Practically every home cook leaves their hands unprotected as they bring a hot pot out of the oven or stovetop. And so they often burn their hands on a hot pan of brownies. Keeping a pot holder within your reach in the kitchen can change that.
Pot holders are made of heat-resistant material that will allow you to hold hot cookwares without letting the heat get to your hand. Besides addressing safety concerns, modern pot holders also serve as kitchen decor. They come in a variety of stylish designs with many cool features. The best pot holders will add so much value to your kitchen without breaking your bank.
Best Pick
This well-rounded set from Homwe is our best pick for this list since it has both a pair of pot-holders and a pair of oven mitts, which give you flexibility in how you want to protect your hands depending on various situations.
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Budget Pick
These potholders are made of two types of materials on either side, and this provides comfort and efficient heat protection at the same time. They are our budget pick for this list since they come at a reasonable price and can be bought and used by anyone who needs safety for their hands while cooking.
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Quick Comparison: Top 12 Best Pot Holders
Product Name
Material
Color
Grade
Homwe Silicone Oven Mitts and Pot Holder
Silicone exterior and polyester-cotton linings
Black
A+
DII Cotton Terry Pot Holders
100% cotton
Black and white
A+
BIG RED HOUSE Oven Mitts
Silicone and Cotton
Black
A+
ARCLIBER Oven Mitts
Cotton
Grey
A
Ritz 040024 Pot Holder
Cotton
Navy Blue
A+
Lifaith 100% Cotton Kitchen Everyday Basic Terry Potholder
Cotton
Gray
A
Love This Kitchen Premium Silicone Trivet Mats
Silicone
Black
A
Joyhalo Pot Holders
Cotton
Beige
A
Rorecay Oven Mitts and Pot Holders
Silicone and cotton
Black
B
Bekith Trivet Mat and Pot Holders
Silicone
Multi-color
B+
Honla 4-Piece Oval Pot Holders with Pockets
Silicone and Cotton
Black and white
B
Ritz 056211 Royale Collection Pot Holder
Cotton
Graphite
B-
1. Homwe Silicone Oven Mitts and Potholders
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When you know the usefulness of both a pot holder and an oven mitt, it is hard to choose between the two and so to save you from the mind-boggling confusion of whether to go for a pair of mitts or for a set of pot holders, Homwe thought why not both, and so here it is, a set that includes two of your favorite heat protective kitchenware.
The mitts and the pot-holders are made of a heat-resistant silicone and they have patterns on them which make them slip-resistant and useful for opening slippery lids on jars. The items in this set are made of silicone which also have the added advantage of flexibility so you can bend your hand in any way you like to get a good grip on hot handles.
The silicone used in this set is resistant to temperatures as high as 450 degrees F and is suitable for heavy-duty purposes both inside and outside the kitchen. With this well-rounded set, your wrists, forearm, fingers and your countertop will be well protected from hot objects around you, allowing you to cook and dine with safety, style, and comfort.
Pros
This set includes both pot-holders and oven mitts which makes it a versatile set
The pot-holders and the oven mitts are made of silicone that is heat resistant up to 450 degrees F
The patterned texture of the silicone allows it to be used for opening jar lids and to have a good grip without slipping even when your hands are wet
The pot-holders can also be used as trivets to protect your kitchen counter from hot objects
Cons
Since the pot-holders are not quilted, it might not be as comfortable as those made of cloth
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2.
DII Cotton Terry Pot Holders
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DII pot holders offer a wide variety of attractive colors to choose from and the best thing about these pot-holders is the comfort you will feel while using them. One side of the potholder is made of terry cloth, the kind of cloth used for making towels, and the other side is made of Silverstone lining.
The set includes three pieces of pot-holders so you can use them interchangeably to extend their longevity. To make sure that the pot-holders give you a firm grip and are durable, the two sides of the pot-holders have been quilted together
Pros
The set consists of three pot-holders instead of two
The set offers a wide range of colors to choose from
One side of the pot-holder is made of terry cloth and the other side is made of Silverstone lining which gives a good heat resistance
To increase the durability and to give you a good grip, the pot holders have been quilted
Cons
They cannot be dried in the dryer
They are not waterproof
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3.
BIG RED HOUSE Oven Mitts
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The Big Red House Pot Holders incorporate silicone into their design in order to achieve thick and bulky oven mitts. Yet they remain flexible and easy to maneuver. As a result, they serve the purpose just perfectly fine.
The filling is made of cotton material, making it perfectly healthy and comfortable to use on a daily basis. The pot holder is heat resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, the silicone stripping works as a non-slip grip. So you won’t have to worry about the bowl or pan slipping off your hands.
The product can withstand heavy use and is lightweight. Its black finish with a slightly patterned surface makes the product an elegant addition to your kitchen.
Pros
The pot holder covers up to 12.5 inches, protecting your wrists and forearms
The combination of silicone and cotton offers the highest flexibility
There is a silicone strip on the pot holders offering a non-slip grip
Cons
The silicone on this product offers slip-resistance only and does not provide any additional heat protection
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4.
ARCLIBER Oven Mitts
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These pot holders fit comfortably over large hands. The 13-inch long mitts will cover your wrists and forearms and protect them from up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It is, therefore, perfect for all cookware, including barbeques and outdoor ovens.
Another intriguing feature of the product is its flame-retardant coating. It can resist flames for as long as 10 seconds. If the mitts are kept on the fire for any longer, they will catch alight. However, as soon as they are removed from the heat source the flames will extinguish.
The set comes with two pot holders, each made of 100% quilted cotton. Therefore, you will find maximum flexibility. They are also very lightweight and durable.
Pros
The flame retardant coating on the product makes it safe for barbeques and all other cooking uses
It has a length of 13 inches, safely covering your hands up to the forearms
The product can stand against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
The product can be dry cleaned only. Washing it will diminish the flame retardant coat on its surface
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5. Ritz 040024 Pot Holder
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The innovative design of this pot holder makes it a three-in-one heat protective kitchen tool. It has been made by a company that has been making reliable home textiles since 1892, and their experience and expertise has been reflected in this pot-holder as well. First of all, it can be used as a pot holder to safely grip onto handles of hot pans and pots.
Secondly, it can be worn on your hands like an oven mitt, due to the pocket on the pot holder where your hand can go in and stay well-protected. Third, it can be used on your countertop as a heat pad, to prevent the hot objects from leaving burn stains on your counter surface.
The pot-holder measures 8.5 x 7.5 inches to give you an optimum surface area to work with, and it has been made of 100% terry cloth cotton which makes it highly resistant to high temperatures. The two pot-holders in the set comes in nine beautiful colors which you can choose from according to your taste.
Pros
The innovative design of the pot-holder allows it to be used in three different ways
The pot-holders can also be used as a mitt, and as hot pads
They are made of 100% terry cloth cotton which gives you an extra layer of heat protection
You can choose from nine different colors
They can machine washed with cold water
Cons
They are not waterproof
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6. Lifaith 100% Cotton Kitchen Everyday Basic Terry Potholder
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If you are looking for a simple set of pot-holders that is not mitt-styled, then you should definitely look into this set of five pot holders made of Terry cotton cloth. The pot holder has a Silverstone lining on one side which gives you a non-slip grip.
To make the potholder durable and flexible, the cloth has been quilted. The pot holder has a loop at one corner which you can use to hang it after cleaning or at a place where you can reach it easily it when you are in a hurry.
One of the best things about this set is that you can choose your favorite color from a wide range of color options so it is easy to match the set with the color of your kitchen interior.
Pros
Simple yet efficient design
The set consists of five pot-holders
They are made of Terry cloth on one side and Silverstone lining on the other which gives you efficient heat protection
The pot holder has been quilted for durability and flexibility
They can be washed in the washing machine
Cons
They do not give protection for the wrist
They are not waterproof
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7. Love This Kitchen Premium Silicone Trivet Mats
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The number of different ways in which this pot-holders can be used is mind-blowing. And the main reason it can be used in versatile ways is the silicone build of the pot-holders. The silicone that this set is made of is heat resistant up to 442 degrees F and the surface is patterned with raised dots.
Due to this, not only does it protect different surfaces from hot objects, but also protects your counter surface and hands from becoming wet. For example, when you are stirring a hot sauce on the stove using a utensil, it can be frustrating when you do not have a place to place the mixing paddle which is covered in hot sauce.
If you place this pot-holder beside your stove, you can place the spoon or the paddle on top of it without the sauce spilling out and creating a mess on your kitchen counter. Another use of this silicone pot-holder is as a large coaster. When you have a pitcher full of ice-cold lemonade, the condensation from the pitcher can create a puddle on your table. But since these pot-holders are waterproof, you can confidently use them under your pitcher to prevent the water from reaching the tablecloth.
The pot-holders, when used as trivets will protect the table surface from being scalded by a casserole pan that you took right out of the oven. Although the pot-holders have a thick body and are not flimsy, since they are made of flexible silicone, they can be bent any way you need them to while gripping on a hot handle.
Since they are dotted, they can also be used to open a jar lid that is difficult to open with bare hands. Once you are done using them, they can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand, and the non-stick silicone makes them very easy to clean.
Pros
The pot-holders can be used as a trivet, a coaster, a spoon rest, and a jar opener
They are water-proof so they give you good heat protection from hot liquids
The silicone is non-stick and has dotted surface which makes it anti-slip and also very easy to clean
They would not absorb odor and is resistant to fungal growth
They can be washed in the dishwasher
They have a hole on top for hanging
They are thick but flexible enough to be bent into different shapes while holding hot objects
Cons
They might not be as comfortable to hold as cotton pot-holders
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8. Joyhalo Pot Holders
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Joyhalo PH 6 Pot Holder is a fat hot pad. So if you’re looking for a break from the gloves pot holders, here’s the perfect product for you. It comes with a unique design and flawless mechanism as far as heat resistance is concerned.
Made of cotton, the product helps protect your hands from heated pans for a long time. It is flexible and allows easy maneuvering while maintaining a firm grip.
Its brilliant construction allows you to use the pot holders both indoors and outdoors, all year long. It is made of looped cotton with cotton binding. And the filling is made of polyester. The surface of the product is slightly patterned, which makes it look very sophisticated.
Pros
The product comes in a variety of brilliant colors, allowing you to pick any that suits your kitchen decor
The cotton pot holder is filled with polyester, making it a quite thick
They hold up well against frequent washing
Cons
Some users were not satisfied with its thickness, and have used multiple holders to pick a pan
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9. Rorecay Oven Mitts and Pot Holders
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Something to cover up to your arms, the Rorecay Pot Holder will make a brilliant addition to your kitchen. The silicone oven pot holder is designed to bring convenience to your kitchen and protect your hands while you cook.
The surface features a honeycomb pattern design in light gray on top of the black body, offering slip-resistance. Offering easy hanging, the product also has an attached loop at the top. Hook it from racks and keep it within your reach.
Another appealing feature is that it’s very easy to clean. The silicone body dries off easy after a good wash. All you have to do is rinse, clean and wipe.
Pros
The pot holder is made of food-grade, BPA free silicone
Being waterproof, the body is not affected by steam or hot food
The product is 15 inches long, covering your hands perfectly well
Besides the mitts, the package includes trivets and mini pinch mitts to add versatility
Cons
The big mitts are not ideal for small hands, as they cannot provide secure grip then
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10. Bekith Trivet Mat and Pot Holders
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If you are looking for a colorful set of pot-holders with versatile functions, then you need to look nowhere else since this set from Bekith has a set of four multifunctional pot-holders in red, blue, green, and orange which will surely add colors to your kitchen décor.
The pot-holders are made of silicone that is resistant to very high temperatures up to 500 degrees F and have a texture that makes it not only visually attractive but also suitable for different purposes.
You can use it as a trivet to protect your tabletop from hot dishes, as a spoon rest to hold your spoons and ladles while cooking, as a jar opener to twist open the tight lids on jars easily, and as a garlic peeler. The garlic peeler function of the pot-holder is unique and useful for anyone who does not want their hand to smell garlicky after peeling garlic cloves.
All you need to do is to place the garlic inside the holder and give it a few rolls and the skin of the garlic will come off very easily.They can be stored in a compact way since they are very flexible and can be rolled up or be hanged through the hole at the top at anywhere you find convenient inside your kitchen.
Pros
The set contains four pot-holders of different pop colors to brighten up your kitchen décor
The pot-holders can be used as a jar opener, a spoon rest, a garlic peeler, and a trivet
The patterned texture of the pot-holders make it anti-slip
They are heat resistant up to 500 degrees F
They are flexible and can be rolled up for compact storage
Cons
If you are looking for a set in a single color to match your kitchen décor then this might be too colorful for you
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11.
Honla 4-Piece Oval Pot Holders with Pockets
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This unique set of pot holders combines the best of both worlds by combining the comfort of Terry cotton cloth and the superior heat resistance of silicone.
On one side, the pot holder has 100% cotton Terry cloth, which keeps the pot holder comfortable to wear, giving your hand padding and aeration, whereas on the side that comes into contact with the hot objects has been made of silicone that is resistant to flame, steam, and high temperatures of up to 500 degrees F.
We also love the unconventional shape of the pot holder which is oval, instead of square, to give your hand a comfortable housing once you put your hand inside the pocket of the pot holder. On the silicone surface, there are raised dotted patterns which means it will help you to hold onto slippery objects without slipping and will help you to open tight lids of jars.The set contains four pot holders and you can use them both indoors and outdoors to give you a good heat protection in versatile settings
Pros
The pot holder has a pocket so you can wear it on your hand like a mitt
They are made of silicone and Terry cloth so you have the advantages of both types of materials
The silicone makes it resistant to steam, grilling flames, and high temperatures of up to 500 degrees F
The Terry cloth which has been quilted maximizes comfort while you are wearing the pot holder
The raised dotted pattern on the silicone surface gives you a good grip even on slippery objects
It has a unique oval shape which will fit any hand size without being bulky
Cons
They are not very suitable for being used as trivets due to their shape
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12. Ritz 056211 Royale Collection Pot Holder
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This set consists of four pot holders made of 100% Terry looped cloth and canvas cloth for a long-lasting heat protection. It is designed like traditional pot-holders without any frills so anyone who loves a classic style would fall in love with this set.
To make sure that the pot holder stays on your hand and provides you a good grip, it has been designed with two pockets, one in which your thumb can go in, and another pocket where the rest of your fingers can go in. This design keeps your grip secure when you are holding onto even heavy pans with hot handles.
When they are not being used as a pot holder, they can rest on your table to act as hot pads to protect your table surface from being burnt by the base of the hot pans. These pot-holders can be washed in your washing machine so you do not have to go through the hassle of washing them by hands.
Pros
The set consists of four pot-holders so you are getting two pairs instead of one
The pot-holders can also be used as heat pads to protect your table surface
They are designed with pockets where your fingers can go in so you can wear it as a pocket mitt to have a secure grip on anything you hold wearing these
They are made of 100% Terry cloth to give you an effective heat protection
They can be washed in the washing machine
Cons
They are not waterproof
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Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Pot Holder
As you have seen above, pot holders come in various types and shapes, and it is wise to be aware of a few things that will help you to make the right choice regarding which pot holder will be the most fitting for you. To make that easy, we will discuss a few factors that are important to be considered before buying a pot holder in the next section.
Mitt or pot-holder
Some pot holders are designed with pockets or in the shape of mitts so that you can wear them on your hands, while some are designed in the traditional square shape. If you use the oven frequently and you want an overall covering for your hand, then it is better to go for the mitt styled pot holders. The advantage of the square pot holders with no pockets is that they can be quickly grabbed and used when you are cooking in a hurry and there is no hassle of wearing them and taking them off.
Material
The two most common materials used for making pot holders are silicone and Terry cloth. Terry cloth is the cotton cloth with loops that you often see being used for making towels, and hence you can guess how comfortable they are to touch, which cannot be found in silicone. Although silicone is not as comfortable as Terry cloth, it does have its own advantages such as giving you a better heat protection, resistance to hot steam, and being waterproof and easy to clean. If you want the superior heat resistance of silicone and the comfort of cotton, then you could go for the pot holders that have an inner lining of cotton and an outer surface of silicone.
Maneuverability
The best pot holders will feel natural and easy to maneuver. They will seem like an extension of your hand, instead of just burdening you with additional weight. Try to pick a pot holder that fits into your hands right, and not feel like a bulk mitten. You want something that will be easy to grip with and keep hold of the hot pans for as long as you need.
Options of colors
There are many sets on this list whose one of the strengths are the variety of colors that they offer. When you are shopping for a household item, you would want it to match your home interior and hence it is a good thing to be able to choose any color that you like. Having pot holders of different colors will also make it easier to differentiate whose pot holder it is when you have multiple members of your family using their own pot holders.
Versatility
These days many people are reluctant about letting a single-tasking kitchen item taking up valuable space in their kitchen, and the same goes for the pot holders. This is why many manufacturers have been modifying their pot holders in innovative ways to adapt to this trend. As you have noticed in the products on this list, many pot holders have versatile functions other than protecting your hands while holding hot objects. Some pot holders can be used as coasters, jar openers, trivets, spoon rests, and even garlic peeler! However, we understand that many users also look for a dedicated pot holder that is simple and classic, and stays true to its original purpose, which is why you will also find those pot holders on our list, and it is up to you to decide whether you want a simple pot holder with one function or something that is capable of being used for different kinds of purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are silicone pot holders better than cotton?
Silicone pot holders and oven mitts are generally deemed better than cotton ones as they can withstand a temperature of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes them a safer choice than regular fabric or cotton gloves. They can resist burning and melting for much longer as well. Moreover, compared to cotton pot holders, silicone offers a more secure grip, especially with hot cookware.
These factors make silicone a safer choice for the exterior of pot holders. In fact, some of the best pot holders are a combination of silicone and cotton, bringing the best of both worlds.
Why do we need pot holders?
Pot holders are typically heat-resistant up to a certain temperature. So they hold hot cookware and protect your hands, table, countertop from burns and damages. So whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook who only cooks occasionally, it’s always a good idea to keep a pair of pot holders within your reach in order to ensure safety in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Although pot holders are the easy option to go for when you do most of the cooking on the stove, if you are more of a baking person, then you could check out this informative article that focuses solely on oven mitts. Depending on the main factors that we have discussed, you can judge the pot holders that are on our list, and then decide which one would be the best pot holders for you to keep in your kitchen, and use on a regular basis to keep your hands protected while cooking your favorite dishes and serving hot dishes on your dining table.
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