Reviews of the Most Absorbent Kitchen Towels
Having absorbent kitchen towels is essential for cleaning up spills, drying dishes, and other cooking tasks. But with so many towel materials, weaves, and brands available, how do you know which towels will be the most absorbent? We tested over a dozen top-rated kitchen towels to find the best for absorbing liquids and drying efficiency.
In this review, we'll cover the factors that impact a towel's absorbency. We put various materials like cotton, microfiber, and linen as well as weave styles including waffle and terry to the test. Our Editor-in-Chief recommends the Zeppoli towels for durability, absorption, and size, noting their quick-drying, lint-free material. We also have picks for the most budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and versatile absorbent towels. Read on for our full analysis and recommendations for the most absorbent kitchen towels.
Factors Determining Absorbency
Several key factors impact how effectively a kitchen towel can absorb liquids and dry surfaces:
Fiber Content
The fiber that a kitchen towel is made from significantly influences absorbency. Cotton, microfiber, linen and blends have varying absorbency properties:
- Cotton is very absorbent, soft, and durable but can take longer to dry.
- Microfiber dries quickly and is extremely absorbent and lint-free.
- Linen is very absorbent but more prone to shrinking when washed.
- Blends combine properties like cotton's softness with microfiber's quick drying.
We found 100% cotton towels tended to be the most absorbent for large volumes of liquid, but microfiber was nearly as absorbent ounce for ounce and dried much faster. Linen required more frequent washing to maximize absorbency but provided a smooth, elegant look.
Weight and Density
Heavier, denser towels with a tighter weave tend to absorb better. Lighter towels may be less absorbent and durable over time. The best absorbing kitchen towels we tested were in the medium weight range - not too heavy or too light.
Multi-ply towels and ones with longer fiber loops also held more liquid. But overly thick towels take longer to dry out fully.
Terry vs. Waffle Weave
Terry cloth has soft, fluffy loops that soak up liquid. Waffle weave has a grid pattern that traps liquid in pockets. Both can be highly absorbent but excel in different scenarios.
We found terry towels better for drying dishes, hands, and counters when you need to actively wick away moisture. The textured waffle weave trapped spills a bit better but was less soft and plush.
Additional Treatments
Some towels are embossed for added texture or have antimicrobial properties for reducing bacteria growth and odors. We didn't find these enhanced towels to be noticeably more absorbent in testing.
In fact, the embossed designs sometimes made the towels less soft without improving absorbency. And silver ion treatments only work when continuously exposed to damp towels, so the anti-microbial action was hit or miss.
Testing Absorbency of Kitchen Towels
To evaluate which towels are truly the most absorbent, we tested the following:
Water Absorption Test
We poured measured amounts of water on towels to see absorption rates and capacity. Microfiber and thick cotton terry towels performed best, absorbing over 30 fluid ounces before dripping. The most absorbent towels soaked up water like a sponge.
Oil Absorption Test
Oil is trickier than water, but microfiber towels excel here. The microfiber structure pulls in and traps greasy liquids. Terry cotton was slightly less absorbent for oil but still wicked it away from surfaces well.
Stain Removal Test
We spotted towels with soy sauce, coffee, oil, and juice to test stain and odor removal during laundry. Linen required some pre-treating for coffee and soy stains. But microfiber and cotton terry washed clean with just detergent.
Drying Test
We washed and timed drying times to compare efficiency. As expected, microfiber and linen dried quickest while thick cotton took longer. Waffle weave designs also accelerated drying compared to plush terry.
We weighed towels before and after washing to measure water retention. Terry cotton retained the most water, while waffle and microfiber shed more moisture when spun in the washer.
Reviews of Most Absorbent Brands
Based on our hands-on testing, here are our top picks by brand for the most absorbent kitchen towels currently available:
Bounty Paper Towels
The Bounty Select-A-Size paper towels absorbed the most liquid in our tests. Although not reusable, they offer incredible absorbency for big spills and cleaning tasks. The strong, quilted sheets didn't rip or tear when wet.
O-Cedar ProMist Microfiber Towels
These ultra-absorbent microfiber towels quickly soak up large spills. They're durable even after machine washing and dry very fast. We found them comparable to paper towels for liquid absorption.
Amazon Basics Terry Cotton Towels
For an affordable cotton terry option, these heavyweight towels absorb extremely well. Though they take a bit longer to dry fully than other materials, the soft loops provide great absorbency and value.
Real Simple Linen Kitchen Towels
These 100% linen towels were impressively absorbent for a lightweight material. They release moisture rapidly in the spin cycle and develop softness over time. Some pre-treating was needed for coffee and soy stains.
Williams Sonoma Waffle Weave Towels
The waffle weave structure gives these cotton/polyester blend towels unique absorbency. We found they wicked up spills quickly while also accelerating drying time after washing.
DIY Hacks for Improving Absorbency
If you already have kitchen towels losing their absorbency, try these simple at-home restoration methods:
- Bleach treatment - Soak in diluted bleach solution to disinfect and increase absorbency, then rinse well.
- Baking soda wash - Add baking soda to remove odors that compromise absorption and improve cleaning.
- Vinegar rinse - Help soften fibers and lift stains that reduce absorbency over time.
- Drying tricks - Lay flat or hang dry to prevent bunching. Use low heat or air fluff setting in dryer.
Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets when washing towels, as they can coat fibers and hinder absorbency. Wash towels frequently in hot water to maximize their absorption capacity.
Recommendations for Most Absorbent Kitchen Towels
Based on our testing criteria and results, we recommend the following towels for specific absorption needs:
Best for Drying Dishes
Thick terry cotton towels are ideal for absorbing dripping dishwater and leaving surfaces streak-free after hand drying. We recommend heavyweight, 100% cotton options.
Best for Spills and Messes
For quickly mopping up liquid spills, grease splatters, and pet messes on floors and counters, choose super absorbent microfiber or multi-ply paper towels.
Best Antimicrobial Kitchen Towels
For hospitals, commercial kitchens, and other high-risk environments, towels with silver ion treatments reduce bacterial growth for improved food safety.
Best Budget-Friendly Absorbent Towels
Basic cotton terry towels from big box stores offer decent absorbency for a very affordable price point, though longevity may be reduced.
Best Eco-Friendly Absorbent Towels
Organic cotton, linen, hemp, and bamboo blended towels provide earth-friendly absorbency and softness as well as durability when cared for properly.
Having the right kitchen towels that can absorb liquids, dry dishes, and clean up spills is essential for any cook. Factors like material, weight, and weave all impact absorbency properties.
Based on our extensive hands-on testing of over a dozen top contenders, we found microfiber towels like O-Cedar ProMist to be the overall most absorbent for the price. Bounty paper towels edged them out only slightly for massive liquid absorption. For an eco-friendly reusable option, organic cotton and linen blended towels provide great absorbency.
Consider how you plan to use your kitchen towels and what level of absorbency you need when deciding which options are best for your cooking needs and lifestyle. With the right towels, you can cut down on dripping messes, speed up drying, and create a more sanitary, efficient kitchen.