The 10 Best BBQ Gloves
Editor's Notes
February 08, 2021:
Most barbeque gloves on the market are made from some kind of fiber, usually aramid or Kevlar, which is then dotted with silicone to enhance their grip. While these are extremely useful for protecting your hands from heat, and we have included quite a few of them, they aren't waterproof so aren't suitable for working around hot liquids. For that kind of application, we have included the Rapicca 17-Inch and Oyogaa Neoprene, both of which are fully waterproof. This style does have a tendency to hinder your dexterity however, so we specifically choose these two options because they are less bulky and offer better finger maneuverability than you would expect. Conversely, the Ozero Leather Forge do somewhat interfere with your dexterity, however their rugged design that is cut, heat, and puncture resistant still make them a worthwhile consideration.
April 12, 2019:
Maintained the Jolly Green Ekogrips for their thick waterproof silicone construction and tear-resistant finger webbing. Also kept the Grill Heat Aid EN407, thanks to their ability to absorb high temperatures. I added the Rapicca 17-Inch to the list, as I wanted to include an additional representation of glove solutions with extended-length sleeves. These fit the bill, given their ability to withstand extreme temperatures up to 932 degrees. Their nonslip textured palms also make them well-adept at handling particularly greasy foods. Also added the Mr. Smith Oven Mitts due to their wool and cotton inner liners and aramid fabric top layers that can take extreme bursts of heat. The Heat Guardian HG-01 have also been maintained because of their 5-inch cuffs for protecting wrists and extra-flexible finger holes. The Nomex and Kevlar fibers making up the Makimy Premium allow them to slow the rise of temperatures, making them ideal for long grilling sessions. Also maintained the Ozero Grill and Oven for their leather construction and reinforced thumb and palm areas. Finally, I added the HolySpirit BBQ due to their 3-layered design and versatility for cutting, welding, and baking purposes.
BBQ Gloves: The Savvy Cook's Go-To Choice
Great BBQ cooking involves years of practice and experience.
Preparing the ideal BBQ meal involves spending a lot of time hovering close to a very hot grill or smoker. You need to regularly inspect the meat you're preparing, making sure it's cooking at the right speed, turning that rack or roast as needed, and ideally using a meat thermometer for regular check on its status.
An overcooked slab of ribs or a dried out plateful of brisket is a waste of meat and, for many people, a serious mark of shame. But likewise is undercooked meat a failure of proper BBQ cooking; not only does undercooked meat not taste good, but it can also present serious health hazards. Great BBQ cooking involves years of practice and experience. Getting that experience involves a lot of time hovering near your barbecue.
In order to keep yourself comfortable and safe while working over a flaming grill or near a hot smoker, you might consider a thick apron that protects your clothes from messes and shields you from the intense heat. You might even consider goggles if you're cooking a moist meat or other food that tends to spatter hot juices while sizzling. But if you only choose one sartorial accessory while you're grilling or smoking foods, it should be a pair of protective and versatile BBQ gloves.
From the dancing flames that lick upward as you flip a tender burger to the heated shaft of the fork, or spatula that spends a lot of time maneuvering meats on the grill's surface, a pair of BBQ gloves gives you the protection your hands need to stay safe near a hot grill.
Choosing The Right BBQ Gloves
All decent BBQ gloves will protect your hands from heat. Most will allow you plenty of dexterity while they do so, easily allowing you to use larger kitchen tools like a spatula, and more often than not even making the finer control of tongs or a meat thermometer easy.
Of the main types of BBQ gloves from which you can choose, there are essentially two type: those made from silicone, and those made from a woven fabric.
Some BBQ gloves are long enough to offer wrist and even forearm protection, which can be welcome if you cook over a large grill surface or if you occasionally cook using an open flame such as that from a fire pit or a campfire. These longer gloves are also helpful for the chef who frequently finds himself or herself reaching into a hot oven.
Of the main types of BBQ gloves from which you can choose, there are essentially two type: those made from silicone, and those made from a woven fabric. Both will help resist sufficient heat to keep you safe as you cook. Silicone gloves also resist becoming soaked or saturated, which can further protect your hands.
But fabric gloves tend to offer more dexterity and a better grip, especially of smaller tools or slick items, like a shish kabob skewer or a seasoning injector. Many fabric gloves have silicone nodes for enhanced grip, and for many cooks they are the best option.
Most BBQ gloves can be machine washed and tossed in the clothes dryer as needed, so maintenance is not much of a deciding factor. Just be sure not to wash your BBQ gloves with any delicate or sensitive fabrics, as chances are good that plenty of grease and oil will be running off the gloves.
Other Uses For Your BBQ Gloves
Ultimately a BBQ glove is nothing more than a durable and heat resistant glove that you decide to use while cooking over your hot grill. These gloves are also great for grabbing hot dishes out of the oven or for handling hot pots and pans on the stove. Some silicone BBQ gloves even allow you to safely reach right into a pot of boiling water without the risk of injury from heat and without allowing water to saturate the gloves. Slipping on your pair of BBQ gloves is a wise idea prior to carrying hot trays of food from the kitchen to the table, and they can also help protect your hands from knife blades or simply from the mess of food scraps as you clean up after the meal.
Older BBQ gloves that are worn and damaged might not be suitable for use around food anymore, but don't toss them out when you replace them.
But of course these gloves also boast myriad options for use well beyond the BBQ grill or the kitchen. A pair of good BBQ gloves can also make good work gloves for many types of task. You can use these gloves when operating a tool that produces excess heat or sparks, such as a grinder, as they will easily protect your hands and wrists from the embers and temperature.
They also make great gloves for use while adding logs to or adjusting the positioning of tinder in a fireplace or fire pit. The thick surface of the gloves provides plenty of protection against splinters, and their heat resistance means you can safely and comfortable keep your hands near a hot flame.
Older BBQ gloves that are worn and damaged might not be suitable for use around food anymore, but don't toss them out when you replace them. A pair of older BBQ gloves can still make great work gloves, helping to protect your hand from blisters or splinters as you do yard work of work with tools in the shop.