We Tested Over a Dozen Oven Mitts—These 5 Are the Best

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we evaluated 18 oven mitts in our latest round of testing. To select products, we researched top-rated models across retailers and included analyst-recommended favorites.

We evaluated the performance of each, which included mobility and heat resistance. We also considered the ease of use, which includes size, cleanability, and the ability to store. For additional analysis of the fabric and overall quality, we also gained insight from experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab.

✔️ Type: The most common type of mitt is the "traditional mitt," which has a wide-open area for your fingers and a separate area for your thumb. Puppet-style mitts have a large thumb pocket on the underside, and mini mitts are precisely that, miniature mitts that don't cover your whole hand or forearm. Oven gloves aren't as common, but they are still a common option for grilling. Of course, we can't forget about potholders, which are small squares that you don't wear, but are used to pick up hot pans and lids.

✔️ Material: Oven mitts come in various materials, such as cotton, silicone, leather, neoprene, and more. Silicone is our preferred material because it is water-resistant, unlike cloth or fabric mitts that absorb liquid, which can lead to staining or burns if used when wet. Silicone also provides a sturdy grip, which is ideal when picking up hot items. Some cloth mitts feature silicone piping, which provides the flexibility of cloth while offering additional grip from the silicone. Cotton and cotton blends are another popular material used in mitts. While they are less heat-resistant than silicone, they allow for more mobility and enable you to feel what you're grabbing.

✔️ Size and length: Not all gloves come in the same size; some are larger than others. If you have larger hands, look for mitts with wider dimensions. Length is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for mitts. While gloves are meant to protect your hands, they are also supposed to protect your forearms. When pulling large items, such as a roasting pan, from your oven, the chances of your forearm hitting the hot cookware increase. Look for mitts that are at least 12 inches or longer in length. When selecting your mitts, keep in mind that they may slightly shrink in size and fit after laundering.

✔️ Heat-resistance: Most brands list the maximum temperature that a mitt can withstand. We prefer silicone since it has higher heat resistance, but when choosing cloth mitts, "avoid those made with 100% synthetic fibers", says Wu. She explained that natural fibers may burn, while synthetic ones, such as polyester or nylon, will instead melt, which poses an additional safety risk.

Look for mitts that have an outer material made with a natural fiber, a blend of natural and synthetic fibers, or silicone. The lining and filling of mitts are usually made from a different material. You'll find that many mitts, including those listed on this list, have a synthetic fill or lining.

✔️ Storage: If you hang your mitts, look for styles that have loops or grommets so they can be hung. If you're storing them in a drawer, ensure that the thickness of the gloves suits the depth of the cabinet to prevent drawer jams.

When using oven mitts, it’s important to make sure they are properly fitted on your hands. This means pulling them all the way on so they fully cover your hands and wrists, providing complete protection from heat.

You also want to make sure that your mitts are fully dry. Sometimes things spill in the kitchen, or they may not be completely dry after washing. However, using wet gloves can increase your susceptibility to burns. Water is a conductor and transfers heat much more quickly than air, so when the wet mitt touches a hot pan, heat transfers much more quickly. When they’re damp, that can also affect your grip, increasing your chances of slips or accidental drops.

If you don't have oven mitts, kitchen towels or potholders will do the trick. Ensure you have a secure hold before lifting the pan from the oven or stove, especially if using a kitchen towel. Be aware that kitchen towels can dangle, so be cautious when using them near an open flame, as they are at a high risk of catching on fire. When using a kitchen towel, ensure it is completely dry; wet fabric can cause burns. Most importantly, never stick your hands inside a hot oven without a mitt, potholder, or kitchen towel, as you can get severe burns.

While you can get away with just one, having a pair of oven mitts or potholders is essential when handling heavy or large cookware. Using both hands to lift items like stock pots or roasting pans provides better stability and control, helping to prevent spills, drops, and potential burns.

Some mitts are easier to clean than others. Silicone mitts are often simple to wipe clean. However, check care labels first for brand instructions. Most mitts, even those made of silicone, are typically machine washable. Avoid using the dryer unless the instructions specify otherwise, as it can damage the lining or weaken the mitts over time.

Like any fabric, the integrity of the material lessens after repetitive use, especially in areas that have commonly come into contact with hot cookware. If your mitts are starting to thin or have rips or tears, it's time to retire them and grab a new pair.

Raena Loper is a contributing writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Raena tests a variety of kitchen appliances in the Lab, including food processors and large air fryers, and writes shopping guides on the best plus-size jeans and more. When testing oven mitts, Raena received supervision from Kitchen Appliances Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou and Analyst Eva Bleyer.

Grace Wu is a textiles product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she assisted in testing oven mitts. Before joining Good Housekeeping, Wu earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University. She previously worked in wearable technology, smart clothing, and electronic textiles during her time in academic research labs.

Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in product development and manufacturing. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, she has tested products and written reviews across dozens of categories, including cleaning, textiles, and kitchen appliances.