The Best Disposable Gloves 2021

Professionals and nonprofessionals alike are in search of the best disposable gloves for a wide variety of applications.

Those in the healthcare industry need protection against biological viruses, infections, and diseases. Auto mechanics, janitors, and food handlers need to keep hands clean from oil, grease, and harsh chemicals. While this is an essential use of disposable gloves, the average person can benefit too.

From working in the garden to changing the oil or cleaning the house, disposable gloves have become an everyday household tool. Keeping hands clean and free from skin irritants caused by cleaners, detergents, and even home hair dye kits is helpful for everyone.

Are you allergic to latex? No worries. The following list of the best disposable gloves include latex-free options also. From the best type of gloves with medical grading to professional food handling and even for general use, we have you covered.

Nitrile Disposable Gloves

A synthetic rubber that is used in the manufacture of other materials, nitrile gloves provide a barrier that protects the skin from harsh chemicals and even bloodborne pathogens. 

Disposable nitrile gloves protect against chemicals such as ammonia and bleach, acids and alkalis, and biological contaminants like bacteria and viruses.

Nitrile is the most versatile and hypoallergenic glove material that is safe to use with sharp objects. They are not easily punctured or ripped. A variety of colors is used to indicate task uses and level of protection. Black nitrile gloves are commonly used in the automotive industry to hide grease and oil while blue nitrile is mostly used in the medical fields. These gloves are best for high-risks situations where top-notch protection is a must.

Blue Nitrile Disposable Gloves

Protection Level: Exam Grade, 510-K Certified, Powder Free

Best for: Industrial work, food processing, schools, laboratories, auto mechanics, daycare centers, veterinarians, painters, cleaners, and plumbers.

Thickness: 4 mils

Black Nitrile Disposable Gloves

Protection Level: Exam Grade, 510-K Certified, Powder Free

Best for: Clinics, medical care, food processing, tattoo artists, pest control, auto mechanics, first responders, animal care, painters, cleaners, and plumbers.

Thickness: 4 mils

Orange Nitrile Disposable Gloves

Protection Level: Exam Grade, 510-K Certified, Powder Free

Best for: Medical professionals, nursing, mechanics, retirement centers, animal handlers, and daycare centers.

Thickness: 4.5 mils

White Nitrile Disposable Gloves

Protection Level: Exam Grade, 510-K Certified, Powder Free

Best for: Healthcare, dental, child care, emergency medical professionals, sanitation, auto mechanics, industrial, schools, and senior care.

Thickness: 4 mils

Even though nitrile gloves are a more expensive option due to the high durability and protection, this makes them a top pick for medical use.

Vinyl Disposable Gloves

PVC polyvinyl chloride vinyl gloves are a common type of glove used in various industries. They offer limited protection against chemicals and pathogens.

As a less expensive option, they are a popular choice for the food industry where high protection and durability is not as important. They are best suited for low-risk tasks and in situations where gloves need to be changed often. 

Vinyl Disposable Gloves Powder Free

Protection Level: Exam Grade, Powder Free

Best for: Dentistry, non-invasive medical exams, cleaning, and food service.

Thickness: 5.1 mils

Black Disposable Vinyl Gloves

Protection Level: Exam Grade, 510-K Certified, Powder Free

Best for: Dentistry, non-invasive medical exams, cleaning, and food service.

Thickness: 5.1 mils

Blue Disposable Vinyl Gloves

Protection Level: Exam Grade, 510-K Certified, Powder Free

Best for: General industrial use, food prep, cleaning, dishwashing, cooking, and non-invasive medical exams.

Thickness: 5.1 mils

Disposable Latex Gloves

A natural rubber with added chemicals, latex is one of the most commonly used materials for making disposable gloves. While it is effective for preventing infection and protecting against light chemicals, there are some individuals who have a severe allergic reaction to latex. Those with an allergy should use vinyl or nitrile gloves in place of latex ones.

Latex also offers a great comfort and fit but it is not resistant to all chemicals. As a biodegradable product, it easily decomposes which is helpful for the environment.

Latex Disposable Gloves Powder Free

Protection Level: Powder Free

Best for: Non-medical use, food prep, dishwashing, janitorial, and manufacturing.

Thickness: 

Black Latex Disposable Gloves

Protection Level: Powder Free, Puncture-Resistant

Best for: Senior care, dental, food processing, sanitation, industrial, mechanics, and childcare.

Thickness: 5 mils

Blue Latex Disposable Gloves

Protection Level: Powder Free, Puncture-Resistant

Best for: Senior care facilities, dentistry, food processing, janitorial, industrial, auto mechanics, and childcare centers.

Thickness: 13 mils

Powdered Disposable Gloves

Cornstarch is used in powdered gloves to make them easier to pull on and take off. It also helps absorb moisture and keep them flexible for long periods of time. The problem with powder is leaving residue on surfaces which increases the chances of infection if the powder gets inside an open wound. For these reasons, most people prefer to use powder-free gloves.

Disposable Glove Thickness

A thicker gloves helps protect against toxic chemicals and high temperatures. The extra thickness does cause them to have a little less flexibility and dexterity. This is a consideration for those who need high touch sensitivity for important fine-motor tasks such as surgery.

Gloves are measured in mils to determine the thickness level or gauge. One-thousandth of an inch is one mil. Most gloves for household use are between 2-8 mils while 6-8 mils are best for industrial use. 4-8 mils are commonly used in the medical industry. The thicker the glove, the less flexible they are but offer a high protection level.

Disposable Glove Size

Gloves that fit well offer more comfort, especially for longer periods of use. They also protect your hands better, reduce hand fatigue, and have a better grip. Latex and nitrile gloves have more dexterity than vinyl gloves.

Disposable glove sizes come in extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large. To make sure you are purchasing the right size of gloves, measure your hand with a flexible measuring tape. Wrap it around the center or your palm at the widest point to determine your hand width. This will help you know the size you need for an excellent fit.

Disposable Gloves Size Guide

Disposable Glove FDA Regulations

A series of testing is required by the United States Food and Drug Administration to determine whether they are best suited for medical, industrial, or food use. Less durable gloves are graded for industrial use while those matching the highest requirements will be graded for medical and surgical use.

Choosing The Best Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves are not just for use in medical and industrial settings. They are highly useful around the home too. Be sure to select the right glove type that works best for your situation, work setting, or task. 

As an inexpensive way to protect your hands from bacteria, germs, dirt, and other harmful health threats, keep a box around for all your household tasks. Nitrile gloves are best for cleaning the bathroom or fixing the lawn mower while vinyl gloves work great for food preparation.

If you might come in contact with harmful bacteria or viruses, latex and nitrile gloves are your best choice. Vinyl gloves will suffice when dealing with dirt in situations like gardening, dusting, and sweeping the garage. If you are allergic to latex or know you will be around someone else who is, be sure to only use nitrile or vinyl gloves.

By the way, did you know that we carry a full selection of high-quality disposable gloves at very affordable prices? It’s true! Save money while keeping your hands safe, clean, and protected.