In the wide world of grilling, there are things you absolutely need, like a grill, a fuel source (whether it be charcoal or gas), and a grate or spit to hold your food over the fire. Then there are the things that are nice to have, like a charcoal chimney starter, grill lights, and a giant spatula. I would argue that grilling gloves fit somewhere in between those two categories. Sure, you can grill without them, but if you don’t want to melt the skin off of your hands while attempting to save a bone-in Berkshire pork chop from falling to its fiery death, you probably shouldn’t.

Grilling gloves are heat-safe gloves that protect your hands (and, preferably, at least part of your forearms) from flames, sparks, and hot surfaces while cooking. They can be made from (or coated in) a variety of materials including suede, neoprene, and heat-safe synthetic fibers. Some of those fibers, called aramid fibers, are capable of withstanding incredibly high temperatures, with some brands boasting heat resistance beyond 1400ºF! A good pair of grilling gloves should also have a slip-resistant texture or coating for grabbing a hot grill grate or a slippery piece of meat when necessary—and if you grill often enough, at some point it will be necessary.

While grilling gloves definitely make lifting the lid off of a hot grill more comfortable—and they make moving a hot grate to manipulate smoldering coals possible at all—they really come in handy when you’re on the brink of a culinary crisis. If you’re thinking, Why would I need grilling gloves when I have super-long tongs? Well, the answer is actually those super-long tongs. If you’ve ever tried to pick up a pork butt—or even a two-pound pork chop—with long tongs, you know it’s a precarious process that challenges not only the strength of your tongs, but of your wrist and forearm as well. Trying to balance anything heavy on a spatula can be just as risky. A flare-up, a hungry dog, or even a text alert could throw you off in an instant, sending part of your dinner between the grates, or worse, onto the ground. But if you’re wearing grilling gloves, you can safely and confidently rescue your meal without fear of ending up in the emergency room.

The type of grilling gloves you need is a matter of preference and really depends on what you tend to cook. If you want the ability to handle a hot pork shoulder, easy-to-clean neoprene-coated gloves may be your best bet. If you like to move the grate to meticulously rearrange hot coals by hand, leather or aramid fiber gloves will offer you the most protection. I happen to prefer heat-safe fiber gloves to more structured silicone or leather because they allow for more dexterity—especially because nearly all grilling gloves are, frustratingly, made to fit big man hands, which I certainly do not have. But no matter the size of your hands, here are seven sets of grilling gloves to protect them while you cook outdoors this summer.

Repicca BBQ Grill Oven Gloves

BBQ Dragon Extreme Heat Grill Gloves

Expert Grill Silicone Dotted Heat Resistant BBQ Gloves

Cuisinart Full Coverage Heat Resistant Grill Gloves

BBQGuys Signature Suede Grilling Gloves

Many people who ate the French Lentil + Leek Crumbles were unaware that others who consumed the product were apparently experiencing symptoms until Daily Harvest sent out an email.

The actor and producer explained how he’s “been pretty much hiding out” in his L.A. home for much of the pandemic — and how he’s used that time to quit smoking and drinking.

We've rounded up the most jaw-dropping deals from Abercrombie & Fitch, Overstock, HSN and more.

Chef Adriana Urbina transforms the plantain into a delicious tortilla and vegan shredded "beef" dish.

Experts say putting your kid on a leash teaches them they "don't listen" and "can't be trusted." Here's why some parents disagree.

Score a sweet $50 off the wildly popular Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. This version is perfect for summer with SPF 30.

Save up to half off: Shoppers are losing it over these deeply discounted tablets, TVs and more.

In The Know: Pink Money shows us ways that we as conscious consumers can uplift causes we care about, and today our host Teraj is talking about Conscious Step, the sock brand that's partnered with The Trevor Project to support LGBTQIA+ youth.

Subtle stretch and handy pockets make this convertible dress 'too cute for words.'

Relativity Space is disrupting the traditional aerospace industry by manufacturing the first autonomous rocket factory using 3D printed rockets.

You don’t have to be a Mozart to learn these super easy #pianotutorials on TikTok. Get this electric keyboard that shoppers are calling 'perfect for beginners.'

Save over 50% on this genius gadget that monitors your sleep, steps and heart rate.

How's this for illuminating? One of them is just $17!

Genius tools designed to save time and sanity.

Score 40% off a popular mosquito zapper and a classic Stanley stein for under $20.

These social media creators are candid about their acne, hoping to help others feel more comfortable in their own skin.

It's Brad Pitt’s world and we’re all just living in it! The superstar actor and producer, 58, recently opened up about life, art and everything in between in a new interview with GQ.

Still juggling a vacuum, mop and bucket? The Bissell Crosswave will cut down on your cleaning time and effort.

This genius invention has over 30,000 shoppers raving about its clutter-clearing virtues.

The actress is getting real about learning to accept love after two divorces.