Are you looking to purchase a new pair of BBQ gloves? If so, check out this guide to learn about the best BBQ Gloves on the market.
Clear blue skies, an icebox filled with drinks and a BBQ ready to go is the best way to spend a Saturday afternoon. You’re heating the BBQ with a juicy brisket waiting to be cooked when you realize: how am I going to re-arrange the coals?
Neither dish-washing gloves or oven mitts will suffice. Only BBQ gloves will save the day and your hands. Even though they are over-looked, it’s vital to invest in a pair of sturdy gloves and, luckily, there is a pair suited for every type of BBQ cooking.
To help you, here’s a guide on how to find the BBQ Gloves of your dreams.
Things to Consider as You Shop
Not all BBQ gloves are made equal so decide which features are a deal-breaker.
Dexterity
Sure, you want thick gloves but you also want to have a solid grip on your tongs, tools, and grates. If you’re very hands-on, you must find heat resistant BBQ gloves that also let you handle things without a second thought.
Cuff Length
BBQ gloves vary in lengths, from wrist length to those that run up to your elbow. Longer cuffs offer forearm protection which is useful if you’re reaching over a large grill where grease can spit at you. If you have a large grill and love cooking over an open flame, longer gloves are for you.
Heat-Resistance and Thickness
Good heat-resistance should be a top priority otherwise you won’t get much protection. The gloves could melt or worse, leave you with second-degree burns. Temperatures in smokers and grills can climb up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit so keep that in mind as you browse.
Different Types of BBQ Gloves
Cooking gloves come in four types of materials: silicone, leather, fabric and synthetic. They all have their benefits depending on your style of cooking and preference.
Silicone
Silicone lets you handle ribs over an open fire but they don’t provide as much insulation as other gloves. You can even find food-grade silicone, many of which are 100% BPA-free, great if you don’t want to expose your food to chemicals.
Another benefit is their water-resistance so you can handle juicy meats without worrying about scalding liquids. They’re also very easy to clean and sauces wash off with a quick rinse.
Leather
Leather makes some of the most versatile gloves as they let you handle hot pans and move flaming logs around the BBQ. Gloves made of leather are thick and protect your hands but as they aren’t very dextrous and are difficult to clean.
Fabric
These gloves are made from high-heat resistant fabric, complete with silicone inserts for extra grip. Although you can’t use these to handle food directly, they’re great for lifting grill grates and hot pans. They’re also dexterous, comfortable and many are machine-washable. But you can’t get these gloves wet otherwise they will conduct heat and lose their insulating abilities.
Synthetic
Synthetic gloves are often comprised of rubber or silicone and are lined with fabric like cotton. They are nimbler and let you handle food directly and control tongs but they aren’t as insulated as leather gloves. Imagine a thicker and higher-quality version of dish gloves. Synthetic gloves are also easy to clean due to the rubber exterior but keep in mind that you also can’t use these wet.
Top 10 Best BBQ Gloves
Below are 10 gloves made from different materials that have received great reviews.
1. Ekogrips BBQ Oven Gloves
These gloves are affordable, high-quality silicone gloves that come in three sizes: L, XL, and XXL. Ekogrip’s gloves are made entirely from silicone which means they’re waterproof, great for when you’re handling juicy meat and liquids and can withstand temperatures up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
This model has unique features as they are non-slip and non-stick which means they’re durable and easy to clean. The downside is they aren’t comfortable and have little dexterity. They’re thick and floppy, great for moving hot items but difficult to work a knife. And like most silicone models, they aren’t designed for holding hot items for more than a few seconds which isn’t useful for those who enjoy poring over coals.
2. BlueFire Pro Heat Resistant Gloves
These heat resistant gloves combine heavy-duty with heat-resistant. They can withstand 932 degrees which means you can reach into the grill and move your brisket with zero worries.
The gloves are made of heat resistant materials such as Kevlar, Aramid, Nomex and Silicone. They are cut resistant and provide good forearm protection.
3. Grill Armor Extreme Heat Oven Gloves
Grill Armor’s fabric gloves can withstand 932 degrees Fahrenheit which is far hotter than any grill or smoker could get. This model comes in two sizes, regular and small, and four colors: blue, black, red and gray. You won’t have any issues moving grates around or grabbing hot food as they can resist heat for up to 30 seconds.
They’re thick, complete with a cool cotton lining, to ensure the gloves are flexible so using utensils is no issue. Also, the silicone texture on the palms and fingers improves your grip which is great when you’re handling food. It’s important to note that you can’t use these wet, like other fabric gloves, so ensure you dry them out before using them again.
4. Steven Raichlen Extra Long Gloves
If you’re after extra-long suede gloves, Steven Raichlen has an effective pair that run 18-inches up to your elbow. The interior is lined with cotton for comfort and has great dexterity so moving grill grates is no problem. Although you can’t whack them in the dishwasher, you can wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any grime.
Steven Raichlen’s gloves, however, aren’t designed to resist prolonged exposure to heat. This pair can withstand 475 degrees Fahrenheit but because they aren’t insulated, you’ll feel the heat go right through them. Use these gloves for poking around the smoker or lighting coals as opposed to holding on to the hot metal.
5. Charcoal Companion’s Barbecue Pit Mitt Gloves
These aramid fiber gloves are considered one of the best BBQ gloves due to their ultra-durability and heat-resistant properties. The Pitt Mitt gloves can withstand up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit with no seeping through the fabric.
The gloves are very dexterous where the added silicone texturing helps add grip whilst being comfortable. Using tongs is easy, it almost feels like you’re bare-handed. They come down over your wrists and onto your forearms so consider this if you want extra protection. Also, know that the Pit Mitt is not waterproof so if they get wet, you’re at risk of getting burned.
6. Walfos BBQ Grilling Gloves
Walfos BBQ Grilling gloves are made from heavy duty silicone, BPA-free and FDA food approved. They can withstand up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit and their 13.7″ length provides decent forearm protection.
Another plus is that they are machine washable and can also just be thrown inside the dishwasher.
7. US Forge 400 Welding Gloves
Although not kitchen gloves, these split-leather welding gloves protect hands from UV rays. They’re an inexpensive way to protect your hands as you transport hot items from grill to table. The exterior is top-grain leather, and the interior is cotton which prevents sweat build-up whilst providing excellent dexterity. Yet these durable gloves aren’t heatproof so be careful whilst handling tongs to move lit coals.
8. Grill Heat Aid Extreme Heat Resistant Gloves
It says it in the name: these bad boys are heat resistant to a whopping 932 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re able to withstand radiant heat, flammability, and even molten metal so lit coals and flaming logs are nothing to worry about.
Even though these gloves are made from aramid fiber, it feels like you’re not wearing gloves at all as you can pick up something as little as a thermometer. Grill Heat gloves have a cotton interior that makes them comfortable, perfect for long days in front of the BBQ. Yet these gloves have a low water resistance so even a few drops of water or steam can affect them.
9. Simdevanma Heat Resistant Cooking Gloves
Simdevanma’s grill gloves are a blend of aramid fiber and silicone and can withstand 935 degrees Fahrenheit. This mixed with the interior cotton and poly lining means the gloves molds to the shape of your hands making them extra comfortable. Another plus is how you can throw into the washing machine and they will dry quickly.
These gloves have a Level 3 Cut resistance rating so you will be safe whilst chopping any vegetables. Yet once wet, they will lose much of their heat resistance. It’s also important to note that these are on sale as a single glove so for a set, you must order two.
10. Artisan Griller Insulated Gloves
These gloves are well-insulated and waterproof as they’re made from neoprene. They are snug because of the jersey cotton liner and are breathable which is great when you’re tied to the BBQ on a hot summer’s day. Once you’re finished, wash them with soap and water as if you were washing your hands.
Out of all These BBQ Gloves, Which Will You Choose?
As you can see, there are BBQ gloves for every situation depending on how long you’ll be manning the grill and how hot your equipment gets. If you love getting hands-on by shoving logs and moving lit coals, try synthetic gloves as they are the most heat-resistant. Yet if you’re prone to getting your gloves wet, try silicone, as they are waterproof and won’t compromise your safety. Happy hunting!
For more information on BBQ gear, check out this article.
