By Emily Blackwood | Updated Dec 23, 2020 5:08 PM

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An oven mitt is a key item for the kitchen for tasks like pulling out a brownie pan from the oven, rearranging hot pots and pans on the stove, and using a thermometer to check the temperature of baking meat. Unlike pot holders, oven mitts can offer more coverage and protection for your arms, providing a safer option to handle the heat when you’re cooking.

The best oven mitts are long lasting, will resist high temperatures, and are comfortable to use. Read below for our top picks.

While there are more oven mitts on the market now than ever before, not all are created equal. When purchasing this kitchen tool, there are a few things to keep in mind. From heat resistance to how easy it is to clean, below are the top factors to consider before buying oven mitts.

Coverage is an essential factor to consider when choosing an oven mitt. Most oven mitts will cover at least down to the wrist, which is about 14 inches. Standard-size mitts are a step up from potholders. They’re fine for moving items around on the stovetop, but they won’t protect the rest of the forearm when reaching into the oven to pull a pan out.

If you’ve ever accidentally scorched your elbow, you might want some additional protection. In this case, extra-long oven mitts offer a fuller coverage in sizes up to 17 inches long. Those are ideal for grilling or cooking over any large surface.

There are four different kinds of material from which oven mitts are made: cotton, neoprene (a type of synthetic rubber), silicone, and aramid fabric. Aramid refers to fibers that are classified for their exceptional strength and heat resistance. Regardless of the oven mitt’s material, you’ll want to choose one that’s thick.

While cotton is comfortable and the easiest to clean, it has the lowest heat resistance. Neoprene and silicone offer more protection from flames along with more grip. Aramid fabric provides the most heat resistance, resisting temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but most people won’t need that level of protection for everyday use.

Protection from the flames of your oven or grill is the most important aspect of an oven mitt. As previously stated, aramid fabrics resist the most heat, with neoprene and silicone coming in as close seconds. Cotton is the least heat resistant.

When choosing an oven mitt, select one that can resist heat up to at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While you shouldn’t be holding a hot baking pan for long, look for a glove that can withstand high temperatures for more than 10 seconds.

In addition, the best oven mitt should have an extra layer of protection to insulate hands and prevent burns. If you feel like you need to grab a dish towel in addition to your oven mitt, it’s too thin.

The grip of an oven mitt depends on the material. Silicone and neoprene offer the most secure grip. Some cloth or cotton mitts have heat-resistant gripping rubber material sewn into them, which can help when working with heavy pots and pans. It’s best to choose a mitt with a solid grip to avoid dropping any slippery cookware, such as glass or muffin pans.

As for the fit, there are two types to choose from: traditional oven mitts or cooking gloves. Mitts are easier to slide on and off, but they have less grip than cooking gloves. The gloves give more control over movement and don’t need to be removed to stir food or mix some ingredients, but they can be a challenge to take off.

An oven mitt’s material determines how easy it is to clean. Cotton is the easiest, as it can be tossed in the washing machine with the rest of the laundry. Silicone mitts require a little more work, as you have to clean them with soap and water, though some are conveniently dishwasher safe.

While some mitts claim to be stain resistant, these kitchen tools are exposed to so much wear and tear that staining is often inevitable. Oven mitts with no fabric material will likely resist staining longer, as food can easily be rinsed off.

The best oven mitts are durable, comfortable to use, and can protect you from high temperatures. While they can come in various materials, colors, and sizes, top-quality mitts make cooking and baking a safer task. Below we’ve rounded up some of the best oven mitt recommendations from reputable brands so you can find the right one for your kitchen.

There is a lot to appreciate about the HOMWE Extra Long Silicone Oven Mitts. Their silicone material is heat resistant and flame retardant. They can protect your hands for up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, while the 14.7-inch length will cover most of your forearms. The BPA-free silicone mitt’s steam-resistant and waterproof material, along with its textured, nonslip grip, will keep you from dropping dishes. Plus, its interior, quilted polyester-cotton lining offers comfortable use along with an extra layer of protection.

This oven mitt pair is easy to clean and machine washable. They’re affordably priced and come in two sizes (13.7 inches and 14.7 inches), available in 12 different colors.

There’s no need to overspend for a high-quality oven mitt. Even though they’re made of 100 percent quilted cotton, the ARCLIBER Oven Mitts can resist temperatures of up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. They can resist flames for up to 10 seconds before catching fire, and the flames will extinguish once the mitts are removed from the heat source, thanks to its flame retardant coating.

This oven mitt pair is one of the lowest-priced options on the market. They come in three sizes—13-inch, 15-inch, and 16-inch—and in two colors. However, they can only be spot cleaned, as machine washing can diminish the effectiveness of its flame-retardant coating.

Whether operating in a small kitchen or when a more flexible mitt is required, the Cuisinart Neoprene Mini Oven Mitts might be just the thing. Designed with neoprene material, the gripping texture on these mitts prevents dropping and can resist heat up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The interior lining features a soft cotton and insulation, which can help further protect your hands. And at only 5.5 inches by 7 inches, these mitts are small and easy to store.

Because of their material, you can only spot-clean these oven mitts with water and allow them to air dry flat. They’re also not the best size for reaching far into big ovens or cooking over large surfaces. This stylish pair comes in five different colors and is affordably priced.

When handling heavy pans or large dishes, oven mitts need to have a solid grip, like this Gorilla Grip set. Designed with durable and flexible silicone, this set is printed with a honeycomb texture that allows for a tight grip. These mitts, which are heat resistant up to 484 degrees Fahrenheit, have a protective cotton and polyester lining. Plus, they’re waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about scalding hot water seeping through the material.

At 12.5 inches long, they provide plenty of coverage. They’re also easy to clean and can be rinsed with soap and water. These Gorilla Grip mitts come in nine bright colors.

Some oven mitts can be bulky and awkward to use, but not the Big Red House Oven Mitts. With an exterior silicone material that provides a nonslip grip and is heat resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit, these mitts offer both protection and flexibility. In addition, the interior is lined with soft terry cloth and recycled cotton infill to provide the utmost level of comfort.

At 12.5-inches long, these mitts will cover the wrist and part of the forearm, though they don’t provide as much coverage as more extended models. Because they’re not oversized, they can easily grip hot plates and even pick up small objects. These mitts are affordably priced and come in six different colors.

When working with very high temperatures, it’s best to find a tool that makes it easy to go from lifting pots to flipping meat, and the Grill Armor Extreme Heat Resistant Oven Gloves are an ideal pick. Designed with flexible silicone that can resist temperatures up to 932 degrees Fahrenheit, these thick gloves are lightweight enough to handle any cooking, grilling, or baking tool. These mitts are insulated with aramid fabrics, so they won’t catch fire or melt when exposed to a flame.

While the regular size will fit most, there is an option to order a pair with extra-long cuffs for more protection. These gloves are the most expensive on our list and come in four different colors.

Now that you’ve explored the options for some of the best oven mitts, it’s time to answer any remaining questions you have. Below, check out answers to a few common questions about oven mitts and heat-resistant gloves to ensure you choose the right pair for your cooking and meal prep.

Tea towels are much thinner and don’t offer the same level of protection as oven mitts.

Oven mitts are made from cotton, neoprene, silicone, or an aramid fabric.

Choose an oven mitt based on desired heat resistance, arm coverage, preferred material, and cleaning requirements.

Yes, but if they are made of flame-retardant material, they will be less likely to catch fire and resist flames for longer.

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