10 Best Kitchen Towels in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)
If you use your kitchen space for cooking your favorite foods, you need a few kitchen towels and avoid messes. They can wipe any mess from your kitchen counter, dry dishes, and dry your hands. Some people even use towels to wrap baked foods like cookies, buns, and muffins, so they offer plenty of versatility in the kitchen.
We did the research to help you find the best kitchen towels on the market. We loved the Premium Kitchen Hand Towels by Bumble Towels since they had hanging loops, were machine-washable, and absorbent. You can get some more help from our buying guide, which was reviewed by a professional chef, and choose one or more of the best kitchen towels on our list.
Quick List - Top Kitchen Towels
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
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How to Choose Kitchen Towels
With a range of towels used in the kitchen, it might not be that easy to see and differentiate between them. You need to know the towel's absorbency, texture, weave, durability, and softness. This buying guide focuses on helping you choose the best kitchen towels for every need in your kitchen.
Choose a Material Based on Your Kitchen Needs
Whether you're wiping counters or drying dishes, absorbency is a key factor in deciding the perfect kitchen towel for you, so you need to look through the materials available.
Cotton Is Durable and Absorbent
Cotton towels are used for tasks that need high absorbency like drying dishes and wiping spills. Most are durable and can withstand many rigorous washing cycles and still look like new.
Cotton towels are also soft and won't scratch the surface of your glasses or cutlery. They are soft enough for you to wipe and clean your hands, but they can shrink easily. Because of this, you need to wash them in cold water and let them air dry if you want them to last longer.
The best idea is to go for a generously-sized towel of good quality since it'll last a while even if it shrinks. Cotton towels with a tighter weave are more durable and absorbent than lighter weaves. For more durability, choose a towel with long fibers. The weaves do weaken if you wash them too often.
Linen Is Best for Gentler Use
Linen towels are usually thin, so you might not use them for anything other than just some touchups or to wipe away minor imperfections from your dishes. With their low absorbency level, linen doesn’t suit use on heavier tasks. It can tear easily with regular use.
However, linen is a lint-free fabric and is suitable for cleaning or drying glassware. Many linen towels come with a nice design and are often used for decoration purposes.
Microfiber Is Soft but Less Durable
Microfiber towels are made of nylon or polyester and are also popular for kitchen use. They can be more expensive than cotton. They are super-soft and are ideal for cleaning delicate surfaces such as glass cooktops, silverware, or mirrors, but they aren't the most durable.
Using a microfiber cloth is one way of reducing disease-causing bacteria and microorganisms from your kitchen surfaces due to their dirt-attracting properties. However, only certain microfibers offer this benefit, so stick with nylon and polyester if you don't know what to use. As usual, you need to avoid cross-contaminating your towels, so keep track of what you do with each.
Coral velvet fabric is a type of drawn-textured microfiber. It has a soft texture just like cotton and is highly absorbent and lint-free. This works great for delicate glassware or silverware.
Bamboo Is Strong Yet Soft
Bamboo towels are great for drying dishes, as well as being quick-drying and super absorbent. They can also eliminate stains quickly with some scrubbing. They're durable and can retain their soft texture despite multiple washes or uses.
However, bamboo material tends to wrinkle and shrink a lot more than any other material, so make sure to wash them with cold water only.
Thanks to their ultra-soft texture, they're great for sensitive skin. This means they work great as hand drying towels since they won't chafe your hands.
Look for a Tighter Weave for Better Absorption
Weaves matter because they determine how absorbent the towel can be. Terry cloth is a common weave found in kitchen towels. It comes with raised loops for grabbing moisture from surfaces and is highly absorbent. Most terry cloth kitchen towels are economical, so they're easy to find.
A new terry cloth towel might deposit some lint on your dishes and glassware. But this is less an issue with a high-quality terry cloth towel. And after a few washes, it should stop shedding.
Flat-weave towels aren't that thirsty but will be lint-free and have a smooth texture. The lack of absorbency is because of the absence of raised loops. For small cleaning jobs, a flat-weave towel works. Towels with waffle-like patterns or waffle weaves are also common. They are generally made of microfiber or cotton, and the absorbency of such towels is always praised.
Flour sack towels are relatively thin and are easy to maintain due to their low-lint texture. They're known as tea towels and are more sizeable than standard towels, and often made of cotton. Flour sack towels are absorbent and best used for drying off produce, but they can be used for hands or dishes.
Regardless of type, you need to consider thicker and tighter weaves versus thinner and looser weaves. Thicker weaves absorb more water, so they work best for cleaning messes and wiping countertops. Thinner weaves dry quickly, so they can help you dry dishes or your hands.
Pick a Size That's Practical for You
As you choose from the kitchen towels available, you must consider their sizes. For example, if you want a towel to clean off utensils and smaller dishes, you can use a six-by-seven-inch option.
However, if you plan to clean off your counters or larger dishes, you'll need a 12-by-12-inch towel. Larger sizes work great for drying off your hands after you wash them. Since you can use multiple sizes for various uses, you should consider sets. That way, you can use whichever sizes you need.
Consider Where You Will Store the Towels
Some people store their towels on doorknobs or handles. If you plan to store them on the knobs of your cabinets, you can use loops and buttons. Loops make it easy to hang the towels and take off as needed. While buttons take more effort to remove, they keep the towels in place, so they won't fall off the knobs.
However, if you plan to hang them off of handles, you need to consider the aesthetic. Some people like to purchase colored towels to match their kitchen, but others want a design along the edges of the towels. You can find towels in various styles, so pick whichever meets your needs.
Ensure Your Kitchen Towels Will Hold Up
While nice-looking towels may be your priority, you need to find options that will hold up. This means choosing towels with good stitching. For example, some have stitches along the edges to prevent them from unraveling with time.
Cotton and bamboo hold up well, so they work great if you plan to use them often. But also consider how you wash the towels. If they're machine-washable and can go in the dryer, they'll hold up, while making the washing process easier for you. The dryer can also help remove lint and hair from the towels.
You can bleach white towels to remove stains, so you'll want to go with machine-washable white towels if you plan to use them to clean up messes and stains.
10 Best Kitchen Towels Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bumble Towels | | Best Kitchen Towels With Hanging Loops | |
2 | Mr. Siga Microfiber Cleaning Cloth | | Best for Cleaning Glass and Silverware | |
3 | Fecido Classic Kitchen Dish Towels with Hanging Loop | | Best Larger Towels for Absorbing Water | |
4 | Full Circle 100% Organic Cotton Towels | | Best Organic Quick-Drying Towels | |
5 | Vimeet | | Best Hand Drying Towel for the Kitchen | |
6 | Whiff Botanicals Bamboo Dish Cloths | | Best to Replace Paper Towels and Sponges | |
7 | Harringdons Kitchen Dish Towels | | Best Multipurpose Towels for Home Chefs | |
8 | Lito Linen and Towel Flour-Sack Dish Towels | | Best for Embroidery Projects | |
9 | Kimteny Coral Velvet Dishtowels | | Best for Cleaning Surfaces | |
10 | Thing Stories Embroidered Blue Sea Dish Towels | | Best Linen Towels You Can Get Personalized |
Best Kitchen Towels With Hanging Loops
Pros:
- Include hanging loops for easy drying and storage
- Come in multiple colors and designs to fit your style
- Machine-washable
- Cotton material makes them absorbent
- Collect only a small amount of lint
- Also includes a tote bag
Cons:
- They fray after a while, according to reviews
- You can't purchase just one color or only towels with stripes
These absorbent cotton towels come in plentiful packs of six so you'll have plenty of extras. They also have two designs per pack, so you can organize them for use based on the solid colors and stripes. Their hanging loops also make them easy to dry and store, and the set also comes with a tote bag!
A few reviewers pointed out that the towels frayed after they washed them a few times. However, many more reviewers thought the towels did a great job absorbing water, making them great for messes and hand drying. They also liked the size of the towels for cleaning up messes.
Best for Cleaning Glass and Silverware
Pros:
- Includes multiple colors in a single pack for easy organization
- Soft material to avoid scratching surfaces
- Lint-free properties
- Removes fingerprints from silverware and glasses
- Quick-drying material
Cons:
- The cloth falls apart after a while, according to reviewers
- Lack of weave may make it hard to pick up messes
These towels are softer options designed for delicate surfaces and dishes. They remove fingerprints without leaving lint, so you can use them to clean glass tables, delicate dishes, and similar items.
Some reviewers had problems with the towels tearing or falling apart after a while, though this may not be an issue since they come in a pack of 12. Nevertheless, many more loved how the towels didn't leave lint behind, so they worked great for cleaning glass. They also appreciated how the material was soft.
Fecido Classic Kitchen Dish Towels with Hanging Loop
Best Larger Towels for Absorbing Water
Pros:
- Available in one dozen different colors
- Can purchase two, four, or 10 towels in a package
- Includes a hanging loop in the form of a tag on the back
- Works on glass and cookware
- Machine-washable
Cons:
- Some reports that the seams break down after a while
These larger cotton towels have a terry weave to easily absorb liquid whenever you need to clean up a mess. It also works great on dishes if you want to use it like a dishtowel instead. They come in a ton of different colors as well, so you can match them to your kitchen decor.
Some reviewers noticed the towels would fall apart at the seams within a few weeks. On the bright side, many reviewers appreciated how absorbent the towels were. They also thought the towels worked great as dish towels, so they could clean dishes with them.
Best Organic Quick-Drying Towels
Pros:
- Includes a hanging loop
- Dries quickly compared to thicker towels
- Available in multiple colors
- Uses non-toxic dyes
- Loop texture on the towels helps with scrubbing
Cons:
- The thinner design makes it easier to tear
- Not a machine-washable option
These thinner towels are ideal for people who need a towel that can dry quickly. Its looped texture facilitates scrubbing, so it's great for washing dishes or wiping countertop messes. It also comes with a hanging loop for easy drying and storage.
A few reviewers noted that the thin design makes them tear more easily. On the other hand, many customers appreciated how this thinner design allowed the towels to dry quickly. They also said the towels were the perfect size to carry.
Best Hand Drying Towel for the Kitchen
Pros:
- Available in multiple colors
- Smaller size designed for drying hands
- Buttons to hold the towels in place
- Thinner design makes them dry off quickly
Cons:
- Not a machine-washable option
- No weave means it can't pick up messes or scrub
These hand towels come in a set of two and include buttons to keep them in place for hands-free hand drying, like on a faucet or cabinet handle. The thinner design also allows the towels to dry off quickly, making them great for frequent use.
Some reviewers found the towels were thinner than they expected, but plenty more customers loved how it was easy to hang the towels up to dry them. They also said the towel was just the right size for their kitchen needs.
Whiff BotanicalsBamboo Dish Cloths
Best to Replace Paper Towels and Sponges
Pros:
- Machine-washable
- It offers a two-ply cloth design to help with absorbing
- Dual-sided for scrubbing or more gentle use
- Non-scratch, making it ideal for glass surfaces
Cons:
- The towels may stink if you don't care for them
- Not big enough for using as dish or hand towels
This towel has a thick design with two different sides. The rougher side can work for washing dishes, while the smoother side is perfect for wiping up spills on countertops. It also is machine-washable, and can be bleached occasionally.
Some reviewers had issues with the towels stinking after using them for a while. However, multiple reviewers found the towels durable due to the thicker design. They also felt the towels made it easier for them to scrub dishes.
Best Multipurpose Towels for Home Chefs
Pros:
- Available in multiple colors, including pure white
- Machine-washable
- A lint-free option
- Designed to handle hot plates
- In a larger size to make it easier for cleaning and drying your hands
Cons:
- Not the best at absorbing water
These towels aren't the best for absorbing spills, but work great for a variety of other tasks, like hanging off your apron for quick hand drying, wrapping bread, or drying dishes, since they're lint-free. The hem stitching is strong, and both the ones with colors and the all-white ones can be bleached.
A few reviewers noticed the towels took a while to absorb water, especially at first, and recommend breaking them in by following the washing instructions. Nevertheless, quite a few reviewers found the towels great for drying off their hands. They also said the towels helped them clean up messes in the kitchen.
Lito Linen and TowelFlour-Sack Dish Towels
Best for Embroidery Projects
Pros:
- Flour sack towels available in natural white or bright white, to show off your embroidery
- Includes a hanging loop
- Has stitching along the edges
Cons:
- Some reviewers report defects or inconsistencies
If you like to give handmade gifts, these flour sack towels give you the perfect surface to sew, cross-stitch, or embroider on. The flat weave comes in white or off-white and are made of 100 percent ring-spun cotton.
A few reviewers faced problems with the towels being inconsistent in their size, quality or color. Despite this, multiple reviewers appreciated how the thickness and tight weave made embroidery look professional on them.
Best for Cleaning Surfaces
Pros:
- Can choose from multiple colors
- Designed to absorb water while staying lightweight
- Machine-washable
- Resist shrinking after getting washed
- Soft fabric is gentle on delicate surfaces
Cons:
- Sometimes collects lint and fuzz
- Reviewers say they may become hard if used with oils or chemicals often
This towel absorbs water and can be easily washed without shrinking, making it great for cleaning surfaces, even delicate ones like granite countertops, glass stovetops, or polished faucets. However, their size means they aren't the best option for drying hands or dishes.
A few reviewers disliked how the towels produced lint and fuzz once they washed them. On the bright side, various reviewers loved how the towels could clean dishes and surfaces without leaving streaks. They also felt they absorbed water effectively.
Thing StoriesEmbroidered Blue Sea Dish Towels
Best Linen Towels You Can Get Personalized
Pros:
- Personalization available through the seller's Etsy page
- Machine-washable
- Uses reinforced edges
- Absorb water very well despite being thin
Cons:
- All linen requires some breaking in
- Some reviewers say they shed
These towels are made with 100 percent Lithuanian flax and are available in several colors. They can be personalized, and other items, like table runners and napkins, can be bought to match, making this a great option for gifts or for coordinating your whole cooking and dining area.
Reviewers noted that these towels are rough at first, but will soften up with use and washes. On the other hand, tons of reviewers loved how they're thin, yet highly absorbent. They also appreciate the handwritten card that came with them!
More Recommendations for a Clean Kitchen
Now that you know which towels are the best for your kitchen, what about some organization and cleaning? With the right items, your kitchen can be a joy to prepare meals in.
In Collaboration With Executive R&D Chef Jim Quast
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Kitchen Towels
No. 1: Bumble Towels｜
No. 2: Mr. Siga｜Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
No. 3: Fecido ｜Classic Kitchen Dish Towels with Hanging Loop
No. 4: Full Circle ｜100% Organic Cotton Towels
No. 5: Vimeet｜
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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