Precaution is an utmost necessity while cooking with cast iron pots and pans on the fires. Cast iron cookware has good heat retention ability, which makes them incredibly hot to touch. This leads to the risk of burns on your hands if you are not careful.
Since it happens, proper action needs to be taken. Wearing the best oven mitts for cast iron is the least you can do to prevent accidental burns. The regular oven mitts or towels are not compatible with cast iron.
This means you’re going to need a quality pair of a specialized oven mitts. So, how do you choose the best rated oven mitts? You may look for oven mitts, that is;
- Heat-resistant
- Made from silicone or aramid fabric
- Non-slip and washable
- Easy to maneuver
- Includes a long sleeve for wrist protection
We want you to keep protected if you are looking to use the best heat-resistant oven mitts. That’s why; we’ve decked this article with top-quality oven mitts and top holders. These will assure you of adequate heat protection.
Do not hesitate to check the following comparison table to get reliable heat resistant oven gloves.
Best Oven Mitts for Cast Iron – Reviews of Top 5 Oven Mitts with Ultimate Protection
If you are shopping around for top rated oven mitts, here we have several options for you. These are the best alternative to your ratty oven mitts or regular dishtowel. At first glance, all these oven mitts seem to serve the same function.
However, they vary noticeably in materials, size as well as cuff length, insulation, etc. Our team of experts with years of culinary experience reviewed our top recommendations with details. Read the guide below to discover your desired choice.
1. HOMWE Extra Long Professional Silicone Oven Mitt – Best Overall
HOMWE Extra-long professional oven mitt is the best overall option on our list. Whether you are a professional or a hobby cook, this oven mitt is here to handle the hottest dishes.
The protection and convenience it provides are undoubtedly notable. It offers protection from heat up to 450oF. Along with the heat resistance, the stitched cotton border prevents your hand from enduring stress.
The most noticeable feature of the oven mitt is its extra-long size. When it comes to an oven mitt, the longer one is, the better. The oven mitt is 14.7-inches in size. It offers complete protection to your fingers, palms, and wrists from burns.
Most of all, the oven mitts are made of silicone which won’t absorb liquids. The silicone part of the mitt is absolutely waterproof. Moreover, the interior consists of polyester and cotton material for added comfort and stability.
The exterior has a non-skid and textured palm that offers a non-slip grip. It helps prevent sliding the gloves while using. Additionally, the silicone material is BPA-free which avoids any further environmental degradation.
What We Liked:
- Extra-long size covers the entire hand
- Heat and flame resistant
- Improved control and stability
- Easy to clean with both hands and machine
What We Didn’t Like:
- It takes time to put them on
2. GRILL HEAT AID BBQ Heat Resistant Gloves
Next, we have super heat-resistant oven gloves from GRILL HEAT AID. The glove comes with a maximum heat resistance mark of 1472oF. These multipurpose gloves are compatible with cooking with charcoal, wood, fireplace, oil, etc.
One of the great features of the gloves is they are crafted with aramid fabric. Aramid is a type of heavy-duty, heat-resistant synthetic known for its ability to endure high temperatures. These extreme heat-resistant gloves are EN407 certified.
Another great feature of this glove is they are awarded EN388 level cut resistance. These gloves are 4-times stronger than leather and cloth gloves. However, they come in a variety of sizes to fit everyone’s hand.
Above all, these gloves are lined with cotton for added comfort. You need to make sure they don’t get wet while using. Overall, it is one of the best oven gloves with fingers you can get.
What We Liked:
- Extreme heat-resistant; withstand temperature up to 1472oF
- Cut-resistant
- Made with high-grade aramid fabric
- Available in a range of sizes
What We Didn’t Like:
- These gloves can absorb liquids, so they become ineffective when wet
3. BIG RED HOUSE Oven Mitts
BIG RED HOUSE is a reliable and frontline brand that comes with an exclusive oven mitt. These red heat-resistant gloves can be a good companion for any chef or cook.
This BIG RED HOUSE oven mitt comes with excellent features and a quality design. At first glance, you’ll love this pair of oven gloves. Basically, it is made of thick, smooth cotton material for added comfort.
Above the cotton material, the gloves have special silicone striping as a gripping material. This design prevents slipping and dropping while taking out of the oven. It can withstand temperatures up to 480oF.
What is more, the gloves are 12.5″ long, which is enough to protect your wrists and forearms. This size is enough for everyone in the family. All in all, the BIG RED HOUSE oven mitt offers maximum flexibility, heat resistance, and superior comfort.
What We Liked:
- Made with high-quality cotton and silicone stripping
- Highly flexible and comfortable to use
- Better heat resistance
- Machine washable and easy to clean
What We Didn’t Like:
- These small oven mitts are not suitable for big palms
4. Grill Armor Oven Gloves Extreme Heat Resistant
Grill Armor oven gloves are one of the best gloves with excellent design. If you are looking for a pair of high-quality and durable oven mitts, you ought to check this. They are best for every chef and cook.
This is one of the best heat resistant oven mitts with a high resistance level. It can resist heat up to 1472oF, providing the best protection for your hands. Kevlar and Nomex are a great combination of materials for an oven mitt.
Thankfully, you’ll get these highest-quality fabrics in this Grill Armor oven gloves. The interior has a cotton lining for added comfort. Moreover, the exterior has silicone grips for non-slip control over what you are cooking.
A single pair of oven gloves can serve most people in the family. That is because they come in one size that is fit for all. Unlike most oven gloves, the pair includes five fingers flex for comfort while grabbing hot dishes.
What We Liked:
- Extremely high resistance level
- Made with top-quality fabrics
- Resistant to heat and flame when exposed to fire
- Flexible and non-slip grip
What We Didn’t Like:
- Somewhat expensive
5. YUXIER Oven Gloves BBQ Grill Gloves
The last on the list we have a solid deal with ultimate heat protection. YUXIER oven gloves are extremely heat and flame resistant. It can firmly provide better protection against heat up to 1472oF.
In addition, they are 4-times stronger than leather and cut-resistant. You can use them for cooking, grilling, broiling, baking, and many more. These gloves come in an extended size of 13.8″. This size is good enough for most hands.
Also, it completely covers each section that gets exposed near the fire. The exterior of the YUXIER oven gloves is crafted with silicone strips. It ensures hot objects won’t slip from your hands.
The interior has a high-quality cotton lining that absorbs sweat for added comfort. Above all, the separate finger design lets you move your hands and hold anything comfortably.
What We Liked:
- Resistant to heat, flame, and cuts
- Multifunctional and flexible
- Non-slip design that fit in most hands
- Comfortable to use
What We Didn’t Like:
- These gloves are not machine washable
Why Do I Need a Specialized Oven Mitt for Cast Iron Cookware?
While cooking with cast iron, the temperature will likely exceed 500oF to 550oF. For this level of heat, you are going to need a well-protected oven mitt. Or else, you may find yourself lying in an emergency room.
Hence, there is no best way to buy top rated oven mitts. The best rated oven mitts are designed especially for high-temperature cooking. These are heat resistant up to 500oF and above.
Buying a top-quality oven mitt might not seem a necessity until you burn your knuckles. Holding your regular cloth mitts isn’t going to cut it. Overall, you need a specialized oven mitt for cooking with cast iron.
What Style Should You Buy for Cast Iron?
Cooking with cast iron cookware can seem a daunting task if you do not take proper protection. Only a regular cast iron user knows the level of heat it has. You may use an oven mitt or potholder, or gloves to protect your hands from this high heat.
Whichever you choose, it is basically a matter of preference. They all do the same job. But still, there are some pros and cons of each type. Below is a short detail about each type.
Oven Mitts
Oven mitts are somewhat bulky and offer better coverage than oven gloves or potholders. It will likely provide more forearm protection when using in the oven. However, oven mitts are not suitable for emergencies as it takes time to wear.
Oven Gloves
Oven gloves offer more deftness than oven mitts and more protection than a potholder. But, these are suitable only for delicate tasks like; removing pies from the oven. Also, oven gloves offer less protection than oven mitts and a potholder.
PotHolders
Potholders are smaller than oven mitts. So, they won’t protect the back of your hands. These are best for emergencies like; lifting pot lids and holding handles. Also, the best pot holder is easier to grab. You can also double up potholders as trivets.
Kitchen Towels
Most cooks prefer using kitchen towels as they are easier to grab in emergencies. A thick and high-quality kitchen towel will allow holding pots and pans longer than oven mitts or gloves.
But, you have to hold it correctly to prevent any accidental burns. Also, if you failed to fold the towel correctly, you can have severe burns. Hence, it is mainly used while cooking to wipe spills and messes.
What to Consider Before Buying the Best Heat Resistant Oven Mitts?
Whether you are a professional cook or a seasonal cook, you’ll need a pair of quality oven mitts anytime. Keeping any random oven mitt alongside won’t help – especially when cooking with cast iron.
So, what qualities make an oven mitt suitable for cast iron? Several factors come into play while picking oven mitts and pot holders. You need to keep in mind the following things before you rush to a decision.
Heat Resistance
First, let’s talk about the feature you’ll definitely want to have in an oven mitt. Cast iron cookware can get extremely hot to touch. It often reaches the highest temperature of your standard baking sheet.
So, you need to look for an oven mitt that is heat-resistant certified. A quality pair of oven mitts would have a temperature resistance of anywhere from 446oF to 1472oF. This heat resistance feature is basically a layer of protection.
Having a heat-resistant certified oven mitt will make sure your palms and finger are protected from heat. Above, we mentioned the heat resistance threshold for each option available. You can easily hold hot plates with any of the above oven mitts.
Material
Cast iron utensils are known for their heavyweight and good heat conductivity. They have incredibly extreme heat distribution capability and can retain heat for longer. The heat can quickly get into your gloves if they are not made well.
So either way, your oven mitt has to be made of thick materials. The high-performance oven mitt can be made of either silicone or aramid fabric. There is another rare material used in oven mitts, called Kevlar.
Silicone is mainly used in oven mitts for cast iron. It is safe to use at a temperature up to 446o The best part is silicone doesn’t absorb water. So the process of heat transfer is relatively slow.
Silicone oven gloves last longer, so it’s a budget-friendly choice for sure. Some people refer to it as a rubber oven mitt.
Aramid fabric, on the other hand, is the best choice for oven mitts for cast iron. Many of the oven mitts made with aramid can withstand temperatures from 932oF to 1400o
They are incredibly heat-resistant. Even some aramid-made mitts do not catch fire when exposed to open flames. So, they are an excellent choice when you are cooking on cast iron over a bonfire.
Kevlar is the same material from which the bulletproof vest is made. It is extremely heat and flame resistant. Kevlar-made oven mitts don’t lose their shape when exposed to high temperatures. Above all, Kevlar oven mitts are lightweight and easy to handle.
N.B: Avoid using cloth oven mitts. Cloth oven mitt can get wet and transfer heat to your hands in no time. Also, they are less heat-resistant than other options available.
Size and Length
The size and length of the oven gloves, how can we ignore it?? These are two crucial factors while buying oven mitts. Cooking on cast iron cookware and getting burnt from drops of oil splatter on hand is a common occurrence.
This can be prevented by using an oven mitt with protection all over your arm. However, it is wise to wear oven mitts or gloves of longer length. You can prevent damage to your hand by wearing the oven mitts with the proper length.
Some expert cooks may think it is unnecessary to consider the size of the oven mitts. But, it is better to be careful before something bad happens. We suggest buying a pair of oven mitt that fits everyone in the family.
Non-Slip Feature
Slips and burns can be a common incidence when your gloves don’t have a non-slip design. Oven mitts with smooth patterns and grip resistance can be the reason for dropping the food from hands.
So, it is suggested to buy silicone pot holders or oven mitts with heat-resistant grips. Make sure the surface of the oven mitt has a silicone layer. It should provide friction and minimize the slippage possibility.
Ease of Cleaning
Slow down before you made a final decision. There is another feature that is worth considering. Like your cast iron cookware, oven mitts can also get extremely dirty. So, you need to think of an easier process of cleaning.
Instead, you can buy a pair of oven mitt that is easy to wipe down or machine washable. Clean oven mitts minimize the chance of slippage or burn. Keeping the oven mitt clean can prolong its life.
FAQ
Are silicone oven mitts better?
Indeed, silicone oven mitts are a better choice for cast iron. They are a popular choice lately for both indoor and outdoor cooking. Silicone can withstand temperatures up to 450oF and above.
It makes silicone safer than ordinary gloves. Moreover, they are thinner than regular fabric mitts, which makes them flexible. Along with a higher level of protection, silicone gloves offer an excellent gripping ability.
Do chefs use oven mitts?
Sad to say, no, they don’t. Most chefs avoid using oven mitts – especially in their kitchen. Some may use oven mitts at home, but the percentage is low. Oven mitts usually take a little extra time to wear than all-purpose kitchen towels.
Chefs generally work in a fast-moving environment. There they don’t have enough time to wear it every time before touching hot pots and pans. They instead choose a kitchen towel that is convenient enough.
All-purpose kitchen towels come in handy to touch something hot as well as to wipe down the mess. So, you may think you should also opt for kitchen towels. Note that chefs are highly trained to work in such an environment, which you are not.
If you use kitchen towels, chances are you may drop your cast iron pan on yourself. So, don’t opt for what you are not used to. Stay safe and use oven mitts at home.
What is the purpose of oven mitts?
First and foremost, oven mitts are designed to protect your hand from hot objects like cookware, ovens, and stoves. When you are handling hot things in the kitchen, make sure you wear oven mitts.
For the best protection, you should pay attention to the material they are made of. The material decides the heat-resistant level of the oven mitt. Oven gloves not only keep your hands protected but also make hot objects easier to handle.
Can oven mitts catch on fire?
Oven mitts can catch fire when you keep them exposed to open flame for longer. Other than that, it is unlikely to happen if you only use them to catch hot objects. Remember, all oven mitts can catch on fire when exposed to long-term excessive heat.
Can you wash silicone oven mitts?
Absolutely, you can wash your silicone oven mitts. You can either wash it with your hands using soap. Or, you can just put it in the dishwasher. Either way, make sure you read the instruction carefully before washing.
Conclusion
The market has many excellent options to protect your hands from the heat of cast iron cookware. But, the right oven mitt can make your cooking time safe and enjoyable.
We can say with conviction that our suggested oven mitts will protect your hand from burnt. Also, the high-quality attributes of these oven mitts will give you the ease of handling hot objects.
Make sure you choose the right size, length, and material of an oven mitt. And, of course, don’t forget the heat resistance feature anyway. So, get the best oven mitts for cast iron and stay safe.
Hi, I’m Julia Mitchell and through this blog I want to put forward all my experiences and expertise to help you find the best kitchen items possible. I have been working in research and development of kitchen tools for the last three decades. Throughout my professional career I have come across various kitchen products and I use that experience to assist people in getting ideal kitchen items for their requirements. If you have any further doubt, you can email us and we will get in touch with you immediately.