10 Best Dish Towels in 2023

The best dish towels go beyond mere functionality and add a touch of style and efficiency to your daily kitchen routine. Drying dishes, wiping greasy fingers, stabilizing a cutting board, carrying a hot pan— We use dish towels for so many different purposes. So you want dish towels that will not only look good but be functional and durable too.

In this article, you’ll get help choosing the ideal dish towel set for you—via a round-up of the 10 best dish towels of 2023. You’ll get to see each towel set’s features, pros, cons, and price, as well as some special considerations and FAQs. Let’s get started!

What to Consider When Buying Dish Towels?

Material and Absorbency

Choose dish towels made from highly absorbent materials like linen or cotton for effective moisture absorption and quick drying. The material’s quality will directly impact the towel’s performance in the kitchen.

Durability

Opt for dish towels that are durable and can withstand frequent use and washing. Look for well-constructed hems and seams to ensure longevity, especially considering the wear and tear that kitchen towels often experience.

Lint and Lint-Free Options

Some materials may produce lint, which can be undesirable in a kitchen setting. Consider your preference for lint-free towels or those that may require initial washing to reduce lint before optimal use.

Size and Thickness

Choose the right size and thickness based on your specific needs. Larger towels may be useful for larger spills, while thinner towels can be more versatile for tasks like drying dishes and hands. Strike a balance that aligns with your daily kitchen activities.

Aesthetic Appeal

While functionality is key, consider the aesthetic appeal of the dish towels. Select colors and patterns that complement your kitchen decor, adding a touch of style to this everyday essential. This way, your dish towels not only serve a practical purpose but also contribute to the visual harmony of your kitchen.

10 Best Dish Towels in 2023

1.) Hyer Kitchen Microfiber Towels

You can’t go wrong with this set of 8 towels from Hyer Kitchen. They’re made out of hard-wearing microfiber and woven into an ultra-absorbent, terry cloth design.

As well as being functional, these towels are super stylish. The trendy color options and the towels’ thick, plush feel will add a sense of opulence and panache to your kitchen.

Top Features of Hyer Kitchen Microfiber Towels

• Microfiber material is thick and soft, giving a plush look and feel
• Terry cloth makes the towels extra absorbent
• Large size (26 x 18 inches) is great for large kitchens
• Stylish color options, including “camel”, “dark green”, and “lake blue”

Pros

• Very absorbent
• Plush look and feel
• Fade-resistant

Cons

• Size may be too large

Price

A set of 8 starts at around $33

2.) Linoto Treeless Linen Towels

Looking for something environmentally friendly? Then these Linoto towels are perfect for you. They’re made out of waste linen that would otherwise go unused, they’re biodegradable, and they come in sustainable packaging.

Since they are made out of natural, washed linen, these towels are also ideal if you want a natural, farmhouse aesthetic in your kitchen.

Top Features of Linoto Treeless Linen Towels

• Distressed linen creates a natural, farmhouse-style look
• The linen is natural, sustainable, and biodegradable
• An eco-friendly alternative to disposable paper towels
• Neutral color options (blues, grays, creams) suit most decor styles

Pros

• Natural look
• Neutral colors
• Soft to the touch
• Sustainable

Cons

• High price

Price

One towel costs $8

3.) Aunt Martha’s Flour Sack Dish Towels

These flour sacks are some of the best dish towels if you want something multipurpose and hard-wearing. The 100% cotton stands for durability, and the towels’ larger size makes them ideal for everything from removing spillages to drying large dishes.

You might even want to use these towels as napkins or as tablecloths, too. The pure white color and the professional finish make them a stylish addition to any dining table!

Top Features of Aunt Martha’s Flour Sack Dish Towels

• Made out of 100% cotton, which has high absorbency and durability
• Generous size is particularly suited to larger kitchens and tasks
• Size and white color give these towels the look of a professional kitchen
• High-quality finish means they can be repurposed as napkins or tablecloths

Pros

• Good absorbency
• Versatile
• Durable

Cons

• Size may be too large

Price

A pack of 7 of Aunt Martha’s Flour Sack Dish Towels starts at around $16

4.) Williams Sonoma Classic Striped Towels

These Williams Sonoma towels are super absorbent thanks to their basketweave. Being made out of 100% cotton makes them smooth and durable, too.

What stands out with these towels are their finishing touches. Hanging loops let you store them in different ways, and the colored stripe is eye-catching and unique. As well as being practical, then, these Williams Sonoma kitchen towels add a splash of personality to a kitchen!

Top Features of Williams Sonoma Classic Striped Towels

• Basketweave makes these towels particularly absorbent
• Turkish cotton fabric gets softer and fluffier with every machine wash
• Hanging loop gives you more options for storage
• Available in stylish colors including black, gray, and red

Pros

• Durable cotton
• Soft and absorbent
• Hanging loops
• Quality brand

Cons

• Too thick for drying wine glasses and similar

Price

A set of 4 is available for around $30

5.) Coyuchi Organic Waffle Kitchen Towels

These are some of the best dish towels with an ultra-absorbent waffle weave—perfect for soaking up big messes. What’s more, you can choose from a stylish set of colors, with neutral pastel tones that are bound to look good in any kitchen. And if that weren’t enough, the production factory recycles 98% of its wastewater, making this a super sustainable purchase.

The higher price tag here is worth the investment if you’re after functionality, style, and sustainability.

Top Features of Coyuchi Organic Waffle Kitchen Towels

• Waffle weave makes these towels especially absorbent
• Available in different colors—versatile pastel tones
• Being yarn-dyed rather than printed, the color will last longer
• Production factory is committed to recycling wastewater

Pros

• 100% organic cotton
• Good absorbency
• Low lint
• Hanging loops
• Eco-friendly

Cons

• High price per towel

Price

You can buy a set of 6 for around $58

6.) Zeppoli Flour Sack Towels

The price-per-towel here is unbeatable, given that you get some sought-after specifications. The 100% ring-spun cotton is durable and absorbent, and the manufacturer promises low shrinkage and minimal lint.

Another perk of these flour sack towels is that they are suitable, and safe, for tasks like straining food and covering rising dough. Zeppoli Flour Sack Towels are a brilliant all-rounder!

Top Features of Zeppoli Flour Sack Towels

• Flour sacks can be used for tasks like covering dough as it rises
• Ring-spun, which increases their absorbency
• Resist shedding lint, which protects the surfaces being cleaned
• Designed to resist shrinking during washing
• These are thinner towels compared to the alternatives, so they dry faster

Pros

• Great price
• Ring-spun cotton
• Minimal lint
• Shrink-resistant

Cons

• Not as stylish as others

Price

A 12-pack starts at around $20

7.) Grove Swedish Dish Cloths

These dishcloths are a cross between a towel, cloth, and sponge. Made out of cotton and cellulose, they are listed as one of the best dish towels for having a spongy texture that makes them super absorbent when it comes to spillages like water, sauces, and spilled milk.

Another stand-out characteristic is the eye-catching design; bright, zesty lemons bring a quirky, summery feel to your kitchen. And the cherry on the cake: these dishcloths are biodegradable, too.

Top Features of Grove Swedish Dishcloths

• Made of biodegradable cellulose and cotton
• Can be disinfected in your microwave or dishwasher
• Spongy texture helps soak up water and other liquids quickly
• Cloths are biodegradable and packaging is plastic-free
• Vibrant colors add energy and flavor to your kitchen decor

Pros

• Ultra-absorbent
• Bright colors
• Sustainable
• Easily disinfected

Cons

• Pattern might not appeal

Price

You can buy a 2-piece set for around $8

8.) Utopia Bar Mops Towels

Utopia towels are one of the best budget options out there; here you get a 12-piece set for $18. And these are no ordinary kitchen towels, either. Originally designed for cleaning bars, bar mop towels like this are thicker and more plush than standard dish towels, making them even more absorbent.

Another selling point is the looped zero twist construction; this means less lint is shed and fraying is reduced, which makes cleaning so much easier—and helps your towels last longer!

Top Features of Utopia Bar Mops Towels

• Bar mops are plusher and more absorbent than normal dish towels
• Fabric is natural, organic, and free from harmful chemicals
• Constructed in a way that minimizes lint and fraying
• Available in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, purple, and gray

Pros

• Absorbent
• Organic fabric
• Soft, plush feel
• Minimal lint

Cons

• Less stylish than other towels

Price

A 12-piece set starts at $18

9.) Utopia Flour Sacks

Most flour sack towels are made to be durable, professional-looking, and versatile—and these Utopia towels don’t disappoint. They’re absorbent, but not so thick that you can’t clean into nooks and crannies. Plus, they have a durable, double-stitched edge that resists fraying, making them one of the best dish towels.

With the pure, white design, these tea towels may look basic, but they pack a punch. Professional chefs use white flour sacks like this, and thanks to Utopia towels you can bring that expert vibe into your kitchen.

Top Features of Utopia Flour Sacks

• Double-stitched, hemmed edge ensures a top-quality, long-lasting finish
• Used by restaurant chefs, flour sacks add panache to your kitchen
• Available in various quantities, including packs of 6, 12, and 24
• Thinner towels like this are well-suited to delicate tasks like drying water glasses

Pros

• Double-stitched
• Lint-free
• Shrink-resistant
• Professional look

Cons

• Thinner cotton

Price

A 12-pack costs around $18

10.) Williams Sonoma All Purpose Pantry Towels

These are kitchen towels with a twist: one side is terry cloth and the other has a waffle texture. This lets you pick the right side for your needs—and clean more effectively as a result! All the while, you can be sure that your dinnerware doesn’t get scratched, thanks to the highly soft, Turkish cotton fabric.

A further distinguishing feature of these pantry towels is that they offer impressive absorbency.

Top Features of Williams Sonoma All-Purpose Pantry Towels

• Pure Turkish cotton is non-abrasive, which protects glassware and dishes
• Versatile usage: one side has a waffle texture; the other side is terry cloth
• Williams Sonoma is a reliable, good-quality brand
• These pantry towels are available in multiple colors

Pros

• Double-sided
• Highly absorbent
• Soft, hardy cotton
• Reliable quality

Cons

• Take longer to dry

Price

A set of 4 costs around $22

FAQs

Are dish towels heat-resistant?

It depends on how thick your dish towel is—and how you use it. For instance, if you hold a hot pan handle using a thin kitchen towel, without folding it, you could risk burning your towel and your hand. Fold the towel up to thicken it, meanwhile, and there’ll be far less transferral of heat. So, kitchen towels can resist heat well if used in the right way. Some are even marketed as being highly heat-resistant.

Are dish towels and dishcloths the same thing?

Although the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they have their differences. Technically, dishcloths tend to be fluffier in texture (akin to bath towels). A special type of dishcloth is the terry cloth. Dish towels, meanwhile, are usually made out of cotton or linen only and have a less fluffy and slightly rougher surface.

In Conclusion: The Best Dish Towels For You

Finding the best dish towels for your kitchen requires the right amount of know-how. Whether you’ll be using them for drying dishes, mopping up messes, or more, you need to know what you want your kitchen towels to be made of and what special features they need to have.

Showcasing the 10 best dish towels of 2022, this article has helped you on your way to finding the perfect kitchen towel set for your needs. It’s now over to you to go and make the purchase!