![Assortment of oven mitts and potholders displayed on a wooden surface](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/K1isIAMT6BQ3APhZfkZQ8vJllFc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Web_1500-SES-OvenMitts_PotHolders-Rebecca-Treon-afe3c4dda2394b19a28c58bbcd415287.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
If you’re reaching for folded-up dish towels to handle the hot stuff in your kitchen, it’s time to consider new and safer options. You need better gear to protect yourself from molten hot pizza stones, fajita-sizzling cast iron, scorching splashes of boiling pasta water, and chili-filled Dutch ovens that weigh a ton.
There’s a pot holder or oven mitt out there that will match your kitchen, feel comfortable in your hand, and keep you free from burns. Not all oven mitts and pot holders are created equal, though, so we put some top-rated options to the test. We used each product to pick up a saucepan of boiling water from the stove and remove a heated baking sheet from the oven. Each item was assessed thoroughly and rated on design, performance, ease of cleaning, and overall value.
Here are the best oven mitts and pot holders, according to our tests.
Best Overall Oven Mitts
Homwe Extra Long Oven Mitt
Covers hands and lower arms
Textured for more secure grip
Grippy and flexible
Machine washable
Heat transfer may be felt quicker
If you're a fan of oven mitts over pot holders, the Homwe Silicone Oven Mitts earned our top spot. These mitts have an extra-long design to provide ample coverage for not only your hands, but your wrists and forearms as well. We appreciated the extra protection these mitts offer, which kept us from bumping and burning the back of our arms when reaching into a hot oven.
The silicone is patterned, which provides plenty of grip, and is thinner and more flexible than other silicone mitts, making them easy to maneuver whether you’re removing a pot lid, transferring a saucepan, or pulling a sheet pan out of the oven. However, due to the thinner material of these mitts, testing found that holding a hot dish for more than 15 seconds resulted in heat transfer that became uncomfortable.
These mitts have a plush quilted lining that makes wearing them extra comfortable. A loop is sewn inside the cuff for hanging storage. They’re available in several colors and are machine washable to keep them looking like new.
Material: Silicone and polyester | Dimensions: 11 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches | Machine Washable: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
Best Pot Holder
OXO Good Grips Silicone Pot Holder
Pot holder/mitt combo design
Textured non-slip silicone grip
Extremely soft lining
Thick heat protection
Sold individually, not as a set
The OXO pot holder takes our top spot for this category. It comes from a trusted brand, which we know to make durable, quality products. Plus, it's extra comfortable thanks to flexible silicone and plush and super soft lining. Our testing found that the raised patterned silicone made it easy to grip even large casserole dishes and made the heat barely noticeable. Because the silicone resists heat, it can also be used as a trivet for hot dishes.
The hand opening on this mitt is quite large. It had a lot of excess room, so it would fit many different-sized hands. It completely covers both sides of your hand, as well as the interior part of the wrist.
You should know this pot holder is sold individually, so if you want a pair you’ll have to purchase two of them. A silicone ring is attached for easy hanging, and you can toss it in the washing machine when it needs more than a quick wipe down. It comes in white, black red, and light blue. And a handy double-use: it can also function as a trivet!
Material: Silicone | Dimensions: 9.75 x 7.5 x 0.25 inches | Machine Washable: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
Best Budget
Ritz Royale Collection Terry Cloth Pot Holder
Nine color choices
Versatile
Reliable design
Great heat resistance
Not much inner lining/padding
If you’re a traditionalist when it comes to kitchen gear, you’ll love this set of old-school pot holders that won't break the bank. A simple square design made from terry cloth, they might be the first thing you think of when you think of pot holders, and these are offered in nine color options so you can match your kitchen.
Terry cloth provides better heat protection than flat fabrics, but we noted during testing that these are straight terry cloth with little to no padding. That means they conform easily to whatever you use them to grab, but you’ll still feel a little bit of the heat from your cookware come through the fabric. However, since they’re not bulky, they can fit into a drawer for storage if you don’t want to hang them by the loop.
They are fairly large, which means they work for a variety of hand sizes, but be aware that this means they can dip into your baking dish because of the excess fabric.
If they get grimy, just toss them in the washer and dryer. Another bonus? The timeless, no-frill square can also double as a trivet.
Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.25 x 0.25 inches | Machine Washable: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
Most Versatile
Ritz Royale Collection Pot Holder, Set of 4
Pot holder/mitt combo design
Attractive color choices
Ergonomically designed
Easy to grip items
May not fit larger hands comfortably
Can’t decide between pot holders and oven mitts? This set of hybrid “mitz” offers a best-of-both-worlds quality, straddling the oven mitt/pot holder divide. Grab them to quickly remove a hot pot lid or slide your fingers into the inserts for extra protection taking baking dishes out of the oven. You get four pot holders in this set, which is useful if multiple cooks are in the kitchen at the same time, one set is in the wash, or you want to use one as a trivet.
Testing found that these mitts are very comfortable and more ergonomically designed than others. The back of each mitt has two separate slots, one for fingers and one for thumbs. The thumb slot is stitched smaller than the finger slot, which we found helped keep the mitt in place. Heat transfer did start to come through around the 7-second mark when holding a saucepan for 15 seconds, but it wasn't uncomfortable.
Measuring 8.5 x 5.5 inches, these are small enough to store in a drawer, but each also has a loop for hanging. We noted that the loop is positioned on the same side of the pot holder where your fingers are positioned. That means the loop is often facing downward, so you do need to take care to make sure it doesn’t touch your heat source. Made entirely of cotton and terry cloth, these can go into your washer and dryer for a thorough cleaning. They’re available in seven colors.
Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.75 inches | Machine Washable: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
Best for Large Hands
Big Red House Oven Mitts
Thick cotton mitts with silicone grip
Fits large and small hands
Safer for extra hot and heavy items
More heat transfer than competition
Designed by a chef, this pair of mitts fit hands of all sizes comfortably thanks to a spacious interior. Our testing found that they’re well-padded, but still easy to flex and maneuver to hold cookware of all shapes. The mitts are super grippy and covered our hands and half of the forearm so you won't have to worry about burning yourself when pulling bakeware out of the oven.
The exterior has silicone striping, which resembles striped fabric and adds a nice aesthetic. It’s not all about looks, though. The silicone provides grip and resists heat. We noted that these mitts let a bit more heat transfer come through compared to mitts designed with more silicone, but it wasn't uncomfortable transferring items from the oven.
These come in eight colors, feature a loop for hanging, and are machine washable.
Material: Cotton and silicone | Dimensions: 12.5 x 7 x 2 inches | Machine Washable: Yes
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
Final Verdict
If you're in the market for an oven mitt, we recommend the Homwe Extra-Long Professional Silicone Oven Mitt because it's lightweight and flexible, but stands up to heat and heavy use. As for a pot holder, the OXO Good Grips Silicone Pot Holder scored highly in tests because of its extremely soft lining and the fact that there was minimal heat transfer.
How We Tested
We researched highly rated oven mitts and pot holders in a variety of sizes and styles and tested eight varieties to try out in our home kitchens kitchen. Each product was rated on design, performance, ease of cleaning, and overall value. Comfort, grip, and heat transfer were assessed by holding the handle of a saucepan with boiling water for 15 seconds and taking a heated baking dish out of the oven.
Other Options We Tested
- Grill Armor BBQ Gloves: A previous version of this roundup included these as our product recommendation for the best glove-style oven mitt/pot holder, but after testing, we feel there are better options out there. While they are extremely heat-resistant (932 degrees Fahrenheit), we actually noticed more heat transfer from a casserole dish out of the oven than other options we tested. However, the main complaint with these gloves is the fit. While designed to be one-size-fits-all, we found them too wide and too long in the fingers to comfortably fit. There was at least an inch of loose fabric at the end of each fingertip, which made it hard to keep from dipping into a casserole dish. The material is also very thick and on the stiff side, which makes them a little tough to maneuver and feel like you have control of hot dishes or utensils.
![Le Creuset Fingertip pot holder holding a white baking dish](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/MmZIYt64h8vdnqhqfs1m8S8qtS8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Web_1500-SES-LeCreusetFingertipPotHolders3of3-SharonLehman-7f87af49d2e04418ad64bfdf0f14c050.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
What to Look for in a Pot Holder or Oven Mitt
Pot Holder vs. Oven Mitt
People tend to prefer either a pot holder or an oven mitt when cooking, based mainly on what feels most comfortable to use with a secure grip. For some people who like the ease of kitchen towels but find they need more insulation, a traditional pot holder is a rational choice. For those who find themselves getting singed going in and out of the oven or pouring sauce out of a pot, an oven mitt is the safer option. The decision ultimately depends on how much protection you’re looking for and what feels the most secure. For instance, if you're pulling things in and out of a wood-burning pizza oven, you might consider using something designed for super-high temperatures, like Rapicca welding gloves. Also, it’s a good idea to keep both handy for different situations so that you’re covered.
Material
Traditionally, pot holders and oven mitts are made with cotton, either in one thick layer of terry cloth or quilted. This is how many options today are still made. A more contemporary option is silicone, used for its slip-resistant grip, water and grease resistance, and high heat capacity. Typically silicone gloves are lined with cotton for additional protection, or thicker cotton mitts and holders have a silicone coating. Domenica Lazo, Assistant Application Chef at Barry Callebaut, prefers silicone for oven mitts and recommends sourcing sustainable silicone since "it is very sturdy and usually lasts a lifetime. You’ll also know you’re helping the environment by not having to buy new ones every year or so.”
Additionally, some mitts are made with materials like Teflon-coated nylon to provide a thick layer of protection that helps resist steam and oil.
There is no wrong option when it comes to material. The most important thing to remember when using gloves made of any material is that they should be kept dry. If they get damp or wet while you’re using them, their heat resistance is severely diminished, and you risk getting burnt through your mitt.
Coverage
As a general rule, oven mitts provide more hand and wrist coverage than pot holders alone. Oven mitts come in different lengths, which you should consider if you’re prone to burning yourself while cooking. If you're mainly pulling things in and out of a countertop oven, then you may not really need mitts that extend past your wrists. Pot holders fit in the palm of your hand, but can also provide extra coverage with pockets for fingers. Rebecca Bloom, Baker and Founder of Piedaho Bakery, advises that you "get oven mitts that are long and come up your arm. The longer the mitt, the better, as I always hit my arms on hot pans.”
Cleaning
Most oven mitts and pot holders are safe to clean in the washing machine, although care should be taken when drying. Since most are made with cotton components, they have the potential to shrink in the dryer, and line drying is the safest option. Realize that your mitts will likely stain and get burnt over time, which will never entirely wash out. The sturdier the holder you begin with, the longer it should last.
FAQs
How do you store oven mitts and pot holders?
The best spot to store oven mitts and pot holders is close to your stove, either hanging on an adjacent wall or in a convenient under-counter drawer. You may be tempted to store them in that mysterious drawer under the oven, but beware. Some ovens have drawers that are simply storage, but whatever you store there must be able to withstand prolonged exposure to possibly high heat. Other oven drawers are warming or broiling tools. If that is the case, you may accidentally push a button or activate the heating function and cook whatever is in there. In this case, it is a fire hazard.
Ultimately, all oven mitts and potholders are flammable at a certain point. For safety reasons it is best to store them away from the oven, but close enough to grab easily. Most come with a loop for hanging, taking up less real estate in your kitchen.
What are the differences between oven mitts and pot holders, and what are their uses?
The biggest difference between oven mitts and pot holders is the coverage area. Pot holders are squares of material, usually with a hanging loop on the end and sometimes a pocket on the backside. They do not cover your hand or arms to protect from burns, but are much easier to maneuver than longer oven mitts. They also make great trivets for hot dishes or quick grabs to move pots around on the stove or remove a hot lid.
Oven mitts encapsulate your whole hand, wrist, and part of your arm, fully protecting your skin from contact burns. They are bulkier than pot holders, but offer security in the kitchen when pulling a pan of bubbling lasagna or fudgy brownies out of the oven. They also come in various lengths if you are looking for something less cumbersome.
For added protection in the kitchen, also consider a quality apron.
Can oven mitts catch on fire?
Heat resistance is an important consideration when choosing oven mitts, but no matter what temperatures the material withstands, all are flammable when exposed to an open flame or long-term high heat. Fabric oven mitts are more likely to catch fire if left near open flame, but even high heat-resistant neoprene, silicone, and aramid will burn eventually if left unattended
Can silicone oven mitts handle cast iron?
Cast iron cookware conducts very high heat, and silicone is a great choice for oven mitt material to handle extreme temperatures. Most silicone oven mitts are heat-resistant beyond the normal 400-degree threshold, which makes them an excellent option for cast iron’s range of 500 degrees or more.
Can you wash silicone oven mitts in the dishwasher?
You should always check the manufacturer's instructions. That said, silicone should easily withstand the top rack of a dishwasher. They are crafted to be high heat-resistant and durable. If your silicone mitts have a cotton liner, it is often removable and can be machine washed. Be sure all water is drained from mitts once the wash cycle is finished to avoid unpleasant odors or bacteria growth.
Do you need to replace oven mitts after a certain amount of time?
If you care for your oven mitts properly, they will last a very long time. You will know it is time to replace them when they start to become threadbare or the material starts to degrade. Once the material thins, it loses its efficacy and will not provide the necessary protection from high heat, but don’t just throw them out. Oven mitts make great dusters and can be recycled for house cleaning rather than adding to the landfill.
What heat resistance do you need for oven mitts?
To be safe, make sure your oven mitts can withstand temperatures starting at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 10 seconds. If you cook often with cast iron or extreme heat, look for material that is more in the 500- to 550-degree range.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Joy Manning is a food writer and recipe developer. Her work has appeared in many publications including The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Washington Post. She’s the author of "Almost Meatless" and "Stuff Every Cook Should Know."
This roundup was updated by Jenny Kellerhals, a food writer and professional pastry chef for over a decade in NYC. Oven mitts that resist steam and oil are an essential part of every pastry kitchen, and Jenny prefers the OXO Good Grips Pot Holders for daily use.
Sharon Lehman, a food writer and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, tested every item on this list and updated the roundup with her findings.
Sources
- Domenica Lazo, Assistant Application Chef at Barry Callebaut
- Rebecca Bloom, Baker and Founder of Piedaho Bakery