Which item should you use to protect your hands when handling hot cookware?

• A. Sturdy potholder or oven mitts
• B. Gloves made of cotton
• C. Dish towel
• D. Plastic bag

Answer: (A)

Using proper hand protection when handling hot cookware centers on having a thick, heat-resistant barrier that also lets you grip securely. A sturdy potholder or oven mitts are designed to insulate the hand from high temperatures and to withstand heat transfer from hot handles, so you can grab and carry pots and pans without burning your skin. They cover more of the hand and provide padding, which helps prevent burns when you’re moving hot items.

Cotton gloves offer limited protection and can still transfer heat quickly or ignite if exposed to flames or very hot surfaces, so they aren’t the best choice. A dish towel can heat up or scorch, and it doesn’t provide reliable insulation. A plastic bag isn’t heat resistant and can melt or fail, leaving your hand exposed.

So the best option is the sturdy potholder or oven mitts.