A cold drink, good company, and an open grill make for a great cookout. But if you don’t have the right tools to manage your grill, you could end up with poorly cooked food that’s mostly stuck to the grate. Opting for regular kitchen tongs at the grill can also lead to injury.
This is because tongs designed for grilling are longer than the average kitchen tongs—using short tongs on a large grill could burn the cook. Well-designed grill tongs are sturdy yet easy to maneuver and keep your hands safe from the heat.
Read up on these barbecue accessories and top picks to find the best grill tongs for your outdoor cooking needs.
- BEST OVERALL: Weber Original Tongs, Stainless Steel
- BEST BUDGET: Joinkitch Stainless Steel Cooking Tongs Set
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Shark BBQ Long Grilling Tongs
- BEST WITH SILICONE TIPS: Riveira Tongs for Cooking with Silicone Tips
- BEST WITH SPATULA: OXO Good Grips Grilling Tools, Tongs and Turner Set
- TAILGATING PICK: YouTheFan NFL Grill-A-Tongs: 18″ Stainless Steel
- STYLE PICK: COOK with COLOR Silicone Tipped Cooking Tongs
- HONORABLE MENTION: ALLWIN-HOUSEWARE W 304 Stainless Steel Tongs
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Grill Tongs
Find a great set of grill tongs to prepare food for the family by taking the time to learn about the most important product factors, like the length, material, type, and any additional features that make the tongs stand out from similar options.
Standard vs. Hybrid
Grill tongs come in two main types, including the standard grill tongs and the recently introduced hybrid grill tongs.
- Standard grill tongs typically have two sides with matching heads that come together to grasp the food on the grill, allowing the user to pick up the food and move it around the grill surface. The heads usually have a scalloped shape, though some products may have simple triangular-shaped heads that can be difficult to use.
- Hybrid grill tongs combine the ability of tongs to grab and pick up an item with the scooping and flipping ability of a grill spatula. This convenient function is achieved by replacing one of the tong heads with a flat spatula head while keeping the other head the same. Just keep in mind that the flat spatula head makes it more difficult to grab and pick up an item with a hybrid set of tongs than it would be with a standard set of grilling tongs.
Material
When it comes to the material used to make grill tongs, users should consider the handle material, the tip material, and the grill grate material in order to select the best set for their grill.
The handle is typically made out of lightweight metal, but soft-grip handles may have silicone grips that are easier to hold and stay cool to the touch. Without the silicone, a metal handle can quickly become too hot to hold without protective gloves. However, metal is easier to clean than silicone. Wood is also an option for some grill tongs because it is more durable than silicone and more heat resistant than metal, though wood is vulnerable to drying and cracking.
Metal is a good choice for the tips of grill tongs because it can be used at very high temperatures and is able to pierce and cut through food. Silicone tips may be the better option, though, if you’re grilling on a nonstick surface or enameled cast iron because the soft material won’t chip or scratch the surface.
Length
The length of a set of grill tongs is a key measurement that determines whether the tongs are suitable for the grill. If the grill tongs are too short, then the user will be forced to place their hand over scorching flames in order to reach the food that is at the back of the grill. Alternatively, extra-long grill tongs may be unnecessary and can make it more difficult to grip and maneuver food.
Consider the depth of the grill and the amount of access that the user has to the grill. For instance, a circular grill with a removable lid doesn’t need a set of grilling tongs that extends across the entire surface, but a rectangular grill with a hinged lid does require a set of grill tongs that can reach the back of the grill without putting the user’s hand at risk.
Additional Features
While grill tongs are relatively simple grill tools, manufacturers have developed some additional features to improve the functionality of these essential outdoor kitchen tools, including a convenient locking mechanism, hanging loops, and grilling accessory sets.
- Locking mechanisms are designed to lock the handles of the tongs in the closed position, making it easier to store the tongs when not in use. Locking tongs are also better for those who are managing multiple utensils on a narrow grill side table.
- Hanging loops are another feature that helps improve the storage capabilities and convenience of a set of grill tongs. The loop is typically installed on the back of the grill tongs, and it’s used to hang the grill tongs on the grill for easy storage and retrieval.
- Grilling accessory sets are less a specific function and more an affordable bundle of useful grilling tools and grilling accessories. Grill cleaner, grill tongs, grill brushes, and more can be included in these sets, so don’t pass up the chance to replace your worn grill tools with one of these bundles.
Our Top Picks
This list of top grill tongs has been selected with a focus on the type, material, length, and overall quality of each product in order to help you find the best grill tongs for your next get-together.
Photo: amazon.com
The first thing users might notice about the Weber tongs is that the scalloped edges point downward toward the food that they’re grabbing for a better hold. The extra-long 17-inch handle keeps the user’s hands out of the heat while they turn ribs, move large roasts, or rearrange charcoal like a pro.
Users can cook for hours holding the soft, comfortable nonslip grip handles of the Weber grill tongs. Plus, cleanup is easy. Just rinse the tongs off and toss them in the dishwasher. Use the loop to hang them from the grill, or pull the tongs closed and store them in a drawer.
Product Specs
- Length: 17 inches
- Material: Stainless steel tips and silicone handles
- Type: Standard grill tongs
Pros
- Locking handles
- Dishwasher safe
- Built-in hanging hook
- Extra-long 17-inch handle
Cons
- Locking mechanism may stick
Photo: amazon.com
This stainless steel duo includes a 9-inch hybrid tong/spatula and a 12-inch pair of conventional tongs. Use the tong/spatula hybrid to flip burgers or turn sausages without switching utensils. Between the two of these, users can securely grip and manipulate almost any food regardless of its size and shape. The 12-inch tongs are safer and more appropriate to use on larger grills.
The thermoplastic rubber (TPR) handles with grooves for the user’s thumbs are both comfortable and heat resistant. Wash the Joinkitch tongs in the dishwasher or by hand. Just make sure they’re dry before putting them away to preserve the TPR. Once they’re clean, lock the tongs closed and store them in a drawer or hang them by their loop.
Product Specs
- Length: 9 inches (hybrid tongs) and 12 inches (standard tongs)
- Material: Stainless steel tips and silicone handles
- Type: Small hybrid tongs and a set of standard grill tongs
Pros
- Bundled two-pack
- Hybrid tongs are ideal for managing burgers
- Built-in hanging hook
Cons
- May be too short for some grills
- Locking mechanism vulnerable to rusting
Photo: amazon.com
The Shark BBQ tongs take the act of grilling from hobby to passion. The rust-resistant stainless steel tongs feature two distinct heads that can grab almost anything that’s thrown on the grill. One side is flat like a spatula with a sharpened edge that slides between or under the food. The other side has two serrated edges and a notched tip for cutting and gripping all types of food, from soft fish to heavy briskets.
The 17.5-inch tongs with unique scissor-style handles keep the user’s hand farther from the flame than traditional tongs. The PVC coating makes for a comfortable grip. While there’s no loop for hanging and locking, these tongs stay closed on their own. Drop them in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
Product Specs
- Length: 17.5 inches
- Material: Stainless steel tips and handles
- Type: Hybrid grill tongs
Pros
- Best for handling flat foods
- Dishwasher safe
- Extra-long 17.5-inch handle
Cons
- Metal handles can heat up to uncomfortable temperatures
Photo: amazon.com
The Riveira grill tongs have heat-resistant silicone tips and rust-resistant stainless steel handles, though the handles are coated in soft-grip silicone that remains cool to the touch. This two-pack includes a 9-inch set of standard grill tongs and a 12-inch set of standard grill tongs that are suitable for small- to medium-size grills. Unfortunately, the length is too short to recommend using these grill tongs with larger grills.
The heat-resistant silicone is capable of withstanding temperatures up to 550 degrees, so these tongs are an excellent option for grilling food on a nonstick or enameled cast-iron surface. Both sets of grill tongs are equipped with a hanging hook that can be pulled out to lock the handles for convenient storage.
Product Specs
- Length: 9 inches and 12 inches
- Material: Silicone tips and silicone-coated stainless steel handles
- Type: Two sets of standard grill tongs
Pros
- Two-piece set
- Silicone tips
- Lockable handles
Cons
- Not suitable for use with larger grills
Photo: amazon.com
Whether users want to replace worn-out grilling tools or simply add to their collection, this set is an excellent addition to a barbecue arsenal. The OXO grill tongs and turner/spatula have stainless steel bodies and padded grips made of comfortable, rubber-like plastic.
The 18-inch grill tongs end in standard scalloped heads, which are great for grabbing and picking up large cuts of meat. As a bonus, these tongs have a built-in bottle opener. The 16-inch turner’s beveled head slides easily under food, and its double-bend design increases leverage for lifting.
Once you’re finished flipping burgers, you can toss both tools in the dishwasher. Plus, the handles on both tools include hanging hooks and locking mechanisms for easy, compact storage.
Product Specs
- Length: 18-inch tongs, 16-inch spatula
- Material: Stainless steel tips and plastic handles
- Type: Standard grill tongs and standard grill spatula
Pros
- Two-piece set
- Comfortable padded grips
- Tongs have a built-in bottle opener
- Each tool includes a hanging hook and locking mechanism
Cons
- Plastic handle components may sustain damage if left outside in the sun
Photo: amazon.com
Show off team spirit at tailgate parties with these NFL-themed grilling tongs. They come laser cut with the logo for one of 24 American football teams and the team’s name emblazoned on the maple handles.
These tongs are wide and flat enough to flip burgers, while the curved, saw-toothed edge gives users a handle on hot dogs, steaks, or kebabs. At 18 inches long, they’ll keep the user’s hands safely away from the flame. When the user has finished grilling, the built-in bottle opener can be used to open beverages for the party.
Product Specs
- Length: 18 inches
- Material: Stainless steel tips and wood handles
- Type: Hybrid grill tongs
Pros
- Custom team logo
- Extra-long 18-inch handle
- Built-in bottle opener
Cons
- Wood handles are vulnerable to drying and cracking
- Not safe for the dishwasher
Photo: amazon.com
This two-pair set is a solid choice for the grill chef who doesn’t want to scratch the grill. The silicone-tipped tongs also handle delicate meat (e.g., salmon) with care. Silicone is sensitive to high heat, so don’t leave these grill tongs sitting over the flame for too long.
The 9- and 12-inch tongs come in rose-gold metal with a choice of eight colored handles and tips. The grooved, nonslip handles and scalloped silicone heads offer comfort and a precise grip. Hand-wash these grill tongs to maintain the rose-gold color, and lock with the loop for storage.
Product Specs
- Length: 9 inches and 12 inches
- Material: Silicone tips and silicone-coated stainless steel handles
- Type: Two sets of standard grill tongs
Pros
- Unique appearance and colors
- Locking handles
- Built-in hanging hook
- Bundled two-pack
Cons
- Rose-gold color fades with machine washing
- Not suitable for larger grills
Photo: amazon.com
This affordable two-pack gives users two pairs of tongs. Get one 9-inch and one 12-inch pair for the price of most single tongs. The shorter tongs are suitable for kitchen tasks, while the longer ones are safe for use on the grill. The tongs are incredibly durable and made of stainless steel with a brushed steel finish. Choose the best match for the kitchen and grill with handles available in seven colors.
With the scalloped metal ends, users can easily grab food as they cook. The ergonomic nonstick grip allows for hours of comfortable grilling. After the meal is finished, these tongs can go right into the dishwasher. Use the large loop on the end to lock them closed for storage, or hang them from the grill.
Product Specs
- Length: 9 inches and 12 inches
- Material: Stainless steel tips and silicone-coated stainless steel handles
- Type: Two sets of standard grill tongs
Pros
- Locking handles for compact storage
- Affordable two-pack of grill tongs
- Built-in hanging hook
Cons
- Locking mechanism may stick
- Not suitable for larger grills
Our Verdict
The durable construction and extra-long length of the Weber grill tongs set this pair apart from the competitors. But, for a bargain, the Joinkitch set comes with standard grill tongs and a set of hybrid tongs for versatile barbecue.
How We Chose the Best Grill Tongs
To ensure that this list of grill tongs included a balanced selection of top products, it was necessary to have a foundation of grilling experience. Additionally, we undertook extensive product research to determine the key product factors that impacted the convenience and practicality of each product.
We considered the length, material, style or type, and any unique features that made a product stand out from similar options. The length was necessary for determining the appropriate grill size for the grill tongs, while the material indicated whether a set of tongs was useful in high-heat situations or if they were better suited for sensitive surfaces, like nonstick and enameled cast iron.
This top list includes standard grill tongs, hybrid grill tongs, and bundles with more than one type of grill tool. The products were selected to give users more choices while highlighting the benefits of each grill tool. However, products with special features were given some preference, like those with built-in hanging hooks or custom designs.
FAQs
Grill tongs are relatively simple to use, but there’s always more you can learn. To ensure that you’re using the best grill tongs for your grill, take a look at the following answers to some of the most popular questions about grill tongs.
Q. How long should BBQ tongs be?
Typically, the best barbecue tongs will be long enough to reach the back of the grill without requiring the user to place their hands over the heat.
Q. Can you use plastic tongs on a grill?
No, plastic tongs are not meant to be used on a grill because the high temperatures will rapidly begin to melt the plastic. Keep these utensils for use with pots and pans in the kitchen.
Q. Can you use silicone-tip tongs on a grill?
Grill tongs with silicone tips are relatively safe for use on a grill, though they do not have the same durability and fire resistance as metal grill tongs. Therefore, it’s better to use silicone tips at temperatures below 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Switch to metal tongs for high-heat grilling.
Q. What utensils do you need for grilling?
The necessary utensils depend on what food you usually grill. If your grill is limited to burgers and hot dogs, then a set of BBQ grill tongs, a grill brush, and a grill spatula are all you really need. But for a wider variety of meals, consider adding a grill fork, grill gloves, a knife, a basting brush, and a grill thermometer.
