. You can test by placing a few drops of water on the surface—if the water beads up and rolls off, the finish is still protective. If water soaks in quickly, it's time to recondition.

Does the wheat engraving serve a functional purpose?
The laser-engraved wheat pattern creates subtle surface texture that keeps cookware from sliding, particularly helpful when moving pans onto the hot pad quickly during busy cooking sessions. The shallow engraving doesn't collect food particles or affect the wood's heat distribution properties.

Can I use this for serving dishes at the table?
Yes, the 7x7-inch size accommodates serving dishes, casserole pans, and Dutch ovens at the dining table. The attractive wheat design adds farmhouse charm to table settings while protecting wood or glass table surfaces from heat damage.