Barbecue pitmasters take great pride in producing delicious, competition-worthy smoked meats. An essential part of a pitmaster’s toolkit is having the right protective gear, especially bbq gloves, when handling extremely hot smoker grates, coals, and meats. The intense heat inside a smoker can easily reach over 700°F, so having heat-resistant gloves is a must. But with so many options on the market, what are the best bbq gloves for pitmasters?
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Why Do Pitmasters Need Special BBQ Gloves?
Here are the main reasons why regular gloves just won’t cut it when running a professional smoker:
– Extreme temperatures – Smoker temperatures can exceed 700°F for an offset smoker and 300°F for a pellet smoker. Typical lightweight household oven mitts only withstand temperatures up to 540°F.
– Handling hot coals and wood – Pitmasters often need to add more hot coals or wood chunks to maintain temperatures. Regular gloves lack the insulation and heat protection for directly handling hot fuels.
– Manipulating meat – Pitmasters frequently check on and move around large cuts of meat like pork shoulders and briskets. Gloves need to provide grip and dexterity.
– Protection from rendered fat – The high heat causes fat to render and liquefy from meats, which requires water and heat resistant gloves.
– Prolonged wear – Smoking meat can take many hours, sometimes even days. Gloves must be durable and comfortable for extended wear.
– Fighting the elements – From rain to snow, BBQ competitions happen year-round in all weather conditions. Gloves need to hold up against the elements while staying flexible.
Factors to Consider
Here are the key factors pitmasters evaluate when selecting the right BBQ gloves:
Temperature Resistance
The glove must be able to withstand consistent, prolonged exposure to temperatures over 300°F. Look for gloves rated for 500°F and above for the most heat protection.
Dexterity
The gloves should not be so bulky that they are hard to maneuver in. You’ll need finger dexterity to properly handle food. Look for contoured gloves with a snug but comfortable fit.
Grip
Wet and greasy hands from rendered fat can cause slipping hazards. Choose gloves with slip-resistant palms and fingers to securely grip meat and tools.
Water Resistance
Outdoor cooking requires protection from rain, snow, and rendered fat. Ensure the gloves have a water-resistant coating and materials that don’t absorb and hold moisture.
Comfort
You’ll be wearing these gloves for prolonged periods, so choose lightweight, breathable materials that are comfortable for all-day wear. Look for moisture wicking linings too.
Arm Length
For full protection, choose glove styles that extend past the wrist up to the forearm. This shields from scalding steam and splatter.
Care
Look for gloves that are machine washable for easy cleaning between uses. Proper care maximizes durability.
Brand Reputation
Trust reputable brands that specialize in high heat applications, like grilling, welding, and foundry work. They’ll offer the best heat protection.
Best BBQ Gloves for Pitmasters
After considering all of these factors, here are 5 of the top BBQ gloves used by professional pitmasters:
RAPICCA BBQ Gloves
RAPICCA makes specialized gloves for grilling, smoking, and all types of BBQ. With a 14-inch length, silicon grip, and resistance up to 932°F, these are feature-packed gloves. The snug fit provides great dexterity while the insulation protects hands from steam and heat. The water-resistant design features a durable Kevlar exterior and soft cotton lining. RAPICCA offers a no hassle money-back guarantee too. Around $25 per pair.
Outdoor Gourmet BBQ Gloves
Designed by pitmaster Harry Soo, Outdoor Gourmet makes competition-grade BBQ gloves. They are rated for up to 550°F heat with a tight, ergonomic fit for precision handling. The palms utilize textured silicone grips while the backs are made of supple goatskin leather. With proper care, these gloves deliver comfort and dexterity for years. Around $50 per pair.
Grill Armor BBQ Gloves
Featuring extra long 14-inch shells, Grill Armor gloves provide substantial arm protection. They are rated for temperatures up to 932°F. The palms have silicone grips while the backs utilize durable meta-aramid and nylon materials. The snug fit profile allows for great flexibility. Mesh liner panels help improve ventilation as well. Around $30 per pair.
Artisan Griller BBQ Gloves
Artisan Griller makes high quality pitmaster gloves designed for competition BBQ. They are rated for 716°F and have silicone gripping pads along the fingers and palms. The wrists are adjustable with Velcro straps, allowing for a customizable fit. The lightweight material delivers great dexterity and tactile feel for handling food. Around $25 per pair.
Axe Sickle BBQ Gloves
Axe Sickle makes heavy duty BBQ gloves reinforced with para-aramid fibers rated for 932°F heat resistance. The form fitting design includes breathable terry cloth lining. The embossed palm and finger pattern provides a sure grip when handling meat and tools. With extra long 14 inch cuffs, these gloves offer full forearm protection. Around $15 per pair.
How to Choose the Right Fit
One of the most important considerations is finding a properly fitting pair of BBQ gloves. Here are some handy tips:
– Measure your dominant hand from the tip of the middle finger to the beginning of your wrist – your gloves should be 2-3 inches longer than this length.
– Make sure the finger lengths match up to your natural finger lengths for the best dexterity.
– The gloves shouldn’t be excessively tight but have a snug, contoured fit for flexibility.
– Try holding and gripping objects with the gloves on to test maneuverability.
– Ensure any adjustable wrist straps are tightened to provide a secure fit.
– Read sizing charts carefully and measure your hand before purchasing. Sizes do vary between brands.
Proper Use and Care
To maximize the performance and lifespan of your BBQ gloves:
– Hand wash after each use with mild soap and hang to dry.
– Check for any damage or wear after each use. Discard if any holes, cracking, or separation occurs.
– Store in a dry location away from direct sunlight. Avoid excess moisture.
– Do not leave gloves sitting on hot surfaces when not in use.
– Replace gloves once they become difficult to properly clean or lose their heat resistance.
– Never use damaged or soiled gloves, as their protective abilities become compromised.
Other BBQ Safety Tips
In addition to gloves, keep these other safety tips in mind while smoking meat:
– Wear an apron – Protect skin from grease splatter and burns
– Use potholders – Keep potholders handy for removing hot pans and lids
– Long sleeves recommended – Minimize exposed skin to heat and flame
– Close-toed shoes – Protect feet from hot drips and coal/ember burns
– No loose clothes – Avoid loose clothing that could catch fire around the smoker
– Fire retardant materials – Choose fire retardant jackets, aprons, etc. when possible
– Have a fire extinguisher – Always keep one near the smoker just in case
– Never leave smoker unattended – Monitor the smoker at all times
– Allow smoker to fully cool – Wait for smoker to completely cool before doing any cleaning
– Remove ashes safely – Carefully remove and dispose of coals and ashes after cooking
Conclusion
From dexterity to heat resistance, today’s BBQ gloves offer innovative features to keep pitmasters safely smoking for hours on end. While standard grilling gloves work fine for quick, high heat cooking, the extreme temperatures and prolonged wear of competition BBQ demand specialty gloves designed just for smokers. Brands like RAPICCA, Outdoor Gourmet, Grill Armor, Artisan Griller, and Axe Sickle make some of the most trusted options on the market. Look for gloves rated for 500°F and above, silicone grip, tight and flexible fit, moisture wicking materials, and adequate arm length. Proper sizing and care will also maximize the glove’s performance and longevity. By protecting their hands with high performance BBQ gloves, pitmasters can continue delighting backyard barbecue enthusiasts and smokehouse patrons with melt-in-your-mouth, championship-caliber meats.