A dish holder, also known as a pot holder, is a kitchen utensil used to protect hands from heat when handling hot cooking equipment such as pots and pans. It is typically made of textile fabric, often quilted, or silicone material. The pot holder is designed to cover and grip hot kitchen equipment, providing insulation and preventing burns. It usually has a rubber surface on one side for gripping and a fabric side to absorb heat. Pot holders are commonly made of polyester and/or cotton, and they can also be crocheted using cotton yarn as a craft project or folk art.

When made of textile fabric, pot holders typically consist of colorful or decorative outsides with an inner layer of material providing thermal insulation. The most common commercial pot holder design is square-shaped, with a side length varying from 5 inches (13 cm) to 10 inches (25 cm), slightly rounded corners, and a textile loop at one of the corners for hanging.

Pot holders have cultural significance and have been used as representative symbols in various movements throughout history. For example, during the United States Abolitionist Movement, pot holders were displayed by women as a way to show their support without overtly expressing it. They have also been used in Cajun cultures as part of their Mardi Gras masks and by Japanese Americans during World War II internment camps to reflect their own culture and bring color to their surroundings.

The development of pot holder styles has evolved over time. Lace, crochet, and embroidery were popular in the early 1800s, followed by geometric patterns in the late 1970s. Applique methods gained popularity in the 1960s and remained common alongside quilting. These various techniques and styles have contributed to the diversity of pot holder designs.

In summary, a dish holder or pot holder is a kitchen utensil used to protect hands from heat when handling hot pots and pans. It is typically made of textile fabric or silicone, with a rubber surface for gripping and a fabric side for heat absorption. Pot holders come in various sizes, shapes, and designs, often with cultural and historical significance.