Which pot holder is best?
Pot holders are a kitchen essential found in just about every household. The difference between a low- and high-quality potholder is massive, and not just in terms of strength and appearance. A low-quality pot holder can leave you burned and unhappy. To find the best pot holders for your kitchen needs, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
What to know before you buy a pot holder
Cleaning pot holders
Pot holders are generally, by necessity, easy to clean. As a kitchen item that frequently comes into contact with food, finding one that’s either machine-washable or dishwasher-safe is a priority. Silicone pot holders can usually be wiped down easily, while cloth pot holders can also be handwashed. Because pot holders are so heavy-duty, they don’t usually need to be babied and can be washed heavily.
Heat resistance
Pot holders are heat-resistant to different temperatures, depending on the material used. Most home cooks who use pot holders to grab dishes from the oven, lift pans from the stove or set serving containers on the table don’t need a pot holder that’s heat-resistant to an extreme degree. Generally, pot holders are heat-resistant to between 350 and 450 degrees. If you need higher heat resistance than that, a specialty item may be needed.
What to look for in a quality pot holder
Material
Traditionally, pot holders were cloth to provide a buffer between a heated surface and skin. Today, with improvements in technology, there are plenty of pot holder options available. Silicone is very popular, but even cloth pot holders are heat resistant to a high enough level for the average home cook thanks to better cloth technology.
Shape
The traditional oven mitt shape, as cute as it is, isn’t always the most practical option. Pot holders come in many shapes, from classic square and round shapes to more fun novelty shapes. Large flat shapes like squares and circles are generally the easiest to hold and will fit most dish shapes the best. Make sure the pot holder isn’t too thick to get a good grip on a dish and isn’t too thin to protect from heat.
Color
Pot holders come in a variety of colors and patterns to match various kitchen aesthetics and styles. Keep in mind that a light colored pot holder may not stay as fresh and clean looking as a dark colored option, even with frequent washing. Patterns, especially darker or busier ones, will also hide food stains well.
How much you can expect to spend on pot holders
Pot holders can be found on the lower end of between $5-$10 for a set, and on the higher end up to $15-$20 for a set. More expensive pot holders generally have added features or much higher heat resistance.
Pot holder FAQ
Is silicone or cloth a better material for a pot holder?
A. It’s really a matter of preference, unless you’re using extremely high heat in the kitchen and need some of the practical considerations of a silicone pot holder.
How do I clean a potholder?
A. Pot holders can easily become dirty and unhygienic because of the constant food exposure, and they’re one of the most infrequently cleaned kitchen items. Silicone pot holders can be tossed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Most cloth pot holders are machine washable, but some, particularly woven ones, must be handwashed. Whichever way you wash your pot holders, use hot water with plenty of soap to make sure all traces of food are gone.
What’s the best pot holder to buy?
Top pot holder
KitchenAid Asteroid Pot Holder 2-Pack Set
What you need to know: These oval-shaped pot holders are versatile and come from a trusted brand.
What you’ll love: The oval shape and silicone print grips give you a better grip when you’re trying to get stuff out of the oven. It’s machine-washable and has a hanging loop for storage.
What you should consider: This set of pot holders is not ideal for those with larger hands.
Top pot holder for the money
Lifaith 100% Cotton Everyday Basic Pot Holders
What you need to know: This nice-looking, classic cotton pot holder is available in a variety of colors for easy matching and everyday use.
What you’ll love: These 100% terry cloth cotton pot holders are machine washable with a heat-resistant silverstone lining. They come in ten colors and have a loop for easy hanging. They’re lined with silverstone lining for heat resistance.
What you should consider: They’re not as heatproof as silicone potholders. Cloth pot holders can wear through more quickly, and some reviewers felt hot spots when using these at temperatures as low as 350 degrees.
Worth checking out
RITZ Mitz Premium Pot Holders & Heating Pads (4-Pack)
What you need to know: This value pack comes with four sturdy mittens-style pads that help your hands stay cool.
What you’ll love: These 100%-cotton potholders come in several colors and can be used as both an oven mitt and a potholder.
What you should consider: They’re best-suited for people with smaller hands.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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