Winco OMF-17 Green Flame Resistant Oven Mitt 17"L

These oven mitts are durable and well-made. I have been using them for about 3 weeks, primarily with glass baking pans and cast iron, with temperatures up to 450. However, while they do a wonderful job at insulating, they are rather stiff and the outer fabric can be a little slippery on some surfaces. The first time I picked up a hot glass backing pan, I almost dropped it. I would suggest being extra cautious the first couple of times you use these - especially if you are accustomed to working with terry mitts (which provide a more solid grip).

To test this item's performance, I used it to pick up a 12 inch Lodge cast iron skillet heated to 400F and timed how long I could hold it. This situation is tougher on the gloves than typically encountered in regular use, since an item that heavy compresses the insulation. After 9 seconds, I had to set it down. I've used other low cost oven mitts in the past when working with cast iron, and they performed much worse (about 3-5 seconds). In one case... it melted. This Winco oven mitt was not damaged at all.

Functionality: 4/5
+very effective insulation. Even when holding a hot glass baking pan for 20-30 seconds, it did not get uncomfortable.

+outer fabric layer is resistant to heat - no signs of melting, or burns on surface

+extra length is helpful for cases where you have to reach deeper in the oven

+the outer fabric is flame resistant. I tested it, and the material is not damaged by open flame. However...(read below)

-the stitching is not flame resistant. I recommend you do not expose this item to open flames, since it will be damaged.

-stiff. These gloves are not very flexible, making it tricky to get a grip on oven trays.

-lacks non-slip texture on outer layer.

Fit and Finish: 4/5
+no tears or issues with the stitching

+no tears or defects

-very, very stiff out of box. They do get a little less rigid with use, but still not very flexible.

Value: 5/5
+Very well made for a $2 oven mitt.