Pot Holder Info Needed

[Andy M.]

Has anyone used the silicone pot holders of the type pictured here?

I have been using old fashioned cloth pot holders. I like them thick and flexible so they block the heat and easily wrap around handles and pan edges easily and with a sure grip. I don't care for gloves or those with pockets or flaps.

I have given up on trying to find the right combination and am thinking I should get some silicone ones.

A few questions:

They look flexible. Are they?
Do they block the heat as well as regular cloth pot holders?
How do you clean them?

[Katie E]

Andy, I bought one for 25 cents at my local Salvation Army thrift store. Mainly because I wasn't sure I'd like them and wasn't willing to pay whatever they cost at the time.

I have to say I DO like it, but it does take a little getting used to because I like the old-fashioned ones you like, too. I still like the cloth ones, but I like the silicone one enough to get more.

And, yes, they do a fine job of blocking heat. I also use mine as an anti-skid mat under my mixing bowls.

[GB]

I have similar ones that are my main pot holders. They are flexible, but they do not block heat as well as traditional pot holders. They do block heat, but only temporarily. If you are just holding something hot for no more than 20 seconds or so then you will not feel any heat, but longer than that and the heat will start to come through and somewhat quickly. Not so quick that you would be in danger of dropping something hot because of it, but you can't hold hot stuff for extended periods of time.

To clean them I either wash them in the sink or put them in the dishwasher. They clean up very easily.

One thing I really like about them is they can double as a trivet.

[Andy M.]

Thanks, guys.

[Cooksie]

I have an Orka silicone glove that was a gift. It's flexible and blocks heat, but for some reason I don't use it much. I do like it though. It doesn't fit neatly in the drawer like the others do :( .

[Andy M.]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooksie ... It doesn't fit neatly in the drawer like the others do :( .

Why not? Is it bigger than the others or is there another reason?

[Cooksie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy M. Why not? Is it bigger than the others or is there another reason?

It doesn't pack down like cloth. You press it down and it springs back to life, and it's pretty thick. Hard to explain .


KitchenU.com - Orka Silicone Oven Mitt - Translucent

[Andy M.]

Has anyone noticed any differences based on price?

[GB]

I have only used mine so I have no others to compare them to. I got mine from Crate and Barrel if that matters.

[kitchenelf]

I also like the silicone pot holders. As GB said, they work, but, not for an extended period of time...the heat does build up eventually. I clean mine with soap and water or in the dishwasher. I don't have to be so careful about getting food stuff on them like I did cloth as the cleaning process is so much easier! I only have the one kind too - can't remember the brand. They weren't cheap!!