Best Tongs for 2026
Discover expert reviews and comparisons of the best kitchen tongs for grilling, serving, and food preparation. Our comprehensive guides help you find durable, heat-resistant tongs that offer precision grip and control for all your culinary needs.
Updated January 2026 • 19 Products Analyzed
The Good
- Brushed stainless steel construction resists staining and scratches
- Scalloped edges and silicone grips securely hold food
- One-handed locking mechanism works reliably for years
- Dishwasher safe and low-maintenance
OXO Good Grips 9 Inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs
The OXO Good Grips 9-inch tongs deliver exceptional quality and durability with brushed stainless steel construction, scalloped edges for secure gripping, and an intuitive locking mechanism. Users consistently praise their superior build quality, comfortable non-slip grips, and reliable performance across various cooking tasks. These tongs represent a premium kitchen investment that significantly outlasts cheaper alternatives.
The Bad
- Metal ends can scratch non-stick cookware coatings
- 9-inch size not ideal for grilling or large items
The Good
- Exceptional durability with heavy-duty construction
- Secure grip on food with scalloped edges
- Comfortable, ergonomic design with non-slip grips
- Convenient one-handed locking mechanism
OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless Steel Tongs
The OXO Good Grips 12-inch tongs are a premium kitchen tool praised for exceptional durability, comfort, and reliable performance. Features brushed stainless steel construction with soft grips, scalloped edges for secure food handling, and a convenient locking mechanism. Reviewers consistently highlight their superior quality and versatility, making them a worthwhile investment for any kitchen.
The Bad
- Not suitable for non-stick cookware due to bare stainless steel
- May be too short for grilling over direct heat
The Good
- Exceptional durability with decade-long lifespan reported
- Precise design with perfectly aligned heads
- Secure nylon heads safe for non-stick cookware
- Intuitive locking mechanism easy to operate
OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Locking Tongs
OXO's 9-inch locking tongs combine exceptional durability and precise engineering with thoughtful design features like nylon heads and secure grips. Users consistently praise their ability to handle various cooking tasks with reliable performance, and many report years of flawless use without degradation. The lockable mechanism and comfortable handles make these tongs a kitchen workhorse that justifies their premium positioning.
The Bad
- Small head size may struggle with large pieces
- Recessed areas require extra cleaning attention
The Good
- Durable stainless steel construction resists rust and wear
- Locking mechanism saves drawer space and enables convenient storage
- Heat-resistant silicone tips safe for all cookware types
- Comfortable grip with excellent control and stability
KitchenAid Silicone Tipped Stainless Steel Tongs, 9 Inch
KitchenAid's silicone-tipped stainless steel tongs deliver exceptional durability and functionality for both cooking and serving tasks. With a sturdy construction, comfortable grip, convenient locking mechanism, and dishwasher-safe design, they offer excellent value for everyday kitchen use. The overwhelmingly positive customer feedback and great ratings confirm these are a reliable, long-lasting kitchen essential.
The Bad
- May run slightly smaller than expected for some users
- Limited color options beyond the black variant
The Good
- Sturdy 18/8 stainless steel with non-melting 600°F silicone tips
- Perfect size with comfortable grip and smooth locking mechanism
- Excellent quality and durability at budget-friendly price point
- Non-stick coating protects cookware from scratches
U-Taste 12 inch Heat Resistant Kitchen Tongs
The U-Taste kitchen tongs deliver exceptional value with their 600°F heat-resistant silicone tips, sturdy 0.8mm stainless steel construction, and smooth locking mechanism. Customers consistently praise their perfect size, durability, and non-scratch design for all cooking applications. With great ratings from nearly 3,000 reviews, these tongs stand out as a reliable, well-engineered kitchen essential at an affordable price point.
The Bad
- Spring action may feel stiff initially but loosens over time
- Requires some hand strength for prolonged use
The Good
- Sturdy stainless steel construction with heat-resistant silicone tips
- Convenient locking mechanism saves storage space
- Comfortable grip design prevents hand burns and slipping
- Exceptional value at an affordable price point
HOTEC Premium Stainless Steel Locking Kitchen Tongs Set of 2
HOTEC Premium Tongs deliver excellent value with sturdy stainless steel construction, comfortable silicone grips, and a reliable locking mechanism for convenient storage. Users consistently praise their quality, heat resistance, and versatility for both everyday cooking and specialized applications like air frying. Long-term durability is confirmed by years of daily use with minimal wear.
The Bad
- Silicone tips may separate with heavy dishwasher use over time
- Exposed stainless steel edges may scratch ceramic cookware
The Good
- Durable locking mechanism that doesn't bend or flex
- Non-scratch silicone tips protect nonstick cookware safely
- Sturdy design with integrated resting foot prevents rolling
- Easy one-hand operation and long-lasting construction
Tovolo Silicone-Tipped Tongs 13"
Tovolo's silicone-tipped tongs combine superior durability and functionality with a sturdy stainless steel construction that resists bending. The innovative locking mechanism, non-scratch silicone tips, and built-in resting feet make these kitchen tongs ideal for everything from delicate foods to heavy-duty grilling. Reviewers consistently praise their quality and reliability compared to cheaper alternatives.
The Bad
- Silicone tips wear down with extended heavy use
- Some users wish they were slightly longer
The Good
- Excellent value compared to premium brands
- Sturdy stainless steel construction and durable locking mechanism
- Comfortable, non-slip silicone grips and secure handling
- Two versatile sizes for different cooking needs
Grill Tongs Set - 12" & 17" BBQ Tongs
EDDEAS offers a versatile two-piece tong set with 12" and 17" options, featuring premium stainless steel construction and heat-resistant silicone grips up to 600°F. Users consistently praise the excellent build quality, comfortable grip, and remarkable value compared to premium brand alternatives. With a secure locking mechanism and easy maintenance, these tongs deliver professional-grade performance at an exceptional value.
The Bad
- Slightly lighter weight than some premium competitor models
The Good
- Durable metal locking mechanism for secure storage
- Silicone tips protect non-stick pans from scratches
- Heavy-gauge stainless steel with excellent grip
- Perfect 9-inch length for versatile kitchen tasks
Cuisinart Silicone-Tipped 9-Inch Tongs
The Cuisinart Silicone-Tipped Tongs deliver excellent performance for everyday kitchen use with their durable stainless steel construction and heat-resistant silicone tips. Users consistently praise their sturdy build, convenient locking mechanism for storage, and superior protection for non-stick cookware. While the price point is slightly elevated compared to some alternatives, the quality and longevity justify the investment for serious home cooks.
The Bad
- Premium pricing compared to similar alternatives
- Silicone coating extends slightly beyond metal edges
The Good
- Extremely durable; proven 20+ year longevity
- Heavy-duty 1.2mm stainless steel with firm grip
- Excellent value for commercial-grade quality
- Easy to clean with simple, no-nonsense design
Winco Coiled Spring Stainless Steel Utility Tong 12-Inch
The Winco Coiled Spring Extra Heavyweight Tongs are professional-grade, commercial-quality tongs built for durability and reliable performance at an exceptional price point. Users consistently praise their sturdy construction, heavy-duty stainless steel (1.2mm), scalloped grip edges, and versatility across cooking applications from delicate fish to heavy steaks. While they lack a locking mechanism, their proven longevity and exceptional value make them a top choice for serious home cooks and grill enthusiasts.
The Bad
- No locking mechanism limits drawer storage
- Heavy weight not ideal for all users
The Good
- Premium stainless steel construction ensures durability and years of reliable use
- Color-coded handles prevent cross-contamination and add visual organization
- Springless design eliminates food traps and provides smooth operation
- Scalloped tips offer gentle yet firm grip on various foods
Vollrath Jacob's Pride 9½" Scalloped Utility Tongs
These premium stainless steel tongs from Vollrath offer professional-grade quality with color-coded Kool-Touch handles perfect for kitchens and catering. The springless design eliminates food traps while heat-safe construction supports everyday cooking up to 350°F. Customers praise their versatility for meal prep, serving, and easy kitchen organization.
The Bad
- Heat-safe handles only reach 225°F, limiting use in high-heat applications
- Premium price
The Good
- Exceptional durability and reliability with 20+ years of real-world use documented
- Heavy-duty 1.2mm stainless steel construction without wobbling or twisting
- Long 16-inch length provides excellent reach over heat and flames
- Exceptional value with strong, secure grip
Winco Coiled Spring Extra Heavyweight Stainless Steel Utility Tong, 16-Inch
These commercial-grade stainless steel tongs deliver exceptional value with heavy-duty construction and a 16-inch length ideal for grilling and cooking. Users consistently praise their sturdy grip, durability spanning decades of use, and ease of cleaning, making them a reliable choice for both home cooks and camping enthusiasts. The main trade-off is the lack of a locking mechanism, which some users find inconvenient for drawer storage.
The Bad
- No locking mechanism limits storage options in drawers
- No hanging loop, less convenient for mounting on grills
The Good
- Exceptional durability backed by lifetime warranty
- Superior grip strength for heavy items
- Ergonomic design with 12-inch length
- Dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance
Le Creuset Revolution Locking Tongs, 12"
These premium stainless steel locking tongs deliver exceptional durability and performance for serious home cooks. With a lifetime warranty, ergonomic design, and impressive grip strength, they're built to handle heavy-duty kitchen tasks like lifting entire roasts. However, the premium price point may not justify the investment when comparable alternatives are available at lower costs.
The Bad
- Premium pricing compared to mass-market alternatives
- Too large for serving at the dinner table
The Good
- Durable stainless steel with premium silicone coating protects nonstick pans
- Heat-resistant silicone up to 480°F suitable for all cooking applications
- Comfortable handles with excellent control and grip
- Two-piece set offers great value for the price
StarPack Premium Silicone Kitchen Tongs Set of 2
StarPack Premium Silicone Tongs offer a well-designed two-piece set combining durable stainless steel with high-quality silicone coating that protects nonstick cookware. These tongs excel in comfort, functionality, and heat resistance up to 480°F, making them ideal for cooking, grilling, and serving. While generally highly rated for quality and value, some users report durability concerns including minor rust on internal springs and occasional silicone degradation with extended use.
The Bad
- Minor rust reported on internal springs with extended use
- Silicone coating may degrade over time with heavy use
The Good
- Heat-resistant silicone protects non-stick cookware
- Excellent length for frying and cooking tasks
- Locking mechanism prevents drawer entanglement
- Affordable price with strong overall ratings
Chef Craft Premium Silicone Cooking Tongs
The Chef Craft Premium Silicone Cooking Tongs offer excellent value with heat-resistant silicone that protects cookware up to 450°F and a convenient locking mechanism. Most users praise their durability, perfect length for frying and pasta work, and strong grip, though some quality control issues with silicone degradation have been reported.
The Bad
- Silicone tips can break off during use
- Some durability concerns despite mostly positive reviews
The Good
- Exceptional durability and build quality with no rust
- Sleek professional appearance and premium stainless steel construction
- Locking mechanism eliminates accidental opening in drawers
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
All-Clad Stainless Steel Locking Tongs
All-Clad's premium stainless steel locking tongs deliver exceptional build quality and durability with a professional aesthetic. While users consistently praise the sturdy construction and longevity, some report limitations with gripping smaller or slippery foods due to shallow jaw teeth and high spring tension. These are best suited as serving tongs or general kitchen use rather than heavy-duty cooking applications.
The Bad
- Shallow jaw teeth limit gripping power on slippery foods
- Steep learning curve and high spring tension for some users
The Good
- One-handed click-lock open and close mechanism
- Non-scratch silicone grip safe for non-stick cookware
- Unique sit-up design keeps tips clean off surfaces
- Responsive customer service with proactive product replacements
Dreamfarm Clongs Silicone Kitchen Tongs
The Dreamfarm Clongs deliver innovative design with sit-up handles and one-handed click-lock operation, earning praise for their silicone grip and ability to rest cleanly on counters. While early quality control issues plagued some units, Dreamfarm's responsive customer service and manufacturing improvements have resulted in strong durability and performance in redesigned versions. Premium pricing is justified by functionality and the brand's commitment to quality when initial defects occur.
The Bad
- Earlier models had locking mechanism reliability issues
- Premium price point at its current level
The Good
- Professional-grade durability trusted by restaurant chefs
- Made in USA with quality stainless steel construction
- Sturdy and functional design for heavy-duty use
- Long-lasting investment backed by years of use
Edlund U591 12" Heavy Duty Tongs
These professional-grade stainless steel tongs deliver exceptional durability and quality, with users reporting 10+ years of reliable use. However, the absence of a locking mechanism and hanging eye—contrary to some expectations—makes storage challenging and limits their versatility for everyday kitchen use.
The Bad
- No locking mechanism limits storage and organization
- Thin stainless steel can feel slightly flimsy
The Good
- Heavy-duty 18/8 stainless steel construction with exceptional durability
- Strong spring mechanism capable of handling large stock pots
- Reliable performance and easy storage with locking feature
- Dishwasher safe for convenient cleanup
RSVP International Endurance Kitchen Locking Tongs
These 12-inch stainless steel locking tongs offer solid durability and impressive strength for both home and professional kitchens. Users praise their robust construction and reliable performance, though the gravity-based locking mechanism and pinch point design warrant consideration. Overall, a quality kitchen staple with proven longevity when properly maintained.
The Bad
- Gravity-based lock system can engage unintentionally during use
- Pinch point hazard where fingers can get caught