What should be used to safely handle hot items in the kitchen?

Using thick, dry hot pads to handle hot items in the kitchen is essential for ensuring safety and preventing burns. Thick hot pads provide an adequate barrier between the heat source and the skin, allowing a person to grasp hot pots, pans, or other heated items without risk of injury. They are designed to withstand high temperatures and offer good insulation properties, making them ideal for this purpose.

Wet cloths are not suitable for handling hot items because moisture can transfer heat more effectively, increasing the risk of burns. Plastic gloves may protect hands from contact with food but do not provide insulation against heat. Thin paper towels are generally not designed to withstand high temperatures and can easily catch fire or disintegrate when exposed to heat. Therefore, thick, dry hot pads are the proper choice for safely handling hot items in a kitchen environment.