Best Mittens to Use With Your Wok

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.