When it comes to cooking with a wok, you may notice that some chefs use mittens when cooking. Wok mittens are a great tool that allows cooks to handle a hot pan. It may not seem as though you need much when it comes to a wok glove, but versatility and function are essential. After all, woks are both hot and heavy.
You may already have an oven glove in your kitchen, but this may not do the trick. Bulky oven gloves are awkward, and silicone mitts can be slippery. Both have some problems, but there are some great options you can use.
Neoprene Gloves
Neoprene is a material that’s heat resistant up to 500 F. It’s great for cooking with a wok and is also resistant to water, acids, and grease so you’ll have a much better grip than other materials. Cuisinart neoprene oven gloves are a great choice that will cover your hands and arms. They’re also easy to clean so you can have a fresh pair on hand whenever you use a wok.
Leather Cooking Gloves
Leather gloves are popular when cooking outdoors, but they can be used inside as well. They’re suitable for handling hot items for a short time, although they will not withstand high heat for extended periods. They’re also very comfortable, and you’ll use them for useful function when cooking. Ironclad leather gloves are a great choice.
The only downside to cooking with iron gloves is that they have a strong smell and are challenging to keep clean. You won’t be able to put them in a machine to wash but can wipe them down with a vinegar and water solution between uses.
Cotton Oven Gloves
This is the type of glove that you’ll see if you’re eating at a restaurant where the chef uses a wok. As you may notice, the chefs work quickly with these gloves. Plain cotton gloves won’t give you adequate protection, but you can find them in heat resistant options. Condor Hot Mill Gloves are heat resistant and an excellent choice for cooking with a wok. The material is comfortable and can also be cleaned in your washing machine.
The only downside is that they won’t protect your skin from hot liquids. They may also be relatively easily stained or burned. You may want to keep a few pairs on hand for the best option when cooking to ensure that you have an extra set for cooking.
Making a Choice
For each of these wok mitts, you’ll have to choose what’s important to you when it comes to style and flexibility. Some options may offer more heat protection than others but generally, sacrifice function.
My favorite option remains the traditional cloth glove. Not only can I use them with my wok, but I can switch between cooking, chopping, and other tasks without having to remove them. You may want to try out a pair before buying to see if they also offer the same flexibility for your cooking needs.
Recommended Reading
Best Lodge Cast Iron Woks
With over 120 years of experience, Lodge cast iron is known for its high quality design, lifetime durability, and cooking versatility.
What Kind of Wok is Best for an Electric Stove?
The Best wok for a glass or ceramic top is a flat-bottomed carbon steel wok. Review this article to see why.
Best Wok for Deep Frying
Deep frying in a wok is not a complicated process. Outstanding deep fried meals can be prepared if you choose the correct wok and accessories. Check out my recommendations below to get you started. Enjoy!
How to Use an Electric Wok
Electric woks are handy for cooking delicious meals inside and outside the kitchen. While the wok began life in Asia, it doesn’t mean that it should be confined to solely cooking Asian dishes.
How to Select the Best Wok for College Students
If you are searching for the best cooking utensils for students then I suggest you consider looking at woks and associated accessories from wokowner.com
Best Carbon Steel Woks [Top 5 Woks for Great Meals]
Copper, stainless steel, and aluminum do make excellent woks. Despite this, Asian chefs prefer to use carbon steel. Why would they? This is partly due to the durability of the material and the effective nature of carbon’s heat conductivity.