These are great. They work well as trivets, but beware that if you place something hot on it on an uncovered wood table it might damage the finish. They can be used as potholders, but they're not terribly flexible and can be slippery for something like a thin pot/pan handle. Also beware of the little hole if you're using them for this purpose! Don't put your thumb in there if you're going to pick up something hot. I'm skittish around the oven so I prefer not to use them as potholders, but that's not why I bought them. I mostly bought them to use as trivets and to OPEN JARS. These kind of textured silicone trivets are the best for getting a grip on jar lids, makes them much easier to open if you have trouble with that sometimes. I'll always have something like this in my kitchen! I've had these for about a year now and they've held up very well. They're easy enough to clean if you clean them immediately rather than let gunk dry inside the little crevices, which are a bit harder to clean. With soap and hot water, though, you can dislodge what gets in there easily enough. I'm pretty sure these are real silicone too, which is great.This is one of the best espresso makers I have bought and great price as well. I've bought higher dollar ones that last half of the time frame. Great buyIt’s ez to use compact it’s not taking lots of space worms fast and make a great espresso and capo chino ????Nice little machine, however, it leaks water from the back. Followed instructions and even tried suggested troubleshooting, to no difference. Will keep playing with it. Makes great tasting beverages.This is not the piece of hardware that I ever expected to be a permanent fixture with our family but here we are eight years after the order and it's hanging up in its third house and now fully populated with cowboy hats. It has stood the test of time and continues to serve a purpose and look good while doing it.The only complaint I'd offer (and reason for the one star short) is that there is not much of a condensation well. Since they're non-absorptive silicone, they can and do overflow if your glass sweats.Awesome espresso but when the o ring broke there is no way to get help from seller.I don't like to have to return an item.