We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance,
functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you
are agreeing to our privacy policy
10 Best Dish Towels
From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
Related Products
Up to 14% off
Recommended lists
Top rated
Towels
Buying Guide for the Best Dish Towels
Choosing the right dish towels is more important than you might expect, as they’re a kitchen essential that helps with drying dishes, cleaning spills, and handling hot pans. The perfect dish towel should strike a balance between absorption, durability, and ease of cleaning. Before shopping, consider how often you’ll use them, what kinds of tasks you do in your kitchen, and if you have any personal preferences around look or fabric feel. Remember, a towel that works beautifully for one person might not be as suited for another, depending on different needs.MaterialMaterial refers to what the dish towel is made of, and this is crucial because it affects absorbency, durability, and general feel. Cotton is the most popular because it’s soft, absorbent, and easy to wash. Linen is less absorbent but dries quickly and leaves no lint, which is great for glassware. Microfiber is exceptionally good at absorbing water and drying quickly. When picking material, think about your typical kitchen routine: heavy dish drying might need cotton, while polishing glassware could suit linen, and quick cleanups favor microfiber.
AbsorbencyAbsorbency means how much water a dish towel can soak up before it becomes saturated. Higher absorbency is great for drying dishes or cleaning large spills, while lower absorbency can be better for tasks like polishing or wiping off countertops. Generally, thick, terry-weave cotton towels offer the most absorbency, flat-weave towels fall in the middle, and linen provides the least. If you have lots of dishes to dry regularly, choose a highly absorbent towel. For lighter, quick jobs, lower absorbency might be sufficient.
SizeSize relates to the dimensions of the towel. Smaller towels are easier to handle and store but might not be big enough for chores like drying a big batch of dishes. Larger towels cover more area and are more versatile but can be harder to wring out or manage. Common sizes range from about 16x18 inches to 20x30 inches. If you mostly wipe hands or clean small surfaces, a small to medium size works well. For bigger jobs, like covering bread or drying lots of dishes, consider larger towels.
Weave/TextureWeave or texture refers to the pattern and surface of the fabric, which affects both feel and performance. Terry weave has loops that increase absorbency and softness—good for drying. Flat weave is thinner and less absorbent but dries faster and leaves fewer streaks. Waffle weave has a bumpy texture with increased surface area, allowing for quick drying and moderate absorbency. If your main task is drying dishes, stick with terry or waffle weaves. For a quick-drying, low-lint option, flat weave is preferable.
DurabilityDurability describes how well the dish towel withstands frequent use and washing. More durable towels keep their absorbency, color, and shape after many wash cycles. Natural fibers like cotton and linen usually hold up well, but tightly woven or reinforced edges add to longevity. If you plan to wash your towels often or use them for heavy-duty cleaning, check for double-stitched or hemmed towels to ensure they'll last longer.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning is about how simple it is to wash and maintain the dish towel. Some materials, like cotton or microfiber, are machine washable and dry fast, making them ideal for everyday use. Others, like delicate linens, may require gentler washing or air drying. Pick a towel that suits how you do laundry—if you like tossing things in with the regular wash, machine-friendly fabrics are your best bet. If you're willing to put in a bit of extra care for a special texture or look, you can consider options that require gentle washing.