Scroll through roundups of the best grilling tools and accessories, and you’ll find everything from thermometers to pans to brushes. Only recently has one of the most safety-minded accessories started appearing on these lists: a pair of grill gloves. Grill gloves provide protection from heat and flames—not just while handling food, tools, and grates on the grill but also while removing pans from an oven, adjusting hot oven racks and pizza stones, and adding logs to a fire. Waterproof versions also protect your hands as you reach into a steaming pot of water to fish out boiled crab or corn.
It’s not surprising that gloves have long been overlooked by backyard barbecue enthusiasts: You can—and probably have—grilled many foods without wearing gloves and without incident. It’s that first “incident” that often becomes the incentive to search for the best grill gloves available. We set out to do just that, testing 24 pairs of grill gloves in a range of styles, sizes, and designs to find the perfect set. Here are our favorites for grilling and beyond.
About Our Tests
To compile our list, we pulled on 24 pairs of grill gloves: 9 leather and 15 nonleather. For the key test, we heated a cast iron skillet in the oven at 500°F for 10 minutes, grabbed it by the handle while wearing the grill gloves, and recorded the time it took for the handle to become too hot to hold. During the testing period, we also wore the gloves whenever we grilled, using them to handle grill grates, chimney starters, tongs, hot food, and more. We also washed the gloves according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Each pair of grill gloves was rated on the following attributes:
- Design: Are the grill gloves too large, too loose, or just right? Do they provide adequate wrist protection? Was there any damage on the gloves, such as burn marks, after testing?
- Performance: How well (or not) do the gloves protect from heat while grilling? How do the gloves perform when gripping hot objects, resisting water, and handling slippery or greasy objects?
- Ease of Use: Do the gloves allow for full dexterity and range of motion? Is it easy to maneuver and grasp things like tongs or hold a beverage while wearing them?
- Ease of Cleaning: Are the gloves easy to clean? Are they machine washable or hand wash only?
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Grill-Heat-Aid-Extreme-Heat-Resistant-Grill-Gloves-f523993279eb4d278f16ebbd4efe27b8.jpg)
Why It’s Great: Maximum heat resistance; comfortable and functional; looked like new after testing
Grain of Salt: Minimal water resistance; need a few uses to loosen fit
With Grill Heat Aid’s barbecue gloves, you won’t become nervous as the temperature rises—because they are heat resistant to a whopping 1,472°F. That protection primarily comes from an outer shell made of aramid, a flexible organic fiber that resists high heat and flames so well that it is used in firefighter turnout gear. The material also protects you from cuts. A layer of grippy silicone helps keep slippery and greasy objects in your hands, and a cotton lining stays soft against your skin.
During testing, we found these gloves comfortable while grilling and adding logs to a campfire, and they still looked new even after regular use. While wearing these gloves, our hands never became overly hot at the grill, and tongs and water glasses never slipped from our grip. At the fire pit, we could pick up and move hot logs for about 20 seconds before they became too warm to hold. Each cuff provides welcome wrist protection too.
These gloves initially felt snug in the fingers, but the material loosened up quickly without becoming baggy. That material isn’t waterproof, but the close weave keeps hands dry in light rain.
The Details: Aramid, silicone, and polyester cotton; 14.17 inches long; heat resistant to 1,472°F; 8.8 ounces; not waterproof
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/grill-armor-bbq-waterproof-gloves-ff4759aeccba40e5aa8a7a08524a654b.jpg)
Why It’s Great: Heat and stain resistant; protect hands from boiling water; clean quickly under a tap
Grain of Salt: Run slightly large; require hand washing and drying
An outer layer of food-grade neoprene makes Grill Armor’s gloves not only heat resistant but also stain resistant and highly waterproof. They could be just the gloves you need as you’re prepping the grill for summer and shifting between burning off debris and scrubbing down grill grates. When it’s time to smoke a rack of ribs, you can lift the smoker lid, brush on barbecue sauce, wash off the sticky mixture, and keep on prepping the rest of your meal—all without removing the gloves.
We were impressed by how well these gloves kept heat at bay during testing. We grabbed hot pans out of the oven with no sign of burns or tears in the gloves’ rubber exterior. Immersing them in the boiling water to pull out corn on the cob left hands undamaged and dry. Their texturing kept the slick, hot corn from slipping free.
While the gloves do run a bit large, they are still long enough to protect hands and lower forearms from flames and heat. Cleaning couldn’t be easier: Run them under hot soapy water, give them a rinse, and then let them hang dry by the tab on the cuff’s pinky side.
The Details: Neoprene and cotton; 14 inches long; heat resistant to 932°F; 10.8 ounces; waterproof
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/grill-armor-gloves-922c41fc07c14ba99cb93949f045b467.jpg)
Why It’s Great: Available in multiple sizes; highly heat resistant; easy to wipe clean
Grain of Salt: No protection from hot liquids; minor effects from flame contact
Many grill gloves come in one size, but Grill Armor recognizes that one size only fits most hands. Beyond a standard size, the company offers these grill gloves in small, long cuff, and extra-large versions.
Regardless of the size you choose, these gloves provide enough dexterity that even petite-handed users will find functional. During tests, we had to purposely leave a hand on a hot item for the heat to become apparent through the layers of material, which took about 40 seconds. Even stainless steel utensils and handles stayed secure within the gloves’ silicone grip. Spilled chili sauce wiped off the exterior effortlessly.
In testing, we picked up and rotated veggie kebabs on a gas grill, yanked pans from a hot oven, and added wood to a fire pit. We even found them handy when changing just-failed light bulbs. The cuff protection was noticeable when reaching across a hot grill. When exposed to open flame, a bit of one glove took on an orange tinge, but the grips and material remained intact and protective. If these gloves have a fault, it’s that they are not water resistant and should be removed immediately upon contact with hot liquid.
The Details: Aramid, silicone, and cotton; 10 inches long; heat resistant to 932°F; 9.3 ounces; not waterproof
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pit-boss-brown-leather-grill-gloves-0dbe651e22094be3b1d932221f34ba88.jpg)
Why It’s Great: Classic and comfortable; full lower-arm coverage; tapered fit at wrist
Grain of Salt: Only heat resistant to 400°F; not ambidextrous
Synthetic fibers have become prominent as grill glove material, making these Pit Boss leather and canvas gloves stand out from their competition. Among other leather gloves we tested, this pair topped the list with its design and performance.
We found these gloves comfortable and protective when maneuvering and using a grill brush on grill grates. The only signs that they had been used were some marks from using a charcoal grill. Their flexibility allowed a firm grip on tongs and spatulas yet didn’t feel constricting. We do recommend using separate tools when handling food so that the leather doesn’t soak up juices; still, any spills or splatters can be wiped away quickly.
These gloves extend so far up the arm that there is no need to worry about accidental burns, and they taper slightly at the wrist for the best fit on each hand. We especially like their full protection when manipulating hot grill racks and moving food over an open flame. These gloves have less heat resistance than some of the others we tested, but were still an improvement over potholders or oven mitts, allowing a hot cast iron handle to be held for about 10 seconds.
The Details: Canvas and leather; 14.5 inches long; heat resistant to 400°F; 7.4 ounces; not waterproof
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RAPICCA-BBQ-Oven-Gloves-e5a7d40c990b4a19bb30d0c233dad768.jpg)
Why It’s Great: Extend almost to the elbow; waterproof; textured palm for no-slip grip
Grain of Salt: A bit stiff; hand wash and hang-dry only
Many grill gloves protect your hands and lower forearms, but the Rapicca BBQ Gloves stretch even farther: a full 17 inches from fingertip to cuff opening. This pair provides plenty of protection if you’re grilling in short sleeves or reaching into a kettle of seafood boil. They’re also very useful as oven mitts since they protect your forearms during cooking or if you’re reaching into a very hot oven.
We think these gloves look like firefighter gear, and we felt safe wearing them. The neoprene exterior resists melting heat and flames, as well as oils, grease, and stains from marinades and sauces. Whether holding a hot cast iron handle or lifting the grate from a gas grill, it took about 10 seconds before we started to feel the heat. The textured palm, meanwhile, allows a firm grip on slippery or greasy handles, and a double inner layer of soft cotton keeps your fingers cool and sweat-free.
These gloves fit just right yet felt a little stiff. Even so, we had no issue squeezing tongs or drinking from a can while wearing them. We loved that we could wash them in soapy water before peeling them off and hanging them to dry.
The Details: Neoprene and cotton; 17 inches long; heat resistant to 932°F; 14 ounces; waterproof
Our Takeaway
Our top pick, Grill Heat Aid BBQ Gloves, withstood incredible temperatures and looked like new after testing. For those who prefer leather to synthetic fibers, we recommend the Pit Boss Heavy Duty BBQ Grilling Gloves, which are super sturdy yet supple enough to pick up a grill grate or flip a burger with a spatula.
How to Pick the Right Grill Gloves
Design
The best grill gloves do more than protect your hands. They should also be so comfortable and flexible that you’ll actually want to wear them every time you work around a hot grill or oven. If they’re unwieldy or limit your dexterity, they’re more likely to disappear into the back of a drawer where they have no hope of providing protection.
If you’re the household grill master and enjoy fine-tuning your technique, you might want gloves that specifically fit your hand size. You’re also likely to appreciate long gloves with protective cuffs that let you reach across the grill without fear of a burn. Less confident grillers may appreciate these features also, yet prefer gloves with a universal fit so that they can pass off the job—and gloves—when needed.
Material
Our favorite grill gloves typically feature an outer synthetic or leather layer as their protective material. Shells made from heat-resistant aramid fibers have become popular for their durability and comfort. They often have silicone in key places that help when grabbing and holding small or slick objects. An inner cotton-based liner adds breathability, making your hands less likely to sweat, and feels inviting directly against your skin.
Waterproof grill gloves typically opt for a rubber, like neoprene, as their heat-resistant shell, again with silicone grips and a soft inner liner. Although silicone and neoprene protect your hands from heat, these materials can become hot—and stay that way. You may need to wait a few minutes after stepping away from the grill before they cool enough that you can remove them safely.
Leather has long been a popular material for protective gloves. It resists heat and provides grip without synthetic add-ons, and it cools fairly quickly after direct contact with a hot pan or grill grate. Leather gloves can start stiff but usually become more flexible the longer you use them.
Care
Grilling can be a hot, dirty job, often happening at the height of summer and spreading grease and ash—not to mention stains from meat juices and marinades—to your grill gloves. Keeping your grill setup clean goes a long way toward keeping your gloves clean too.
When the time comes to wash up, different grill glove materials have different needs, so read the specific instructions for the gloves you buy. Beyond that, they need minimal care to stay in prime shape. Leather conditioner can keep leather gloves supple and flexible. Gloves with silicone areas will last longer if they’re stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Keeping all gloves dry between uses and cleanings helps with their longevity as well.
Heat Resistance
Since the primary goal is to protect your hands from heat and flames, pay attention to the heat resistance of the gloves you’ll wear while grilling. Some maximum temperature ratings seem overkill for home-grilling use, but you could hold such an extremely hot object for just a couple of seconds with the gloves on. In reality, that level of protection gives you longer hold times at lower temperatures.
Every one of the grill gloves from this roundup let us hold the handle of a preheated cast iron pan for at least 10 seconds during our tests. We recorded even longer hold times for objects that radiated less heat, like smoker grates and kebab skewers.
The Leftovers: Other Grill Gloves We Tested
Although we liked the fit of Comsmart BBQ Gloves, the silicone pads developed some mild browning when briefly lifting a pizza stone, which made us concerned about the life span despite strong performance during testing. They ship simply rolled up in a clear plastic bag, with no indication of maximum temperature or cleaning instructions, information that would be helpful when gifting these gloves.
We struggled with the sizing of Kitchen Perfection Smoker Oven Gloves, with a pair marked XL decidedly oversized even for someone with extra-large hands and a one-size-fits-all pair teetering on too large for most people. They also seemed bulky and thick, making it challenging to grip small items. Despite this, they protected hands from the heat of a grill or oven and had a cozy feel.
The Ooni Pizza Gloves gave plenty of coverage in testing, reaching halfway to the elbows, yet in the palm and fingers, they felt a bit large on average-sized hands. The suede material seemed thick, making it difficult to slip gloved fingers between the hot grates of a grill to pick it up. Still, once gripped, nothing slipped and the gloves gave full protection from the grill’s heat.
Common Questions
Do I really need to use grill gloves?
It seems irrefutably safe that you need oven mitts to remove hot objects from the oven, but less obvious that you’d need grill gloves. However, many people decide they need grill gloves only after an accidental burn, which makes a proactive attitude a smart one. A lot of successful grilling happens at 350°F and higher, temperatures at which you wouldn’t reach for a pan of cookies without something protecting your hand. Even if you grab most of your grilled items with a spatula or tongs, gloves can protect your skin as you reach across open flames for that succulent chunk of fish that flaked onto the grill grate.
What is the best way to clean grill gloves?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best approach to cleaning your specific pair of gloves. This often varies depending on the materials used. Some can go in the washing machine or dishwasher, some are best suds and rinsed under a hot-water tap, and others just want to be wiped with a damp cloth. Stubborn stains may need a couple of washes to come clean. Most grill gloves need to hang dry, so plan on air-drying time between cleaning and your next grilled meal.
How often should I replace my grill gloves?
Heat-resistant material and reinforced or seamless stitching make grill gloves sturdy, and reinforced cuffs, palms, and fingertips add to their longevity. When the gloves start to show excessive wear, tears, or heat damage, it’s time to replace them. Inspect your gloves occasionally, looking for frayed seams or loose threads that could lead to further damage. Check for tears and holes that compromise the gloves’ integrity. Regularly cleaning off stains and food particles, especially sugary or greasy ones, can also extend the life span of grill gloves.
Why Take Our Word for It?
Julie Laing has been a writer and editor for 25-plus years, focusing on original recipes, kitchen tools, and the stories around them. She is the author of “The Complete Guide to Pickling,” the Flathead Beacon food columnist, and a reviewer and recipe developer for numerous other publications. Like many people, she bought her first grill gloves only after burning a hand. She now loves having kitchen gloves and wears a heat-resistant pair when grilling and smoking, baking bread, and stretching homemade mozzarella, as well as protective ones when slicing on a mandoline, shucking oysters, and deseeding chilies.
+ There are no comments
Add yours