Oxo SoftWorks is a line focused on maximum comfort, with soft, cushioned grips designed for accessibility, making it ideal for those with limited hand strength. In contrast, Oxo GoodGrips is the brand’s broader, flagship collection known for durable, non-slip rubberized handles that provide a secure grip on a wider variety of kitchen tools.
Let's break down the key differences to help you choose the right ergonomic tools for your kitchen drawers.
Oxo SoftWorks: The Comfort-Focused Choice
Oxo SoftWorks is a line designed with one primary goal: ultimate user comfort. It targets home cooks who need or prefer tools that are exceptionally easy to hold and use, particularly individuals with arthritis, carpal tunnel, or limited hand strength. The defining feature is the soft, cushioned, non-slip material used for the handles, which reduces strain during repetitive kitchen tasks like peeling, mashing, and stirring.
- Product mix: A focused selection of everyday kitchen essentials such as peelers, can openers, turners, pizza wheels, and ice cream scoops where a comfortable handle makes a significant difference.
- Style/vibe: Modern and functional, with an emphasis on oversized, soft, contoured grips. The aesthetic prioritizes ergonomics and ease of handling over sleekness.
- Price point: Mid-range and accessible, with most items falling between $10 and $30. It offers great value for its comfort-driven design.
- Quality: Built with durable plastics and stainless steel functional ends. The standout feature is the soft, pressure-absorbing handle designed for longevity and comfort.
- Best for: Seniors, individuals with grip issues or arthritis, and anyone who finds standard kitchen tools uncomfortable to use for extended periods.
The SoftWorks line is perfect for anyone who puts comfort and accessibility at the top of their list for kitchen tools.
Shop Oxo SoftWorks: www.oxo.com
Oxo GoodGrips: The Ergonomic Kitchen Standard
As one of Oxo’s most recognizable and extensive product lines, GoodGrips has set the standard for ergonomic kitchen tools. It was foundational to the brand's philosophy that tools should be comfortable for everyone. GoodGrips products feature signature soft, non-slip handles made from a firm yet flexible rubberized material that provides a secure hold, even when your hands are wet or oily. The line’s vast range makes it a go-to for outfitting an entire kitchen.
- Product mix: An extensive range covering nearly every kitchen category, including spatulas, measuring cups, salad spinners, can openers, and hundreds of specialty gadgets.
- Style/vibe: Clean, modern, and highly functional. The design is iconic and consistent across the line, featuring black grips with colorful accents and polished stainless steel.
- Price point: Mid-range, typically from $8 for simple tools to over $40 for more complex gadgets. It offers durable quality that justifies the price.
- Quality: Famed for durability. The handles are robust and made from a santoprene material that doesn't slip, while the business ends often use reinforced blade-quality stainless steel.
- Best for: All home cooks, from beginners to serious chefs, who want reliable, durable, and secure-feeling tools for any and every kitchen task.
Oxo GoodGrips is the versatile workhorse for home cooks who need high-performing, comfortable tools for a wide variety of kitchen jobs.
Shop Oxo GoodGrips: www.oxo.com
Oxo SoftWorks vs. Oxo GoodGrips Comparison
Price Comparison
Both Oxo lines operate in a similar mid-range territory, offering affordable quality. However, there are some slight differences. SoftWorks products, focusing on core essentials, tend to stay within the $10-$30 range. GoodGrips has a much broader pricing structure due to its vast selection.
While a basic GoodGrips peeler might cost about the same as a SoftWorks one, the GoodGrips line extends to more complex and higher-priced items like salad spinners or precision graters that can exceed $40. For basic tools, pricing is comparable, but GoodGrips has a higher ceiling due to its wider variety of specialty items.
Quality & Materials
Quality is a hallmark for the Oxo brand, and both lines are built to last. They both typically use stainless steel heads and durable, BPA-free plastic bodies. The key difference is in the handle material and feel.
The GoodGrips line uses a firm, rubberized Santoprene handle that is renowned for its non-slip security. It's tough, resilient, and easy to clean. The SoftWorks line uses a visibly softer, more cushioned grip material designed to absorb pressure. While still durable, its primary characteristic is its plush feel, which can be immensely helpful for sensitive hands but might feel less precise for others.
Product Selection
This is one of the biggest differentiators. The Oxo GoodGrips line is enormous, offering a solution for almost any cooking or baking task imaginable. From apple corers to turkey basters to airtight POP Containers, GoodGrips aims to cover every corner of the kitchen with its signature ergonomic design.
Oxo SoftWorks is much more focused. It offers a curated collection of a few dozen core tools where the soft-handle design provides the most benefit: peelers, can openers, turners, and scoops. If you’re looking to outfit your entire kitchen with a single matching line, GoodGrips is the clear winner. If you just need a few key tools that are supremely comfortable, SoftWorks provides excellent options.
Shopping Experience
Since both are lines from the same parent brand, the shopping experience is identical. You can find Oxo GoodGrips and SoftWorks products side-by-side on the official OXO website, as well as at major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Customer service, warranty, and return policies all fall under the excellent OXO corporate umbrella. The primary advantage of shopping in a physical store is the ability to feel the handles yourself to determine which grip you personally prefer.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both lines deliver on OXO's promise of making everyday tasks better, but they serve slightly different user preferences.
Choose Oxo SoftWorks if:
- Your primary concern is comfort due to arthritis, limited grip strength, or hand pain.
- You prefer a softer, more cushioned handle that absorbs pressure.
- You're shopping for essential tools like peelers or can openers and want the most comfortable version available.
- You don't need a massive collection, just a few reliable, easy-to-use staples.
Choose Oxo GoodGrips if:
- You want to build a comprehensive, matching set of ergonomic kitchen tools.
- Your priority is a secure, non-slip grip that performs well even when wet or messy.
- You are an avid home cook who needs a wide variety of specialty gadgets tailored to specific tasks.
- You prefer a firmer, yet still comfortable, handle for more precise control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oxo SoftWorks or GoodGrips cheaper?
For comparable everyday tools like vegetable peelers, the prices are very similar. However, the GoodGrips line includes a much wider array of specialty items and more complex gadgets, so its price range extends higher than SoftWorks. For basic utensils, neither is significantly cheaper than the other.
What is the main difference between Oxo SoftWorks and GoodGrips?
The main difference is the feel and construction of the handle. SoftWorks handles are softer and more cushioned to maximize comfort and absorb pressure, making them ideal for sensitive hands. GoodGrips handles are made of a firmer, rubberized material that provides a highly secure, non-slip grip suitable for a wide range of kitchen conditions.
Are both lines good for arthritis?
Yes, both are excellent choices for people with arthritis because of their ergonomic, oversized handles that reduce strain. However, the Oxo SoftWorks line is often specifically recommended for this need due to its softer, more pressure-absorbent grip.
Are Oxo products dishwasher safe?
Yes, the vast majority of products from both the SoftWorks and GoodGrips lines are dishwasher safe. Always check the product-specific packaging or the OXO website to be certain.
Which line has more products?
The Oxo GoodGrips line has a vastly larger selection of products, covering nearly every conceivable kitchen task with hundreds of unique tools and gadgets.
Where can I buy Oxo products?
Both lines are widely available on the official oxo.com website, and at major online and brick-and-mortar retailers including Amazon, Target, Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, and various kitchen supply stores.
Is Oxo a good quality brand?
Yes, OXO is widely regarded as a high-quality brand known for its durable, innovative, and user-centric designs. Both the GoodGrips and SoftWorks lines live up to this reputation, offering excellent performance and longevity for their price point.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
