Best Oven Mitts To Protect Your Hands From Kitchen Burns [2020 Update]

If you can’t take the heat, then you need oven mitts and pretty good ones at that. At least once in your life, you’ve probably burned yourself trying to get a hold of a hot cast-iron skillet or baking tray with just a kitchen towel or poorly insulated pair of oven mitts. For that reason alone, you need to get yourself the best oven mitts available.

But how does one know when you’re already looking at the best ones in the market? For that matter, who has the time to look over hundreds of oven mitts and test their “capabilities”? Well, before you feel like all this is too much trouble just for oven mitts, let’s make things incredibly simple. We did all that work for you and now you just need to choose from what we found to be the top 10 of all oven mitts today. So let’s get started, shall we?

Top 10 Oven Mitts Of 2020 Reviewed

1. Homwe Extra Long Professional Silicone Oven Mitt

Silicone Oven Mitts

When it comes to oven mitts, most experts agree that nothing beats the Homwe Silicone Oven Mitts. They strike the perfect balance between heat protection, maneuverability, durability, maintenance, and comfort. Plus, it’s really affordable with a pair costing you around $11 to $14. These heavy-duty silicone gloves have superior safety length – as long as 14.7 inches (you can get one an inch shorter if you prefer), the better to keep your hands and forearms safe from burns. These are heat resistant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The silicone is 100% FDA approved, non-toxic, and waterproof.

The gloves are machine-washable so cleanup is a breeze. For added protection, the gloves have a cotton lining which is very comfortable and doesn’t detract from the gloves’ dexterity. Speaking of dexterity, the gloves are very grippy (due to its textured surface design) and you can easily maneuver things with your hand while wearing them. Last but definitely not the least, these mitts are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

2. Ekogrips BBQ Oven Gloves

Oven Mitts For Large Hands

Ekogrips is one of the bestselling BBQ oven gloves for a reason. Actually, it is one of the best for several reasons. These gloves are constructed out of FDA approved, BPA-free silicone that is 100% waterproof. It is offered in 3 custom sizes: one-size-fits-most (7-9.5 inches), L/XL (9.5-11 inches), and XXL (11 inches or more). These gloves have an extra-long cuff to ensure you’re protected from the tip of your finger to the middle of your forearm. It is heat resistant to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. The company offers a lifetime replacement warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Plus, if you ordered the wrong size, the company does free size replacements.

These gloves grip like crazy so nothing will be slipping through your hands. They are a breeze to clean. Dexterity is great once you get the hang of using these gloves, however, taking them off can get frustrating especially if the gloves have become greasy. Because it is silicone, the gloves will get warm after a few seconds so you may need to slip them off and let them cool for a little bit.

3. Grill Heat Aid Extreme Heat Resistant Grill Gloves

Commercial Oven Mitts

These Grill Heat Aid Revolutionary Extreme Heat Resistant Grill Gloves are rated for heat resistance up to 932 degrees Fahrenheit and are EN407 certified. This is because these gloves are made out of para-aramid and meta-aramid fibers, the same materials used to create uniforms for firefighters. What this means is that you can easily hold hot stuff for long periods of time. However, there are mixed reviews regarding that claim.

The lining of the gloves is made out of 100% cotton which makes your hands feel comfortable and adds another layer of protection. We love the five-fingered design because it just is hands-down the best in maneuverability when it comes to gloves. The dark color is also a bonus since it prevents char from showing. The gloves only come in one size which is a bummer for petite hands while some extra-large ones complained of the tight fit. Since these are made out of fabric, your hands get susceptible to heat when the gloves get wet.

4. Big Red House Oven Mitts

Extra Long Oven Mitts

The Big Red House Oven Mitts have a heat-resistance rating of up to 480 degrees, which makes them great for handling extremely hot items in the kitchen. You can use them to pick steaming pots from the stove and tend to hot grills without scolding your hands. The mitts come with silicone strips, which go a long way in giving them non-slip and grip capabilities. When you get hold of a pot full of food, you can be sure you will put it down without dropping it and spilling the food.

Given that the mitts are up to 12.5 inches in length, they are able to effectively protect the forearms, wrists, and hands. They are made from a combination of cotton and silicone. Apart from being durable, cotton is heat resistant and extremely flexible. Since the mitts are BPA-free, they are perfect when it comes to handling food. They are comfortable on the inside and won’t harm your hands. As a testimony of the confidence the manufacturers have in their product, they have put out a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

5. Grill Armor 932°F Extreme Heat Resistant Oven Gloves

Oven Mitts For Small Hands

If you want the ultimate in heat protection, then these Grill Armor Gloves should do the trick. These are EN407 certified which means that they meet the general standard for gloves that provide protection against thermal hazards (i.e. convective heat, contact heat, radiant heat). These gloves are insulated by M-ARAMID & P-ARAMID fabrics that ensure they won’t melt or start to burn when exposed to fire. They also offer the highest heat resistance we’ve seen – up to 932 degrees Fahrenheit.

Aside from protection for your hands and wrists, these gloves are incredibly maneuverable with its five-fingers flex design. It even features a silicone super-grip for added dexterity while the interior of the gloves is 100% cotton for comfort. Cleanup is not a problem with the Grill Armor gloves because they are machine-washable but take note that these must be air-dried only. Also, protection only goes as far as your wrist so you are still vulnerable to rack burns.

6. Ove Glove Hot Surface Handler

Oven Mitts For Cast Iron

Who wouldn’t love the Ove Glove? This oven mitt (take note, it is sold as one piece and not a pair) is one of the best in the market because it balances heat protection and dexterity really well. The glove is made out of Kevlar & Nomex by Dupont which is the material used in the flame-resistant uniforms worn by firefighters. It is heat resistant up to 540 degrees Fahrenheit. The five-fingered design also includes a non-slip grip that allows you to handle tongs, light bulbs, fireplace logs, grates, and cast iron skillets with ease. The inner lining is double knit cotton to make the glove comfortable to wear. You can easily throw this in the washing machine whenever it needs cleaning.

Any drawbacks? Yes, there is. You only get one glove, though it can be used for either hand, at a price equal to a pair sold by another good brand. The glove doesn’t reach your forearm so that part of your body is left vulnerable. Other things you should keep in mind about this glove is that you can’t use this when wet or when oily because the heat will transfer quickly to your hands and the fit of the glove is a bit constricting for large hands.

7. Homwe Silicone Oven Mitts and Potholders

Oven Mitts For Cast Iron

To protect yourself from the burning effects of oven heat, you need a pair of mitts built with the right material. The Homwe Silicone Mitts are made of heat-resistant silicone and are ideal for holding and moving hot dishware, utensils, plates, and pans around the kitchen. When you use these, you will never have to worry about your hands getting scorched by the heat. In addition to the pair of mitts, you get two 7 by 7-inch potholer trivets, also made from silicone.

With these mitts, you have no reason to worry about hot kitchen appliances dropping onto your feet. They have a textured grip, which ensures that nothing drops from the hands. That way, you will be able to firmly hold onto the utensils without relying so much on your energy. Another thing you will appreciate about these mitts is the heavy-duty, durable material from which they are made. They last long and feel comfortable when worn on the hands.

8. Frux Home and Yard Black Silicone Oven Mitts

Oven Mitts For Bakers

These silicone gloves from Frux Home and Yard are a favorite among many cooks simply because it provides them with enough dexterity to easily hold hot cookware and the long length ensures they’re protected from burns all the way up to their arms. The outer silicone layer is 100% FDA Approved food-safe silicone and features a textured pattern that allows you to easily grip things. The inner lining is 50% cotton and 50% polyester while the strip of fabric at the edge of the gloves (near the opening) is 100% cotton. The gloves are waterproof and heat resistant up to 485 degrees Fahrenheit.

To be honest, these aren’t that different from most of our other picks of similar style. We do like that it comes with an attached loop for hanging which a lot of the other mitts don’t have. Plus, it is extra long (14 inches) so you know you’re covered up to your forearm. Even better, this comes with a 100% money back guarantee.

These gloves come in a really cool box and they’re offered in three cool colors. However, these only come in one size and seem to run small. The opening of the gloves is also narrow that it’s quite difficult to slip on and off. Moreover, the mitts are reported as too bulky for some, making them less maneuverable when gripping small/thin items such as cookie sheets.

9. Makimy Heat Resistant Professional Barbecue-Grill-Oven Cooking Gloves

Made from the same materials used in firefighters’ uniforms, these gloves are EN407 certified and are heat resistant up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit. The gloves have a five-finger design (our favorite) and provide you with a non-slip grip due to the silicone strips located all around the glove. The inner lining is made from 100% cotton which is breathable so you’ll find wearing these gloves are comfortable and won’t make you sweat even when you wear them during the summer. Once you buy the gloves, you also get a digitally downloadable ebook filled with 50 BBQ and grilling recipes. The gloves are ambidextrous too so you can easily use both for either hand. Machine-washable means they’re easy to clean.

However, these only come in one size right now – one size fits most – which is not ideal for large hands. Also, we don’t like that the gloves don’t offer forearm protection. Lastly, these cannot be used when wet.

10. San Jamar KT0215 Cool Touch Flame Temperature Protection Oven Mitt

Commercial Oven Mitts

This glove from San Jamar is made from Kevlar and Nomex fabrics for heat, flame, cut, and abrasion resistance which is pretty similar to what we’ve found in some of our other mitts. But what makes this glove stand out is the fact that it meets NSF International (NSF) Protocol P149 for oven mitts used in commercial foodservice with Class II designation for intermittent flame protection. What that means is that this is top-notch quality and has been tested by experts. It has incredible durability, perhaps due to the fact that its commercial grade.

Aside from being really tough in terms of durability and heat resistance, this glove is long – 15 inches long – so you’re protected all the way to your elbows. Another thing that you should know is that this glove is so thick that even if it gets wet, you won’t be feeling the heat. The glove also has a magnet built inside of it that allows you to hang it on a metal surface in your kitchen like your stove, easy to reach whenever you need it. However, it is a bit too big for some and incredibly expensive, especially since you get only one.

Choosing The Best Oven Mitts – The Ultimate Buying Guide

Accidents such as burns are common in the kitchen, so you need to always protect yourself.  One of the ways is purchasing a quality oven mitt. When choosing an oven mitt, there are certain considerations one must take into account. The best oven mitts must provide excellent heat resistance and maneuverability. After all, what’s the point of being able to handle hot stuff when you can’t even hold them properly?

The best oven mitts should also fit your hand well because dexterity is affected when the mitts or gloves are too bulky/big. Knowing what your oven mitts should be able to do is the first step to finding the best one. What’s the next step? Looking over each feature carefully which is why we wrote this guide. You’ll need to be able to look at each feature carefully to find out whether the oven mitt will be up to your standards. So, let’s get started.

The Material – The Better the Quality, the Better it Can Handle the Heat!

When it comes to heat resistance, there are only a handful of materials that can offer protection against temperatures over 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The first is silicone. Silicone can withstand high temperatures without burning or melting. It has an excellent grip and it isn’t vulnerable to water or grease which can facilitate heat transfer like your gossipy neighbor. However, silicone retains heat so when it reaches max resistance, be prepared to take it off and cool it down for a bit. This material also is a bit hard to slip on and off. One good example of silicone oven mitts is the Homwe Extra Long Professional Silicone Oven Mitt.

The second material is actually a mix of Kevlar and Nomex like what is used in the Grill Armor 932°F Extreme Heat Resistant Oven Gloves. Both of these fabrics are incredibly strong and used in making the uniforms of firefighters and race car drivers. Obviously, these are very good at heat and flame resistance. They can be used with your outdoor grill or any stovetop while cooking. However, these do not provide heat resistance when wet or stained with oil so you’ll need to be careful.

The Size and Shape

As we’ve already mentioned, size can greatly affect dexterity so you need to make sure that the size offered by the manufacturer is a good fit for you. It would be even better if the oven mitts come in a variety of sizes so you can get a replacement if you sized it wrong.

Another aspect of size is length. Depending on how you plan to use the oven mitts, you might want to get those that offer more area protection sometimes even covering you up to your elbows. This feature is especially useful if you’re going to be baking in an oven so you don’t risk getting burned by the racks.

There are only two shapes to an oven mitt – the mitten shape and the glove shape. The mitten shape is believed to be more secure in handling heavy loads because all four fingers are together. However, the placement of the thumb and the room provided for the thumb to move can affect dexterity. The five-fingered design, on the other hand, enables you to grab thin/small items such as baking sheets, a grill grate, or a kitchen utensil. In addition, it allows you to easily handle food directly.

Which is Better? Oven Mitts or Oven Gloves?

Oven mitts and oven gloves differ mainly in the design. While mitts have no spaces for each finger, gloves have five slots for the fingers. So, instead of buying oven mitts, you may want to buy oven gloves. That is mainly because of the greater maneuverability provided by the gloves. So, you need to be clear about what you want – mitts or gloves?

Appearance – Think About the Aesthetics!

If aesthetics are important to you, you might want to make sure that the oven mitts or gloves are offered in a variety of colors. Also, if you want to add it to your kitchen’s decor, you’ll want mitts that feature an attached loop for hanging or a magnet.

Budget

As you may already have realized, some mitts are pricier than others. However, most oven mitts that have excellent performance reviews tend to be less than $23 per pair. To compare prices fairly, you’ll need to check the cost per mitt since some oven mitts are sold as singles.

How do I Clean My Oven Mitts?

Easy. You only need to know the cleaning procedure to be able to make your mitts as clean as possible. The first thing to do is to check the instructional manual for recommendations from the manufacturers. Luckily, most oven mitts can be cleaned using a pail of warm water and a cloth. You will need to mix detergent into the water. Soak a white cloth in the detergent solution and use it to clean your mitts. Before scrubbing the mitts, first, wring the water from the cloth. Essentially, the mitts should be cleaned in all the areas. Once you have covered all the areas that require cleaning, rinse the mitts and dry them.

The alternative method is to use a washing machine. Whether you use this option or not will depend on the materials from which the mitts are made and the manufacturer’s recommendation. If it is okay, then use a low water level and avoid bleaching agents. Bleaching agents can give the mitts a faded look. So, avoid bleaching agents at all costs if you want to maintain the color of your mitts.

Conclusion

Not all oven mitts are created equal as you’ve probably found out (in the worst way possible, we imagine). But like in all things, preference and perception are key to finding what best suits your needs. All of our picks are great at heat retention and above average in maneuverability.

Most of the time, it’ll all come down to size, shape, and budget. Whatever you do end up choosing, make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Remember, it’s just an oven mitt that is designed to protect you from the heat of the oven or the grill.