As with sunscreen, using any type of protectant on the hot handles of pots and pans is better than nothing at all. However, it is useful to keep in mind which burn prevention materials work best with different types of thermal conductors. For example, when it comes to cast iron, one Redditor swears by silicone handles, claiming that they will “definitely save you from accidentally grabbing a hot handle.”
However, if you are transferring a cast iron dish from the stovetop to the oven, don’t forget to remove the silicone handle first. While the material can protect the skin from very high heat, it is not always intended for use in the oven. It may also not be the most sustainable option. Research from University of Michigan It showed that silicone bags “never broke even” with their plastic counterparts.
Cloth holders and cotton kitchen towels are more eco-friendly options. According to a paper published in Oxford AcademicThey are commonly used in professional kitchens. If you prefer to use cloth instead of silicone, just make sure it is bone dry or it may cause serious burns. When in doubt, just remember the wise words of a Reddit commenter who is a chef, “Assume everything is hot. You’ll live longer.”
