If you’ve spent much time around a smoker, you know that hot surfaces are part of the experience. Whether you’re moving grates, adjusting meat, handling a water pan, or pulling food from the smoker, a good pair of gloves can make the job much easier.
I’ve always used BBQ gloves, but the pair I had been using for years left something to be desired. They provided decent protection, but they were bulky and oversized. Whenever I needed to handle food or make a quick adjustment around the smoker, I felt like I was sacrificing control for protection.
I’ve also learned the hard way that hot equipment deserves respect. Years ago, I managed to burn myself while changing out a water pan on a smoker. It wasn’t a serious injury, but it was enough to remind me that protecting your hands is important when you’re working around hot metal and hot grease.
When it came time to upgrade, I started doing what most backyard pitmasters do: reading reviews. After searching Google, reading customer feedback, and comparing several options on Amazon, one name kept appearing near the top of the list: the Hey Grill Hey Pitmaster Gloves.
I decided to give them a try and see if they could earn a permanent spot beside The Beast.
First Impressions
The first thing I noticed when I pulled the Hey Grill Hey Pitmaster Gloves out of the package was the fit.
Compared to the generic BBQ gloves I had been using, these were noticeably more form-fitting. My old gloves were oversized and bulky, which provided protection but sometimes made it difficult to handle food or work around the smoker with confidence.
The Hey Grill Hey gloves felt different immediately. They fit closer to my hands, giving me much better control and a more natural feel. I could already tell they would be easier to use when handling meat, moving pans, or making adjustments around the smoker.
The tradeoff became apparent right away as well. Because the gloves fit more snugly, they aren’t quite as quick to put on and remove as some larger gloves. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it was one of the first differences I noticed.
Overall, my initial impression was positive. The gloves felt well made, comfortable, and designed for actual BBQ use rather than serving as a generic heat-resistant glove.
Putting Them to the Test
The real test came during a cook where I had both a rack of ribs and a beer can chicken on The Beast.
When it was time to wrap the ribs, I immediately noticed the difference between these gloves and my old pair.
With my previous gloves, I was always aware of the heat and never felt completely comfortable handling food directly. The bulky fit also made it harder to get a secure grip on larger cuts of meat.
The Hey Grill Hey gloves changed that.
I was able to reach in, grab the rack of ribs, carry it to the table, and prepare it for wrapping without feeling heat through the gloves. The grip felt secure, the gloves stayed comfortable, and I never felt like I was fighting the material to control what I was holding.
That moment sold me on them.
Throughout the cook, I also used them while handling the beer can chicken and working around the smoker. During this cook, the gloves protected my hands well while I handled the ribs, beer can chicken, and hot pan, and the snug fit made it easier to work confidently around the smoker.
For me, that combination of grip, comfort, and heat resistance is exactly what I was hoping to gain by upgrading.
What I Like
After using the Hey Grill Hey Pitmaster Gloves during several cooks, three things stand out.
Grip
The biggest improvement over my old gloves is the grip. During my recent rib cook, I was able to grab a hot rack of ribs directly from the smoker and carry it to my table for wrapping without any issues. The gloves gave me a secure hold on the meat and made the entire process feel easier and more controlled.
Comfort
Despite fitting more snugly than my previous gloves, they were comfortable throughout the cook. The gloves remained flexible and never felt restrictive while working around the smoker.
Heat Resistance
This is where the gloves really impressed me. Not only was I able to handle hot ribs with confidence, but I also used them to move the pan holding my beer can chicken. At no point did I feel concerned about the heat coming through the gloves. The protection was excellent and gave me confidence when working around hot food and equipment.
What I’d Change
There isn’t much I would change, but the fit may not be for everyone.
The gloves fit much closer to the hand than the generic BBQ gloves I had been using. As a result, they take slightly longer to put on and remove.
For me, that’s a very minor tradeoff. The improved control, grip, and dexterity more than make up for the extra few seconds it takes to get them on.
In fact, I think the snug fit is one of the reasons they perform so well.
Final Thoughts
After several cooks with the Hey Grill Hey Pitmaster Gloves, I can confidently say they were worth the investment.
The improved grip, comfort, and heat protection have made working around The Beast easier and safer. Whether I’m handling ribs, moving a pan of beer can chicken, or pulling food from the smoker, these gloves give me more confidence than the generic gloves I used previously.
The tighter fit may not be for everyone, but for me, the added control is absolutely worth the minor inconvenience.
If a friend asked whether these gloves are worth the money, my answer would be yes. The closer fit and better grip are a noticeable improvement over the bulky pair I used before, and these have quickly become one of the tools I reach for whenever I fire up The Beast.
If you want to take a closer look, you can [see the Hey Grill Hey Pitmaster Gloves on Amazon].
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Smoke Tested BBQ 