Good gloves are an essential part of cooking around fire, hot metal, and large cuts of meat. Different jobs call for different kinds of protection, so we use two very different glove systems: heavy leather Hearth & BBQ Gloves for high-heat cooking and fire-related work, and the Pork Pulling Glove System for handling hot, greasy cooked meat.
This guide explains how each type is intended to be used, what makes them different, and how to care for them. You can also browse our Hearth & BBQ Gloves collection.
Hearth & BBQ Gloves
Our Hearth & BBQ Gloves are built for high-heat cooking and other demanding jobs where you need more protection than a basic kitchen mitt. They use multiple protective layers, including split-cowhide leather, an additional reinforced layer over the palm, thumb, and index finger, an aluminum-foil heat barrier, thick foam padding, Kevlar stitching, and a full felt lining.
Heat protection: The five-layer construction is designed to provide substantial insulation when handling hot cookware, grill parts, fireplace tools, and other hot objects. The gloves are approximately 14 inches long overall, with an extra-long 7-inch cuff that helps protect the wrist and lower forearm.
Fire resistance: The aluminum-foil layer and Kevlar stitching add protection in high-heat environments. No glove is fireproof, including these. They are not intended for direct contact with live flames or for picking up burning logs or embers.
Comfort and fit: A soft felt lining runs through the full glove, from the fingertips through the cuff. The gloves are designed as one size fits most, approximately men's L-XL, while still allowing enough flexibility for handling tools and cookware.
Rugged construction: The outer shell is made from split cowhide leather for a combination of durability, flexibility, and heat resistance. Kevlar stitching helps reinforce the seams for repeated use around heat.
Versatile use: We use and sell these primarily for cooking around grills, fireplaces, wood stoves, and campfires, but they are also useful for welding, forge work, handling thorny plants, and other jobs where heavy leather hand and forearm protection is useful.
Important limitation: These gloves are not recommended for handling greasy or fatty foods directly. Grease can soak into leather and other glove materials, reducing performance and making the gloves difficult to clean.
Pork Pulling Glove System
The Pork Pulling Glove System is designed for a different job. Rather than protecting your hands from hot metal or direct radiant heat, it is intended for handling hot, greasy cooked meat more comfortably and cleanly.
The system is especially useful for pulling pork, handling brisket, moving roasts, carving, shredding, and serving. It gives you better control than trying to work with forks or utensils alone while helping keep your hands cleaner during messy jobs.
Because these gloves are intended for direct food handling rather than contact with hot metal or fire, they should not be used as a substitute for the Hearth & BBQ Gloves around grills, fireplaces, cookware, or burning fuel.
Care & Storage
Hearth & BBQ Gloves: These gloves are not washable. Brush off ash and loose debris after use and clean them using methods appropriate for suede or split leather. Follow standard suede-cleaning instructions and use tools intended for suede, such as a suede brush or suitable leather-cleaning products. Allow the gloves to dry completely before storing them, and keep them in a dry place away from moisture and direct heat. Inspect the seams and glove material periodically for wear or damage.
Pork Pulling Glove System: Both the inner and outer gloves are machine washable. Wash them after use as needed and allow them to dry completely before storage. Keep both pairs clean and dry between uses, and replace any glove that becomes torn, heavily worn, or difficult to clean thoroughly.
BBQ & Fireplace Glove FAQ
How heat resistant are the Hearth & BBQ Gloves?
They are built with five layers of padded protection, including split cowhide, an aluminum-foil heat barrier, foam padding, Kevlar stitching, and a full felt lining. They are designed for handling hot cookware, grill parts, tools, and similar high-heat jobs, but they are not fireproof and should not be used in direct contact with flames, burning logs, or embers.
Why does Kevlar stitching matter?
Kevlar stitching adds durability in areas where ordinary thread can weaken from repeated heat exposure and hard use. It helps the seams hold up better when gloves are used around grills, fireplaces, smokers, wood stoves, and other high-heat cooking equipment.
How should Hearth & BBQ Gloves fit?
The gloves are designed as one size fits most, approximately men's L-XL. They should be roomy enough to move your fingers comfortably but not so loose that they interfere with your grip. The long cuff provides additional coverage for the wrist and lower forearm.
Can Hearth & BBQ Gloves be washed?
No. They should be cleaned using methods appropriate for suede or split leather. Brush away ash and debris, use suitable suede-cleaning tools when needed, and allow the gloves to dry completely before storage.
Can I use Hearth & BBQ Gloves to pick up burning logs or embers?
No. The gloves provide substantial heat protection but are not fireproof. They should not be used for direct contact with live flames, burning logs, or embers.
Can I use Hearth & BBQ Gloves to handle greasy food?
We do not recommend it. Grease and rendered fat can soak into the leather and other glove materials, making them difficult to clean and potentially reducing their performance.
What is the Pork Pulling Glove System best used for?
It is best used for handling hot, greasy cooked meat such as pulled pork, brisket, roasts, and poultry. It is useful for pulling, carving, shredding, moving, and serving cooked food where direct hand control is helpful.
Are the Pork Pulling Gloves machine washable?
Yes. Both the inner and outer gloves are machine washable. Wash them after use as needed and allow them to dry completely before storing them.
Can I use the Pork Pulling Glove System around fire or hot metal?
No. The system is intended for food handling, not for contact with grills, hot cookware, fireplace tools, or burning fuel. Use appropriate high-heat gloves for those jobs.
Which glove system should I choose?
Use the Hearth & BBQ Gloves when working around hot metal, grills, fireplaces, smokers, wood stoves, or campfires. Use the Pork Pulling Glove System when handling hot cooked meat directly. They solve different problems, and many cooks find it useful to have both.
For more live-fire cooking information, see our Fireplace Cooking Guide.