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 with these features in mind.Our overall choice for the best kitchen towel is the Geometry House Tea Towel because it’s made from recycled materials, has a generous size, and is absorbent enough for any task. It doesn’t hurt that it’s incredibly attractive, too.Here are the best kitchen towels available. Keep in Mind: These towels are more expensive than other options. 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. Price at time of publish: $32 for set of two Product Details: Dimensions: 18 x 30 inches | Material: Geoweave fabric | Shipping: Varies by retailer Keep in Mind: There are limited patterns and no hanging loop on these classics. Made of 100% cotton, these lint-free towels are super absorbent and can be used for various needs. Think: cleaning up messes, cloth napkins, serving trivets, and much more. They’re quick-drying and delicate enough to use on any surface, including marble, wood, glass, tile, and more, and won’t scratch any fragile dinnerware you may have. The best part? They’re machine washable and dryer-safe, so washing is a breeze. The brand promises that the towels won’t shrink or lose their shape over time, so you can wash them as often as you need. While there’s no hanging loop for easy storing, the towel does measure 14 x 25 inches, so it should easily fold over your cabinet or oven handles. There are also limited pattern options, but they’re all neutral and match various decor styles.  Price at time of publish: $44 Product Details: Dimensions: 14 x 25 inches | Material: 100% cotton | Shipping: Varies by retailer Keep in Mind: While lightweight, some cooks find that linen absorbs less water than other fabrics.  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. Price at time of publish: $8 Product Details: Dimensions: 12 x 12 inches to 27 x 27 inches | Material: 100% linen | Shipping: Free shipping on orders $35+ via Etsy Keep In Mind: While color coordinated, each of the four towels in the set is a different color. Price at time of publish: $20 Product Details: Dimensions: 28 x 21 inches | Material: Cotton | Shipping: Free shipping on orders $50+ 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. Price at time of publish: $10 Product Details: Dimensions: 16 x 16 inches | Material: Microfiber | Shipping: Varies by retailer 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. Price at time of publish: $28 Product Details:
Dimensions: 18 x 28 inches | Material: Cotton, rubber | Shipping: Varies by retailer Keep In Mind: Only available in three colors, these towels are plant dyed from pomegranate, turmeric, and indigo. Product Details: Dimensions: 28 x 18 inches | Materials: Organic cotton | Shipping: Varies by retailer

Product Details: Dimensions: 27.5 x 19.5 inches | Material: 100% Turkish cotton | Shipping: Free Carbon Neutral Shipping + Returns Keep In Mind: On the smaller side, these don’t have a hanging loop for drying. 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. Price at time of publish: $8 Product Details: Dimensions: 6.75 x 8 inches | Material: Biodegradable cellulose and cotton | Shipping: Free shipping with first order + Free 30-day returns Price at time of publish: $15 Product Details: Dimensions: 16 x 28 inches | Material: 100% cotton | Shipping: Varies by retailer While they’re only available in three solid colors, the towels are bold enough to stand out in your kitchen. We also love that Crate & Barrel makes other textiles in the same colors so you can create a cohesive look for your kitchen. These towels are made of 100% cotton and have an oversized design, measuring 18 x 28 inches. As a bonus, these towels are machine washable and will get softer with each cleaning. The brand does caution against using fabric softener and dryer sheets since they may affect the towel’s absorbency. You can also toss them in the dryer on a low cycle for easy and quick drying. There isn’t a hanging loop, so just be prepared to fold these over an oven handle or leave them on the counter. Price at time of publish: $17 Product Details: Dimensions: 18 x 28 inches | Material: 100% cotton | Shipping: Varies by retailer Keep in Mind: These have no loops, so plan to store them folded or hung over a kitchen handle. 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. Price at time of publish: $18 Product Details: Dimensions: 19 x 16 inches | Material: 100% ring spun cotton | Shipping: Varies by retailer Keep in Mind: It’s often useful to pre-wash flour sack towels so they become more absorbent. 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. Price at time of publish: $12 Product Details: Dimensions: 18 x 28 inches, 28 x 28 inches, or 33 x 38 inches | Material: 100% cotton | Shipping: Varies by retailer Keep In Mind: There’s no hanging loop on these towels.

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.Price at time of publish: $15 Product Details:  Dimensions: 16 x 26 inches | Material: Cotton, bamboo | Shipping: Varies by retailer Keep in Mind: This three-pack is on the more expensive side. 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.Price at time of publish: $28 Product Details:  Dimensions: 17 x 30 inches | Material: Cotton, terrycloth | Shipping: Varies by retailer Price at time of publish: $28 Product Details:
Dimensions: 20 x 30 inches | Material: 100% Turkish cotton | Shipping: Varies by retailer

What to Know About Kitchen Towels Before Shopping

Style

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.

Material and Absorbency

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.

Size

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.

Your Questions, Answered

What kind of kitchen towel is most absorbent? 

“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%.”

What is the difference between a dish towel and a kitchen towel? 

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.”

How often should you wash or switch out kitchen towels? 

“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.

Who We Are

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. User reviews (and complaints) were also helpful to find brands that live up to their promises of quality, accurate descriptions, and customer service. 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. Every year Maya hosts Thanksgiving, and she was given some beautiful kitchen towels prior to the meal. Not only have they held up well, but they remind her of the joyful celebration and still look great in her kitchen.