The safest way to handle hot grill grates is to use?

Using cooking gloves is the safest way to handle hot grill grates because they are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures. These gloves typically have heat-resistant materials, such as silicone or specialized fabrics, which protect your hands from burns and provide a secure grip. This design allows for both safety and practicality when dealing with hot equipment, making it the most effective choice during grilling activities.

Other methods, such as using a bare hand or a kitchen towel, do not offer adequate protection from the heat. A bare hand can easily suffer burns, while a kitchen towel might not be heat-resistant and could catch fire or burn through, creating a hazardous situation. Similarly, any available cloth may not have the necessary heat protection or durability to handle extreme temperatures, making it an unreliable choice for safely managing hot grill grates.