Is There a ‘Best’ Apron for Cooking at Home?

Cooking at home has made a comeback in America thanks to coronavirus. Indeed, people who rarely turn on the stove or pull out a kitchen knife now find themselves standing at the counter every evening, ready to experiment with a brand-new recipe. Some are finding out just how messy the kitchen can be when they spend a lot of time there.

In light of that, here’s a question: is there a ‘best’ apron for cooking at home? Back in the day, our mothers and grandmothers wore kitchen aprons whenever they cooked. These days, kitchen aprons are as new to us as cooking at home.

Different Aprons for Different Jobs

Salt Lake City-based Alsco, a company that specializes in uniforms and aprons for the restaurant industry, explains that there are different styles of aprons depending on the job a restaurant worker performs. Bar aprons tend to be short and with limited pockets. Server aprons are a bit longer, with more pockets to hold everything from order pads to tablets.

Meanwhile, prep cooks and sous chefs tend to wear aprons with bibs to protect the chest. Dishwashers and bussers where full-length aprons that cover everything from the upper chest to below the knees. In short, there are different aprons for different jobs.

You handle all of those jobs yourself if you cook at home. You are the sous chef. You are the line cook and the master chef. You clean your own table and wash your own dishes. So, is there a specific kind of apron you should wear?

Characteristics of a Good Home Apron

Alsco says there isn’t a best apron specifically for home use. However, they do suggest that consumers look for a few key things:

• A Bib – Bib aprons are designed with an upper section that covers the chest. These are ideal for protecting your shirt and any exposed skin around the neckline. Home cooks really need this kind of protection.
• Adjustable Strap – The strap that secures the bib around the neck should be adjustable. An adjustable strap makes it easier to get just the right fit. Otherwise, the bib could be too tight or hang too low.
• Pockets – Although pockets are not absolutely necessary, they are helpful. Home cooks can use their pockets for kitchen utensils they use frequently – perhaps a thermometer or a measuring spoon set.
• Long Ties – Ties long enough to wrap around the waist are another big plus. Long ties make it easier to secure the apron and, as an added bonus, provide a way to carry a hand towel as you walk around the kitchen. Just secure the towel between strap and apron.
• Knee Length – If the point of wearing an apron is to protect yourself against spills and splashes (and it is) choosing one that protects at least down to the knees is a good idea. Hot liquids and sharp kitchen utensils can do quite a bit of harm from waist to knees.

In terms of actual style, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You might prefer something that looks old and classic. Your significant other might prefer new and modern. Aesthetic appeal is less important than protection.

In the end, there is no best apron for home cooking. You do not even have to wear an apron at all. But if you do choose to wear one, you might just as well select an apron that provides the right mix of utility and protection. A good apron can be your best friend in the kitchen.