Hot Pot Hazards: Mitts Don't Mitigate Heat

Is it safe to put a hot pot on a mitt?

It is not safe to put a hot pot on a mitt, especially if the mitt is wet. Kitchen towels, pot holders, and oven mitts are all used to handle hot items, but they have different levels of protection and come with their own risks.

Kitchen towels

Kitchen towels are versatile and can be used for many purposes, including as oven mitts and pot holders. They are inexpensive and easy to clean, but they offer the least protection when handling hot items. Even when folded, they can still be too thin and cause burns. If the towel is wet, the risk of burning yourself is even higher.

Pot holders

Pot holders are small, usually square, and can be used to handle hot items or as trivets to protect countertops. They are typically made of quilted cotton, but other materials such as silicone, suede, and Kevlar are also used. They are easy to grab and provide more protection than kitchen towels, but they don't cover the whole hand or wrist, so burns are still possible.

Oven mitts

Oven mitts are shaped like gloves and cover the whole hand, wrist, and sometimes part of the forearm. They are bulkier than pot holders but provide more protection. They are typically made of cotton, silicone, or a combination of the two. Silicone oven mitts are often waterproof, provide a good grip, and are easy to clean. Cotton oven mitts are comfortable but can catch fire if exposed to an open flame.

Heat resistance

The heat resistance of oven mitts and pot holders varies, but most should be able to handle temperatures of at least 400°F. Some can withstand temperatures as high as 650°F. It's important to check the maximum temperature of your oven mitt or pot holder before use, especially if you're using it with a grill or pizza oven, which can reach temperatures above 900°F.

Care and maintenance

Most oven mitts and pot holders can be cleaned in the washing machine, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Silicone oven mitts are usually dishwasher-safe, while leather oven mitts can only be spot-cleaned or hand-washed.

Are silicone oven mitts better than cotton?

Yes, it is safe to put a hot pot on an oven mitt, but not all oven mitts are created equal. Oven mitts are worn in the kitchen to protect against hot surfaces such as ovens, stovetops, and cookware. The two most common types of oven mitts are cotton and silicone.

Cotton oven mitts are the more traditional option and are a soft, comfortable material. They provide ample wrist and forearm protection and are very easy to put on and take off. They also allow for more finger movement and flexibility than silicone mitts. However, they are not as grippy as silicone mitts and can be flammable.

Silicone oven mitts have grown in popularity and are now used for both indoor and outdoor cooking. They provide good grip when handling hot cookware and protect against steam or splattering liquids. They are also easy to clean and are waterproof. However, they can be uncomfortable and difficult to take off, especially if they don't have a cotton lining.

Overall, cotton oven mitts are generally considered to be better than silicone oven mitts because they offer more flexibility and comfort. They are also less likely to be flammable and are easier to put on and take off. However, silicone oven mitts may be preferable for tasks that require a stronger grip, such as handling slippery or complexly shaped cookware.

When choosing an oven mitt, it is important to consider the material, design, aesthetics, and price. It is also recommended to buy oven mitts in pairs to allow for better control when handling hot items and to have a backup in case one mitt needs to be washed.

How heat-resistant are oven mitts?

Oven mitts are designed to protect your hands from hot surfaces while cooking. They are made from a variety of materials, including silicone, cotton, and a combination of the two. The heat resistance of oven mitts varies, with some claiming to be heat resistant up to 450°F, while others can withstand temperatures up to 650°F. Some oven mitts are even designed to withstand temperatures up to 950°F, making them suitable for use with grills and pizza ovens.

Silicone oven mitts tend to offer better heat resistance than cotton mitts. For example, the Gorilla Grip Heat-Resistant Silicone Oven Mitts can withstand temperatures up to 484°F, while the Homwe Extra Long Professional Silicone Oven Mitt offers heat resistance up to 450°F. The Five Two Silicone Oven Mitts are claimed to be heat resistant up to an impressive 650°F.

Cotton oven mitts usually offer lower heat resistance. For example, the Ritz Royale Collection Pot Holder has a maximum temperature rating of 500°F. The Lifaith 100% Cotton Kitchen Pot Holder does not specify a maximum temperature, but it is claimed to be effective in protecting against high heat.

It is important to note that the heat resistance of oven mitts can vary depending on the manufacturer and materials used. It is always a good idea to check the maximum temperature rating before purchasing oven mitts to ensure they are suitable for your needs.

What oven mitts do professionals use?

While it may seem like a good idea to use an oven mitt to handle hot cookware, professionals typically use kitchen towels or side towels instead. These are inexpensive, easy to clean, and versatile. However, they offer minimal protection from burns and will catch fire if left too close to a heat source.

If you are looking for alternatives, here are some oven mitts that professionals might consider:

The Gorilla Grip Silicone Oven Mitts

These oven mitts are grippy, flexible, heat-resistant, and inexpensive. They are also easy to clean, as they can be rinsed off due to their silicone covering. They are available in ten colours and sold as a pair.

The Big Red House Oven Mitts

These oven mitts are comfortable and roomy, with a good chunk of forearm coverage. They are flexible and allow for a firm grip on various pots and pans. However, they are more likely to catch fire, so caution is advised. They are available in three colours and sold as a pair.

The Food52 Five Two Silicone Oven Mitts

These oven mitts are a good choice for those seeking extra protection and willing to spend a little more. They have magnets for hanging and extra-long cuffs. The silicone portion of the mitt stands up to open flames and is easy to wipe clean. However, the cotton cuff is flammable and may catch fire if dragged across an open flame. They are available in five colours and sold as a pair.

The Jane Domestic Suede Mitt

The Jane Domestic Suede Mitt is a luxurious pot holder that is soft to the touch and provides substantial heat protection. It is less comfortable for holding smaller tools, narrow handles, and shallow trays. It is also more expensive than other options, as it is sold individually rather than as a pair.

The OXO Good Grips Silicone Pot Holder

This pot holder provides heat protection and a secure grip. It is easy to clean and has a loop for hanging. However, it is sold individually rather than as a pair, and it may be challenging to grip larger handles with this pot holder.

What's the difference between a pot holder and a hot pad?

Oven mitts, pot holders, and hot pads are all tools used to protect your hands from hot surfaces while cooking. They are all used to handle hot pots, pans, and dishes. However, they have some differences in terms of design, functionality, and intended use.

A pot holder is usually smaller and has less material than an oven mitt, and often lacks a thumb sleeve. It offers less protection for the hand and wrist compared to an oven mitt. Pot holders are typically square or rectangular and can be made of quilted cotton, silicone, or other materials. They can also double as trivets to protect countertops and surfaces from hot pots and pans. Some pot holders have a pocket for your hand, but the backside of the pocket may not provide as much heat protection as the front.

On the other hand, an oven mitt usually has a thumb sleeve and can cover up to the forearm, providing more protection and better maneuverability when handling dishes. Oven mitts are typically shaped like mittens or gloves and can be made of silicone, cotton, or a combination of both.

A hot pad, also known as a trivet, is typically a quilted fabric square or circle used to protect countertops and surfaces from hot pots and pans. It can be made of fabric, cork, or silicone. Hot pads are generally smaller and offer less hand protection than pot holders, especially if damp.

In summary, the main differences between a pot holder and a hot pad lie in their design, size, and intended use. Pot holders are usually square or rectangular with a pocket for the hand, while hot pads are typically smaller fabric squares or circles without a hand pocket. Pot holders offer more protection for the hand and are used to handle hot items, whereas hot pads are primarily used to protect surfaces from heat.

Can silicone oven mitts handle cast iron?

Silicone oven mitts are a great choice for handling cast iron cookware. Cast iron can conduct very high heat, and silicone is an excellent material for withstanding extreme temperatures. Most silicone oven mitts are heat-resistant beyond the standard threshold of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a good match for cast iron's range of 500 degrees or higher.

When choosing an oven mitt, it is important to consider the heat resistance, comfort, flexibility, and ease of cleaning. Silicone oven mitts often retain heat for a few seconds after handling a hot item, so it is important to be mindful of how you handle the mitt after use.

• Homwe Extra Long Professional Silicone Oven Mitt: This mitt offers excellent heat protection and is easy to manoeuvre. It has a grippy silicone exterior and a comfortable polyester-cotton lining.
• Five Two Silicone Oven Mitts: These mitts offer good coverage and heat protection. They have a terry-cloth interior, which provides extra comfort, and magnets in the cuffs for easy storage.
• Gorilla Grip Heat Resistant Silicone Oven Mitts: These mitts are flexible and provide a secure grip. They fit a variety of hand sizes and protect the lower forearm. They are heat-resistant in both wet and dry conditions.
• Big Red House Oven Mitts: These mitts are comfortable and flexible, allowing for a good grip on various pots and pans. They also provide good forearm coverage.

Frequently asked questions