A restaurant line runs on folded side towels and thick commercial mitts, because the metal a cook has to hold is as hot as the fire it came off. The iron handle of a cast iron skillet, the loop handles of a Dutch oven and the rim of a sheet pan all reach the same temperature as the oven they came out of. What stands between that metal and your hand is a pot holder or an oven mitt, and the difference between a good one and a poor one is measured in seconds.
This guide compares nine pot holders and oven mitts by what decides those seconds: the material, its thickness, the maker’s stated heat rating, the length of the cuff and how each one is cleaned. We draw on what America’s Test Kitchen found when it put mitts and pot holders through heat and handling tests, and we explain why the heat ratings printed on packaging are harder to compare than they look.
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Quick verdict: which pot holder to buy
For most home kitchens, the OXO Good Grips Silicone Pot Holder is the one to buy: a silicone face over a cotton pocket, machine washable, and America’s Test Kitchen’s top pot holder, held against a hot cast-iron skillet handle for 23 seconds in its test. If you would rather wear a mitt, the OXO Good Grips Silicone Oven Mitt is ATK’s favorite mitt, 13 inches long. For a commercial-grade pad that goes in the dishwasher, choose the San Jamar UltiGrips Neoprene Hot Pad, 7 x 7 in, rated to 500°F for 15 seconds by its maker.
The table below compares our five standout picks, one for each kind of cook. All nine are reviewed in full after it.
Five pot holders and mitts side by side
One pick for each kind of cook, with the material, size and heat rating each maker or listing states.
| Pot holder or mitt | Best for | Material and size | Heat rating (stated) | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OXO Good Grips Silicone Pot HolderBest overall
|
Skillets, Dutch ovens, everyday use | Silicone over cotton pocket; about 7.3 x 10.8 in | Not stated | View on Amazon |
OXO Good Grips Silicone Oven MittBest oven mitt
|
Reaching into the oven, sheet pans | Silicone with fabric lining; 13 in long | Not stated | View on Amazon |
San Jamar UltiGrips Neoprene Hot Pad, 7 x 7 inBest commercial pad
|
Busy stoves, dishwasher cleanup | Quilted neoprene; 7 x 7 in | 500°F for 15 seconds | View on Amazon |
HOMWE Silicone Oven Mitts, 14.7 in, Set of 2Longest reach
|
Deep ovens, grills, forearm cover | Silicone, quilted cotton lining; 14.7 in | 450°F | View on Amazon |
Le Creuset Textile Oven Mitt, 15 inBest cotton mitt
|
Heavy cast iron, long reach | Cotton with silicone grip; 15 in | 550°F (287°C) | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Materials, sizes and heat ratings are as stated by the maker or its Amazon listing; “not stated” means the listing gives no figure. Ratings from different makers are not measured the same way, so check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best pot holders and oven mitts
Nine picks, chosen to cover the real choices: flat pot holders against full mitts, silicone against cotton and neoprene, home designs against commercial gear, and short cuffs against long ones. Five of them were part of America’s Test Kitchen’s review of oven mitts and pot holders, and we say where ATK’s findings were mixed.
1. OXO Good Grips Silicone Pot Holder – Grippy, Flexible, Machine Washable
This is the pot holder America’s Test Kitchen recommends, and the design explains why. One face is textured silicone, the back is cotton, and a pocket on the back lets you slip your hand in so the holder moves with your fingers instead of sliding off. OXO’s listing describes a non-slip silicone pattern for grip, a fabric liner for insulation, and a silicone body that is flame, stain and steam resistant.
In ATK’s heat test, testers held a hot cast-iron skillet handle comfortably for 23 seconds with it, and ATK reports that hands never got too hot during its kitchen tasks. ATK measured it at 7.33 by 10.75 inches and 7 millimeters thick when compressed, comfortably above the 4.4 millimeters that ATK found separated the good performers from the poor ones. It stained in ATK’s durability test, but did not shrink or warp.
The listing says the silicone rinses off or wipes clean with a damp cloth and that the whole holder is machine washable; ATK adds that it should be laid flat to dry. OXO does not state a temperature rating on the listing. The listing says it can double as a trivet, but ATK advises against using silicone mitts and holders as trivets, because silicone starts to break down if it sits above 500 degrees for more than 30 seconds.
Why we like it
- ATK’s top pot holder
- 23 seconds on a hot skillet handle in ATK’s test
- Pocket on the back for a secure hold
- Machine washable, per OXO
Key specifications
| Model | 11220500 (black) |
|---|---|
| Type | Pocket pot holder |
| Material | Silicone face, cotton back and lining |
| Heat rating (stated) | Not stated |
| Length/size | About 7.3 x 10.8 in (ATK measurement) |
| Count | 1 |
| Washable | Machine washable |
| Care | Rinse or wipe silicone; lay flat to dry |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you want one pot holder for skillets, Dutch ovens and casserole dishes that grips well and goes in the wash.
Skip it if you need to reach deep into an oven; a flat holder leaves your wrist and forearm bare.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong heat protection in ATK’s test
- Flexible, so you keep control of the pan
- Machine washable
Cons
- Stains, per ATK
- No stated heat rating
- Sold singly
2. OXO Good Grips Silicone Oven Mitt – Tapered Fit, Nimble Grip
If you prefer a mitt, this is ATK’s favorite. OXO’s listing describes a non-slip pattern for dexterity, a tapered shape for a secure fit, a 13-inch length to protect the arm and water-resistant silicone that is easy to clean. ATK found that the heavily textured silicone gave a firm grip and flexed with the hand, so testers could pinch thin cookie sheets and small handles and knobs.
ATK reports that the mitts kept hands comfortably cool and in control when holding hot equipment or reaching into a hot oven, with 22 seconds on its hot skillet handle. It noted two drawbacks: the fabric lining sometimes moved around inside the mitt, though it stayed put better than other linings, and the silicone became permanently stained. The mitts can be machine washed but must be laid flat to dry.
We link the oat color here because the black version showed limited stock when we checked. OXO sells the mitt singly, so plan on buying two if you want one for each hand. The listing does not state a temperature rating.
Why we like it
- ATK’s top oven mitt
- Flexible enough to pinch thin sheet pans
- 13-inch length covers the wrist
- Machine washable
Key specifications
| Model | 11318400 (oat) |
|---|---|
| Type | Oven mitt |
| Material | Silicone shell, fabric lining |
| Heat rating (stated) | Not stated |
| Length/size | 13 in long |
| Count | 1 |
| Washable | Machine washable |
| Care | Lay flat to dry, per ATK |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you bake a lot and want a mitt that still lets you feel the edge of a sheet pan.
Skip it if a shifting lining would bother you; ATK found it moved at times.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Firm, flexible grip
- Kept hands cool in ATK’s tasks
- Covers the wrist
Cons
- Sold singly
- Lining can shift
- Silicone stains permanently, per ATK
3. San Jamar UltiGrips Neoprene Hot Pad, 7 x 7 in – Commercial Pad, Dishwasher Safe
San Jamar makes heat protection for restaurant kitchens, and this small neoprene square is the kind of pad you see tucked into an apron string on a busy line. The listing describes textured, quilted neoprene that folds around pot handles and pan rims, a non-slip surface for heavy pans and a rating of up to 500°F for 15 seconds. It goes straight into the dishwasher.
ATK named it the runner-up pot holder. In its heat test, testers held the hot skillet handle for 32 seconds, the longest of any recommended model, and the pads conformed to the hand and stayed put. After testing, ATK reports, they still looked like new. Its one complaint was size: testers with large hands wished it were a little bigger, while San Jamar’s 10 by 10-inch version was too big to handle easily.
Neoprene does not soak up water the way cotton does, which matters more than it sounds. Heat moves quickly through a wet pot holder, and a pad that is wiped or washed between uses stays dry and ready. There is no pocket, so you simply grab with it.
Why we like it
- Rated to 500°F for 15 seconds, per San Jamar
- 32 seconds on a hot handle in ATK’s test
- Dishwasher safe
- Looked new after ATK’s durability test
Key specifications
| Model | UHP77BK |
|---|---|
| Type | Flat hot pad |
| Material | Quilted, textured neoprene |
| Heat rating (stated) | 500°F for 15 seconds |
| Length/size | 7 x 7 in |
| Count | 1 |
| Washable | Dishwasher safe |
| Care | Wash in the dishwasher |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you want restaurant-style protection that stays clean and dry with a trip through the dishwasher.
Skip it if you have large hands and want full palm coverage; ATK found it slightly small.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Longest heat hold in ATK’s test
- Dishwasher safe
- Stays in place in the hand
Cons
- Small for large hands
- No pocket
- Sold singly
4. HOMWE Silicone Oven Mitts, 14.7 in, Set of 2 – Long Cuffs, Nimble Fingers
HOMWE’s long silicone mitts are the pick for reaching over a hot oven rack or a grill. The listing gives a 14.7-inch length, from the fingertips to well past the wrist, a silicone shell with a non-skid textured palm, a soft quilted cotton lining and a heat rating of up to 450°F. They come as a pair.
ATK recommended these mitts. It found them nimble with thin bakeware and gave them 18 seconds on its hot skillet handle. With heavier items, testers’ hands sometimes felt a bit warmer than with the winner, though not dangerously so, and the lining often moved around and bunched up. ATK measured them at 2 millimeters thick when compressed, the thinnest of its recommended mitts.
HOMWE says the silicone is waterproof and steam resistant, so a splash of boiling water will not soak through to your hand, and that the mitts clean with warm soapy water or go in the washing machine. ATK suggests a thorough machine wash rather than just rinsing the outside.
Why we like it
- 14.7-inch length protects the forearm
- Recommended by ATK
- Waterproof silicone shell, per HOMWE
- Sold as a pair
Key specifications
| Model | KV-MIYL-ZFBL |
|---|---|
| Type | Oven mitts |
| Material | Silicone shell, quilted cotton lining |
| Heat rating (stated) | 450°F |
| Length/size | 14.7 in long |
| Count | 2 |
| Washable | Machine washable |
| Care | Warm soapy water or machine wash |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you roast, broil or grill often and want your forearms covered when you reach in.
Skip it if you mostly lift heavy cast iron; ATK found hands warmed faster with heavy pots.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Longest silicone mitt here
- Nimble with thin pans
- Pair in one box
Cons
- Thin when compressed
- Lining can bunch up, per ATK
- Lower stated rating than some
5. Le Creuset Textile Oven Mitt, 15 in – Cotton Mitt, Long Cuff
Le Creuset’s mitt is for cooks who prefer the feel of fabric but still want grip. The listing describes a mitt of 100% cotton with silicone for a secure hold on cookware, a 15-inch length that covers the front and back of the forearm and a heat rating of 550°F (287°C), the highest stated rating among our home-style picks. The fabric is STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX certified, according to Le Creuset.
The long cuff makes sense for a cast iron maker: lifting an enameled Dutch oven out of a hot oven puts your forearm close to the rack. ATK did not review this mitt, so there is no independent heat-hold figure for it. ATK’s broader finding is worth keeping in mind with any fabric mitt: cotton protects well only when it is thick, and heat moves quickly through damp or greasy fabric, so keep it dry and wash it when it gets dirty.
It is sold singly. The listing does not give care instructions, so follow the tag on the mitt.
Why we like it
- Stated heat rating of 550°F
- 15-inch length covers the forearm
- Silicone grip on cotton
- OEKO-TEX certified fabric, per Le Creuset
Key specifications
| Model | 45037038144005 |
|---|---|
| Type | Oven mitt |
| Material | 100% cotton with silicone grip |
| Heat rating (stated) | 550°F (287°C) |
| Length/size | 15 in long |
| Count | 1 |
| Washable | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated; follow the care tag |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you cook in heavy enameled cast iron and want a long fabric mitt with a high stated rating.
Skip it if you want independent test results behind your mitt; ATK has not reviewed this one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Highest home-mitt rating here
- Long cuff
- Silicone grip
Cons
- Sold singly
- No care guidance in the listing
- Not independently reviewed
6. Big Red House Silicone Oven Mitts, 12.5 in, Set of 2 – Silicone Palms, Soft Cotton
Big Red House’s mitts take a middle path between fabric and silicone: soft cotton construction with silicone-lined palms for grip. The listing gives a 12.5-inch length and a heat rating of up to 536°F (280°C), and Big Red House adds that extra protection is recommended for open flame or broiling, an honest caveat that more makers should print. They come in a pair, in a wide range of colors.
ATK recommended them and liked that the lining stayed put. They were not as protective as the winner in its heat test, though: testers held the hot skillet handle for 13.5 seconds, and ATK found the mitts a bit bulkier and blunter at the fingertips. ATK measured them at 5 millimeters thick when compressed.
For a home cook who wants two matching mitts in one purchase for everyday oven work, they are a sound choice. For long holds on heavy cast iron, pair them with a thick pot holder. The listing does not state washing instructions.
Why we like it
- Sold as a pair
- Stated rating of 536°F
- Recommended by ATK; lining stays put
- Clear warning about open flame, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated (ASIN B06WGSHFBM) |
|---|---|
| Type | Oven mitts |
| Material | Cotton with silicone-lined palms |
| Heat rating (stated) | 536°F (280°C) |
| Length/size | 12.5 in long |
| Count | 2 |
| Washable | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a matching pair of soft, grippy mitts for routine baking and roasting.
Skip it if you need long heat holds; ATK’s testers could not grip a hot skillet as long as with the OXO.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Pair in one box
- Lining stays in place
- Many colors
Cons
- Shorter heat hold in ATK’s test
- Bulkier fingertips
- No care guidance in the listing
7. KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Pot Holders, 2-Pack – Two Pocket Holders, 500°F
KitchenAid’s pot holders follow the same layout as the OXO: a ribbed silicone face for grip, a 100% cotton back and a pocket with polyester lining for comfort and insulation. The listing gives a heat rating of up to 500°F, a size of 7 by 9 inches each, and a water-resistant silicone side that shields against hot spills. Two come in the pack, so you have one for each handle of a Dutch oven or roasting pan.
The trade-off is cleaning. KitchenAid says to rinse them with water, wipe them clean and spot clean only, so these are not for tossing in the wash after a greasy roast. That matters because, as ATK notes, heat travels through moisture and grease, so a dirty pot holder protects less than a clean one.
ATK did not review this model. The listing states no warranty.
Why we like it
- Two holders per pack
- Stated rating of 500°F
- Pocket design like ATK’s winner
- Water-resistant silicone face
Key specifications
| Model | 2P013118TDKA 009 |
|---|---|
| Type | Pocket pot holders |
| Material | Ribbed silicone, cotton back, polyester lining |
| Heat rating (stated) | 500°F |
| Length/size | 7 x 9 in each |
| Count | 2 |
| Washable | No; spot clean only |
| Care | Rinse and wipe clean |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you want two pocket pot holders for two-handled pots in a single purchase.
Skip it if you want holders you can machine wash; these are spot clean only.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Pair of holders
- Clear heat rating
- Pocket for a secure grip
Cons
- Spot clean only
- Not independently reviewed
- No warranty
8. Lodge 2-in-1 Silicone and Fabric Trivet/Potholder – Made for Cast Iron Handles
Lodge makes cast iron, so it knows how hot a skillet handle gets. This 6.5-inch square has a silicone exterior for heat and stain resistance and a fabric lining for a comfortable grip, and Lodge pairs it with its smaller skillets, Dutch ovens and muffin pans. The listing title gives heat protection up to 450 degrees, and Lodge warns that it is not intended for oven use or direct flame: it is for grabbing handles and protecting the table, not for reaching into the oven.
ATK recommended it. It kept testers’ hands comfortably cool and lasted 20 seconds on the hot skillet handle, and it was one of the few models that did not stain. ATK found the silicone a little too rigid, though, and the holders tended to slide off the hand.
The care guidance is mixed: Lodge’s listing calls it dishwasher safe, while ATK lists it as hand-wash only. Hand washing is the safe default. Lodge says the product is made in the USA.
Why we like it
- 20 seconds on a hot handle in ATK’s test
- Resisted stains, per ATK
- Doubles as a trivet on the table
- Made in the USA, per Lodge
Key specifications
| Model | ASFPH41 |
|---|---|
| Type | Pot holder and trivet |
| Material | Silicone exterior, fabric lining |
| Heat rating (stated) | Up to 450°F; not for oven or direct flame |
| Length/size | 6.5 x 6.5 in |
| Count | 1 |
| Washable | Dishwasher safe per Lodge; hand wash per ATK |
| Care | Hand wash to be safe |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you cook in cast iron and want one square that grabs the handle and then sits under the pan at the table.
Skip it if you want a pot holder for the oven; Lodge says it is not for oven use.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Good heat hold
- Stays clean-looking
- Pot holder and trivet in one
Cons
- Rigid; can slide off the hand
- Not for oven use
- Small
9. San Jamar BestGuard Oven Mitts, 15 in, Pair – Restaurant Oven-Station Mitts
This is the mitt built for a commercial oven station, where the same pair pulls sheet pans all shift. San Jamar’s listing describes a poly-cotton mitt with a nonstick coating that wipes clean with a damp cloth, Kevlar stitching to keep the insulation in place around flame, heat and steam, and a reinforced thumb-and-forefinger area, which San Jamar calls WebGuard Plus, where mitts wear out first. The rating is up to 450°F for 15 seconds.
The 15-inch length and angled cuffs cover the wrist and lower forearm, and the mitts are ambidextrous, so either one fits either hand. The listing title says they are sold as a pair.
ATK did not review this model. It did test San Jamar’s thicker Cool Touch Flame mitt and did not recommend it, finding it bulky and less protective in real tasks than the silicone winners, so do not assume that every commercial mitt beats a good silicone one. The BestGuard’s advantage is that it is a classic, wipe-clean shape that tolerates hard daily use.
Why we like it
- Reinforced thumb crotch, per San Jamar
- Kevlar stitching
- 15-inch cuffs
- Wipes clean with a damp cloth
Key specifications
| Model | 800FG15-BK |
|---|---|
| Type | Oven mitts, ambidextrous |
| Material | Poly-cotton with nonstick coating, Kevlar stitching |
| Heat rating (stated) | 450°F for 15 seconds |
| Length/size | 15 in long |
| Count | Pair (per listing title) |
| Washable | Not stated |
| Care | Wipe clean with a damp cloth |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you want sturdy, wipe-clean mitts in the style restaurant kitchens use for oven work.
Skip it if you want the dexterity of silicone; fabric mitts like this are stiffer around small handles.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built for heavy daily use
- Wipe-clean surface
- Fits either hand
Cons
- Short timed rating
- Not independently reviewed
- Less nimble than silicone
How to choose pot holders that actually protect your hands
1. Material comes first
America’s Test Kitchen found that the most protective mitts and pot holders were made mostly of silicone. Open-weave synthetic fabrics let heat through, and cotton protected well only when it was thick. In ATK’s tests a thin cotton terry pot holder lasted 5 seconds on a hot skillet handle, and a quilted cotton double mitt lasted 7, against 22 and 23 seconds for the silicone winners. Neoprene, the rubbery material in San Jamar’s UltiGrips pad, matched the longest hold in that test, at 32 seconds.
2. Thickness is the next best clue
ATK’s pot holder review found that holders thicker than 4.4 millimeters generally performed well, and that the three worst performers were also the thinnest. You cannot measure that on a product page, but you can feel it in the hand: if you can easily feel your fingers through it, heat can get through too.
3. Read heat ratings carefully
Makers state heat resistance in different ways. San Jamar gives a temperature and a time, such as 500°F for 15 seconds. Most home brands give only a temperature, such as 450°F or 550°F, with no time attached. OXO states no figure at all on its listings, yet its pot holder and mitt top ATK’s review. Treat a stated rating as the maximum the material tolerates, not a promise of how long your hand stays comfortable. ATK also advises against leaving silicone on very hot surfaces as a trivet, because it starts to break down above 500 degrees after about 30 seconds.
4. Pot holder or mitt
Pot holders are quicker to grab and better for skillet handles, lids and pot ears on the stove. Mitts protect the wrist and forearm when you reach into the oven. Most kitchens are best served by one of each. A cast iron skillet’s handle is the most common reason to own a good holder; our guide to the best cast iron skillet covers the pans themselves, and our comparison of the comal vs cast iron skillet explains why both get hot right to the handle.
5. Fit, grip and length
ATK found that roomy or rigid models made the grip feel unsteady, while streamlined mitts and pocketed holders fitted securely. It also found no advantage in double mitts joined by a strip of fabric; the strip drooped between the hands and got in the way. Pick a cuff length for the job: 13 inches covers the wrist, while 15 inches or more reaches the forearm for deep ovens and grills.
6. Choose something you will wash
ATK points out that heat travels through moisture and grease, so a damp or greasy mitt protects less. A holder that goes in the washing machine or dishwasher is more likely to be kept clean. Never use a wet pot holder or a damp towel to lift a hot pan.
How we chose these nine pot holders and mitts
We started from what decides whether a pot holder protects you: material, thickness, fit and how easily it is cleaned. We looked for makers with a track record in cookware and commercial kitchens, including OXO, San Jamar, Lodge, Le Creuset, KitchenAid, HOMWE and Big Red House, searched Amazon US and checked each listing’s stock through Amazon’s product data, keeping only items that were in stock when we checked.
Specifications and heat ratings come from each Amazon listing. Performance findings come from America’s Test Kitchen’s review of oven mitts and pot holders and its earlier pot holder review, and we name ATK wherever we use them. We have not used these products ourselves for this guide. We left out the Ove Glove and San Jamar’s Cool Touch Flame mitt, both of which ATK tested and did not recommend, thin cotton terry holders and double mitts for the reasons above, and Williams-Sonoma’s pot holders, which showed limited stock when we checked.
Pot holder questions, answered
What are the best pot holders according to America’s Test Kitchen?
ATK’s top pot holder is the OXO Good Grips Silicone Pot Holder, and its top oven mitt is the OXO Good Grips Silicone Oven Mitt. Its runner-up pot holder is the San Jamar UltiGrips hot pad. It also recommends Big Red House and HOMWE silicone mitts and Lodge’s silicone and fabric potholder.
What type of pot holder is best?
For most kitchens, a thick silicone pot holder with a fabric lining and a pocket for your hand. ATK found silicone models gave the best protection, and pockets make the holder move with your hand.
Are silicone or cotton pot holders better?
Silicone protected better in ATK’s tests, and it does not absorb water. Cotton can work if it is thick, and it is softer, but thin cotton let heat through in seconds in ATK’s skillet test.
How do top-rated pot holders handle cleaning?
It varies. OXO and HOMWE are machine washable, San Jamar’s neoprene pad goes in the dishwasher, KitchenAid’s are spot clean only, and Lodge’s guidance is mixed. Check before you buy if easy washing matters to you.
How often should you replace a pot holder?
Replace it when it is thin, scorched, torn or permanently greasy, or when you start to feel heat through it sooner than you used to. Worn spots usually appear first where the thumb meets the palm.
Our last word on pot holders
Buy the OXO Good Grips Silicone Pot Holder for everyday pans and the OXO Silicone Oven Mitt for the oven. Choose San Jamar’s UltiGrips pad for dishwasher care, HOMWE for long cuffs, Le Creuset for a long cotton mitt, Big Red House for a matching pair, KitchenAid for two pocket holders, Lodge for cast iron at the table and San Jamar’s BestGuard mitts for heavy oven work.
Related guide: Best silicone pot holders.
Good protection matters most with heavy, hot cookware. If you are choosing the pot as well, see our guides to the best Dutch oven and the best roasting pan. And if you would rather someone else handle the hot pans tonight, see the menu or call to order.