When you are a serious baker, you are quite literally playing with fire, and a seasoned baker knows better than to go near an oven without the proper safety gears. Human skin can suffer severe burns in only fractions of a second if the temperature is higher than 160 degrees F, while even the ovens used at our homes can reach up to temperatures higher than 500 degrees F. And hence, a proper oven glove or a mitt is an absolute necessity to ensure the safety of your hands and to provide comfort while taking your baked goods into or out of the oven.
If you are in fact thinking of getting yourself an oven mitt then you have landed just on the right page as this article will work as a buying guide in your journey of finding the right one for you that helps you realize the hidden aspects of owning a pair of mitts. We have put together the best oven mitts that you can find on the market today and have compared them against one another, followed by their details, including their key strengths and weaknesses.
Things to Know Before Buying the Best Oven Mitts
Material
Most of us can relate to the memories of our grandmothers using quilted fabric oven mitts to bake us our favorite treats and although cotton or other fabric mitts can bring back sweet memories, they have some major disadvantages in practical settings. Hence, most oven mitts of our time are made of heat-resistant and flexible silicone on the outside, with a comfortable fabric lining on the inside.
Although silicone oven mitts have one common complaint from many users, which is that they are bulky and restrict the hands’ movement and dexterity, many users have also said that they do become used to wearing silicone mitts and once they are accustomed, silicone mitts work great. Moreover, silicone mitts have many other advantages over cotton mitts, for example, they can be washed and dried very easily, are waterproof, and will protect your hands from steam and hot liquids, and hence they are not stitched like the cotton ones, there is no fear of holes or tears forming on your mitts.
Although silicone oven mitts look like they are here to stay, if you want the latest technology for heat protection, which is far more superior to the other materials including silicone, then you should be looking at mitts made of Nomex and Kevlar. Nomex and Kevlar are two materials that belong to the same chemical family called aramid polymers. These materials are used in apparel worn by firefighters, military personnel, and race car drivers. These other applications of Nomex and Kevlar show that they are reliable for heavy-duty purposes and are at the top when it comes to effectively guarding you against heat, flame, and steam.
The big plus point of these two materials is that unlike silicone, which has a texture closer to plastic and rubber, Nomex and Kevlar can be woven into a fabric. And fabric mitts are more flexible, comfortable, and easy to wear than silicone ones. So if you have been looking for an oven mitt with the comfortable feels of fabric mitt but high heat resistance that silicone can provide, then spend a little more, and going for Nomex and Kevlar mitts might be worth the investment for you.
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Size
Oven mitts are something that you wear on your hands and so the size is a more important aspect for them compared to other kitchen tools. Just as you would consider your waist size when buying a pair of jeans, it is important to know the length of your hand, your wrist girth, etc. and compare it with the size of the mitt to see whether the mitt will be small or oversized for you.
Although size of your hands and the size of the mitt should be carefully assessed, it is also important to note that most oven mitts, especially the silicone ones are not made to fit your hands perfectly and as long as the mitt does not fall off from your hand or is not flexible enough to be bend to allow free hand movement, the mitt will work fine even if it is not the perfect fit. Another thing to consider is the length of the mitt. Some mitts are long enough just to cover your wrist, but if you have a large oven and want to reach deep into it with your hand, it is wise to go for the extra-long mitts which will give full protection to your forearms along with your wrist.
Design
The major part of the design of a mitt that determines its functionality is the patters on the outer surface. If you have ever had a silicone mat or a potholder become slippery by water or oil, you would know how difficult it is to hold something with it. And hence, any oven mitt needs to have a texture or raised patterns that will prevent your hand from slipping and offer you a firm grip on anything that you are trying to hold.
Another thing to consider about the design is how comfortable it makes your mitt to wear. As a part of the design, most silicone mitts have an inner cotton lining. This is very important as this inner layer gives you extra insulation, keeps your hand cushioned and comfortable, and also prevents your hand from becoming sweaty while wearing the mitt.
Last but not the least, the most obvious part of the design is the appearance. If an oven mitt is fully functional but does not look nice enough to make you feel like wearing it, then what's the point? Although there are no frills or laces involved when looking for this type of handwear, the good news is that you still have a lot of options when it comes to the color. Many silicone oven mitts give you the option to choose from multiple attractive colors and there are ones that even have adorable polka dots patterns.
Dexterity
The major downsides of most oven mitts are the difficulty faced in hand movement while wearing them and the inability to perform certain tasks like removing lids or handling some kitchen utensils like tongs or spoons. Your choice of oven mitts much offers high dexterity. Again, this is interconnected with proper fitting of the mitts as if your thumb and forefinger are not properly placed, it will be difficult for you to perform such tasks as gripping handles or holding dishes. The gloves must provide enough room for you to move them conveniently and not keep them fixed and stretched out.
Ease of cleaning
The deciding factor for whether your oven mitts will offer easy cleanup or not depends on the material it is constructed from. The most convenient material to wash is cotton and therefore if your mitts are made from cotton, you can easily wash them in your washing machine with your regular laundry. On the other hand, if you own silicone ones, this may require a little more work. You will need to wash them with soap and water. Moreover, some are also dishwasher-safe making it even more convenient to wash.
Some mitts feature stain resistance and can withstand higher wear and tear without showing any visible damage and these are usually not made from fabric material. They can stain longer and any stains can easily be washed/rinsed off without going through an aggressive cleaning process.
Top 15 Best Oven Mitts
1. Homwe Silicone Oven Mitts and Potholders
When buying protective gear for baking and cooking, many of us face the confusion of whether to go for a potholder or a pair of an oven mitt. If you are having a hard time choosing which one to go for, this set could be your answer.
This set by Homwe includes a pair of silicone oven mitts and a pair of silicone potholders! Moreover, the potholders that are in this set are 7-inch squares and can be also used as trivets on which you can place hot pans and plates to protect your table surface.
The silicone oven mitts come in a classic black color and anti-slip raised patterns on the outer surface. If you have been disappointed by mitts that are either too long or too short, you would love the optimum length of this mitt. It has just the right size to give your wrist and a portion of your forearm well-covered protection from heat, but not too long to disturb your hand movements.
Just like the oven mitt, the potholders in this set come with a textured surface that prevents it from becoming slippery even when it is wet. Due to this texture, the potholders can also be used in versatile ways such as for opening a tight lid on a jar, or as coasters. The potholders and the mitts are made of silicone that can withstand temperatures as high as 450 degrees F and are suitable for heat protection, both inside and outside the kitchen. The potholders have a hole in their corner so that you can hang them in any convenient place and prevent them from being lost.
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2. DII Quilted Terry Oven Set
Being made from quilted 100% cotton terry cloth, the oven set comes with extra padding which adds more strength to it, making it more durable. Not only that, the padding helps maintain heat resistance so that you can handle hot pots and pans without the fear of burning yourself.
The box includes 3 sets of potholders each measuring 7x7 inches square that can withstand a temperature as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used to remove dishes from the oven or handle hot pots from the stove. You can use them as hot pads for hot dishes, coffee pots, and cast iron pots. They are also effective in preventing your countertops from scratches as you can use these as mats under your heavy hot pots.
Moreover, the potholders and oven mitts are machine washable making them super convenient for washing. They can be washed in cold water on a gentle cycle & tumble dry low. In addition to this, the product can very easily be stored when not in use as they feature a hanging loop. This means they will not take up a huge space and can be hung in any corner of your kitchen which makes it easily accessible as well.
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3. BIG RED HOUSE Oven Mitts
If you are struggling with fitting your hands in your regular oven mitts, then this one from BIG RED HOUSE is something you should surely consider looking into. Being ideal for people with bigger hands and offering a roomy interior, the 12.5 inches mitts provide maximum flexibility and dexterity. Moreover, they are capable of resisting heat like a champ and can be used to handle temperatures up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit without causing any harm to your skin.
Even though the mitts are made from cotton, it features silicone striping which provides a non-slip grip to the pans or pots that you are handling. This prevents any serious kitchen accidents caused by the slip or drop of your pots or pans. Not only that, the silicone padding can further assist in heat insulation, keeping your skin come in contact with heat.
The high-quality terry cloth interior ensures a soft and comfortable feel on your skin. Moreover, in addition to being ideal for bigger hands, they can effectively be worn by users with small hands as well without any difficulty which makes this cater to a wide range of customers. They are designed by a chef who understands the needs of a home cook and is crafted keeping a perfect balance between silicone and cotton.
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4. Homwe Extra Long Professional Silicone Oven Mitt
Anyone who has been baking or cooking for a long time would know that the forearms need as much protection as the front parts of the hand such as the wrist, palm, and the fingers.
For example, water might spill out to your entire hand including the forearms while trying to drain some pasta, or you might require to reach deep into your oven to turn your pizza or to make additions to a pastry that you are baking.
To help you in these kinds of circumstances, HOMWE has come up with a brilliant idea of making oven mitts that covers your hand including the forearms. This 14.7 inches long mitt that covers almost up to your elbows will allow you to confidently cook and bake at high temperatures without having to worry about burning the parts of your hands beyond the wrist. This mitt has been made of silicone that is safe to be used with food materials, is free of BPA and resistant to temperatures as high as 450 degrees F.
Since it is made of silicone it can protect your hands from liquid or gaseous heat, and not only just hot metallic parts or food. The texture of the silicon on the outer surface of the mitt prevents slipping and gives you a firm grip on anything you hold while wearing the mitts.
Moreover, the inside of the mitt has been covered with cotton and has been quilted to give you comfort and a soft touch on the covered part of your skin. Since the open end of the mitt is not too tight, air can easily flow into and out of the mitt, preventing your hands from becoming sweaty while you are wearing the mitt. Once you are done using the mitts, they can be washed either in the washing machine or in the dishwasher, saving you from the trouble of washing them by hand.
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5. Gorilla Grip Premium Silicone Oven Mitt Set
Sharing many similar functions with the one from BIG RED HOUSE, the oven mitt set from Gorilla Grip is made from high-quality durable silicone which outlasts its competitors in the market and will not require you to find its replacement any time soon. The slip-resistant capability of the mitt prevents you from dropping your pots and pans and allows you to get a good grip on the dishes that you are handling.
The oven mitt features a unique honeycomb texture that further strengthens the slip resistivity of the mitts. They assist you in holding your pans, pots, and baking sheets without any risk or create any unwanted mess in the kitchen.
The silicone body of the mitts further makes it flexible to be worn by any customer as they naturally take the shape of your hand giving the best fitting possible.
In addition to all these amazing features, the mitts are designed to withstand maximum temperature (as high as 484 degrees Fahrenheit) keeping your hands safe. The long length also provides generous coverage to your hands and forearms. Together with the water-resistivity and super-convenient clean-up process, this should be on top of your priority list.
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6. Loveuing Kitchen Oven Gloves
If you are looking for oven gloves that ensure amazing dexterity, then there is no better alternative to the LoveU kitchen oven gloves ones from Loveuing.
Being constructed from premium-quality food-grade silicone on the outside and soft jersey cotton lining on the inside and featuring a unique design, this pair of gloves are both very effective in decent heat protection as well as ensuring a soft and comfortable feel on your skin. In addition to this, the material also offers a superb grip preventing any ill-handling in the kitchen.
Due to the exterior being built from silicone material, the mitts can also prevent liquids or stain-causing oils from touching your skin or create permanent stains on the exterior as they can be easily rinsed/washed off.
Coming in two in different sizes L and XL, you have the luxury to choose one that fits your hands perfectly. These easy-to-wear and take-off gloves can be tossed in your dishwasher for cleaning and will not require any extra care. You can also hand wash them with soapy water.
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7. Acronde 2 Pairs Mini Oven Gloves
If you think mini-oven gloves are a waste of your money and will not bring you enough benefits that the regular ones do then to prove you absolutely wrong the mini oven gloves from Acronde come in a pack of 2 pairs to make handling of pots and pans a thousand times easier.
These imported potholders are made from superior food-grade silicone material that can withstand up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit without any damage, offering maximum heat resistance. They are a useful accessory that can come in handy both indoors and outdoors. Since they are made from silicone, it mitts offer a firm grip on the pots and pans that you are handling, even if they are slippery.
The anti-skid mitts can be nested within each other taking up a small space in your kitchen. This nesting can also be helpful when you are holding something either extremely hot or cold. The material is also responsible for resisting stains and preventing water from touching your hands. Due to their very bright and attractive color, you can easily locate them in your kitchen and access them quickly. Moreover, their mitts can be cleaned both by hand washing and in your machine.
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8. Ritz Royale Collection Pocket Mitt Set
Reflecting a traditional design and an old-school look, the mitt set from Ritz Royale comes with a fluffy surface that is made up of terry cotton cloth and does not make a fuss about its outlook, and is simple to use. Each pocket mitt measures 8.5” x 7.75” which is a standard size for oven mitt pot holders and will not create problems regarding whether it fits your hands.
The mitts feature pockets where you can put your hands inside and protect them from heat. Apart from being used as an oven mitt, it can also be used as a potholder and mat for pots and heavy dishes which will prevent your countertops from scratches.
You can use these simple oven mitts to hold cast iron skillets that have been exposed to temperatures as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit and still not scald your hands as they are superb when it comes to providing heat insulation. The mitts are machine washable with cold water and dried in tumble dry low.
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9. WinChange Oven Mitts and Potholders
This pack from WinChange comes with 2 oven mitt measuring 9.6 in x 6.7 in and 2 potholders measuring 7 in x 7 in that are made up of 100% cotton shell and 100% cotton fill. The 4 piece set is thick and can resist heat up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, protecting your hands against burns.
The interior of the mitts is lined with a polyester which ensures your utmost comfort and does not make your hands stay stiff in a tight position. The interior cotton will not fall apart even after washing as they are well-sewed together.
Moreover, the great value set features an attractive silicone design on the exterior of the oven mitt and pot holder not only to give it a pleasing look but also to ensure a non-slip grip that prevents your pots and pans from slipping and causing a mess in your kitchen.
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10. IXO Oven Mitts and Pot Holders
Featuring a similar design to the former one, the oven mitts and potholders from IXO come in a 6 piece set that includes 2 oven mitts measuring 7 x 13 inches, 2 potholders measuring 7 x 7 inches, and 2 kitchen towels 11.8 x 11.8 inches which are considered ideal for hot pans, plates, pots, and baking trays.
The cotton lining inside the silicone exterior makes the mitts super comfortable and easier to maneuver. The product will not make your palm sweaty and offers flexibility. Moreover, you can easily store them by hanging them by their hanging loop in any corner of your kitchen.
These thick oven mitts can give protection against heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit which will protect your hand from burning. The anti-slip silicone surface makes it easier to handle dishes so that you can prevent accidents in your kitchen. The durable mitts are also machine washable and dryer safe which means you do not need to take any extra care and can wash them with your regular laundry.
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11. KEGOUU Oven Mitts and Pot Holders Set
This oven mitts and pot holders set from KEGOUU resembles many features that of the former product reviewed. They too come in a value pack of 6 pieces which include two silicone kitchen oven gloves with measurements 7 x 13 inches, 2 potholders that measure 7 x 7 inches, and 2 kitchen towels measuring 12 x 12 inches. Being suitable for both indoor and outdoor uses, they are built from durable silicone material.
The 13 inches long oven gloves make them a safeguard and offer full coverage of your skin. Even though the exterior is made from silicone, soft quilted cotton is used for lining purposes for the interior of gloves. The cotton gives you a gentle feel on your skin and ensures nothing but comfort to you. The gloves are designed to endure high temperatures (500 degrees Fahrenheit).
Like all the other products reviewed so far, this too is enhanced with an anti-slip technology that prevents you from dropping the utensil that you are handling on your feet. They only take up a small space in your kitchen as they can easily be stored by hanging them by their suspension loop.
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12. Rorecay Extra Long Oven Mitts and Pot Holders Sets
Made from BPA-free food-grade silicone, the oven mitts from Rorecay do not pose any risk to your health as they will not impregnate your food with any harmful toxins even when you will use this at high temperatures. The mitts and potholders are non-toxic and resist heat like a champ up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
The oven mitts measure 15 x 5.5 inches and are accompanied by a pair of trivets (7 x 7 inches) for placing your dishes on your kitchen countertop or your dinner table and a pair of mini pinch (4.1 x 3.3 inches) mitts used for instant gripping all of which feature a honeycomb textured surface which offers a strong grip and secure handling.
As its name suggests, the oven mitts are extra long and measure 15 inches in length which not effectively covers your hands but your forearms also.
Due to its silicone body, the mitts can successfully provide resistance against stain and water which means they are not affected by oil and steam, keeping your hands clean and dry while handling greasy or wet pans or lids. The insides of the mitts are lined with quilted liner and are made from premium quality natural cotton and not just some recycled cotton which makes them more breathable.
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13. KitchenAid Asteroid Cotton Oven Mitts
For our next review, we have chosen the cotton oven mitts from KitchenAid because of their extreme durability and superb heat resistance. The mitts can work as a shield for your hands even at a maximum temperature of 302 degrees Fahrenheit.
The silicone prints on the exterior of the mitts give them a textured surface which is required for increasing friction. This increased friction further helps with getting a better grip on the pots and pans that you will handle wearing them. Moreover, they come in a pack of 2 which means you can use them for years without having to find any replacements for them.
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14. Ove' Glove Hot Surface Handler
Although oven mitts are quintessential for protecting your hands from heat, they also limit your dexterity and control over the movement of your fingers and hand muscles to variable extents.
This can be a serious issue if your baking process involves tiny details since it will not be possible to perform when your fingers are not free to move or bend. As an answer to this problem, Ove' Glove has made a heat-resistant glove that keeps your fingers free to move, while being completely protected.
This does not look like a traditional oven mitt and has been designed more like a gardening glove. But do not allow the appearance to trick you into thinking that its heat resistance is inferior to the others. It can provide stronger protection for your hands since it is not only resistant to high temperatures, but also is resistant to flames. So if you like grilling, barbecuing, and other cooking techniques that involve getting your hands near hot flames, then it is a mitt that will give you excellent protection.
You might be thinking about how this mitt was able to achieve such an impressive resistance to heat and flames, even though it is made of fabric. The secret to this mystery lies in two materials called Nomex and Kevlar that were used on the outer layer of the fabric. These two materials are used in apparel worn by firefighters, car racers, and military personnel due to their superior heat resistance and flame inhibiting abilities.
This means that the glove will not melt, catch fire, or conduct heat for an extended period, making it a very reliable oven mitt. The outer layer of this mitt also has lines of silicone to give you a non-slip grip and the inside of the mitt has been made of cotton that has been knit doubly to give it good durability.
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15. Axe Sickle Oven Mitts
Offering excellent affordability, this pair of oven mitts from Axe Sickle are made from food-grade quality silicone material that does not put your health at risk by contaminating your food with any harmful chemicals.
They can effectively protect your hands from as extreme heat as 428 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only that but they can also provide amazing resistance against cold too so you can use them while handling cold items as well.
Being super small in size, they are very convenient in terms of storage and can be stored by hanging them from any hook with their built-in holes. Be careful to stack them use double mitts while taking out hot cookie baking trays as per instruction provided in the pack so that you do not burn yourself due to the material being thin.
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Conclusion
One cannot deny the usefulness oven mitts offer to start from keeping your hands dry, away from heat and preventing your dishes from slipping and causing an unnecessary accident in your kitchen and it can be tedious to find the one that is perfect for your preferences among the many brands in the market today. So, if you have made it to this section of our article, then congratulate yourself because you are ready to set out and get your own pair of the best oven mitts and pour out your passion for baking, cooking or grilling, without the fear of burning or scalding your precious hands.
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