Best Insulated BBQ Gloves

Grilling is one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities for my family. However, it can also be dangerous if proper safety measures are not taken. That’s why I’m here to help you choose the best insulated BBQ gloves to protect your hands while cooking. In this article, I’ll be discussing the different materials used for insulated BBQ gloves, factors to consider when choosing the right gloves, and providing you with top picks for the best insulated BBQ gloves on the market.

Why Use BBQ Gloves?

In my experience, I’ve found that kitchen ovens and outdoor grills are vastly different in terms of temperature. While ovens typically top out at around 350°F to 500°F, grills can easily reach temperatures of 700°F or higher. While oven mitts are suitable for handling hot pans and trays from the oven, they can easily catch fire when exposed to extremely high temperatures and open flames. Moreover, I find that oven mitts are not very convenient when working with various tools and tasks on the grill.

That’s why I recommend BBQ gloves for grilling. They’re available in a range of heat-resistant and flame-proof materials, such as silicone, leather, aramid, and neoprene. Unlike mitts, most BBQ gloves have separate slots for each finger, allowing for greater dexterity. This means that you can easily grip tools, press buttons, and wrap your fingers around grates and lid handles. Many BBQ gloves even have cuffs that extend past your hands, providing protection for your wrists and arms in addition to your hands.

The Best Insulated BBQ Gloves

These BBQ gloves on my list can take the heat, whether you’re working on a charcoal grill, gas grill, electric grill or an open fire.

Rapicca BBQ Gloves

Dimensions: 10.35 x 9.61 x 3.62 inches

Weight: 12.3 oz

Warranty: N/A

Made from heavy-duty neoprene, the Rapicca BBQ gloves are resistant to fire, water, and stains. The rugged material can handle temperatures up to 930°F without puckering or melting. The textured palms and no-slip fingers allow you to grab anything from greasy meat to slippery grates, and oil-slicked cast iron pans, and the 14-inch sleeves give you extra protection from flare-ups, spatters, and hot edges.

Despite being incredibly robust, the gloves are very comfortable on the hands. They’re designed to fit a bit loose to give your hands room to move and breathe without getting overheated. The liners are made of soft double-layer cotton that protects against blisters and can absorb sweat, keeping your hands cool even when dealing with high temperatures.

These gloves are also versatile, so you can use them for a variety of tasks besides just grilling. They can withstand high heat, repel liquids, and are resistant to staining, so you can use them for deep frying, carving hot meats, or even dying clothing. No matter what you use them for, clean-up is a breeze. Just scrub them with a bit of soap and water and hang them to dry.

 Pros:

• Heavy-duty neoprene is resistant to heat, fire, water, and stains
• Textured palm and no-slip fingers
• Comfortable double-layer cotton liners
• 14-inch sleeve protects wrists and arms
• Easy to clean with just soap and water

Cons:

• Can be a bit stiff

Artisan Griller Insulated BBQ Gloves

Dimensions: 14 x 7 x 2 inches

Weight: 9.7 oz

Warranty: 3 years

Designed with pitmasters in mind, the Artisan Griller Insulated BBQ Gloves are comfortable on the hands, but tough enough to stand up to steam, smoke, fires, and scalding liquids. The tough neoprene is waterproof and flame-proof, so you can use the gloves to fry turkeys, flip ribs, pull pork, and fish items out of boiling water. And with cuffs that extend 14 inches, you don’t have to worry about burning your arms when reaching over flames.

The outside of the gloves consist of neoprene with a wavy tire tread pattern that gives you a good grip on all types of items including smooth, slippery, or greasy items. The inside of the gloves are lined with soft jersey cotton that feels similar to flannel, and the loose fit gives your hands and arms room to breathe and allows you to pull the gloves on and off at a moment’s notice.

Neoprene is not only resistant to flames and water, but also grease and oils. This makes it very difficult to stain the outside of the gloves. Even dark, messy sauces slide right off without absorbing into the material. To wash the gloves, you can keep them on your hands and use soap and water to scrub between the fingers and the back and palm areas, then hang them to dry.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty neoprene is resistant to heat, fire, water, and stains
• Wavy tire tread grip prevents slipping
• Soft jersey cotton liners
• Loose fit allows hands to breathe
• 14-inch sleeve protects wrists and arms

Cons:

• Can be too large for small hands

Jolly Green Products Ekogrips BBQ Gloves

Dimensions: 1 x 3 x 11 inches

Weight: 12.6 oz

Warranty: Lifetime

Great for indoor and outdoor use, the Ekogrips BBQ Gloves by Jolly Green Products are made of durable silicone that is waterproof and heat resistant up to 425°F. Use them to protect your hands while cooking on your grill, removing items from boiling water, or grabbing hot pots and pans. The no-slip surface is perfect for handling meat, wet dishes, and even opening tough jars. 

The gloves can accommodate all types of hands with three sizes including one-size-fits-most, L/XL, and XXL. The five-finger design lets you grip small and large items, and the long cuffs protect the wrists from burns. You can opt for the bright orange color, which makes it easy to find your gloves wherever you set them down, or the grey color for those who like to be a bit more subtle.

The BPA-free, food-grade silicone is dishwasher-safe and double-reinforced so that it won’t rip or split even after multiple uses. Keep in mind though that you shouldn’t carry extremely hot items for more than about 10 to 30 seconds at a time because the high temperatures can melt the silicone if it’s in contact for too long. In addition, heavy items will cause heat to travel faster.

Pros:

• Waterproof and heat-resistant 
• No-slip grip
• Three sizes for average to extra-large hands
• Dishwasher-safe
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Silicone can melt at very high temperatures and with prolonged exposure to heat

Geekhom Grilling Gloves

Dimensions: 12.6 x 5.7 x 0.55 inches

Weight: 10.6 oz

Warranty: N/A

The Geekhom Grilling Gloves are shaped like oven mitts, but with separated finger and thumb slots so that you have more mobility. The outer layer is made of BPA-free silicone that is completely waterproof, which is great for those times when you’re dealing with hot water and steam. The textured pattern on the outside stops the gloves from slipping on smooth surfaces.

 Inside the gloves there is a layer of heat-resistant cotton that is soft on the hands. The cotton wicks away moisture, keeping your hands dry even in high-heat situations. The cuffs extend down the forearms, which gives you further protection when reaching over a hot grill or deep into a smoker or oven.

One of the great things about silicone is how easy it is to wash. You can put these gloves in the washing machine on a cool water cycle and then hang them to dry using the loops on the cuffs. The gloves don’t come with a warranty, but Geekhom has a satisfaction guarantee, so if there are any defects or problems with your gloves, they’ll issue a refund with no questions asked.

Pros:

• Waterproof and heat-resistant
• Textured pattern prevents gloves from slipping
• Heat-resistant cotton liner wicks away moisture
• Machine-washable
• Loops for hanging

Cons:

• Not suitable for use with open flames

Grill Armor Extreme Heat BBQ Gloves

Dimensions: 10 x 7.5 x 1 inches

Weight: 9.6 oz

Warranty: Lifetime

 The Grill Armor Extreme Heat BBQ Gloves may be lightweight, comfortable, and flexible but don’t let the ease-of-use fool you. These babies can handle temperatures up to 932°F and won’t melt or catch on fire if they’re exposed to open flames. The key is the fabric, which is insulated with M-aramid and P-aramid fibers. Aramid is highly heat-resistant and just as tough as Kevlar fibers. 

Fabric gloves give you a great deal of dexterity because they fit securely on the hands without a lot of wiggle room. The silicone patterns on the fingers and palms give you even more control because they create an anti-slip surface that is also heat-resistant. The cuffs extend over the wrists to provide protection when you’re working with small grills, ovens, and rangetops. You can also opt for a version with extra-long cuffs.

The cotton lining is soft on the hands and makes the gloves easy to slip on and off without struggling. The gloves are also reversible, so you can use them interchangeably on the right or left hand. You can opt for red, grey, black or blue, as well as one-size-fits-all or a smaller version for those who have slight hands. All models are machine washable and have a hanging loop for storage.

Pros:

• Heat resistant up to 932°F
• Won’t catch fire or melt when exposed to flames
• Non-slip silicone grip on front and back of the gloves
• Machine-washable
• Hanging loop for storage

Cons:

• Short cuffs
• Not waterproof

Grillaholics BBQ Gloves

Dimensions: 10.98 x 7.2 x 1.46 inches

Weight: 10.5 oz

Warranty: 90 days

Grillaholics uses a number of techniques to beat the heat with these innovative BBQ gloves. First, they embed aramid 1313 and Kevlar fibers into the gloves to insulate hands from high temperatures. Then they add their signature ThermoMax silicone pattern on the outside to further diffuse heat and add a non-slip grip. The result is a pair of sturdy gloves that can handle temperatures up to 660°F.

Unlike rubber grill gloves, these ones have a bit of stretch to them, giving them more flexibility. They fit snugly over the hands so that your hands don’t slide around inside, and they have 100% cotton linings to prevent chafing. The raised silicone bumps allow you to grip hot items by directly touching the heat source, and they stop slippage on smooth items like pot handles, grates, and the edges of the grill.

Fabric gloves tend to get dirty fairly quickly, as sauces and spatters can set in. However, that’s not an issue with these gloves because they’re machine washable. Wash them in cool water and dry them flat, and they should look good as new and be odor-free. It should be noted that these gloves are not waterproof, so you need to dry them thoroughly before use to prevent heat from transferring through.

Pros:

• Heat-resistant up to 660°F
• ThermoMax silicone pattern provides a non-slip grip
• Fabric fits snugly on hands and stretches for flexibility
• Comfortable cotton lining
• Machine-washable

Cons:

• Short cuffs
• Not waterproof

Ozero Leather BBQ Gloves

Dimensions: 16 x 7 x 0.6 inches

Weight: 12.8 oz

Warranty: 90 days

These leather grill gloves by Ozero are tough, durable, and flame retardant. They can withstand temperatures up to 662°F, which is much higher than what you’ll probably be working with on your standard gas or charcoal grill. The gloves include a layer of cowhide leather on the outside, followed by a layer of air-isolated aluminum foil, and finally Kevlar-insulated cotton on the inside. This gives you three layers of defense against scorching heat and flames.

With 14-inch sleeves that extend over the forearms, the gloves offer protection against sparks, spitting fats, hot coals and flames. This makes them a great choice for outdoor barbecues and campfires. The pliant leather is flexible enough to grasp tools and pick up smaller items, so they’re also suitable for jobs such as welding and glass blowing. 

Although the leather is flexible, it’s also thick enough to withstand rough treatment without ripping or punctuation. High use areas like the palm and thumb are reinforced to provide extra protection and prolong the gloves’ lifespan. They’re not machine-washable, but you can wipe them down with a clean, damp cloth and use the leather loop on the side to hang them to dry.

Pros:

• Leather is strong and durable
• Heat-resistant up to 662°F
• Three layers of insulated protection
• Reinforced palm and thumb area
• Leather loop for hanging

 Cons:

• Can get dirty quickly

Steven Raichlen Extra-Long Suede Grill Gloves

Dimensions: 17.71 x 8.86 x 0.98 inches

Weight: 15.3 oz

Warranty: 1 year

Steven Raichlen has dedicated his life to understanding the art of cooking with smoke and fire. To date, he’s produced 14 TV shows and 30 books on the topic and been inducted in the Barbecue Hall of Fame. I’s pretty safe to say that he knows a thing or two about grilling, including what type of equipment is the best for the job. His Extra-Long Suede Grill Gloves are his solution to protecting hands and arms while working over all types of direct heat.

Made from soft, yet strong suede, the gloves can handle temperatures up to 475°F. The cuffs extend 18 inches, so they protect your entire arm up to the elbow. This is great for those times when you need to reach across a blazing hot grill or tend to food items on various racks that may be set a distance apart. The gloves also offer plenty of space inside for larger hands.

The suede is pliant enough to give you good dexterity for manipulating BBQ tools like spatulas, tongs, and brushes. You should also be able to lift pots and grab pan handles without hassles and even handle thin items like kebab skewers. Suede cannot go in the washing machine or dryer, so you’ll need to use a damp cloth to wipe the gloves down and then hang them to dry.

Pros:

• Can handle temperatures up to 475°F
• 18-inch cuffs protect hands and arms up to the elbow
• Suede offers flexibility
• Roomy enough for larger hands

Cons:

• Heat can transfer through if lifting heavy, hot items

What to Look When Buying Insulated BBQ Gloves

Not all insulated BBQ gloves are created equal, and it’s important to find the right pair that fits your needs. Here are a few things I considered when choosing my perfect pair of BBQ gloves:

Size

Proper sizing is crucial for comfort and safety when handling hot objects and working over open flames. I made sure to check the dimensions of the gloves before purchasing to ensure they would fit well.

Material

There are several materials to choose from when it comes to BBQ gloves, and each has its pros and cons. I weighed the advantages and disadvantages of neoprene, silicone, leather, and aramid fibers to find the material that would work best for me.

Water Resistance

I thought about what I wanted to use my BBQ gloves for and considered whether I needed waterproof gloves to handle both dry and wet items. Neoprene and silicone gloves are great for handling wet items, while leather and fabric gloves may transfer heat faster if they get wet.

Dexterity

I considered how nimble I wanted to be when grilling and whether I was willing to sacrifice some dexterity for better protection. Fabric gloves provide more mobility for handling thin items, while bulkier gloves offer better forearm protection.

Maintenance

I thought about how easy it would be to clean and care for my BBQ gloves. I opted for gloves made with synthetic materials like neoprene and silicone that are easy to wipe down and resistant to staining. Some gloves can even be washed in the dishwasher or washing machine, which makes cleaning less of a hassle.

Care and Maintenance of Insulated BBQ Gloves

A. Proper cleaning of gloves

• Most gloves are machine washable and can be cleaned with mild detergent.
• Hang to dry or lay flat to prevent shrinking or deformation.

B. Storage of gloves

• Store gloves in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep gloves away from sharp objects to prevent cuts or punctures.

C. Tips for maintaining gloves

• Check gloves regularly for any signs of wear and tear.
• Replace gloves if they become damaged or the insulation becomes compromised.

Final Thoughts

As someone who enjoys grilling, I’ve found that having a good pair of insulated BBQ gloves like  the Ozero Leather BBQ Gloves is essential. It’s important to have gloves that are made of heat-resistant materials, provide full hand and arm coverage, and allow for increased mobility so you can safely tend to your food. With so many options available, it’s really a matter of finding what works best for you and the tasks you want to accomplish with your gloves. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, investing in a high-quality pair of BBQ gloves is definitely worth it.