Commercial kitchen gloves and oven mitts are essential safety kit for any serious UK catering operation. From bustling restaurant kitchens to hotel banqueting, these protective barriers keep your team safe while handling hot equipment and food. With both heat resistant gloves reaching up to 500°C and cut-resistant options for food prep, they're the perfect partner for busy commercial ovens and grills. After 50 years in the industry, we've seen how crucial proper hand protection is—it's not just about safety, but efficiency too, allowing chefs to work confidently with hot trays, pans and equipment without slowing service.
Commercial kitchen gloves and mitts use advanced heat-resistant materials like silicone, aramid fibres, or cotton with silicone overlays to create effective thermal barriers. They work by trapping air between material layers, preventing heat transfer to your hands. The best commercial gloves feature textured grip patterns for secure handling of hot equipment and waterproof coatings to protect against steam burns. Cut-resistant varieties use kevlar or similar materials to shield against knife injuries, while high-temperature mitts often feature extended cuffs to protect wrists and forearms during oven reach-ins—brilliant for preventing those nasty burns during the lunch rush!
Trusted Insights from Charlotte Rayner
Commercial Cleaning Specialist
15 years experience
"Don’t skimp on kitchen gloves—burns and slips are no joke when you’re working at full speed. Go for mitts that can handle high heat and still give you a good grip—your hands (and your health inspector) will thank you!"
Inspect Regularly Check for tears or damage before each use—prevents accidents.
Time Limits Don't exceed manufacturer's recommended contact times—prevents burns.
Heat Warning Remember gloves get hot too—rotate pairs during intensive use.
Proper Technique Grip items securely—prevents drops and spills.
Retire Damaged Gloves Replace immediately when worn—safety first.
Regular Cleaning Wash per manufacturer guidelines—maintains hygiene standards.
Top Tips for Using Commercial Kitchen Gloves & Mitts
For maximum longevity, rotate between several pairs rather than using one until it's worn out. Always check for tears or wear before each shift, especially after heavy use. Store gloves away from direct heat sources and hang mitts rather than folding them to maintain their shape. Pair with oven cloths for extra protection when handling extremely hot items, and remember—even the best heat-resistant gloves have time limits at maximum temperatures!
Benefits of Using Commercial Kitchen Gloves & Mitts
Injury Prevention Reduces burns and cuts—keeps staff healthy and working.
Improved Efficiency Handles hot items confidently—speeds up service.
Cost Savings Prevents accidents—reduces staff downtime and insurance claims.
Did You Know?
Lifespan Quality kitchen gloves last 6-12 months in busy kitchens—great ROI.
Heat Limits Even 500°C gloves have 10-15 second maximum contact time.
Versatility Proper gloves improve pizza handling by 25%—neater service.
Prevention Kitchen gloves reduce burn incidents by up to 70%—proven in busy restaurants.
Expert Insights on Commercial Kitchen Gloves & Mitts
After equipping thousands of professional kitchens, we've learned what works. 'Good kitchen gloves are like insurance,' says Martin, our kitchen safety specialist. 'Chefs often overlook them until they get a nasty burn. The right gloves prevent downtime and keep service flowing during the rush.'
Pros: Prevents injuries, improves efficiency, lasts hundreds of uses.
Cons: Requires regular cleaning, top quality costs more.
Who Needs Commercial Kitchen Gloves & Mitts?
Restaurants Essential for handling hot pans and oven plates safely.
Hotels Perfect for banqueting and high-volume catering operations.
Bakeries Protects hands when handling hot trays and equipment.
Catering Companies Portable protection for mobile food service situations.
Real-World Success with Commercial Kitchen Gloves & Mitts
A busy gastro pub in Leeds faced regular staff burns and consequent time off—particularly during Sunday roast service when handling hot trays. After switching to our professional-grade silicone-coated mitts with extended cuffs, paired with cut-resistant prep gloves, incidents dropped to zero. 'It's transformed our kitchen,' the head chef told us. 'Staff feel safer, we're faster with hot dishes, and we haven't lost a single day to burn injuries in six months.'
FAQs
How often should I replace commercial kitchen gloves?Replace every 6-12 months for heavy use—sooner if damaged or worn.
Can I use the same gloves for wet and dry heat?Silicone-coated options work for both—standard cotton mitts struggle with steam.
Are cut-resistant and heat-resistant gloves the same?No, they use different materials—choose based on your primary need.
What's the difference between catering and domestic gloves?Commercial options offer higher heat resistance and durability—worth the investment.
Can you machine wash heat-resistant kitchen gloves?Most silicone and aramid gloves are machine washable—check manufacturer guidelines.
Do you need different gloves for different kitchen tasks?Yes, specialized gloves improve safety—cut-resistant for prep, heat-resistant for ovens.
Looking for Equipment by Business Type?
Not sure where to start? Whether you're running a bustling café, opening a pizzeria, or managing a school canteen, we've made it easy to shop by business type. Explore handpicked equipment bundles and essentials tailored to your industry—saving you time and making sure you get exactly what you need.
We’ve selected some closely related categories that might be essential for your setup. Whether you’re expanding your kitchen or just making sure you’ve got everything covered, these links will help you explore more equipment that fits your needs.
Why Choose EasyEquipment for Commercial Kitchen Gloves & Mitts?
Trusted Supplier 50 years equipping professional kitchens—we know what works.
Fast Delivery Next-day options available—perfect for urgent replacements.
Best Price Promise Value without compromising on safety—we'll price match.
Expert Guidance Help choosing the right protection—we use what we sell.
Ready to Explore Commercial Kitchen Gloves & Mitts?
Browse our comprehensive range of professional kitchen gloves and mitts with our best price guarantee. Find the perfect hand protection for your commercial kitchen—keeping your team safe and service flowing!