When you're juggling boiling casseroles, sizzling trays, and surprise hot handles, the humble oven mitt becomes your knight in quilted armour. But not all mitts are made equal. Some promise heat resistance and barely manage to hold a warm teacup; others look stunning but fail when it matters most. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate 2025 guide to help you choose oven mitts that don’t just protect but also bring charm to your kitchen.
Let’s dive in - before dinner burns.
Oven mitts buying checklist:
Before you start browsing, run through this quick checklist:
Heat resistance: Always check the GSM or thickness, and material quality
Material matters: Polyester is durable and easy to clean; cotton-poly blends offer breathability
Grip & texture: Quilted or padded textures give better grip. Avoid slippery finishes
Arm coverage: A longer mitt protects your forearm. Look for sizes around 30cm in length
Easy maintenance: Machine washable mitts are a lifesaver—especially in busy kitchens
Design & colour: Match with your kitchen aesthetic. Florals, ginghams, stripes—your call
Skin friendly: Ensure your mitts are toxin-free, especially if you cook daily. Look for OekoTex certification for safety
Let’s now break these down so you know exactly what to look for.
Heat rating and insulation: Here’s what you need to know
A good oven mitt should shield you from temperatures up to at least 200°C. Thickness - measured in GSM (grams per square metre) - is key here. Anything above 300 GSM offers reliable insulation. For instance, the Vintage Baroque Oven Mitts by Livspace clock in at 319 GSM and are designed to handle everyday heat exposure effortlessly.
Livspace’s oven mitts also come with an OekoTex certification, which means they’re tested for harmful substances - safe for you and your bakes.
Pro Tip: Hold your mitt against a hot tray for 10 seconds (don’t try this with bare hands!) - if it holds, it’s a keeper.
What’s the best material for oven mitts?
Your mitt’s fabric decides its comfort, heat resistance, and how often you’ll end up scrubbing it. Polyester is popular for a reason - it’s sturdy, stain-resistant and holds shape well.
The Nonna’s Home collection from Livspace, including designs like Turmeric Gingham and Rosemary Gingham, uses 100% polyester and offers great insulation with easy maintenance.
If you prefer a softer, more breathable feel, try mitts from the Kaleida collection. For example, Red Reveries features a 52% cotton, 48% polyester blend—perfect for someone who likes a touch of softness without compromising safety.
Grip and texture: No more slippery mishaps
Image source: Pinterest @danadora
There's nothing more terrifying than a wobbly grip on a hot lasagne tray. Look for quilted or padded surfaces, which give your hands a better hold.
Livspace’s mitts are quilted for exactly this reason. Designs like Coppery Ferns or Blueberry Gingham aren’t just pretty—they’re practical, too.
Avoid: Flat, smooth fabrics. They might feel plush, but when the stakes are high (read: molten cheese), they can be a hazard.
Length and arm coverage: The more, the merrier
Most burns happen not to the fingers, but to the wrists and forearms. That’s why longer mitts (like the 30cm length of Livspace’s options) are a great bet.
Whether you're reaching into a deep oven or flipping a baking tray mid-roast, more coverage means fewer ouch moments.
The aesthetics that match your gourmet cooking
Gone are the days of boring beige mitts. Livspace's oven mitts double as decor. Whether you're into rustic ginghams (Rosemary, Turmeric) or regal patterns like Vintage Baroque, there’s something for every kitchen personality.
Want to coordinate with your apron, napkins, or table runners? Livspace has a whole Nonna's Home textile line that makes kitchen styling a breeze.
FAQ: Oven mitts – your questions answered
1. Are oven mitts better than pot holders?
Yes. Mitts offer full hand and wrist coverage, making them safer for handling oven racks and baking dishes.
2. How often should I replace oven mitts?
Replace them every 1–2 years or if you notice thinning fabric, reduced heat resistance, or burns.
3. Can oven mitts go in the washing machine?
Most can! Livspace’s oven mitts, for example, are machine washable and easy to maintain.
4. What’s the safest oven mitt material?
Look for OekoTex-certified mitts made from heat-resistant polyester or poly-cotton blends.
5. Do I need waterproof oven mitts?
Not unless you handle boiling liquids often. Most home cooks are safe with heat-resistant, quilted fabric mitts.
