Kitchens are often filled with sharp objects. Knives of various styles, utensils, and specialized tools, such as mandolins, can all cause accidental cuts if you’re not careful. Rather than be afraid to use these essential tools, you should place a focus on safety in the kitchen. This goes beyond being slow and careful – there are some items that will keep you safe while you prepare meals.
One such item is a good pair of cut-resistant gloves. This guide will explore the specifics of cut-resistant or Kevlar gloves, including how they work, what they’re made of, how to maintain them, and the best cut-resistant gloves on the market today.
What are Cut-Resistant Gloves?
Cut-resistant gloves are tough gloves intended to protect your hands while working with sharp tools. There are several types of cut-resistant gloves and a variety of materials that can be used in their construction. Each type has a different level of protection and comfort.
Cut-resistant gloves are used for any situation in which the hands need to be protected. They are most often found in occupations that routinely handle sharp tools and make effective work gloves. In the kitchen, they can be used to protect hands from mandolins, knives and other sharp utensils.
Best Cut-Resistant Gloves
These are our top picks for best cut-resistant and Kevlar gloves for your safety.
NoCry Cut-Resistant Gloves
These Cut-Resistant Gloves from NoCry provide level 5 protection, which will protect you from any type of kitchen or work hazard. They are made of high-performance materials, including polyethylene and glass fiber for strength, and spandex for flexibility. They feature a snug, comfortable fit.
Though they are strong, they are also lightweight and allow for flexible dexterity, which allows you to take on any task. They are food safe and can easily be washed in any machine at home. The spandex in the gloves allows you to hold on to items, even slippery ones, with a firm grip.
Pros:
- Level 5 protection can handle any task or hazard that you may encounter.
- Polyethylene and glass fiber provide strength.
- Spandex provides elasticity for holding awkward items and flexibility.
- The gloves feature a snug fit.
- They are comfortable and lightweight.
- They are safe to use around food.
- Washing the gloves is easy.
- The gloves are ambidextrous and can be worn on either hand.
Cons:
- The gloves should be hung to dry, rather than being placed in a dryer.
- They are cut-proof, but not poke-proof. This means that needles and other sharp points could poke through and injure your hands.
- They can become cut after a few weeks of use.
- The sewing between fingers can start to unravel after only light use.
- They don’t always hold up to mandolins.
Fortem Cut-Resistant Gloves
These Cut-Resistant Gloves from Fortem provide level 5 protection and are safe to use around food. They are knitted on a 13 gauge machine using high performance materials combined with nylon. They are seamless, so they will not easily come apart. They come in a pack of two pairs, so you always have another pair to use while one is being washed.
They provide a secure grip when cutting. They are comfortable, breathable, and lightweight. Each glove is ambidextrous and will fit either hand. They can be easily washed in your machine at home. Their strength and elasticity make them very durable.
Pros:
- Level 5 protection can handle any task.
- The gloves are food safe.
- Seamless construction makes the gloves durable.
- An extra pair means you always have one to use.
- They grip firmly rather than slipping.
- They are lightweight and comfortable to use.
- They allow air to enter, which keeps your hands from getting too hot.
- You can use any of the four gloves on either hand.
- The gloves are machine washable.
Cons:
- The sizing can be a bit off, with the fingers being too long. At the same time, the gloves feel tight.
- Moisture from foods and materials will soak through the gloves and make your hands wet.
- There is a slight smell that might bother some users.
- The gloves can seem slippery.
Stark Safe Cut-Resistant Gloves
These Cut-Resistant Gloves from Stark Safe provide level 5 protection and are useful for a variety of applications. They are made of strong polyethylene and silica-based fibers. They feature a secure grip, snug fit, and dexterity. They are breathable, so your hands won’t sweat, even when using them all day long. The gloves are machine washable.
Pros:
- Polyethylene and silica-based fibers provide strength and durability.
- A secure grip allows you to hold on to foods better when cutting them.
- A snug fit means no loose folds to get in the way.
- Dexterity allows your fingers to be flexible when holding small or awkward items.
- The gloves are breathable, keeping your hands dry and comfortable all day long.
- You can wash the gloves in your machine at home.
Cons:
- The gloves need to be air-dried.
- Bleach and fabric softener are not recommended during washing.
- The gloves do not keep water out.
- The grip can feel slippery when holding knives.
- Mandolins can poke holes in the fingers of the gloves.
- The fingers feel very tight.
Yinenn Cut-Resistant Gloves
These Cut-Resistant Gloves from Yinenn are food safe and provide level 5 protection. They are made of high-performance materials and high elastic nylon. They are flexible and provide dexterity with a secure grip. They fit snugly and feel very comfortable. You can wash them either by hand or machine. Each glove is ambidextrous and will fit either hand.
Pros:
- The gloves are safe to use around food.
- Level 5 protection will keep your hands safe from most accidents that may occur in the kitchen.
- The high elastic nylon makes the gloves very flexible, which helps you grip and hold small items.
- The gloves feature a snug, comfortable fit.
- They are easy to wash.
- You can wear any of the four gloves that are included on either hand.
- The gloves are durable and will not weaken over time with use. They also will not shrink or lose their strength in the washer.
Cons:
- Thorns and needles can still poke through.
- The gloves are not heat-resistant.
- They will not provide protection from electric slicers.
- The gloves are very tight and hard to put on and take off.
- They have a slightly oily smell that may bother some users.
Dex Fit Level 5 Cut-Resistant Gloves
The Level 5 Cut-Resistant Kevlar Gloves from Dex Fit provide level 5 protection from many different types of hazards. They feature a comfort stretch fit, which makes the gloves both comfortable and flexible. There is a snug fit on all fingers. They are made of high-performance materials (Kevlar, Dyneema, and yarn) for strength, foam nitrile for anti-slip properties on fingers and palm, and spandex for elasticity.
The gloves include a “smart touch” feature, which allows you to use your smartphone while wearing the gloves. They are safe to use around food and pass FDA requirements. They are machine washable. They will not slip during use, even when exposed to light oils and water.
They are breathable and feature air ventilation, keeping your hands cool and dry. A knit wrist cuff provides a tight, secure fit, while also being flexible and stretchy. The gloves are free of silicone, latex, and toxic odors.
Pros:
- Level 5 protection allows you to tackle any task in the kitchen, garage, or workplace.
- The comfort stretch fit provides a soft elastic comfort.
- High-performance materials, including Kevlar, Dyneema, and engineered yarn, provide strength and durability.
- Foam nitrile coating on the fingers and palm provide a non-slip grip.
- Spandex provides flexibility and dexterity.
- The “smart touch” feature allows you to answer calls and look up information on your smartphone without taking off the gloves.
- They are food safe.
- They are machine washable.
- They will not become slippery in oils and water.
- The gloves are breathable and have a unique air ventilation feature, which keeps your hands dry, cool, and comfortable.
- The wrist cuff is secure but flexible.
- There is no silicone or latex.
Cons:
- The gloves are not waterproof or heat-resistant.
- They feel very tight.
- They are not resistant to wind or cold temperatures.
- The foam nitrile coating has a salty smell.
- The cuff often rolls inward.
- The fingers are long and bulky.
- The knitted back of the gloves tends to rip easily at the knuckles.
- Stitches on the wrist fray quickly.
Schwer Cut-Resistant Gloves
These Cut-Resistant Gloves from Schwer are stainless steel wire metal mesh gloves. They primarily provide safety for butchers, fishermen, and those in the construction industry, but they can be useful in the kitchen as well.
They are made of polyethylene fibers and stainless steel wire, both of which provide strength and durability. They are food safe and designed to last. They are breathable, allowing air to enter and cool your hands. They feature flat internal construction and an adjustable wrist strap.
They are effective in both dry and wet conditions, and will not become slippery when handling wet foods. They are not machine washable but can be easily cleaned by hand with soap and water.
Pros:
- Stainless steel wire provides strength.
- Polyethylene fibers are strong and durable.
- The gloves are food safe.
- Breathability keeps your hands dry and cool.
- An adjustable wrist strap keeps the glove on comfortably but securely.
- They will not become slippery.
- They are easily washed by hand.
- They provide level 5 protection.
- They are ambidextrous and will fit both hands.
Cons:
- The gloves do not come as a pair, but rather as a single glove.
- They are not machine washable.
- Tools with sharp points, such as ice picks, could poke through the gloves.
- They are sometimes uncomfortable to wear.
Dowellife Cut-Resistant Gloves
These Cut-Resistant Gloves from Dowellife are food safe, provide level 5 protection, and can be used for a variety of purposes. They are made of high-performance materials and high elastic nylon. The gloves offer comfort and flexibility.
They are hand and machine washable and feature a ring on the wrist of each glove for hanging to dry. They are very thin and soft, making them breathable and comfortable. They are ambidextrous and can be worn on either hand.
Pros:
- The gloves are safe to use around food.
- Level 5 protection keeps you safe from any injuries that might occur in the kitchen or workplace.
- High-performance materials provide strength.
- High elastic nylon makes the gloves flexible and comfortable.
- The gloves are machine washable. They are easy to dry by hanging by the ring on the wrist.
- Breathability allows air to enter, which keeps your hand dry and cool.
- You can wear either glove on either hand.
Cons:
- It is difficult to hold a knife when wearing the gloves, as they become slippery.
- They are not very strong and rip after a few uses.
- Smaller sizes fit too loose, while larger sizes fit too tight.
- Mandolins cause holes to rip in the fingers of the gloves.
- They have a strong chemical smell and absorb food odors easily, such as from fish.
- They require constant cleaning.
How Do Kevlar Gloves Work?
Kevlar gloves are a type of cut-resistant gloves. Kevlar is not the only material that can be used to create cut-resistance, but it is one of the most popular. This is because it is one of the strongest materials out there. It’s five times stronger than steel and can resist heat up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are Cut-Resistant Gloves Made of?
There are three categories of cut-resistant gloves, separated by material:
- Metal mesh gloves: These gloves are made of rings of stainless steel, similar to chainmail. They are the least comfortable of the three options but provide adequate protection for short periods.
- Cut-and-sewn gloves: These gloves are cut to shape and sewn together. They are often made of traditional glove materials, with sections on the palm that are made of cut-resistant materials. In some cases, they might be made entirely of the cut-resistant materials.
- Seamless knitted gloves: These gloves are made of one piece of cut-resistant materials using a flat knitting machine. They are often coated with latex, nitrile, or polyurethane, in either solid or foamed form, which adds durability.
There are various cut-resistant materials which may be used. They include:
- Kevlar, a strong synthetic fiber that resists cuts and heat
- High-performance polyethylene
- Specialized polyvinyl acetate yarns
- Steel wire yarns
- Fiberglass yarns
Can You Wash Kevlar Gloves?
Kevlar is not only strong, to begin with, but it also stays that way for the glove’s lifetime. You can wash your kevlar gloves over and over again without consequence. The gloves will not shrink or lose their strength. You can use your normal household detergent and toss the gloves in with your regular load of laundry.
Protection Levels for Cut-Resistant Gloves
There are typically five protection levels that are used for cut-resistant gloves:
- Nuisance cuts: These include paper cuts and minor cuts which may occur from auto maintenance, parts assembly, and handling of certain materials. Latex and leather provide adequate protection for these types of minor cuts.
- Low Cut Hazards: These include cuts from construction, auto assembly, masonry, and packaging. Cotton, polyester, and nylon can provide protection from these cuts.
- Moderate Cut Hazards: These include cuts from applications such as light metal stamping and light handling of glass. Protection in these situations is best served by high-performance materials, such as Kevlar.
- High Cut Hazards: These include injuries from metal stamping, food service, and handling of sheet metal and glass. Engineered yarns, featuring materials like Kevlar Steel and Dyneema Fiberglass, provide the best protection in these situations.
- Extreme Cut Hazards: These include situations that involve the greatest risk of being injured seriously, such as heavy metal stamping and handling of plate glass. Occupations which involve butchering meat and poultry also incur these risks. Metal mesh gloves provide the best protection in these cases.
Cut-Resistant Gloves Will Keep Your Hands Safe in the Kitchen
Nothing hampers your enjoyment in the kitchen like bleeding all over the food. Cut-resistant gloves can help to protect your hands from accidental cuts. Different gloves have different levels of protection, and it all depends on the materials used in the gloves.
Kevlar gloves are among the best cut-resistant gloves for protecting your hands. There are some things they will not protect you from, such as punctures and water, but they will keep you from cutting yourself during average daily use.