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The Best Potholders to Handle Hot Dishes with Ease
Written By Review Team at the Kitchen Institute
The most utilized item in the kitchen is the convenient potholder, creating a barrier between your hands and a hot pot. In this review guide, we will explore a range of durable options that can withstand high temperatures and come in various colors and shapes to suit every kitchen style. However, our top pick is the DII potholders. Crafted from quilted 100% cotton, this set of potholders not only provides excellent heat resistance but also offers a superior grip for added safety. We have also included a handy buying guide that will walk you through essential features to consider when choosing a potholder to add a touch of quality and flair to your cooking safety experience. Let us begin.
The Best Potholders
DII Basic Terry Collection Quilted Potholder
Best Overall
This stylish potholder is available in 27 different colors, and our favorites are spice, wine, and blueberry. This product is made from 100% cotton and it is also quilted which not only makes this potholder look beautiful but also gives a little extra heat protection. The slightly rough surface will also help you grip pots and pans with ease.
The pack contains three small square potholders which will not take up much room in your kitchen. They also have a useful hanging hook attached for convenient storage. You can use two potholders to remove a pot from the oven and one as a hot pad.
Pure Cotton Potholders Set (Set of 3)
Best for Gifting and Personal Use
This Potholders Trivets Set is not only incredibly cute but also robustly built. Made from 100% pure cotton thread, these potholders are designed to withstand high temperatures, making them perfect for handling hot pots and pans. The stylish coasters, hot pads, and hot mats are not just functional, but also add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen decor. With a diameter of 7 inches, they are adequately sized to accommodate various kitchen utensils, making them a must-have for anyone who enjoys cooking and baking.
These potholders are a great gift idea for anyone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen. They have a stylish gray tone that blends in well with most kitchen themes. The set of three makes it a convenient choice for personal use or gifting, ensuring that there’s always a spare when one is in the wash. This set is a true blend of functionality and style. While they may primarily serve as kitchen accessories, their stylish design and quality build make them suitable for use as trivets or coasters, enhancing the overall look of any table setting.
Lifaith Cotton Potholder
Contender
If you are looking for something similar to our first option on this list, but want a larger set, consider purchasing this set of cotton potholders. There are four square terry cloth, cotton, and quilted potholders in this set.
These potholders can be used as hot pads as well as to remove hotspots from the oven. Each potholder has a useful hook for storage. They also have a rough surface that will allow you to better grip any hot pots or pans.
This set is available in a wide variety of colors. Our favorites are dark green, and orange. With so many colors to choose from, you are certain to find a set that will perfectly match your kitchen decor.
Q’s INN Silicone Trivet Mats
Worthy Mention
This set contains two circular mats and two square mats made of silicone. They are also available in a set of just square mats or just circular mats. These trivet mats are available in many colors including blue, red, black, gray, and two shades of green.
This product is durable and flexible. The mats are heat-resistant up to 440 degrees and can be washed in a dishwasher. They will effectively protect your tabletop or counter from hot pans, plates, and cutlery.
The highly textured surface is non-slip and will hold a pan firmly in place. The grip is so great, you can also use it to open stubborn jar lids.
Big Red House Potholders
Also Consider
This product includes a set of two potholders. They are available in several colors including black, red, turquoise, and blue. The inside of the product is quilted and comfortable. You place your hands inside the potholders like a large pocket.
The outer layer of material on the potholders has a silicone lining making it easy to grip pots and pans without letting them slip. The silicone is FDA approved and will protect your hands and surfaces from temperatures up to 480-degrees.
This product also has a recycled cotton refill making it a perfect gift for any eco-conscious cooks in your life. You can store them in a drawer or use the hanging hook on the back.
Best Potholder Buying Guide
Now that you’ve seen our list of the best potholders the Internet has to offer, you may feel inspired to do some of your research into the subject. To help you find out more about potholders so you can choose the right product for your needs, we’ve provided the following information. You’d be surprised just how much thought goes into buying the right potholder, especially with so much choice on the market.
Types of Potholders
There are several different types of potholders available. Continue reading to see a brief description of some available designs.
Terry cloth potholder
Terry cloth is a little fluffier than many other fabrics. The fluff adds an extra layer of protection between you and a hot pot. Its slightly textured surface will also help you grip the pot more easily.
Quilted potholder
Similarly, a quilted potholder offers plenty of heat protection and grip. Quilted potholders are often available in quirky designs.
Hot pads or trivets
Hot pads are made from heat-resistant material and are designed to create a barrier between your countertop and a hot pan. Look for this sort of potholder if you need something to protect your counter or tabletops.
Fingertip potholder
Fingertip potholders are shaped like mittens, with a large space for your fingers and an individual compartment for your thumb. The shape of this type of potholder makes the potholder easier to hold on to.
Mini potholder
Mini potholders are much smaller than regular potholders and offer just enough protection to your hands without too much excess material.
Long potholders
At the other end of the spectrum is the long potholder. This has added length to not only protect your hands from heat but also your arms.
A Few Things To Consider Before You Purchase Potholders
There are several things you can consider before purchasing a potholder. Continue reading for more information
Heat resistance
Every potholder can handle a maximum amount of heat. The higher the heat resistance, the better.
Grip
Look for a potholder that is easy to grip. The potholder should also allow you to hold on tightly to the pot. Avoid potholders with extremely smooth surfaces as these could cause you to drop the pot.
Size
Choose a potholder that will not take up too much space in your kitchen, but is also large enough to fully cover your hands. You may prefer to purchase a set including several smaller potholders instead of one large potholder. This will allow you to maneuver more easily. You can also use several smaller potholders and placemats and hot pads.
Materials used
As mentioned previously, potholders are made from a variety of materials. We recommend purchasing a potholder made from cotton or silicone.
Color and design
Potholders come in a variety of different colors and shapes. You can choose a potholder based on a theme, such as a favorite animal, food, or place. You could also choose a potholder based on color.
When purchasing potholders to use as hot pads, you may prefer a square shape because it means you do not need to place your pots as precisely as you might need to with a round hot pad. On the other hand, round hot pads often look stylish, especially when made from cotton, and are great for when you want to place a hot pot on the dining table in front of guests.
Hanging hook
You may want to purchase a potholder with a hanging hook. This will allow you to secure the potholder more securely to the hook. If you choose a potholder without a hanging hook, you should choose one that will fit comfortably in your available storage space in a drawer or cabinet.
Machine washable
Potholders will often get covered in food spillages and will need to be regularly cleaned. Purchase a potholder that can be washed in a washing machine or easy to wipe down. Most potholders, ironically, should be washed on a cool wash. If you don’t do many cool wash loads, you may prefer to hand wash the potholder anyway.
Dishwasher safe
Alternatively, if you are using a silicone pot holder, you should look for a product that you can safely wash in the dishwasher.
Customer reviews
When you see a potholder you like the look of reading the accompanying customer reviews. Customer reviews will give you a good idea about the potholder’s durability and its ability to protect your hands from heat.
Are Oven Mitts and Potholders the Same Thing?
Oven mitts and potholders do the same job of protecting your hands and fingers from the heat of a hot pot. The difference between the two is the shape. Oven mitts are shaped like mittens. Potholders are usually square, rectangular, or circular.
Where Is the Best Place To Hang Your Potholders?
We recommend hanging your potholders anywhere where they are unlikely to get messy. Keep them away from your stove (until it’s time to pick up your pots and pans of course). We suggest keeping them on a drawer handle or draped over your oven door, just make sure they are nowhere where they can be knocked off, you don’t want to be handling foodstuff with a dirty potholder that’s been lying on the floor.
People Also Asked
Can I use a potholder when it is wet?
No, you should not use a wet potholder. This is because the water can turn into steam, which could scald you. Ensure your potholder is dried thoroughly before handling any hot pots or pans.
Can I use a kitchen towel instead of a potholder?
If you have a potholder at hand, you should always choose a potholder over a kitchen towel to pick up a hot pot. Potholders are designed to prevent heat from traveling to your hands. Kitchen towels are designed to be absorbent and may stop some heat transference, but not much.
How do I maintain a potholder?
To maintain your potholders, machine wash them in cold water with like colors and avoid using bleach, which can weaken the fabric. Air dry or tumble dry on low heat to preserve the integrity of the material, ensuring it remains durable and effective in protecting your hands from heat.
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