Kitchen tongs may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of essential tools for the home chef. Although tongs are a seemingly simple tool, they are a vital piece of the culinary arsenal. There exists a wide variety of types and sizes of tongs for different uses. Some tongs are completely constructed from stainless steel, while others are tipped with silicone for use with nonstick pans. Check out this list of some of the best kitchen tongs on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: The Original Popco Tongs Set of 3
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: ALLWIN 2 Pack Black Kitchen Tongs Premium Silicone
- BEST UPGRADE: Kaluns Kitchen Tongs for Cooking Non Stick Silicone
- BEST METAL-TIPPED: Hotec Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs
- BEST BARBECUE: Weber 6610 Original Tongs, Stainless Steel
- BEST MINI: OXO Good Grips Mini Tongs
- BEST STAINLESS STEEL: KitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Tongs
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Kitchen Tongs
Not all kitchen tongs are created equal. Read on to learn more about the top shopping considerations when choosing the best kitchen tongs for cooking and serving.
Material
The best kitchen tongs are typically made from durable and heat-safe materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or silicone. These materials are also durable, easy to wash, and food safe. There are also plastic and wooden serving tongs, although they are not recommended for cooking.
Size
When shopping for tongs, you’ll have to consider what size you need. Small or mini tongs typically measure about 6 to 7 inches, average-size tongs measure anywhere from 9 to 12 inches, and longer tongs for grilling are 12 or more inches. The middle range of 9 to 12 inches is the best size for everyday cooking.
Tips of Tongs
Most tongs tend to have a stainless steel body; however, the tips of tongs may vary. Some tongs have stainless steel tips, while others may use silicone. Silicone tips are recommended for use with nonstick pans or cookware that can be scratched. It’s worth noting that stainless steel tips are generally the more durable choice of the two.
Spring Tension
Tongs are made to have spring tension that pushes the arms apart, but how strong the tension is varies with each pair. The best kitchen tongs won’t be too rigid, as they can tire cooking hands quickly, but it’s also a good idea to avoid tongs that are too loose. A locking mechanism is often built into the spring tension that helps keep the arms of the tongs shut when stored away.
Easy Cleaning
Washing hard-to-clean tools can be a drag, which is why it’s crucial to choose a pair of tongs that are easy to scrub for the next use. Tongs that are easy to clean can sometimes feature removable tips or shallow ends that prevent food from getting trapped inside. It’s also recommended to choose tongs that are dishwasher safe.
Our Top Picks
This list of top picks for the best kitchen tongs covers a wide variety of styles, preferences, and uses.
Photo: amazon.com
The Original Popco Stainless Steel Tongs, set of three, is an excellent option for those who have various cooking needs. The set comes with three different tongs: 7 inches, 9 inches, and 12 inches. The body is made from durable, corrosion-resistant stainless steel and it has a comfortable silicone grip.
The tips are also made from silicone and have a scalloped edge. They can be easily removed for cleaning. A premium spring mechanism with a pull ring lock makes it easy to lock the tongs for storage. These tongs are dishwasher safe, heat resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit, and nonstick.
Photo: amazon.com
For a budget-friendly kitchen tool, look to ALLWIN’s Premium Silicone Kitchen Tongs. This item is a two-pack and features 9-inch and 12-inch tongs, which is the ideal size for most kitchen needs. They are made with noncorrosive stainless steel with a soft silicone grip. The tips are a nondetachable silicone and are safe for use in temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit with nonstick pans.
The end of the tongs has a ring lock that makes it convenient to use and to hang up and store. These tongs come in a variety of fun colors, so you can match them to your kitchen theme and decor.
Photo: amazon.com
Kaluns Kitchen Tongs are a nice premium kitchen utensil set that includes three different sized tongs and a nonstick silicone spatula. The tongs measure 7, 9, and 12 inches for different cooking needs and are made with lightweight stainless steel with a soft grip that won’t rust.
The tips are nondetachable BPA-free silicone that can be used with all cookware. The tongs are safe to use in temperatures up to 464 degrees Fahrenheit as well as in the dishwasher. These tongs also feature a ring locking system and come in a variety of color options.
Photo: amazon.com
Hotec’s Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs have scalloped metal tips that are highly heat resistant and durable enough to use on the stovetop or outside on a grill. They are constructed to be lightweight, noncorrosive, and washable in the dishwasher. Built into the metal body is a black silicone strip that keeps the tongs from overheating and comfortable to hold. On the end of the tongs is a ring that makes it easy to lock the arms and hang the tongs when they’re not in use.
Photo: amazon.com
One of the best grilling tools any grill master can possess is a quality pair of barbecue tongs. These extra-long tongs by Weber measure 17 inches and feature an all-metal body in the top half and a heat-resistant silicone grip on the bottom half. There is a large metal ring at the end that fits on most grill hooks for convenient storage. The tips have scalloped edges and a unique flat top that makes grabbing meat easier and more secure. These tongs are dishwasher safe.
Photo: amazon.com
OXO produces quality products for the kitchen, and their Good Grips Mini Tongs are no exception. Designed with an all-stainless steel construction from tip to end, these are sized to prepare and serve small bites and appetizers. The tips are also metal with scalloped edges to secure most food items. These tongs have a locking mechanism for compact storage and come in various sizes.
Photo: amazon.com
KitchenAid’s Gourmet Stainless Steel Tongs are constructed with a 430 stainless steel frame that’s noncorrosive, heat resistant up to 500 degrees, and dishwasher safe. The tips are also metal and have a scalloped edge that grips food tightly. The tongs have a convenient lock that springs freely at a 30-degree angle or keeps them shut when in a kitchen utensil drawer. This pair of tongs measures 11.57 inches, an ideal length for most cooking needs.
FAQs About Kitchen Tongs
Still have a few questions about the best kitchen tongs? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these handy cooking gadgets.
Q. What are the best barbecue tongs?
The best grill tongs are constructed from durable stainless steel and should measure longer than 12 inches to protect against high heat.
Q. How long do tongs last?
How long a pair of kitchen tongs lasts depends on the material and the quality of construction. All stainless steel kitchen tongs will last many years, whereas tongs made with silicone or plastic will generally last only a few years.
Q. How do you clean tongs properly?
The best way to clean tongs is with mild dish soap after each use and then a cycle in the dishwasher to ensure bacteria is killed. If metal tongs begin to oxidize, a soak in a boiling 2:1 mixture of water and white vinegar should do the trick.
