
With all due respect to the sweet artisan pot knitters of generations past, today's the best oven mitts are significantly more efficient and can make your cooking experience safer and easier. And when buying a glove, you will want to pay attention to the material, the heat resistance, and the thickness and comfort of the glove. Length is also important, as you need to cover both your hand and forearm.
From quilted cotton to heat-resistant silicone, mittens, mitts, and oven mitts are best at protecting from the elements, mold to fit your hands, and anti-slips that can cause hot baked goods to fall to the floor. The eight options below suit form and function, whether you're the stylish baker, your backyard baker, or your family's resident oatmeal cookie baker (or all three).
1. What to Consider When Choosing the Best Oven Mitts
Although there are more ovens on the market today than ever before, not all are created equal. When buying this kitchen tool, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. From heat resistance to ease of cleaning, here are the top factors to consider before buying oven gloves.
Coverage
Coverage is an essential factor you need to consider when choosing an oven. Best oven gloves with fingers will cover at least down to the wrist, about 14 inches. The standard size gloves are a step up from the older ones. They can move items around on the stovetop, but they won't protect the rest of their forearm when reaching into the oven to pull the pan out.
If you have ever accidentally burned your elbow, you may need some extra protection. In this case, the extra-long oven mitt provides fuller coverage up to 17 inches long. It is ideal for baking or cooking on any large surface.
Material
There are four different materials for oven gloves: cotton, neoprene (a type of synthetic rubber), silicone, and aramid fabric. Aramid refers to fibers classified for their exceptional strength and heat resistance. Regardless of the oven's material, you will want to choose a thick one.
Although cotton is the most comfortable and easiest to wash the fabric, it has the least resistance to heat. Neoprene and silicone provide more protection from flames along with a firmer handle. Aramid fabric provides the most heat resistance, withstanding temperatures up to 500 degrees F, but most people will not need that level of protection for everyday use.
Heat resistance
Protection from the flames of an oven or grill is the most important aspect of an oven. As stated previously, aramid fabrics resist the most heat, with neoprene and silicone appearing seconds apart. Cotton is the least resistant to heat.
When choosing an oven, choose one that can withstand the heat of at least 400 degrees F. While you shouldn't keep your baking pan hot for too long, look for gloves that can withstand more than 10 seconds of heat.
In addition, the best oven should have an extra layer of protection to insulate hands and avoid burns. If you feel the need to grab a dish towel next to the baking tray, this towel is too thin.
Grip and Fit
The grip of the oven depends on the material. Silicone and neoprene provide the most secure grip. Some cloth or cotton gloves have heat-resistant rubber stitching, which can help when working with heavy pots and pans. Choosing a tong with a sturdy handle is best to avoid dropping any slippery cooking utensils, such as a glass pan or muffin pan.
In terms of fit, there are two types to choose from traditional oven gloves or cooking gloves. Gloves slide on and off easily, but they have less grip than cooking gloves. Gloves offer more control of movement and do not need to be removed to stir food or mix some ingredients, but they can be a challenge to take off.
Easy to clean
The material of the oven determines how easy it is to clean. Cotton is easiest, as it can be thrown in the washing machine along with the rest of the laundry. Silicone gloves require a bit more work, as you have to clean them with soap and water, although some nifty gloves are dishwasher safe.
While some gloves are said to be stain-resistant, these kitchen tools are subject to so much wear and tear that yellowing is inevitable. Fabric-free oven gloves are more resistant to stains since food can be easily washed off.
2. How many types of the best oven mitts?
The Best Oven Mitts Overall
This durable silicone glove offers serious heat protection (up to 484 degrees F) and a non-slip surface. At the same time, the honeycomb texture allows you to hold the pot and baking tray without compromising your grip on your nature. The gloves are waterproof, prevent hot liquids from seeping through, and are easy to clean—a soft cotton lining for kitchen comfort.
The Best Silicone Oven Mitt
The OXO Oven Gloves are available in six attractive color options. They feature non-slip diamond-textured silicone for a secure grip on tricky baking trays, pots, and pans, minimizing slips and falls. The inside has a comfortable cotton inner lining that's thick enough to protect your forearms, and when cleaned, they're machine washable.
The Best Cotton Oven Mitts
All Clad's comfortable, pure cotton gloves are embroidered with raised bands to securely hold hot pans and dishes. Long sleeves keep you protected from racks in a hot oven while giving the gloves an elegant look. The gloves are machine washable, so you do not have to worry about sauce splashing when transferring dishes from the oven to the table.
The Best Oven Mitt and Pot Holder Set
The KEGOUU's oven rack and pot holder set doesn't compromise on form and function. The gloves and pot holder both come with rings and magnets on the cuffs, so you can stick them in the fridge or hang them together more easily. While the inside is made of soft cotton, the outside is made of BPA-free silicone that is heat safe up to 650 degrees F. Choose from four fun colors - paprika, blueberry, rhubarb, and maple tree - and you have the option to purchase your own gloves or soles.
3. Frequently Asked Questions About Your Best Oven Mitts
Now that you have explored the options for some of the best oven mitts, it's time to answer any remaining questions you may have. Below, see answers to some frequently asked questions about ovens and heat-resistant gloves to make sure you choose the right pair for your cooking and meal preparation.
Q. Why should you use oven mitts instead of tea towels?
Tea towels are much thinner and don't offer the same level of protection as oven wipes.
Q. What kind of fabric is used for the best oven gloves?
Oven gloves are made from cotton, neoprene, silicone, or aramid fabric.
Q. How do I choose a mitt oven?
Select the oven based on desired heat resistance, arm coverage, preferred materials, and hygiene requirements.
Q. Can oven gloves catch fire?
Yes, but if they are made of fireproof material, they are less explosive and last longer.
Conclusion
Ovens are an important kitchen appliance for tasks like removing marzipan pans from the oven, rearranging hot pots and pans on the stovetop, and using a thermometer to check baking temperatures. Unlike pot holders, the best oven mitts can provide more coverage and protection for your arms, providing a safer option for handling heat while you are cooking.