Salt Fat Heat
Ingredients

Playtex Gloves Top Dishwashing Test

Playtex Fresh Comfort gloves were the top pick in a dishwashing glove test. The long-sleeved Mamison gloves were recommended for big jobs.

Ingredients: Playtex Fresh Comfort gloves were the top pick in a dishwashing glove test

Playtex Fresh Comfort Dishwashing Gloves are the best overall pair, according to a test by Serious Eats. The Mamison Rubber Gloves are the best choice for extra-long protection.

The publication tested a dozen pairs using a series of practical assessments. These included washing dishes in hot soapy water, handling slippery wine glasses, and performing a puncture test with a steak knife. The finalists were then used for all daily dishwashing duties to evaluate durability and comfort.

Durability and Comfort Findings

Every model survived the puncture test without tearing. Durability was not a deciding factor among the tested products.

Cotton-lined options, like the Alimat PluS and Mr. Clean Bliss, initially felt comfortable but caused hands to become sweaty and sticky within minutes. The foam-lined Playtex Fresh Comfort pair proved cooler for extended use. "They’re just as comfortable, but much cooler when worn for extended periods," the tester noted.

Design and Grip Performance

Cuffs designed to block water were largely ineffective, often being too short. The Casabella Waterblock pair had an extra-long sleeve but the material flopped annoyingly when cuffed. The cotton cuffs on the Grove Collaborative model were constantly wet.

Deeply textured palms and fingers were crucial for a secure grip on wet glassware. Lightly raised patterns were insufficient. The Mamison products, with their deeply grooved texture, allowed for confident handling of soapy stemware.

The tester concluded that over-engineered features were unnecessary. The Hold Everything Kitchen pair were notably expensive and had overly thick material that restricted finger movement.

Top Tested Models

The test results identified clear winners in specific categories. The following table compares the key specifications of the top picks.

ModelBest ForMaterialWeight (oz)Length - Medium (in)Sizes Available
Playtex Fresh ComfortOverallLatex exterior, foam lining2.711.5Small, Medium, Large
Mamison Rubber GlovesExtra LongUnlined latex3.614Medium, Large
Mr. Clean Bliss PremiumCotton-LinedCotton-lined vinyl2.611.75Medium, Large
If You Care Household GlovesUpgrade PickCotton-dusted latex2.311.75Small, Medium, Large

The Playtex pair were praised for their grippy texture, which extends over the fingertips, and their cooling foam lining. The Mamison products, at 14 inches long, were the longest tested and feature a puckered top sleeve for water protection.

Other Tested Products

Several other models were evaluated. The Mr. Clean Latex Gloves came in a two-pack but had loose fingers that compromised grip. The Wahoo Latex Free and Alimat 3-Pack options were very similar to each other and to the Mr. Clean Bliss model.

The Casabella Waterblock pair were a close contender to the Mamison products, featuring a flared sleeve that kept arms dry but sometimes caused water to ricochet.

Two models were not recommended. The Playtex Living Reusable pair had overly blousy sleeves. The Grove Collaborative model were short and had perpetually waterlogged cotton cuffs.

The final advice from the tester is straightforward. Seek products with moisture-wicking foam lining or no lining at all, prioritize deep texture for grip, and consider extra-long sleeves for big jobs. Do not overpay for fancy features.

Related coverage

More from Ingredients