What is a potholder?

In any kitchen you can find just a lot of different accessories and utensils that perform specific functions. In fact, you can figure out the purpose of each of them even by their appearance.

However, in the kitchen everything is always clear, and most of the items are known to all of us and are even used quite intensively in everyday life. Of course, we all know what an oven mitt is, but if you are still not familiar with this useful and practical product, this article is for you.

Kitchen oven mitt - what kind of beast is it?

A potholder is an accessory that is designed to grip an object, usually a hot one. Usually this is the handle of a frying pan or pan, a baking sheet, a Turk and other kitchen utensils in which we prepare any dishes. This is the perfect solution when you need to take a pan off the stove or remove a sheet from the oven.

An oven mitt is an indispensable tool in every kitchen. Its main task is to prevent a person’s hands from getting burned when they come into contact with hot surfaces.

You can buy it in stores or make it yourself - sew it, knit it. There are so many options that your eyes just run wild - for every taste and budget.

The reason for its appearance and who came up with it

It is unlikely that this discovery will go down in the annals of history, so we will never know the name of the discoverer for sure. Although it can be assumed that something similar appeared when people began to cook food over an open fire.Realizing that picking up a hot pot was not so easy, someone very resourceful probably grabbed some piece of fabric and off they went.

There is absolutely no need to rule out that potholders were once made from animal fur and skin, or even something more unusual. But this will forever remain a secret. The main thing is that the idea not only found implementation, but also reached our time, having been significantly improved.

In the past, such household items were made with one’s own hands, and for this they used pieces of yarn, materials, and various fabric scraps.

Around the 20s, the potholder lost its practicality, since lace was used to create it, which was not entirely rational and was intended more for decoration than for protection from burns.

Throughout the 30s, the product received a new life, as various designs, patterns and ornaments began to be embroidered on potholders. Already in the 40s, entire sets appeared in kitchens: aprons, baskets, towels, small pillows, potholders, curtains, which were made in the same style and in the same color scheme. All this significantly transformed the interior of the room and added comfort.

The 50s were simply breakthrough years for such a primitive product as a potholder. It was then that patterns and knitting patterns appeared in magazines, thanks to which it was very easy to create the version you liked with your own hands. Passionate housewives and needlewomen quickly picked up the idea and began to create exclusive models that decorated their kitchens. At the same time, potholders began to be sewn during labor lessons at school.

Potholder in modern times

Today the accessory can be found in almost every kitchen. The potholder has taken on a more aesthetic appearance and is made from durable materials.There are models made of textile or silicone. The latest options are much more practical and durable, but also more expensive - these are heat-resistant new items that can be washed in dishwashers and used for as long as possible.

In general, this is a quite useful and practical thing that will definitely find application in any kitchen. This is not only a pleasant and original decor, but also excellent protection against burns and injuries.