Made of rubbery, flexible silicone — the hottest kitchenware material of the moment — in a heat-dispersing design of ridges and channels, Le Creuset’s Cool Tool ($8, Broadway Panhandler, 866-266-5927) has many uses other than providing a safe landing for hot pans.

Grip and loosen a stubborn jar lid with it.

Set it under pans in the sink to prevent scratches.

Use it as a nonskid pad under mixing bowls, cutting boards, and vibrating appliances.

Place one under your pet’s food or water bowl to stabilize it.

Place garlic cloves in the center of a pad in the palm of your hand and rub the sides together to peel away the skins.

Keep one in the glove compartment in case you have to unscrew a hot radiator cap.