Flip burgers and grab pasta with ease.
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Better Homes & Gardens / Alli Waataja
Kitchen tongs are your best friend in the kitchen. They help you flip burgers, grab pasta, and serve food safely and efficiently. But with so many different tongs available, how do you choose the best pair?
To help you make an informed decision, we researched and consulted with experts to come up with a list of the best kitchen tongs on the market. Award-winning chef Brad Kilgore of MaryGold’s Florida Brasserie recommends having two sets of tongs, one for cooking and one for serving. Chef Kathy Fang of Fang in San Francisco uses both stainless steel and silicone tongs, depending on the task.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a novice, owning a reliable pair of kitchen tongs will make your time spent in the kitchen safer and easier.
What We Researched
- Size: We researched kitchen tongs in various lengths (generally between 7 and 12 inches) for different cooking and kitchen tasks.
- Material: We looked for kitchen tongs made of stainless steel, silicone, and nylon. We considered the durability of the material as well as its suitability for different types of cookware.
- Care: We looked for kitchen tongs that are dishwasher-safe and easy to maintain.
- Grip: We researched tongs that are ergonomically designed and comfortable to grip and hold as well as those that are gentle on food and cookware.
Best Overall: OXO 12-Inch Silicone Tongs
Why You Should Get It
They offer the ideal balance of strength and gentleness, so they are great for various tasks.
Keep in Mind
The silicone heads can discolor over time.
We chose the Oxo tongs as our top pick because of their durable stainless steel construction, comfortable grip, and convenient locking mechanism. Not only that, but almost all of the experts we consulted agreed that these tongs are versatile, easy to use, and built to last.
Jessica Randhawa, the head chef, recipe creator, photographer, and writer behind The Forked Spoon, calls these tongs one of the best on the market, praising their design for effortlessly combining functionality and durability. “Their silicone heads are gentle on non-stick cookware, preventing scratches, yet robust enough to handle a variety of foods,” Randhawa says.
The 12-inch length keeps your hands safe from the heat, and the scalloped silicone heads ensure a secure grip on food. Though the silicone heads can discolor over time, this doesn’t affect their functionality. They also feature a locking mechanism for convenient storage and are dishwasher safe.
Whether they’re flipping burgers on the grill or maneuvering delicate ingredients in a sauté pan, the Oxo Good Grips Tongs are strong enough to handle heavy foods but gentle enough to avoid damaging delicate creations (think: crepes, ravioli, and gnocchi).
Product Details: Size: 12 inches | Material: Stainless steel, silicone | Care: Dishwasher safe
Best Budget: HOTEC Premium Stainless Steel Locking Tongs with Silicone Tips
Why You Should Get It
They come in a pack of two (one is 9 inches long and the other is 12 inches).
Keep in Mind
They’re not as heavy duty as other picks on this list.
If you’re on a budget and looking for a reliable pair of kitchen tongs without breaking the bank, the Hotec Stongs are a great option. This set of two tongs (one is 9 inches and the other is 12 inches) is versatile enough to tackle various kitchen tasks, including serving appetizers and snacks as well as sautéing.
These tongs also feature many factors our experts look for in quality kitchen tongs, including scalloped silicone ends for a secure grip and a gentle touch on non-stick surfaces. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe.
You can choose a pair in black, blue, classic blue, or light gray to match your kitchen decor. A locking mechanism makes it easy to store the tongs alongside your other kitchen utensils without taking up too much space. That said, these tongs may not hold up to working with heavier items like meats and are best for lightweight foods.
Product Details: Size: 9 and 12 inches | Material: Stainless steel, silicone | Care: Dishwasher safe
Best Splurge: All-Clad Precision Nonstick Tongs
Why You Should Get It
They feature a seamless construction that won’t trap food particles or bacteria.
Keep in Mind
There are no grips on the handle, which could make them slippery in wet hands.
If you’re looking to invest in a nice pair of tongs, All-Clad’s Precision Nonstick Tongs are a worthwhile choice. These top-of-the-line tongs are renowned for their exceptional quality and precision, and they’re made with heavy-gauge stainless steel for ultimate durability and longevity.
Unlike other tongs on the market, these include a seamless construction and BPA-free nylon heads that are stick resistant and heat resistant up to 440°F.
Plus, they’re dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, and their sleek design makes them a stylish addition to any kitchen. At 13.75 inches long, these tongs provide excellent reach for cooking and serving, and their design prevents the trapping of food particles and bacteria. However, keep in mind that while the handle is contoured for a comfortable feel, there aren’t any grips on this set of tongs which could make them slippery if your hands are wet or coated in olive oil.
Product Details: Size: 13.75 inches | Material: Stainless steel, nylon | Care: Dishwasher safe
Best Mini: OXO Good Grips Mini Tongs
Why You Should Get It
They’re perfect for serving appetizers like olives, pickles, or cheese.
Keep in Mind
These do not have non-slip grips on the handles.
Sometimes, a fork or spoon just won’t cut it when it comes to handling small or delicate food items. That’s where a set of mini tongs can come in handy.
The Oxo Good Grips Mini Tongs are our top pick for the best mini kitchen tongs. Their compact, 7-inch size makes them perfect for serving cheese, appetizers, or small food items like olives. They also feature scalloped edges for a firm grip and precise handling. However, unlike Oxo’s larger sets of tongs, these mini tongs do not have non-slip grips on the handles, so they could be more prone to slipping out of hands.
Product Details: Size: 7 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Care: Dishwasher safe
Best One-Handed: Rösle 12-Inch Stainless Steel Tongs
Why You Should Get It
Their precision teeth can handle small and delicate tasks, so they’re ideal for plating and garnishing.
Keep in Mind
They’re a little pricier than other options on the market.
If you’re looking for ease and convenience while cooking, the Rösle tongs might be just what you need. Designed with a convenient lock and release system, these tongs can be opened, closed, and locked using just one hand. This makes them a great option for multitasking in the kitchen.
They feature an ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip and are made of durable stainless steel. They’re also stylish with a sleek design and have precision teeth that can handle small, delicate tasks like plating and garnishing. These tongs are a little pricier than other options on the market, but if you’re looking for the best one-handed tongs, this is a great option.
Product Details: Size: 12 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Care: Dishwasher safe
Best Stainless Steel: Vollrath 9.5-inch Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel Utility Tongs
Why You Should Get It
These restaurant-grade tongs are surprisingly affordable.
Keep in Mind
They’re not recommended for use with non-stick cookware.
Simplicity is key in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a minimalist approach to kitchen tongs, professional chef and food scientist Tiffany Swan recommends finding something strong and functional, like the Vollrath stainless steel tongs.
“We don’t want them to bend or break, and we want the springs to be strong enough to bounce back after every use,” says Swan. “They typically stay open, so we can hang them on oven doors or metro racks. Some look just like these that are flimsy and useless, so getting a feel for them before stocking up is important.”
Crafted with a no-frills design, the Vollrath tongs focus on functionality and performance. They feature scalloped ends and durable 20-gauge stainless steel construction, making them reliable, easy to use, and ideal for restaurants, catering events, and everyday cooking. They’re also affordable, so you don’t need to break the bank for a reliable set of tongs. If you own nonstick pans or delicate cookware, use caution with these tongs, as they don’t include a nonstick coating.
Product Details: Size: 9.5 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Care: Dishwasher safe
Best Set: Walfos Silicone Tongs
Why You Should Get It
The tongs have stainless steel handles for durability and heat resistance up to 480°F.
Keep in Mind
They’re not designed for precision handling or delicate tasks such as plating or delicate food flipping.
This set of Walfos Silicone Tongs can make mealtime much easier, especially if you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing multiple dishes. According to Kita Roberts of GirlCarnivore.com, keeping three pairs of tongs on rotation can help streamline cooking and avoid cross-contamination.
The set of three tongs is a great option for anyone who needs extra tongs. It includes tongs in three sizes (7 inches, 9 inches, and 12 inches), each with BPA-free silicone heads and stainless steel handles for durability and heat resistance up to 480°F. The tongs also come in bright colors (red, green, and blue) and include a locking mechanism for easy stacking. However, these tongs are not designed for precision handling.
Product Details: Size: 7, 9, and 12 inches | Material: Stainless steel, silicone | Care: Dishwasher safe
The Bottom Line
The Oxo Good Grips 12-inch Tongs with Silicone Head are the best kitchen tongs on the market, hands down. They’re durable, well made, and heat resistant up to 600°F, making them safe for use on even the hottest cookware. The silicone heads are gentle on food and won’t scratch delicate surfaces, and the tongs feature a locking mechanism for compact storage. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Hotec Silicone Kitchen Tongs are a great value.
What to Know About Kitchen Tongs Before Shopping
Size
Think about the size of the tongs you need. This will ultimately depend on what you’re using them for.
Award-winning chef Brad Kilgore of MaryGold’s Florida Brasserie recommends having two sets of tongs in your kitchen: one longer pair for cooking on the grill and larger cooking tasks and one shorter pair for more delicate tasks like plating or serving.
“You want two sizes because although 8 inches is easy to work with for most tasks if you like to grill out, the fire can get hot, and reaching over a long grill or flame can be uncomfortable without long tongs,” Kilgore says.
You should also consider the size of your hands when choosing kitchen tongs. Award-winning chef Kathy Fang, co-owner of Fang in San Francisco, says, “Size is important for grip. I’m a small person with tiny wrists and hands, so I use smaller-sized tongs because they’re easier on my wrists and fingers.”
Material
When choosing kitchen tongs, consider the type of cooking you do and the materials of your cookware. If you cook with nonstick cookware, silicone-tipped or nylon tongs are a good choice. If you do a lot of high-heat cooking, stainless steel tongs might be a better option.
“In the restaurant kitchen, we use 12-inch or longer stainless steel tongs with PVC handles,” Fang says. “For at-home use, we have both stainless steel and silicone tongs. Silicone is great when cooking over a stovetop, with nonstick pans, or cast iron. I tend to stick with silicone when picking up food or using it to cook.”
Care
Most kitchen tongs are dishwasher safe, but it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s recommendations. If they’re not dishwasher safe, soap and water should do the trick. Just make sure to thoroughly dry them after washing to prevent any rust or corrosion.
Handle
If you can, Kilgore recommends finding kitchen tongs with a rubber handle. This way, you’ll be better able to hold on to the tongs to reduce the risk of slipping or dropping food.
“Sometimes, while cooking or grilling, your hands can get a little wet or greasy, and you never want to drop an expensive steak or piece of fish,” Kilgore says.
Grip
Scalloped edges or ridges on the tips of the tongs can provide a better grip. If you’re dealing with slippery or delicate items, consider kitchen tongs with a flatter surface or a gentler grip to prevent crushing or damaging the food.
Your Questions, Answered
What kitchen tongs do professional chefs use?
Professional chefs usually prefer high-quality, one-piece stainless steel tongs that are 8 to 12 inches long with scalloped ends. This gives them the best dexterity, as these tongs don’t include a hinge that might break or be in the way, and there is no place for bacteria to hide. The scalloped ends also allow them to grip food firmly without leaving marks or punctures.
Are nylon or silicone kitchen tongs better?
Most experts agree that silicone tongs are generally better for nonstick cookware, as they are less likely to scratch the surface.
“In the great nylon vs. silicone debate for kitchen tongs, silicone tends to edge out, mainly due to its heat resistance and gentleness on cookware,” Randhawa says. “However, nylon does have its merits, especially when weight and specific heat settings come into play.”
What is the best length for tongs?
“For me, the perfect length for tongs is 8 to 10 inches,” says chef Chris Aquilino, director of culinary at Elior North America. “The longer they are, they begin to lose strength in their grip. When you’re flipping whole-muscle items on a char grill (like a full flank steak), you need that strength,” Aquilino continues. “I’ve had longer tongs buckle with that weight, and the two sides cross each other due to instability—not good when cooking a premium piece of steak.”
What can tongs be used for?
“Besides the obvious functions of moving, turning, and serving food, kitchen tongs can transfer hot pans, stir liquids, and punch holes into plastic wrap,” Aquilino says.
Who We Are
Tabitha Britt is a freelance writer and editor with more than 12 years of journalism experience. To compile this list of the best kitchen tongs, she considered the size, material, and versatility of the tongs, as well as feedback from professional chefs.
She spoke with several experts to gather insights on the best kitchen tongs, including Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon, professional chef and food scientist Tiffany Swan, Katrina Smith of Kitchensity.com, Kita Roberts of GirlCarnivore.com, chef Brad Kilgore of MaryGold’s Florida Brasserie, chef Kathy Fang of Fang in San Francisco, and chef Chris Aquilino, director of culinary at Elior North America.
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