Kitchen towels have a wide range of uses and are a kitchen must-have. In addition to looking attractive folded up on your oven handle, you can use them to clean up messes, dry dishes, keep hands tidy, prep food, and so much more. The best kitchen towels will match your decor style and personal needs, whether they’re cleaning up messes or drying delicate dinnerware. You’ll also want to consider their material, size, and absorbency. Oftentimes, the more you use them, the softer and more absorbent the towel becomes. Alexandra Wojenski, sustainable cleaning expert and Grove guide at Grove Collaborative, recommends cotton towels "Being the most absorbent, [it] makes it the best choice for a kitchen towel," she says. "It is a hypoallergenic option that is gentle on your hands, and a high-quality cotton towel will look great in your kitchen.” To help you find the best option for your kitchen, we researched various kitchen towels, keeping in mind material, care, and size. We also consulted Wojenski for additional insight. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best Budget: Best Microfiber: Best with Hanging Loops: Best Quick Dry: Best Dishcloths: Best Terry Cloth: Best Waffle Fabric: Why You Should Get It With the largest selection of beautiful and one of a kind patterns, these stand out towels are just as absorbent as they are attractive. Keep in Mind These towels are more expensive than other options. We love these tea towels from Geometry House and chose them as the best kitchen towels because they are soft, attractive, and can absorb up to seven times their weight. Designed to be quick-drying, you will never have to worry about smelly towels with these. They’re made from the brand’s Geoweave fabric, which includes 100% post-consumer recycled material, making them an eco-friendly pick for green households. The premium microfiber fabric doesn’t have any loops, so you can avoid it snagging on anything. Measuring 18 x 30 inches, they’re versatile enough to clean up spills and wipe delicate dishes dry without scratching them. We also like that they are available in many stunning patterns, so you can pick an option that matches your kitchen decor (note: the pattern is only printed on one side). There’s also one hanging loop on the towel, making them easy to store. At $16 per towel, these are more of a splurge, but we recommend them for their overall style and functionality. As a plus, the brand also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and hassle-free returns if you’re unsatisfied with your purchase. Product Details: Dimensions: 18 x 30 inches | Material: Geoweave fabric | Care: Machine wash and dry Why You Should Get It Available in more than 45 stone-washed colors and up to eight different sizes, these come pre-washed. Keep in Mind While lightweight, some cooks find that linen absorbs less water than other fabrics. Customization is the name of the game with these attractive linen towels. Available in a beautiful array of 47 stonewashed colors, the brand also offers up to 10 color fabric samples with each order, allowing you to test colors to find the best match for your kitchen. The towels also come in a generous lineup of sizes, ranging from 12 x 12 inches to 27 x 27 inches. These towels are woven according to OEKO-TEX’s 100 Standard and are super lightweight. Since they’re not as absorbent as other towels, we recommend using these for minor tasks. Fortunately, they’re still quick-drying like other options on this list. These towels come pre-washed and are machine washable and dryer-safe on gentle cycles. We also love that they come with a hanging loop for easy storage. Since the seller is in Lithuania, the shipping time is longer than other commercial retailers. However, given their high quality, we think they’re well worth the wait. Product Details: Dimensions: 12 x 12 inches | Material: Linen | Care: Machine wash and dry Why You Should Get It The set includes two towels that are offered in a selection of vibrant prints. Keep in Mind It’s recommended that you hang dry and iron them to keep them in good condition. These beautifully crafted block print dish towels from West Elm are indeed a splurge, but they are the best kitchen towels if you need a gift for a host, a holiday grab bag, or just a lovely way to treat yourself and brighten up your space. Sold as a set of two, the cotton dish towels are available in nine colorful vibrant patterns that’ll serve as a decorative element in your kitchen. Plus, the towels are handcrafted in India and are part of West Elm’s LOCAL line, which supports small businesses and skilled artisans. When it comes to these cartoon towels, it’s worth considering the care recommendations, which recommend you hang them dry them press them with an iron on low while damp to achieve the best look. Product Details: Size: 19 x 27 inches | Material: Cotton | Care: Wash cold, hang dry, press with iron on low while damp Why You Should Get It Each towel has a loop for easy hanging. Keep in Mind You can’t choose which colors you want included in the set. For a colorful addition to your space, these Full Circle towels are the best kitchen towels to consider. The three-pack of kitchen towels gets their vibrant color from pomegranate, turmeric, and indigo plants, and are made from organic cotton. We appreciate that each dish towel has a handy loop to hang on any hook in your kitchen. With this set, you won’t be able to choose which colors are included. However, Full Circle offers other kitchen accessories like an apron or oven mitt, in matching colors so you can create a more cohesive look in your kitchen. Product Details: Size: 18 x 28 inches | Material: Organic cotton | Care: Machine wash with like colors on cold, hang or lay flat to dry. Why You Should Get It An oversized towel, this pick touts the “edgeless” design, making it safe to use on the most delicate surfaces. Keep in Mind This two-pack features oversized towels that don’t have a hanging loop. For some kitchen and cleaning needs, microfiber is super helpful. Measuring 16 x 16 inches, this oversized option has a high density, meaning it’s very absorbent and traps more dirt. In fact, it can hold up to seven times its weight in water. The “edgeless” design ensures there’s no stitching or edges that could scratch glass, screens, induction cooktops, or anything else. It also won’t leave behind any streaks and won’t stick or snag on anything when cleaning. As a plus, they’re also machine washable and dryer safe on gentle cycles. These towels are available in two- and four-packs, making them a budget-friendly pick. The brand also offers a Pure Love Guarantee, which promises to refund 100% of your purchase at any time if you’re unsatisfied with their product. Unlike other options, these towels only come in one color. Still, it’s a neutral gray that can complement various color schemes. There also isn’t a hanging loop, but their large size makes it easy to hang over oven handles or any hooks you may have in your kitchen. Product Details: Dimensions: 16 x 16 inches | Material: Microfiber | Care: Wash only with microfiber towels with liquid detergent. Tumble dry low. The 10 Best Washing Machines of 2024, Researched and Tested By Us Why You Should Get It The built-in rubber hook easily opens so you can attach the towel to knobs, oven doors, grills, or anywhere else. Keep in Mind These towels are only available in solid colors. If your kitchen lacks convenient towel racks or you’re always in need of a quick hand wipe, these towels are for you. Measuring 18 x 28 inches, the oversized towel is made with a laundry-friendly rubber loop that can easily fit on knobs, appliance doors, outdoor grills, hooks, or anywhere else without falling off. The loop has a small slit, so it easily expands to fit where you need it. Made of 100% cotton, these towels are super absorbent and fashioned in a diamond terry weave pattern. They’re available in a two-pack for roughly $30, making them one of the more expensive options on this list. However, we love that they are available in a handful of solid colors to match any decor scheme. When you need to clean them, toss them in the washing machine. Since the brand doesn’t specify if the towels are dryer-safe, we recommend air drying them. Product Details: Dimensions: 18 x 28 inches | Material: Cotton, rubber | Care: Machine wash and dry Why You Should Get It The set includes three towels and is offered in a variety of colors. Keep in Mind The towels are thinner than other styles, so it depends on your preferences. Flour sack towels, like this set by Now Designs, may just be the MVP of kitchen towels. They’re versatile and can be used for dusting, cleaning, and drying delicate glassware, making cheese, proofing dough, and any other kitchen towel use. Flour sack towels are typically larger and thinner than standard dish towels, and thanks to that light cotton fabric, they dry quickly. This three-pack comes in a range of colors, so you can choose which set suits your space best. Do note that the prices vary just slightly depending on what color combination you choose, but this set is still less expensive than other options. Product Details: Size: 20 x 30 inches | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine wash warm and tumble dry Why You Should Get It These reusable dishcloths are highly absorbent and eco-friendly, eliminating the need for paper towels. Keep in Mind On the smaller side, these don’t have a hanging loop for drying. Eliminate or reduce the need for paper towels with these European-style dishcloths. Made of biodegradable cellulose and cotton, the small towels are highly absorbent, so they’re ideal for wiping up spills or cleaning up after mealtime. While they’re smaller than other options, they’re still quite durable and should last you through multiple mishaps. Just keep in mind that they stain easily, so you may need to wash them often if you are constantly cleaning spills. Fortunately, they’re machine washable and can even be microwaved to disinfect them. While we love the lemon print, the towels are also available in a chic arc pattern that’s yellow and blue. The brand does note that sometimes the cloth can arrive with a gray background instead of white due to supply shortages. They’re available in a two-pack and are more budget-friendly than other options. Product Details: Dimensions: 6.75 x 8 inches | Material: Biodegradable cellulose and cotton | Care: Wet the cloth and place it in the microwave for one minute on high, or put it on the top rack of the dishwasher and run as usual Why You Should Get It Double sided towel features lightweight cotton terry on one side and a lint-free flat side. Keep in Mind These towels are only available in white or gray; both come in a two-pack. The lightweight terry cloth on these towels is great for wiping and drying off dishes, pots, pans, or countertops. If you need to dry glassware, these towels have you covered, too, since the flip side has lint-free cotton. Both sides are super soft, making this towel especially versatile. Made from 100% cotton, it’s highly absorbent, durable, and long-lasting. There’s also a hanging loop for easy storage when you’re not using the towel. Measuring 16 x 28 inches, these towels are also quick-drying and super soft. They come in a convenient two-pack, making them more of a budget-friendly option. Unfortunately, the towels only come in one color option: white with the brand’s logo in gray. They can stain easily, so we recommend washing them frequently to prevent any discoloration. Overall, this is a versatile pick at a great price. Product Details: Dimensions: 16 x 28 inches | Material: 100% cotton | Care: Not listed Why You Should Get It The towels are made of organic cotton and the set includes six towels, which is more than other sets. Keep in Mind It’s more expensive than other options and there’s an additional shipping charge. If you prefer a waffle fabric, the best kitchen towels are this Coyuchi set. The set includes six towels in different yet cohesive colors, so you’ll be able to mix and match however you see fit. Plus, you’ll always have extra ones when the others need to be washed. The towels are made of GOTS-certified organic cotton and feature a side loop, making it easy to hang on a kitchen hook if you prefer. While the towels certainly make for a stylish addition to a space, it’s worth noting that they’re more expensive than other options and you’ll have to factor in a shipping cost as well. Product Details: Size: 30 x 20 inches | Material: Organic cotton | Care: Machine wash Why You Should Get It An affordable 12-pack of basic white towels ensures you have one, whenever you need. Keep in Mind These have no loops, so plan to store them folded or hung over a kitchen handle. If you’re looking for a reliable bar mop towel, look no further than this option from Utopia Towels. Bar mop towels are typically thicker and plusher than standard kitchen towels and originated as a tool to clean up spills and dry glasses in a bar. Even if you don’t run a home bar, it’s helpful to have a stack of these around. These affordable towels are crafted from 100% ring-spun cotton and are highly absorbent and durable. Put them to work for baking, cleaning, or anything else. Just note that they tend to shed lint, so these are not the best option for drying delicate glassware. They measure 19 x 16 inches and can easily hang over your oven handle since they don’t have a hanging loop. We also love that they’re available in a convenient 12-pack and several colors, including blue, green, plum, and more. To clean, throw them in the washing machine and dryer on gentle cycles. Product Details: Dimensions: 19 x 16 inches | Material: 100% ring spun cotton | Care: Machine wash and dry Why You Should Get It Lint free, these are helpful when using with food, like proofing dough or drying wet veggies. Keep in Mind It’s often useful to pre-wash flour sack towels so they become more absorbent. Home cooks, crafters, and cleaning aficionados have a place in their hearts for flour sack towels, like these from Aunt Martha’s. Thinner and stiffer than typical kitchen towels, these are modeled after the old sacks that stored baking flour. They are made of cotton, lint-free, and have a medium to fine weave, so they can be used for food preparation and can replace cheesecloth in a pinch. Each pack of seven towels comes pre-washed and bleached, so they’re ready for use once they arrive. There are three sizes available, 18 x 28 inches, 28 x 28 inches, and 33 x 38 inches, to accommodate your personal needs. We also love that they are machine washable, although the brand does not mention if they are safe for the dryer. Still, they shouldn’t shrink and can even hold up to crafts like embroidery (which is great, considering they only come in plain white). There’s no hanging loop on these, so plan to store them folded up, tucked into your waist, or anywhere else you need them. Product Details: Dimensions: 18 x 28 inches, 28 x 28 inches, or 33 x 38 inches | Material: 100% cotton | Care: Wash in cold water and dry on low heat. Why You Should Get It Cotton/bamboo blend is eco-friendly and anti-bacterial. Keep in Mind There’s no hanging loop on these towels. Made with a 50-50 blend of cotton and bamboo fibers, these towels are highly absorbent and anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. Great for a wide variety of uses, the towels have a more rigid side for regular drying and a smooth side for delicate dinnerware and glassware. Even better, both sides will eliminate streaks from appearing on any surface. The towels come in a few different color options, including turquoise and teal, although we wish they had patterns instead of just solid colors. It’s recommended that you wash these before use, and fortunately, they are safe to use in the washing machine. Although there’s no hanging loop, they easily fold up and hang over handles or hooks in your kitchen. Measuring 16 x 26 inches, these are smaller than other options but still large enough to complete most tasks. They’re also budget-friendly and available in a convenient two-pack. Product Details:Dimensions: 16 x 26 inches | Material: Cotton, bamboo | Care: Machine wash cold Why You Should Get It An oversized towel that features one side that’s lint-free and one that’s flat weave. Keep in Mind This three-pack is on the more expensive side. Known for their kitchen gear, these towels are no exception to All-Clad’s reliable lineup of products. Made of 100% Turkish cotton, the towels are 25% bigger than standard kitchen towels, offering lots of surface area to dry your wet items. They are designed with two distinct sides. One has a flat weave and is lint-free, which is great for delicate items and streak-free drying. The other side has a plush terry weave, so it is good at absorbing spills and other liquids (although, it tends to snag and unravel, so make sure to use it carefully). We love that these towels are available in a chic striped pattern in different colors, making it easy to choose a style that best matches your decor. While they may feel expensive, they come in a value pack of three, giving you a great bang for your buck. Like other towels on this list, they are machine washable for easy clean-up. However, we recommend letting them air dry since it's unclear if they’re dryer-safe. Product Details:Dimensions: 17 x 30 inches | Material: Cotton, terrycloth | Care: Machine wash and dry Why You Should Get It This Turkish cotton four-pack is made with terry cloth that’s ultra-absorbent. Keep in Mind These four towels have coordinating patterns but aren’t all the same patterns. Made in Turkey out of plush, environmentally friendly cotton, these loopback terry cloth kitchen towels are ultra-absorbent. Measuring 20 x 30 inches, the towels are oversized and great for cleaning messes, drying pots and pans, and much more. We also love that each towel has a hanging loop for easy storage and drying. Even better, they come in a budget-friendly four-pack. There are over 10 color options, so it’s very easy to find an option that meshes well with your kitchen’s color scheme. Note that the color options are more of a theme since each towel has its own designated pattern. They are machine washable and dryer-safe and can be used with non-chlorine bleach when needed. Product Details: Dimensions: 20 x 30 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Care: Machine wash and dry As anyone who cooks, cleans, crafts, or spends time in a kitchen knows, kitchen towels are essential. Our top pick for the best kitchen towel is the Geometry House Tea Towel because it's as functional as it is attractive. For simple basics that are useful in various ways, Aunt Martha’s Flour Sack Premium Towels will be put to good use around your home. The best kitchen towel style for one person may not be the best for another. Choose a style that works for your decor. Some people may prefer patterned towels, while others may want simple white towels. Selecting a towel in a bright hue can add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral kitchen and is easy to change up day to day and season to season. Either way, pick something easy to store and can always be within arms’ reach. The best kitchen towel material for you depends on your needs. Before buying, consider if you need to dry lots of delicate glass vs. wipe up everyday spills. Cotton and cotton blends will usually be the most absorbent. Microfiber and linen are also great choices for soaking up large quantities of liquids. For most towels, you’ll want to wash them before using them to increase their ability to absorb liquids. Oversized towels can hold big spills, but they also take up more room. Pick something easy to store and check if the towel you like has a hanging loop or will need to be folded and stored elsewhere. Kitchen towels will likely get wet and pick up spills, which means they will get dirty and have to be cleaned often. When choosing the best kitchen towels for your home, you’ll want to consider the suggested care for each pick and if that works for your lifestyle. For example, some can be washed and dried in machines, while it’s recommended you hang dry and iron other picks. “Cotton can hold over 25% of its weight in water, making it a great choice for an absorbent kitchen towel," Wojenski says. "For perspective, linen can hold about 20%, microfiber 7%, and polyester less than 1%.” Dish towels are towels designated for washing and drying dishes. "They are an absorbent material, often cotton or linen, but are typically thinner than a kitchen towel, which is used for hand drying and cleaning up kitchen spills," Wojenski explains. "A European Dish Cloth is another option for dish washing and drying, holding 20 times its weight in liquid makes it very effective.” “Kitchen and dish towels should be rotated and washed frequently to avoid bacteria build-up and the spread of germs," Wojenski says. "Washing towels every three to five days is a good rule of thumb, but the more frequently towels are used the more frequently they will need to be washed. If a towel is used to wipe up a mess, it should be swapped out right away.” When you do launder them, Wojenski recommends people should wash kitchen and dish towels separately to avoid contamination onto bath towels or clothing. Washing frequency will depend on how often you use them, but err on the side of washing kitchen towels often. If you’re using your towel to dry wet hands, adding that kitchen towel to your regular laundry cycle will be sufficient. If you’re using the dish towel to clean up food, especially meat, poultry, or fish, wash the towel immediately after using it. This article was written by Maya Polton, an experienced freelance writer who has written for a wide variety of publications. In looking at the best kitchen towels, she aimed for brands that offered a variety of styles and sizes, affordable prices, and long-lasting towels. She also interviewed Alexandra Wojenski, sustainable cleaning expert and Grove guide at Grove Collaborative, for insight on how to pick and care for kitchen towels. We Tried 11 Reusable Paper Towels, And These 7 Were The Best Options :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Kitchen-Towels-BHG-tout-6ab8bd3d515042c898fcb81266485bc0.jpg "The 15 Best Kitchen Towels of 2024 That Are Stylish and Functional (1)")
Best Splurge
Furbish Studio Block Print Dish Towels
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Best with Hanging Loops
Ritz Hook and Hang Towel
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Best Waffle Fabric
Coyuchi Organic Waffle Kitchen Towels
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The Bottom Line
What to Know About Kitchen Towels Before Shopping
Style
Material and Absorbency
Size
Care
Your Questions, Answered
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