Are these trivets for hot pans direct from the stove, or only for teapots and less-hot things? Also, are they varnished or plain?

I used them for casserole dishes (glass/ceramic) out of the oven, as well as metal pans from both the oven and the stove, with no problems whatsoever. They don't appear to have a varnish finish, but there is some sort of finish on them, they are definitely not raw wood. Hope that answers your question :)

Not sure what you mean by “food safe”. It is meant to be used for hot casserole dishes or pans...food doesn’t go ON it. I love mine, it keeps my wood table top from getting burned. It is pretty and versatile since it can expand to the size of a large 9 X 12 casserole dish .

when expanded is it sturdy enough that when you have a hot bowl on it you can pick it up and transfer to another room?

you can but I would not advise it. the sides expand and contract very easy. I use mine quite often and love them

can this be used to put casserole straight from oven on wood table ?

It depends on the temperature of the item coming out of the oven. Since the trivet is wood, it will scorch if something hot enough is put on it. I will say you should be OK with items at or less than 350 degrees, anything hotter should be placed on a metal or ceramic trivet, just to be safe.

ASIN	B0054PSXD2
Batteries required	No
Care instructions	Hand Wash Only
Customer Reviews	4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,070)
Date First Available	8 August 2012
Dishwasher safe?	No
Included components	Trivet
Is assembly required	No
Item Weight	431 g
Item model number	20-6628
Number of pieces	1
Product Dimensions	22.23 x 22.23 x 1.27 cm; 430.91 g

Totally Bamboo 20-6628 Expandable Trivet Bamboo, 100%, Brown

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