Dishwashing Gloves

Good dishwashing gloves protect your hands from the perils of kitchen cleanup. To find a pair that braved the elements, we had testers with a range of hand sizes don five pairs ($2.45-$15), all made of water-repellent materials, and put them through a series of extreme cleaning trials. We plunged them in scalding hot tap water (approximately 160 degrees) for 25 seconds, measuring the temperature inside one finger with a thermocouple; soaked them overnight in a chlorine bleach solution; scrubbed at slippery grease; and tested their puncture resistance by cleaning sharp knives. Finally, we asked the test kitchen dishwashing staff to wear the gloves for a day, which highlighted any user discomforts. Some gloves lost their grip after handling greasy dishes, while shorter models—or those with floppy cuffs—allowed water to bypass and run up our sleeves. The best ones not only kept us dry and our fingers safe from heat and punctures, but also fit snugly, allowing us to reach into cups or pick up small objects. Next time we plunge into the suds, we’ll pull on our winner whose superior protection and flexibility worked hand in glove.