A stew brought to the table, an oven dish still bubbling, a teapot for the whole family. That is part of a table that is lived at. On a Mortex table it works perfectly, on one condition: the trivet.
3 min read · Updated 8 November 2026
The short answer: no
Never put a pan straight from the hob, a dish from the oven or a cast-iron pot directly on a Mortex table. Always use a trivet. Our terms say so too: damage from heat, such as a hot pan without a trivet, is not covered by the guarantee.
That sounds strict, but it is the same rule that applies to most beautiful tables, including many wooden ones. Once it is a habit, you no longer think about it.
Why not?
Mortex is a handmade, mineral finish. A pan just off the hob is much hotter than a plate of food, and that heat is concentrated in one spot. It can leave a mark on the top. A trivet blocks that heat and spreads it.
So we do not promise that Mortex is heat resistant. We would rather tell you honestly how to look after it, so your table still looks as good after many years.
What you can do, and how
On the table
How to do it
Pan or oven dish from the heat
Always on a trivet
Teapot, coffee pot, hot cup
On a trivet or coaster
Raclette, table grill, fondue
On a board or a large trivet, in the middle of the table
Candles
In a holder or on a small dish
Plates of food
Simply on the table; placemats add peace of mind
Which trivet to choose
A good trivet is slightly larger than the base of your pan, thick enough to block the heat and has a soft underside, so it does not scratch the top itself. Wood, cork or thick felt are good choices. A trivet with a rough or hard underside is better not placed directly on the top.
Keep a few ready in a fixed spot near the table. That way nobody has to search when the oven dish is ready. Planning an evening of raclette or fondue? Put out a few extra for the small pans and sauces. And a beautiful trivet in linen or wood looks lovely against the matt finish of Mortex.
On the coffee table too
The same rule applies to a Mortex coffee table. A hot cup of coffee or tea, a teapot or a candle goes on a coaster. If you like using a tray, it is easy: put cups, a teapot and candles together on a beautiful dish or a wooden board. The top stays clear and it immediately looks calm.
A glass of water or a vase of flowers is also better on a coaster, so no ring of condensation is left behind.
If it happens anyway
If a hot pan does end up on the top, take it off straight away and let the top cool down. Do not sand it or try out products. Send us a photo and we will look at what can be done together.
Certainly, as long as the trivet becomes a habit. If you want to put pans from the hob straight on the table every day without a second thought, a material that is less sensitive to it will suit you better. The differences are explained in Mortex, wood or ceramic: which table top? and everything about Mortex itself on our page about microcement and beton ciré.
A table in your shape, size and colour? After your quote, we draw it up for free.
