In the early days of cooking, managing hot cookware was a dangerous endeavor, with many cooks suffering burns in the absence of proper protection. While mittens have existed for over a thousand years, their role in kitchens was minimal due to limited knowledge and use.
Eventually, these rudimentary hand coverings found their purpose in the kitchen, evolving into functional and heat-resistant potholders and mitts designed specifically for culinary use.
In the 1870s, a Texas baker named Earl Mitt famously scorched his hands during a baking session. Frustrated, he began experimenting with materials to create a glove that could truly protect hands from the heat of the oven.
His solution? A glove made of wool and leather—though it still transferred heat dangerously. Through continuous testing and redesign, Earl finally developed what we now recognize as the oven mitt: a glove with a heat-resistant outer layer, often cotton or polyester, and an insulating interior to shield the hand during high-temperature tasks.
While Mitt’s invention laid the foundation, the evolution of oven mitts didn’t stop there. By the 1890s, some early versions used paper as insulation—a far cry from the sophisticated materials available today.
Modern mitts often incorporate Silnylon for water resistance and advanced materials like Kevlar for extreme heat and steam protection. Heat resistance varies by material: fabric mitts typically guard up to 93°C (200°F), while silicone or neoprene options can handle temperatures as high as 260°C (500°F).
Today’s oven mitts come in various forms, including versions with separated fingers for better grip and furnace-grade gloves built for commercial kitchens. Whether you’re a home baker or a professional chef, modern mitts are engineered to improve safety without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.
Beyond their functionality, oven mitts have become an iconic part of kitchen culture—combining practicality with a touch of humor and personality.
We often think we know what oven mitts are—but their importance goes far beyond just being a kitchen accessory. Oven mitts are specially designed, insulated gloves that protect your hands and arms from extreme heat when handling hot cookware, ovens, or stovetops.
Just like wearing a helmet while biking or gloves while welding, using the right protection in the kitchen is essential. With household ovens reaching up to 550°F and stove flames going even higher, choosing reliable oven mitts is a crucial part of cooking safely.
According to the CDC, unintentional burns were one of the top causes of nonfatal ER visits in 2019. That’s reason enough to carefully choose the right pair of mitts that protect, perform, and last.
Don’t just grab the first mitt you see in the store. Oven mitts are daily-use kitchen tools that should last for years. From materials to heat resistance and fit, here’s what you need to consider before buying.
The core function of an oven mitt is heat protection—and that all comes down to material. Popular materials include:
Our recommended mitts feature 100% soft cotton with bold color accents in Cream and Navy. They're part of a coordinated collection with matching linens and cookware, available in hues like Sage, Peracotta, and Gray for a cohesive kitchen look.
Heat protection is worthless if your wrists and forearms are still exposed. Standard mitts measure about 14 inches, but even shorter 11-inch versions can work well—like ours—if they’re well designed and offer good flexibility without bulk.
Pot holders, by comparison, are better for quick tasks and short-distance transfers but lack the protective reach that oven mitts provide—especially when reaching deep into an oven.
This is where quality really counts. Look for mitts rated to withstand at least 400°F, ideally for 10+ seconds. Dual-layer insulation improves heat resistance, helping you avoid burns from hot pots, pans, or cast iron cookware.
Our mitts feature a double-layered, stain-resistant weave and sturdy stitching—perfect for lifting a Dutch oven out of a 450°F oven without breaking a sweat (or a blister).
A mitt should allow you to grip your cookware with confidence. Loose mitts may feel cozy but can slip, while a snug mitt gives better control—especially when lifting something heavy or delicate.
Both protect your hands, but oven mitts are typically easier to slide on and off and offer softer materials. Cooking gloves, meanwhile, provide more finger mobility and are ideal for tasks like stirring, flipping, or moving smaller pans.
Oven mitts get dirty—fast. From splattered oil to sauce spills, having a pair you can throw into the washing machine makes cleanup far easier. Cotton mitts win here again, with our machine-washable design staying soft even after drying.
Silicone mitts may be waterproof, but many require hand-washing. If convenience matters, choose a washable cotton or blended fabric design.
Oven mitts aren’t just accessories—they’re essential kitchen tools that keep you safe while cooking. Whether handling hot bakeware, heavy pans, or just transferring dishes from oven to counter, they’re your first line of defense.
Ready to upgrade your kitchen with a pair of oven mitts that blend function, comfort, and design? Choose a set that complements your space, protects your hands, and stands up to everyday cooking demands.
Oven mitts and pot holders both aim to protect your hands from heat when cooking, but they serve slightly different purposes. Oven mitts resemble gloves, offering more comprehensive coverage for your hand and forearm, while pot holders are flat and compact—great for quick grips and easy storage.
The glove-style design of an oven mitt makes it easier to grip heavy cookware securely. They often provide extended coverage up the arm, which helps prevent burns when reaching into deep ovens or working over hot stovetops.
Silicone mitts stood out for their heat resistance and grip. Models from OXO and Crate & Barrel allowed safe contact with hot surfaces for nearly a full minute—significantly longer than fabric-based alternatives, which typically failed after 30 seconds or less.
These hybrid designs provided the ease of a pot holder with the control of an oven mitt—ideal for those looking for space-saving tools without sacrificing performance.
Based on hands-on testing, here are the key features to prioritize when shopping for oven mitts:
If you prefer pot holders, opt for designs that include silicone lining and ergonomic pockets for improved grip.
