Celebrated Australian cookbook author and RecipeTin Eats founder, Nagi Maehashi, has shared her secret to protecting kitchen surfaces without breaking the bank. Her must-have item is a simple, affordable product from IKEA that costs a mere £1.33 per piece.
The Humble Cork Mat That's a Kitchen Hero
Maehashi expressed her admiration for IKEA's HEAT pot stands, which are sold in packs of three for £4. In a recent Instagram Stories post, she declared her obsession, stating she owns dozens of them. The primary function of these cork mats is to shield surfaces like countertops and dining tables from heat damage caused by hot pots, pans, and dishes. Nagi praised them as "no nonsense" and "cheap," highlighting their practical perfection for any home cook.
Overwhelming Praise from Thousands of Shoppers
Maehashi is far from alone in her appreciation. The product has garnered an impressive 2,830 five-star reviews on IKEA's website, with customers echoing her sentiments. One reviewer called them a "kitchen staple," noting their effectiveness and low cost explain their ubiquitous presence in homes. Another shared a long family history with the product, stating they've been buying them for decades to protect expensive tables and worktops from unsightly heat marks.
Further reviews commend their practicality and longevity. "They're practical and work as expected. When they get nasty (usually after two to four years) just chuck them out and replace them," one user advised. A second purchaser added, "they're great quality, last for a long time and are very inexpensive. Does the job."
Following a Previous IKEA Cookware Triumph
This recommendation follows another successful tip from Nagi that sent her followers flocking to IKEA. Last week, she championed the HEMKOMST non-stick frying pan, priced at £29, claiming it outperforms European brands costing up to £300. She revealed a chef's tip led her to discover these pans, which she now uses exclusively in her kitchen.
Maehashi owns all three sizes – 24cm (£25), 28cm (often on sale for £29), and 32cm (£39) – and uses them for everything from searing to frying a single egg. The pans are oven-safe, work on induction hobs, and feature a design that maximises cooking surface area. Her endorsement sparked immediate action from fans, with one declaring, "If Nagi says they're the best, then you'd best believe I'm heading to IKEA."
Nagi Maehashi's insights demonstrate that equipping a functional, protective kitchen doesn't require a lavish budget. Her advocacy for these accessible IKEA finds underscores a shift towards valuing straightforward, reliable design over premium price tags, a philosophy resonating with home cooks across the globe.
