In a restaurant kitchen, oven gloves are an essential tool to ensure the safety of kitchen staff when handling hot items and working around hot appliances. The best kind of oven gloves for restaurant use should be durable, heat-resistant, comfortable, and provide excellent grip. Here are some types of oven gloves commonly used in professional restaurant kitchens:
Heat-Resistant Silicone Gloves: Silicone oven gloves are heat-resistant and provide excellent grip due to their textured surface. They can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for handling hot pans, pots, and sheet trays. The flexibility of silicone gloves allows for better dexterity and ease of use.
Kevlar or Nomex Gloves: Kevlar and Nomex are materials known for their exceptional heat resistance. These gloves can withstand high temperatures and are often used in industrial settings, including restaurant kitchens. They offer good protection against heat and are durable for heavy-duty use.
Split Leather Gloves: Split leather oven gloves are made from heat-resistant leather and are an excellent choice for handling hot items in a kitchen. They are durable, provide good insulation against heat, and offer a firm grip.
Knit Gloves with Heat-Resistant Coating: Some oven gloves feature a knit fabric base with a heat-resistant coating, such as nitrile or latex. These gloves provide a good balance of heat resistance, flexibility, and grip. They are comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Heavy-Duty Welding Gloves: Welding gloves are designed for extreme heat protection and are often made from leather or a combination of leather and heat-resistant materials. While they may be bulkier, they offer excellent heat protection and durability.
Extended Cuff Gloves: Look for oven gloves with extended cuffs that offer protection not only for your hands but also for your wrists and lower forearms. This feature can be especially useful when reaching into deep ovens or working with large cooking equipment.
When choosing oven gloves for a restaurant kitchen, prioritize safety and functionality. Ensure that the gloves meet safety standards for heat resistance and are easy to clean to maintain proper hygiene. It's also a good idea to try them on before purchasing to make sure they fit comfortably and allow for dexterity in handling kitchen tools and equipment.