I am ending my Epinions.com hiatus by making my first Epinion in over 3 yrs.
What better than writing a batch of reviews on my new found joy; Pampered Chef
products. This is review #2 of 5.

I have to admit, I belong to the Pampered Chef 12 Step Program, as in "My
name is Stacy and I am a Pampered Chef Addict." It all started with one
stop at a Kitchen Show to appease a friend. I planned on ordering just one item, but upon
opening the catalog, I heard angels sing as I viewed kitchen gadgets that I
never knew existed, yet suddenly realized I couldn't live without.

This review is on the Pampered Chef Oven Pad, item #1335 in the
Pampered Chef catalog.

From the Catalog:

"The same material as in our famous mitt. Use as an oversize hot
pad or slip your hand through the slit to use as a potholder. 100% cotton.
Machine Washable. 10 x 11 1/2 inches."

Hmmm... use as an oven/hot pad and a potholder? Plus this thing is
HUGE! You've got my attention AND my order!

Sight and Feel:

The first thing I noticed when I removed Pampered Chef Oven Pad from
it's bag it how large it really is. It has shrunk down a bit since washing
and drying, leaving it closer to the 10 x 11 1/2 inches mentioned in the
catalog, but that is still much larger than most of the oven pads on the market.
The pad is also VERY thick, almost 1/2 an inch. It is 100% cotton and made
with a terry weave that leaves it feeling exceptionally soft against the hand.
Now don't let that fool you, even though it is soft, it's tight weave and
thickness does not allow for any heat to travel from the hot object to your
hand. I have used it to pull out very hot dishes from the oven without a
problem. There is a slit in the pad that allows the user to use it as a
potholder as well as a hot pad, which is nice. There is also a loop for
hanging, which is another added benefit because of how large it is. The
color is a very light peachy oatmeal, and while it is pretty and should be
complementary to most kitchens, I do worry how it will hold up to stains over
time.

Why Is This Better Than the Other Hot Pads?

When comparing the Pampered Chef Hot Pad with the others available, I
think that it excels in many categories. I really like it's versatility.
Being able to use this as a hot pad AND a potholder has been a real plus in my
household. I have limited space, so it is always nice to have an item that
is dual purpose. The other differences that I have noticed is it's
thickness and feel. The quality is outstanding. I have not had any
heat come through to my hand, no matter how long I have been holding onto the
baking dish, whereas with my other oven mitts/pads allow the heat to come
through after only a few seconds, leaving me hurrying from oven to counter as
fast as I can. My husband also likes the Pampered Chef Hot Pad for
the sole reason that it is so large. Most oven mitts are made for women,
leaving most men and women with larger hands to use something that is either
unsafe or uncomfortable. My husband is able to place his hand through the
slit in the pad and use this as he would any potholder/oven mitt, and no longer
does he have any excuse not to help me get something hot and heavy out of the
oven. Like most other Pampered Chef products, it comes with an awesome
guarantee, this one being for one year. Can't beat that. Try getting
Wal-Mart to take back your hot pad after 11 months if it starts to unravel.

Care and Handling:

The Pampered Chef Oven Pad can be washed without worry right along
with your clothes in your washer and dryer. Just wash in cold on the
gentle cycle. Use only non-chlorine bleach and tumble dry low. On the
label it states that for best results one should line dry.

My personal experience is that I have not noticed any problem with washing
the Pampered Chef Oven Pad with the normal cycle and because of it's thickness,
I have to dry on normal temp a few times (just toss it right back in with the
next load to dry if I am doing more than one).

Any Negatives About the Product?

The Pampered Chef Oven Pad is NOT made of flame retardant
material. Although I feel safe using it in my kitchen, I would never use
it near any open flames like on a barbeque.

I am also concerned about the
color. I like it for looks, but that is only if it lasts. Because
the color is so light, I am sure after another year of use, it will start to
look dingy and stained.

How To Purchase

The Pampered Chef Oven Pad is available only through Pampered Chef
consultants or their websites.

To locate a Pampered Chef consultant call 1-800-266-5522 (US)

You can also learn more about Pampered Chef products at www.PamperedChef.com.

Other Pampered Chef reviews include:
Cake Tester
Crinkle Cutter
Flour/Sugar Shaker
Stoneware Deep Dish Baker
Garlic Press
Deluxe Mini Muffin Pan
Pizza Cutter
Baker's Roller
Oven Mitt

Recommended:
Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 6.50