The 6 Best Kitchen Tongs of 2024

My Top Picks:

1. In My Kitchen: Walfos Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs — $11.99 at Amazon
2. My Other Favorite Kitchen Tongs: OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Tongs — $13.99 at Amazon
3. Best Grill Tongs: OXO Good Grips 16-Inch Grilling Tongs — $17.95 at Amazon
4. Best Silicone Tongs: HOTEC Locking Kitchen Tongs with Silicone Tips — $9.99 at Amazon
5. Best Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs: Rösle Stainless Steel One-Handed Locking Tongs — $32 at Amazon
6. Best Serving Tongs: Material Kitchen The Only Tongs — $25 at Amazon

1. In My Kitchen: Walfos Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs

Compared to other kitchen utensils, tongs typically need to be replaced every few years, but this pick from Walfos holds up better than any others I’ve tried. I’ve had my current set for several years and they still work like a charm!

2. My Other Favorite Kitchen Tongs: OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Tongs

Aside from my trusty Walfos tongs, I also recently added the OXO Good Grips to my kitchen arsenal. They’ve quickly become a favorite for cooking on the stove thanks to the nylon-tipped heads — they’re heat-resistant and won’t scratch the bottom of my non-stick pans, which I absolutely love. I also appreciate that the heads have a spoon-like quality to them, so they’re ideal for scooping up any pan juices and basting. It’s a great multi-functional tool! 

3. Best Grill Tongs: OXO Good Grips 16-Inch Grilling Tongs

Because grills can get extremely hot — we’re talking up to 600°F hot! — the best grilling tongs tend to be longer to protect your hands from the heat. I suggest working with tongs that are at least 16 inches long, like this pair from OXO. While some long tongs can feel too big or bulky to maneuver, these feel like an extension of your arm. The non-slip grip has a thumb rest, which is designed to give you optimal control. You should be able to seamlessly grab and flip anything on your grill top, like my delicious Grilled Salmon or Hawaiian Chicken Skewers.

4. Best Silicone Tongs: HOTEC Locking Kitchen Tongs with Silicone Tips

Silicone tongs are great for a variety of cooking tasks, like sautéing, pan frying, and even keeping meat steady as you slice it. I’m a big fan of value packs and love that you get a set of two tongs from HOTEC in this set (specifically 9- and 12-inch sizes) for around $10. 

5. Best Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs: Rösle Stainless Steel One-Handed Locking Tongs

A super versatile pick, these sturdy stainless steel tongs are not only great for cooking but are a top-tier pick for serving, too. Whether you’re serving a salad or flipping a steak, these durable tongs from Rosle can do it all, and it doesn’t hurt that they have a sleek appearance either!

6. Best Serving Tongs: Material Kitchen The Only Tongs

Serving tongs are like an extension of your tableware, so in my book, they should have a streamlined, elegant look that can match any table setup. These stainless steel tongs from Material Kitchen are both, and, although I haven’t personally tried them, reviewers seem to love them. 

Other Kitchen Tongs to Consider

All-Clad Nonstick Tongs

Whether you’re cooking on the stove or hosting a sit-down dinner, these 13-inch shiny stainless steel tongs with nylon serrated tips can move with you from the kitchen to the table. They feature a state-of-the-art one-handed locking mechanism and are also dishwasher-safe. However, they are much more expensive than some of my other picks that have similar locking technology. The All-Clad Nonstick Tongs are available at Williams Sonoma for $47.95.

Allwin Houseware 304 Stainless Steel Cooking Tongs

If you’re just starting to build out your stash of kitchen utensils, purchasing a value pack of tongs is a great idea. This affordable two-pack features 9- and 12-inch stainless steel tongs with non-slip grips and serrated heads. That said, a number of shoppers say that they start to deteriorate after about two years and the locking mechanism doesn’t always function smoothly. If you’re looking for some bang for your buck, I recommend the three-pack I recommended above from Walfos. The Allwin Houseware 304 Stainless Steel Cooking Tongs are available at Amazon for $6.99.

Hinmay Small 7-inch Silicone Tongs

For those who have smaller kitchens, these shorter 7-inch silicone tongs can be very useful, especially since they don’t take up a ton of space. Despite the shorter length, they’re surprisingly strong. It’s also nice that you get a set of three for around $20 and can pick from a range of colors, but the small size isn’t ideal for all cooks. (Short tongs don’t really protect your hands from oil splashes or heat.) The Hinmay Small 7-inch Silicone Tongs are available at Amazon for $13.88.

Mainstays Stainless Steel and Black Dripless Tongs

These affordable 12-inch tongs have all of the qualities you expect in a reliable pair. They’re made of stainless steel, feature heat-resistant nylon heads, and a pull tab locking mechanism, and even include a built-in thumb rest for the most comfortable hold. However, considering all of these features, they lack a very strong grip so you probably won’t be able to pick up heavier items like large cuts of meat. The Mainstays Stainless Steel and Black Dripless Tongs are available at Walmart for $4.97.

Room Essentials Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs

If you’re looking for a pair of affordable serving tongs for family potlucks or picnics, this 12-inch pair with nylon heads will get the job done. Reviewers rave about their serving capabilities but warn that they may not be the best for cooking. Although fine for regular stove-top cooking, a few people warned that the tips melt when used for serious high-heat cooking (like in a wok or on the grill). The Room Essentials Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs are available at Target for $3. 

Why You Can Trust Us

Hi, I’m Jessica Gavin, a Certified Food and Culinary Scientist with a passion for all things food. I love uncovering the mysteries behind food and started this blog in 2012 to share my findings, showcase the nutritious recipes I’ve developed, and connect with a wider audience. 

I also launched my cookbook, Easy Culinary Science for Better Cooking: Recipes for Everyday Meals Made Easier, Faster and More Delicious, in 2018. Inside you’ll find some of my favorite recipes of course, but I also include cooking tips and step-by-step guides for home chefs of all levels.

Things to Consider When Shopping for Kitchen Tongs

Selecting the right tongs for your kitchen can make your cooking experience so much more enjoyable. Before buying any pair, you should consider the length, span, materials, and locking mechanism. 

Length

Kitchen tongs come in varying lengths, most commonly ranging from 7 inches all the way to 16. Shorter tongs (between seven and nine inches) are typically better for serving food rather than cooking. This is because that length isn’t the best at protecting your hands from oil splatters or high heat. Additionally, they’re very comfortable to maneuver, which is important when grabbing the exact amount of pasta or salad you want to eat!

12-inch tongs are great for cooking on a stovetop. These are long enough for sauteing and handling larger items (like whole vegetables or large cuts of meat), and they keep your hands far enough away from the heat source without feeling awkward to wield. 

If you’re specifically looking for grill or BBQ tongs, I recommend selecting an extra-long, 16-inch pair. Not only are these tongs strong enough to flip and grab heavy items, but the extended arms guard your hands from the open flames to prevent any injuries. The pair I chose as the best grill tongs are 16 inches.

Material

All of the kitchen tongs on my list are made from stainless steel because this top-quality material is extremely durable and heat-resistant. Plus, stainless steel is incredibly easy to wash! That said, you probably noticed that some of my picks feature nylon or silicone heads. 

Nylon and silicone are also heat-resistant materials. While tipped tongs don’t change the overall function of the tool, they’re better to use with non-stick pans to prevent scratching. Using full stainless steel tongs on non-stick pans can wear down the coating and make them less effective. Nylon tips are also a bit more grippy, which makes them ideal for serving since they clasp onto food with ease. 

Keep in mind that although nylon-tipped tongs are heat-resistant, they can melt at high temperatures, so it’s best to use stainless steel tongs when grilling on an open flame. 

Locking Mechanism 

While not all tongs have a locking mechanism to keep them shut, I prefer tongs that do lock because it makes them more convenient to store, especially if you don’t have a lot of space in your drawers. 

Many kitchen tongs are made with a pull tab lock at the end. Simply pull the small circle to lock and gently push it down to unlock. These tabs also offer a practical place to hang your tongs if you prefer storing them on a hook. (I’m a big fan of using your kitchenware as decorations!) 

There are also innovative one-handed locking mechanisms found on some tongs, like the Rösle and Material Kitchen pairs on my list. To lock or unlock, all you have to do is point these designs down or towards the ceiling and give them a gentle squeeze. Ultimately, the type of locking mechanism you choose comes down to personal preference. 

Can You Use Silicone Tongs on a Grill?

As long as your silicone tongs clearly state that they are heat resistant, they are completely safe to use while grilling. Typically, silicone can withstand heat up to 480°F. Keep in mind, though, that not all tipped tongs are made from silicone. Make sure to read the fine print to learn whether your tongs are silicone, rubber, or nylon tipped. While silicone and rubber tongs are fine on the grill, nylon doesn’t have as high of a heat threshold — the material is only heat resistant up to 400°F. 

If you’re unsure what your tipped tongs are made out of, don’t use them on the grill. In fact, I prefer to use my stainless steel tongs while grilling. I find that they give me better control when I’m flipping chicken or steak. 

How to Fix Kitchen Tongs

I’m going to be totally honest with you guys: Kitchen tongs are one of those tools that won’t last a lifetime. Quality pairs will last for several years, and fixing them once they break can be a tedious task. While they’re not impossible to repair, you might be better off buying new ones when the spring gives out. 

That said, if you’re super handy and want to take a stab at repairing your trusty kitchen tongs when the spring pops out, these are the steps you should take. 

1. When the spring pops out of place, you’ll need to re-tension it. To do so, remove the rivet (the little bolt at the end of the tongs that holds them together) with pliers or a screwdriver. Once it’s out, you’ll be able to extend the tongs to a wide position.
2. When your tongs are wide enough, shimmy the spring back into its normal position. 
3. This is the tedious part: Once the spring is back in place, you’ll need to hold the tongs tightly shut as you replace the rivet. Once the rivet is securely in place, your tongs should be functioning good as new! 

How to Clean Kitchen Tongs

Most tongs are dishwasher safe, making cleaning a complete breeze. However, there are a few models, like the Rösle Stainless Steel One-Handed Locking Tongs, that shouldn’t be put in the dishwasher, mainly because some machines can render the locking mechanism ineffective.

For tongs that aren’t dishwasher-safe, hand wash them in warm, soapy water and use a sponge to clear away any remaining food debris. Once clean, dry them and return them to their proper storage. 

How to Store Kitchen Tongs

There’s no definitive “correct” way to store your kitchen tongs. It really just depends on the amount of space you have and your kitchen setup. Since I regularly use mine, I like to keep them handy and hang them by my stove. Beyond the easy grabbing, this also makes your tongs part of your kitchen decor! If you don’t want to hang them, it’s perfectly fine to store them in a drawer or a catchall utensil crock with the tip side up. 

Once you purchase your brand-new kitchen tongs, check out some of my favorite recipes to use mine with!

• Roasted Artichokes
• Grilled Chicken 
• Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef
• Chicken Alfredo 
• Elotes (Grilled Mexican Street Corn) 

Prices were accurate at the time of publication.