We Tested 13 Oven Mitts and Pot Holders and Found Five That'll Keep Your Hands Cool

I would venture a guess that if you cook, you know the pain of burning your hand on a frying pan or singeing your forearm as you pull a sheet pan out of the oven. If that’s you, welcome: We are all members of the not-so-pleasant club marked by kitchen battle wounds. And because friends look out for each other, I tested 13 different oven mitts and pot holders to keep hands and forearms safe while cooking. I examined their grip, heat resistance, and functionality and found five winners that'll let you grab a hot pot or skillet without fear of getting singed. 

The Winners, at a Glance

The Best Oven Mitts

Food 52 Five Two Silicone Oven Mitts, Set of 2

$35 at Food52

Not just a pretty accessory, these oven mitts passed every test with flying colors. It was easy to grasp and hold casserole dishes and baking sheets, and the mitts stayed cool when maneuvering a hot cast iron skillet. I loved the attention to detail in the design, specifically their hidden magnets, terry cloth lining, boxy silicone pattern, and fun colors. 

Another Great Oven Mitt

OXO Silicone Oven Mitt

$17 $15 at Amazon $17 at Target

A snug fit gave these oven mitts a great amount of flexibility and dexterity. Plus, they led the way in the heat protection test.  

The Best Pot Holder

OXO Good Grips Silicone Pot Holder

$13 at Amazon $13 at Target $13 at The Container Store

This pot holder was unbeatable in the heat test and unmatched in its flexibility, which wasn’t common in the pot holder category. 

Another Great Pot Holder

Crate & Barrel Pot Holders

View on Crate & Barrel

In addition to its impressive heat protection, this hybrid pot holder-mitt mashup helped me get a solid grip on whatever pan or tool I grabbed.

The Best Budget Pot Holder

KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Pot Holder

$21 $14 at Amazon $15 $13 at Target $15 at Home Depot

These were the most affordable pot holders I tested. I liked the pocket seam, which made them feel like a hybrid mitt-pot holder. The grip inside the pocket felt quite similar to using an oven mitt with a separate thumb section. The silicone on these was also impressively grippy. When grasping a pan, I had no worries about the pot holder sliding around. 

The Tests 

• Dexterity Test: I used each product to grab and use kitchen tongs, rotate casserole dishes, move sheet trays, and lift heavy pots from my stovetop. I assessed how easy it was to keep a secure grasp and if I could easily adjust my grip. I looked for a snug fit and secure grip that offered good flexibility. I also had my spouse try on the mitts to account for a variety of hand sizes.
• Heat Protection Test: I set my oven to 425ºF and let a cast iron skillet preheat in it for 10 minutes. After removing the skillet from the hot oven, I used an infrared thermometer to check the handle temperature, which read around 330ºF. I tested each mitt’s heat protection by grasping the handle of the hot skillet, timing how long it took until I began to feel heat through the mitt and when that heat became uncomfortable. 
• Real-World Test: Once there were a few standouts, I kept the top contenders handy in my kitchen for real-world, everyday use. I bake often and use our air fryer toaster oven multiple times a day, so I rotated through the stack to make sure they all got some hands-on use for my typical kitchen tasks. I washed them, too.

What We Learned

What’s the Difference Between an Oven Mitt and a Pot Holder?

The goal of an oven mitt or pot holder is to protect your hands and arms from hot surfaces (and therefore painful burns) while cooking. Both can technically be used in any situation where you need a barrier between your skin and a hot surface, but the glove-like design of the oven mitt provides better grip and flexibility. Alternatively, a pot holder is flat, often with a built-in pocket. They may not have the same kind of flexibility as with a mitt, but the lower profile design is less bulky, which can be nice for storage and grabbing smaller handles or rims. It can also be used as a trivet.

Oven Mitts Provided More Control

Generally speaking, oven mitts offer much better grip and versatility than pot holders. In addition to the flexibility that comes with having a mitten-style fit, they also protected my forearms from heat, giving me more freedom to reach in and out of ovens or across a hot stovetop. At 15 inches long, the Food52 and Williams Sonoma oven mitts are both great options if you need to reach into the oven to lift a heavy casserole dish, and would offer nice coverage when grilling, too. The OXO oven mitt was a little shorter at 13 inches but had a more snug fit, so I was still able to confidently reach into a hot oven. My spouse first thought that the OXO felt too snug, but when he compared its grip with a looser mitt, he agreed that the tighter fit gave him more control. 

Silicone Offered the Best Heat Protection

Silicone performed the strongest in the heat protection test, and the OXO and Crate & Barrel pot holders stood out in particular. Somehow, despite their thinner profile, I was able to comfortably hold onto the skillet for almost a full minute before needing to let go. Every other product lasted 30 seconds or less. I’m sorry to say the KitchenAid oven mitt had abysmal results, failing at around seven seconds, certainly not long enough for removing a dish from the oven and transporting it to a dining table in the next room. 

While silicone was best for heat protection, not all silicone options performed the same. For example, the Gorilla Grip and HOMWE mitts were extremely slippery, and the KitchenAid and Big Red House, which are primarily fabric with added silicone grips, were also slick. The KitchenAid pot holder and Food52 oven mitts were far and away grippiest silicone options. In the case of the KitchenAid pot holders, the product listing states that the silicone is “waterproof for additional protection,” which I suspect is the reason behind its epic anti-slip grip. My theory about the Food52 silicone is that the checkerboard texture contributes to its success.

The Best Pot Holder Acts Like an Oven Mitt

While testing, I noticed that I reached for an oven mitt much more frequently than a pot holder because it offers more options for grabbing and maneuvering hot kitchen equipment. You may find the opposite to be true, depending on what you cook most frequently and the types of tools or pans that you more readily reach for, but I rarely have the need for the traditional square pot holder in my home. My top picks in the pot holder category were closer to a hybrid between a pot holder and an oven mitt. For example, the KitchenAid pot holder has a unique seam down the middle of the pocket, creating its version of a “mitt fit.” (Can I coin that term?) Similarly, the Crate & Barrel pot holder is a long oval with two separate pockets, one on either end, providing a separate pocket for your thumb similar to how your hand fits into an oven mitt. I found that the best-performing pot holder was one that pretends to be an oven mitt. 

Good Looks and Easy Cleaning Were Great, But Not Deal Breakers

While they are sleek, I found dark-colored oven mitts, like the Williams Sonoma, looked dirty a lot quicker than other colors. Flour and crumbs are just more visible on a black background, and while this isn’t a deal-breaker for everyone, it may be something you want to consider. Conversely, I can’t get over the aesthetic appeal of the Food52 mitts, and they performed really well. They’re an investment but offer fun features like a terry cloth lining, hidden magnets, and cute loops for hanging.

Most of the cleaning instructions were fairly straightforward, but I did encounter some conflicting information with the Crate & Barrel pot holder. The website listing states you can machine-wash cold and lay flat to dry, but the tag on the pot holder itself reads “hand-wash in cold water only.” I rolled the dice and threw it in a cold wash with the others, and although it’s not quite as crisp and flat as it once was, I didn’t detect any major issues. The only other washing complaint I have was that the Food52 oven mitt was tricky to turn inside out as instructed and took effort to return to normal. 

The Criteria: What to Look for in an Oven Mitt

I preferred oven mitts over pot holders for their versatility and heat protection. The best oven mitts were made of silicone, were flexible and easy to maneuver, and gripped a variety of cookware securely. They also kept my hands cool and safe when holding hot handles or reaching into an oven. While pot holders weren’t as versatile or protective, I did find a few that performed well. So, if you’re after a pot holder, look for a set with silicone lining and a pocket that provides a flexible grip. 

Our Favorite Oven Mitts

The Best Oven Mitts

Food 52 Five Two Silicone Oven Mitts, Set of 2

$35 at Food52

What we liked: These sturdy mitts kept my hands cool for 30 seconds in the heat test, which was the longest time for any of the oven mitts. The silicone outer layer was protective while still being flexible, and I could grab a cast iron skillet handle securely, as well as slippery casserole dish handles. They are rated up to 650ºF, higher than any other set I tested, and covered much of my forearm, making them a great option for grilling, too. The terry cloth lining helped with grip, and while looks didn’t factor into my testing, I can’t help but mention that I thought they were one of the most attractive of the bunch. The mitts also had fun and practical design features like hidden magnets for hanging them on your fridge. 

What we didn’t like: They were tied for the most expensive item I tested at $40 per set. The adults in my house loved them, but some people may find them to be a bit large and clunky.

Key Specs

• Material: Silicone, cotton canvas, terry cloth
• Dimensions: 15 x 7 inches
• Heat protection: Up to 650ºF
• Care instructions: Machine-wash cold and tumble dry low inside out

Another Good Oven Mitt

OXO Silicone Oven Mitt

$17 $15 at Amazon $17 at Target

What we liked: These offered a snugger fit, which in turn provided some of the best versatility and flexibility, letting me wrap my hand around a pot handle or secure a firm hold on the small lip of a heavy casserole dish. They also did well in the heat test, keeping my hand completely cool for 13 seconds. I only had to let go at around 28 seconds, when the heat became too much. 

What we didn’t like: Some might find the fit too tight, and while these mitts handled most cookware surprisingly well, tongs were nearly impossible to use while wearing them. 

Key Specs

• Material: Silicone, cotton
• Dimensions: 13 x 7 inches
• Heat protection: Not listed 
• Care instructions: Machine-washable

The Best Overall Pot Holder

OXO Good Grips Silicone Pot Holder

$13 at Amazon $13 at Target $13 at The Container Store

What we liked: These were unbeatable in the heat test, which was a shock considering how thin they are. They kept my hands cool for 14 seconds before I felt heat, and only became uncomfortable at around 55 seconds—trust me, that deserves a wow. They were also the most flexible of the pot holders I tested, and it was especially easy to slip my hands into their pockets. 

What we didn’t like: Tongs were really tricky to manage using these pot holders, despite their flexibility. I couldn’t find exact details regarding a maximum heat temperature rating and I wouldn’t recommend grabbing super hot items with your hands inside the pockets, as they are only comfortable for about 24 seconds (versus 55 seconds with your hand on the exterior). 

Key Specs

• Material: Silicone, cotton
• Dimensions: 9.75 x 7.5 inches
• Heat protection: Not listed
• Care instructions: Machine-wash cold, lay flat to dry

Another Good Pot Holder

Crate & Barrel Pot Holders

View on Crate & Barrel

What we liked: These unique pot holders, which are kind of like oven mitts without the arm, had excellent heat test results. They were only about five seconds behind the OXO pot holders, and the next best product was a full 20 seconds behind them. They were decently flexible due to their oval shape and double pocket design, and they were the easiest to use with tongs. They also have a hidden magnet for hanging on the fridge. 

What we didn’t like: The double pocket takes a little getting used to, and it is easy to accidentally touch food, especially when handling a sheet tray. 

Key Specs

• Material: Silicone, cotton canvas, terry cloth
• Dimensions: 6 x 10 inches
• Heat protection: Up to 500ºF
• Care instructions: Machine-wash cold, lay flat to dry

The Best Budget Pot Holders

KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Pot Holder

$21 $14 at Amazon $15 $13 at Target $15 at Home Depot

What we liked: I truly can’t stop thinking about how not slippery this silicone is. When grabbing a piece of cookware, my grip was secure and didn’t slide at all. The seam down the middle of the pocket also gives the pot holder a glove-like feel.

What we didn’t like: Although they have a high heat rating, these pot holders weren’t the strongest in the heat protection testing, and I had to let go of the cast iron skillet after only 25 seconds. They’re also not machine-washable. 

Key Specs

• Material: Silicone, cotton, polyester
• Dimensions: 9 x 7 inches
• Heat protection: Up to 500ºF
• Care instructions: Wipe clean only

The Competition 

• Big Red House Heat-Resistant Oven Mitts: While I can’t deny that a lifetime warranty is a great bonus, these were a middle-of-the-road option. The fit was a bit loose, and the grip, flexibility, and heat resistance were all perfectly acceptable but didn’t stand out. 
• Williams Sonoma Ultimate Oven Mitt: These were so close to making it to my top recommendations, and are quite comparable to the Food52 option that I ended up selecting. However, they performed a little worse in the heat test compared to the front runners, and while the inner fabric of the mitt felt very nice, it also was a bit slick.
• Gorilla Grip Heat and Slip Resistant Silicone Oven Mitts: This brand has received high marks in previous tests. However, I found the silicone to be quite slippery (despite the name), and they fit quite loosely, making for an overall not-so-great experience.
• HOMWE Extra Long Professional Silicone Oven Mitt: These were some of my least favorites. While fairly supple, the silicone is very slippery, and the inner lining of the mitt comes away from the silicone quite easily, moving around a surprising amount during use. They also had one of the worst results in the heat test. 
• Hedley & Bennett Pot Holders: True to Hedley & Bennett form, these look amazing. I’d happily hang these on display in my home, but I’d unfortunately never reach for them. They’re thick and stiff, making it difficult to safely grip pans and dishes. Without the addition of silicone, the fabric is quite slick and received one of the lowest scores in the heat test. 
• Hedley & Bennett Oven Mitts: I legitimately made a note that these were “EPIC” for moving sheet trays around in the oven. The sock puppet design was made for grabbing trays and it performed fairly well in the heat test, but the outer fabric (which isn’t coated in silicone) was too slippery.
• Williams Sonoma Ultimate Potholder: While sleek and obviously well made, I found this pot holder too large and a bit cumbersome. It didn’t bend well to grab dishes and was difficult to manage one-handed. It would, however, make an excellent trivet due to its larger size. 
• KitchenAid Asteroid Oven Mitt Set: The material of these felt thin, the fit was loose, and the manufacturer’s heat rating was the lowest. Unsurprisingly, these performed the worst in the heat test, and I needed to remove my hold on the cast iron skillet after only seven seconds.

FAQs

Are silicone oven mitts better than cotton?

The short answer is yes. In terms of heat protection, almost all of my winners were covered in silicone. I didn’t end up recommending any items that were primarily fabric with a silicone print or pattern over top, as these didn’t perform well in the heat tests and didn’t offer a secure grip on hot cookware. Silicone provides great heat protection and in the case of my top choices, also offers a solid grip and great flexibility. 

How heat-resistant are oven mitts?

This varies from product to product. The lowest set we tested was rated for 302ºF, while the highest was a whopping 650ºF. Since the cast iron skillet handle was heated to 330ºF after 10 minutes in a hot oven, I’d recommend making sure your mitts are safe for use up to a minimum 400ºF, but the majority that I tested were safe for 450ºF and up. 

What oven mitts do professionals use?

Most professional chefs actually use kitchen towels. They’re always on hand (usually draped over one’s apron straps), inexpensive, not bulky, multifunctional, and easy to clean. While kitchen towels are versatile and great, oven mitts and pot holders offer more coverage, which is never a bad thing.

Why We’re the Experts 

• Jenna Lanoue is a contributing writer for Serious Eats. She is a baking enthusiast and a little nerdy about researching kitchen equipment.
• To test the oven mitts and pot holders, she put each one through multiple tests for flexibility and heat protection, used them in daily real-world kitchen tasks, and then washed them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Jenny Kellerhals previously tested oven mitts in 2021, and we re-tested her top picks in addition to a few new items.