I actually use these gloves as glorified kitchen gloves. They're great for roasting turkey, cooking over a campfire, or handling hot cast iron. However, they are sold as welding gloves and welding is certainly a common activity among my colleagues. I feel the heat of the cast-iron skillet soon enough that I'm in no hurry to call them welding gloves. A few days ago I spoke to a welder who uses these gloves and we both agreed that they are a step down from what a professional welder would use. On the other hand, they are gross overkill for tending a fire. That's a lot of gloves for the price.