Oven Mitts: Who invented it?
Oven mitts are an essential item in any kitchen. They protect our hands from the intense heat of the oven, stove, and grill, and allow us to cook and bake with confidence. But have you ever wondered who invented them?
The Early Days
Cooking over an open fire was the primary method of food preparation for centuries. As a result, there was no need for oven mitts. However, as indoor ovens became more common in the18th and19th centuries, the need for protective hand covering grew. Early oven mitts were made from thick fabric or leather, but they were often inadequate for handling hot dishes or pans.
In the mid-1800s, a new material called asbestos was discovered. Asbestos is fire-resistant and was commonly used for insulation in ovens, stoves, and other heating appliances. Asbestos mitts were also developed as a way to protect hands from heat. However, asbestos is now known to be a carcinogen, and its use in oven mitts has been discontinued for safety reasons.
Innovation and Development
In the early1900s, new materials and technologies led to the development of more effective oven mitts. The first insulated oven mitts were created in the1940s, using a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. These mitts were more effective at protecting hands from heat, but they were still bulky and limited in their flexibility.
In the1960s, silicone was introduced as a material for oven mitts. Silicone is heat-resistant and flexible, making it an excellent choice for oven mitts. It is also easy to clean and does not absorb moisture or odors. Today, silicone oven mitts are a popular choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Throughout the years, various designs and styles of oven mitts have been developed. Some mitts are designed to fit over the entire hand and wrist, while others are designed to fit just the fingers. Some mitts are made with a special grip pattern to prevent dishes from slipping, while others are designed to be reversible for left-handed use. There are even novelty oven mitts shaped like animals, superheroes, and other fun characters.
Contributors to the Invention of Oven Mitts
While no single person can be credited with inventing the oven mitt, several individuals contributed to their creation and development.
One of the earliest recorded instances of a hand covering for cooking was in ancient Rome. Cooks would wrap wet cloths around their hands to protect them from the heat of the oven. This primitive method of protection was the precursor to the modern oven mitt.
In the1870s, an inventor named Earl Mitts created a metal glove with a padded lining that was designed to protect workers’ hands from hot machinery. While this invention was not specifically designed for cooking, it laid the foundation for the development of more effective hand coverings.
In the1940s, a company called Texfi Industries developed the first insulated oven mitts. This company, which later became part of the DuPont Corporation, was a leader in the development of synthetic fibers and textiles.
In the1960s, a French engineer named Bernard Verdier developed the first silicone oven mitts. Verdier was looking for a material that would be ideal for use in the aerospace industry but discovered that silicone was also an excellent material for cooking and baking.
Oven Mitts in Action
To truly appreciate the importance of them, let’s take a look at some common scenarios where they are used in the kitchen.
- Baking a Cake
When baking a cake, you’ll need to handle hot pans and dishes that have been in the oven for several minutes. Using them allows you to safely remove these items from the oven without burning your hands.
- Cooking on the Stove
When cooking on the stove, you’ll need to handle hot pots and pans that can cause serious burns. They provide a secure grip on these items, making it easier to move them around without spilling or dropping them.
- Grilling Outdoors
When grilling outdoors, you’ll need to handle hot grates and utensils that can cause serious injuries. They provide a layer of protection against the heat, allowing you to handle these items safely and efficiently.
- Handling Hot Dishes
Finally, when serving hot dishes at the dinner table, you’ll need to use oven mitts to protect your hands and make it easier to pass dishes around the table. They make it easy to transfer dishes from the oven to the table without causing any spills or accidents.
Conclusion
They have come a long way since the early days of cooking over an open fire. Today, there are many different styles and materials to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. While no one person can be credited with inventing the oven mitt, the contributions of various inventors and innovators have led to the development of an essential kitchen item that we use every day. So the next time you put on a pair of oven mitts to take a hot dish out of the oven, remember the history and evolution of this handy kitchen tool.