Tongs are the tool most cooks grab without thinking. The details only show up when they scratch a nonstick pan, slip off a steak or will not fit in the drawer. Length, head material and a locking mechanism decide most of that.
The six tongs below span stainless, silicone and nylon heads. Details come from the product listings, and we have not used these tongs ourselves. Check heat limits and cookware notes on the product page.
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Head Material Compared
| Head | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Grilling, searing, heavy lifting | Scratches nonstick and enamel |
| Silicone | Nonstick pans, hot surfaces, easy cleanup | Less grip on small items |
| Nylon | Nonstick cookware | Lower heat tolerance than silicone |
Length Guide
- 9 inch: small pans and serving.
- 12 inch: the all-round size for stovetop work.
- 16 inch: grilling and deep pots, where your hand needs distance from heat.
Our Six Picks
| Tongs | Length | Notes from the listing |
|---|---|---|
| OXO Good Grips Stainless Locking | 12 in | Locking mechanism for compact storage, non-slip grip |
| OXO Good Grips Silicone Head | 12 in | Heat-resistant heads, safe for nonstick, dishwasher safe |
| OXO Good Grips Nylon Set | 12 in and 9 in | Nylon heads, heat-resistant, safe for nonstick |
| Cuisipro Silicone Locking | 12 in | Silicone with a locking design |
| KitchenAid Silicone Stainless | 12 in | Silicone and stainless steel |
| Winco Extra Heavyweight Utility | 12 in (also 9 and 16) | Coiled spring, scalloped edges, dishwasher safe |
The 6 Best Kitchen Tongs
1. OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Locking Tongs 12 Inch
Stainless tongs with a locking mechanism for compact storage and a non-slip grip, suited to grilling and general cooking.
Suits: everyday grilling and searing. Strengths: a lock that keeps them closed in a drawer. Weaknesses: stainless heads scratch nonstick. Skip it if you cook mostly in nonstick pans.
View OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Locking Tongs 12 Inch on Amazon
2. OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Tongs With Silicone Head
Tongs with heat-resistant silicone heads that the listing calls safe for nonstick cookware and dishwasher safe.
Suits: nonstick pans and serving. Strengths: gentle on coatings. Weaknesses: silicone heads grip small items less well. Skip it if you want to pick up thin foods.
View OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Tongs With Silicone Head on Amazon
3. OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Nylon Head Set
A 12-inch and a 9-inch pair of tongs with nylon heads, heat-resistant and safe for nonstick cookware, per the listing.
Suits: people who want two sizes. Strengths: two lengths in one purchase. Weaknesses: nylon tolerates less heat than silicone. Skip it if you cook at very high heat.
View OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Nylon Tongs Set on Amazon
4. Cuisipro 12-Inch Silicone Locking Tongs
Silicone-tipped locking tongs, 12 inches long.
Suits: cooks who want a locking silicone pair. Strengths: a lock and gentle tips. Weaknesses: check the product page for the heat limit. Skip it if you want an all-steel pair.
View Cuisipro 12-Inch Silicone Locking Tongs on Amazon
5. KitchenAid Silicone Stainless Steel Tongs 12 Inch
Tongs combining stainless steel arms with silicone tips, in a 12-inch length.
Suits: a basic everyday pair. Strengths: stainless strength with gentle tips. Weaknesses: check the listing for heat limits. Skip it if you want a heavier build.
View KitchenAid Silicone Stainless Steel Tongs 12 Inch on Amazon
6. Winco Extra Heavyweight Utility Tong 12 Inch
A coiled-spring stainless utility tong with scalloped edges, dishwasher safe, sold in 9, 12 and 16 inch lengths.
Suits: heavy duty, grilling and serving. Strengths: a durable build. Weaknesses: stainless scratches nonstick. Skip it if you want gentle heads.
View Winco Extra Heavyweight Stainless Utility Tong 12 Inch on Amazon
How to Choose
- Nonstick cookware: silicone or nylon heads.
- Grill and cast iron: stainless.
- Small drawer: a locking pair.
- Salads and buffets: a scalloped-edge utility tong.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using stainless tongs on nonstick pans.
- Buying tongs too short for a grill.
- Putting nylon tongs on a very hot surface.
- Buying a non-locking pair when drawer space is tight.
Kitchen Tongs FAQ
How long should kitchen tongs be?
Twelve inches suits most stovetop work. Use 16 inches for grilling.
Are silicone tongs safe on hot pans?
Many are heat resistant to a stated limit. Check the product page.
Are tongs dishwasher safe?
Several listings say yes. Hand washing keeps grips and locks in better shape.
The Short Version
For nonstick pans, an OXO silicone or nylon set. For grilling and searing, an OXO stainless locking pair or the Winco utility tong. For a locking silicone pair, the Cuisipro.
