Best Kitchen Tongs: Top 10 Picks for 2026

Precision engineering in kitchen tools is paramount for culinary success. When it comes to the best kitchen tongs America’s Test Kitchen has rigorously evaluated, understanding their performance metrics reveals significant differences. Beyond simple utility, these essential implements are designed with specific material compositions and ergonomic considerations to ensure optimal handling and durability.

America’s Test Kitchen’s deep dive into tongs explores designs that offer superior grip strength, heat resistance, and ease of cleaning. Finding the right pair means looking beyond the surface to the innovative features that truly enhance kitchen tasks.

Explore our curated list to uncover the ultimate kitchen tongs that meet America’s Test Kitchen’s high standards.

Which Tongs Earned Top Marks?

Image	Product	Price
Best Pick 1	KitchenAid Stainless Steel Utility Tongs, 12 Inch	Check Price
Best Pick 2	OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Tongs with Silicone Heads	Check Price
Best Pick 3	KitchenAid Universal Utility and Serving Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs, Set	Check Price
Best Pick 4	OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Locking Tongs with Nylon Heads	Check Price
Best Pick 5	OXO Good Grips 9 Inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs	Check Price

1. KitchenAid Stainless Steel Utility Tongs, 12 Inch

Elevate your culinary creations with the KitchenAid Stainless Steel Utility Tongs, the ideal companion for flipping, serving, and gripping. Engineered for durability and ease of use, these 12-inch tongs bring professional-grade performance right to your kitchen, making everyday cooking tasks a breeze.

Crafted from robust 430 stainless steel, these kitchen tongs offer exceptional resilience and longevity. The integrated locking mechanism ensures secure storage and convenient handling, while the spring-loaded design allows for a comfortable and controlled 30-degree opening range, perfect for a multitude of cooking applications from grilling favorites to delicate pastries.

Pros

• Robust Stainless Steel Construction: Built with high-quality 430 stainless steel for superior durability and resistance to rust and corrosion, ensuring these cooking tongs will be a staple in your kitchen for years to come.
• Convenient Locking Mechanism: Features an easy-to-use lock to keep the tongs securely closed for compact storage in drawers or utensil crocks, preventing accidental opening and ensuring safety.
• Ideal Size for Versatility: At approximately 11.57 inches, these utility tongs offer the perfect balance between reach for grilling or handling hot foods and maneuverability for precise tasks like tossing salads or plating dishes.
• Effortless Cleanup: Being completely dishwasher safe, these kitchen tools simplify post-meal cleanup, saving you valuable time and effort.
• Trusted Brand and Warranty: Backed by a KitchenAid 1-year Hassle-Free replacement and lifetime limited warranty, offering peace of mind and assurance of quality for these essential kitchen gadgets.

Cons

• While versatile, the fixed 12-inch length might be slightly short for very deep grilling situations where extra reach is sometimes preferred.

The KitchenAid Stainless Steel Utility Tongs are a dependable choice for everyday cooking and serving needs. Their durable build and user-friendly features make them an excellent addition to any kitchen, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cooking enthusiast looking for reliable kitchen utensils.

2. OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Tongs with Silicone Heads

Elevate your daily cooking with OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Tongs, the perfect kitchen essential for confident food handling. Designed for precision and durability, these tongs make flipping, serving, and lifting ingredients effortless and safe, securing their place as a favorite among culinary enthusiasts seeking reliable kitchen tools.

Crafted from sturdy stainless steel, these 9-inch tongs boast heat-resistant, non-stick safe silicone heads capable of withstanding up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The ergonomic, soft non-slip handle features comfortable thumb rests for unparalleled control, ensuring a secure grip even during prolonged use.

Available in both 9-inch and 12-inch sizes to suit all kitchen tasks.

Pros

• Superior Heat Resistance & Non-Stick Protection: The high-quality silicone heads are safe for use with non-stick cookware and can handle intense heat up to 600°F, preventing damage to your pots and pans while allowing for versatile cooking techniques like searing and sautéing.
• Ergonomic Comfort & Control: Enjoy a comfortable and secure hold thanks to the soft, non-slip handle with integrated thumb rests, reducing hand fatigue during extended cooking sessions.
• Convenient & Hygienic Storage: A simple locking mechanism keeps the tongs closed for compact, clutter-free storage in drawers or utensil crocks, and their dishwasher-safe construction simplifies post-meal cleanup.
• Exceptional Durability: Built with robust stainless steel, these kitchen tongs are designed for longevity, offering reliable performance meal after meal, a true testament to OXO’s commitment to quality kitchenware.

Cons

• Some users might find that the 9-inch length is slightly short for reaching into very deep pots or managing hot grill surfaces, though the 12-inch option addresses this.

The OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Tongs with Silicone Heads are an indispensable asset for any home chef, offering a fantastic balance of performance, comfort, and durability. Whether you’re tossing salads, serving dinner, or grilling outdoors, these reliable kitchen tools, celebrated by discerning home cooks and often recommended by culinary experts, provide the control and safety you need for all your culinary adventures.

3. KitchenAid Universal Utility and Serving Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs, Set

Elevate your kitchen tasks with the KitchenAid Universal Utility and Serving Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs, Set. Designed for both everyday cooking and elegant serving, these robust tongs offer superior grip and durable performance, making them an indispensable tool for any home chef.

This comprehensive set includes two essential pairs of stainless steel tongs, engineered for longevity and ease of use. Featuring scalloped edges for an extra-strength grip on various foods, from delicate vegetables to hearty meats, these tongs ensure confident handling.

The durable stainless steel construction guarantees they’ll withstand rigorous kitchen demands, while the convenient easy-lock feature simplifies storage, keeping your drawers tidy.

Pros

• Dual Functionality: Receive a set of two high-quality stainless steel kitchen tongs, perfect for general utility cooking and sophisticated serving needs.
• Superior Food Security: The intelligently designed scalloped edges provide an enhanced, non-slip grip, ensuring secure handling of all food items during preparation and plating.
• Built to Last: Crafted from premium stainless steel, these tongs are exceptionally durable, resisting rust and corrosion for years of reliable kitchen service, making them a top choice for serious home cooks.
• Convenient Storage Solution: An integrated easy-lock mechanism allows for compact storage, keeping your kitchen organized and your tongs readily accessible.
• Effortless Cleaning: Both tongs are completely dishwasher safe, allowing for quick and hassle-free cleanup after meal preparation.

Cons

• While versatile, some users might prefer tongs with silicone tips for specialized non-stick cookware applications, though the scalloped edges offer excellent general-purpose handling.

The KitchenAid Universal Utility and Serving Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs, Set is an excellent investment for anyone seeking reliable, versatile, and easy-to-maintain kitchen utensils. Whether you’re flipping burgers on the grill, tossing a salad, or artfully arranging appetizers, these American’s Test Kitchen-approved quality tongs are sure to become your go-to kitchen companions.

4. OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Locking Tongs with Nylon Heads

Elevate your culinary adventures with the OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Locking Tongs. Designed for precision and comfort, these essential kitchen tools make flipping, serving, and tossing food effortless.

Crafted from sturdy, brushed stainless steel, these OXO tongs boast scalloped edges for a secure grip on everything from delicate vegetables to juicy meats. The high-heat resistant nylon heads ensure no scratching on your non-stick cookware, while the convenient locking mechanism simplifies storage. Perfect for grilling, sautéing, and plating.

Pros

• Versatile Food Handling: Excellent for tossing salads, searing steaks, flipping burgers on the grill, and serving dishes with confidence thanks to the secure scalloped edges.
• Durable and Safe Construction: Built with robust stainless steel, these tongs offer longevity, while the heat-resistant nylon heads protect your delicate non-stick pans from scratches.
• Ergonomic Comfort and Easy Storage: The non-slip grips with comfortable thumb rests provide excellent control, and the simple locking ring allows for compact, secure storage in any drawer.
• America’s Test Kitchen Recommended Quality: Praised for their performance and reliability, aligning with the rigorous standards of expert culinary evaluations.

Cons

• While the 9-inch length is ideal for most everyday tasks, some users might prefer a longer tong for extensive grilling beyond the heat of the flame.

The OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Locking Tongs are a standout choice for home cooks seeking reliable, comfortable, and versatile kitchen utensils. Their thoughtful design, durable build, and ease of use make them a go-to for meal preparation and serving, truly living up to the reputation of top-rated kitchen gadgets.

5. OXO Good Grips 9 Inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs

Unlock culinary precision with the OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs, your go-to kitchen essential. Designed for effortless cooking, these sturdy tongs offer unparalleled control for flipping, tossing, and serving, making meal preparation a breeze. Experience the difference that quality craftsmanship makes in your kitchen.

Crafted from durable, brushed stainless steel, these 9-inch cooking tongs provide a robust solution for handling hot foods. The scalloped edges ensure a secure grip on everything from delicate vegetables to robust meats, while the non-slip grips and thumb rests offer superior comfort and control. Conveniently lock them closed for compact storage.

Conveniently lock them closed for compact storage.

Pros

• Secure Food Handling: Scalloped edges provide a firm, reliable hold on a wide variety of ingredients, preventing slips and ensuring safe transfers from pan to plate.
• Comfortable and Controlled Use: Soft, non-slip grips and integrated thumb rests deliver ergonomic comfort and excellent dexterity, reducing hand fatigue during extended cooking sessions.
• Durable Stainless Steel Construction: The sturdy, brushed stainless steel build guarantees longevity and resistance to rust and bending, making these reliable kitchen tongs for everyday use.
• Space-Saving Storage: The integrated locking mechanism allows the tongs to secure themselves in a closed position, ideal for neat and convenient storage in any kitchen drawer.
• Versatile Kitchen Tool: Perfectly suited for a multitude of tasks, including flipping steaks, tossing salads, serving pasta, and plating delicate appetizers, these food tongs are indispensable.

Cons

• While effective for most tasks, the 9-inch length might be slightly less ideal for reaching into very deep pots or for very large grilling surfaces compared to longer tongs.

The OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs are a dependable choice for home cooks seeking a balance of performance and everyday usability. Their solid construction, comfortable handling, and practical design make them stand out among essential kitchen utensils and a valuable addition to any cook’s toolkit.

6. Sur La Table Kitchen Essential Steelhaus 8.5 Inch Stainless Steel

Elevate your everyday cooking with the Sur La Table Kitchen Essential Steelhaus 5 Inch Stainless Steel Tongs.

Designed for both culinary artistry and everyday ease, these versatile tools promise to be your go-to for prepping, cooking, and serving with confidence and style. Experience the joy of creating delicious meals at home.

Crafted from durable, non-reactive stainless steel, this single pair of kitchen tongs offers professional-grade quality for your home kitchen. Its refined elegance complements its robust functionality, making it suitable for everything from delicate ingredient handling to confident serving at the table.

The 5-inch size is ideal for a variety of cooking tasks.

Pros

• Secure Grip & Gentle Handling: Features a scalloped head designed to firmly grasp, lift, and turn food items without causing damage, ensuring perfect presentations for everything from delicate fish to hearty steaks.
• Durable & Elegant Construction: Made from high-quality, non-reactive stainless steel, these tongs are built for lasting durability and a sleek appearance, effortlessly transitioning from kitchen prep to tabletop displays.
• Space-Saving Storage: The convenient pull-tab lock mechanism securely keeps the tongs closed when not in use, making them easy to store neatly in drawers or utensil crocks, optimizing kitchen organization.
• Versatile Kitchen Essential: An indispensable tool for grilling, sautéing, serving salads, flipping pancakes, and countless other cooking and baking tasks, making it a true kitchen workhorse.

Cons

• As a single tong, a set of multiple sizes might be preferable for cooks who frequently handle a wide range of food item sizes or specific kitchen techniques requiring varied tong lengths.

The Sur La Table Steelhaus 5 Inch Stainless Steel Tongs are a testament to simple, effective kitchenware.

7. Traeger Grills BAC790 Stainless Steel BBQ Tongs Dishwasher Safe Grill

Elevate your grilling experience with the Traeger Grills BAC790 Stainless Steel BBQ Tongs. Designed for serious grill masters, these robust tongs offer superior control and safety, ensuring every flip and turn is executed with precision.

Experience the ultimate in grilling convenience and durability.

Crafted from heavy-duty stainless steel, the Traeger BAC790 tongs are built to withstand the heat of any barbecue. Their ergonomic design and secure locking mechanism make handling hot foods effortless and safe, while the convenient hanging loop adds to their practicality.

Pros

• Durable stainless steel build ensures long-lasting performance for all your grilling accessory needs.
• Secure locking mechanism provides peace of mind, keeping tongs conveniently closed for easy storage and handling.
• Dishwasher-safe design and a sturdy handle simplify cleanup after every cookout, making them a top choice among grill tools.
• Generous 16.5-inch length keeps your hands safely away from high heat, perfect for managing larger cuts of meat on the barbecue.
• Integrated loop offers a convenient storage solution, ideal for hanging alongside other essential outdoor cooking equipment.

Cons

• While excellent for most grilling tasks, extremely fine or delicate food items might be more challenging to grip securely compared to specialized kitchen utensils.

The Traeger Grills BAC790 Stainless Steel BBQ Tongs are an indispensable asset for anyone passionate about grilling. Whether you’re searing steaks, flipping burgers, or turning vegetables, these reliable tongs deliver exceptional performance and ease of use.

Invest in quality grilling tools and enjoy a more controlled and enjoyable barbecue experience.

8. OXO Outdoor Grilling Tongs

Elevate your grilling experience with the OXO Outdoor Grilling Tongs, engineered for superior control and durability. Designed to tackle everything from delicate vegetables to hefty steaks, these tongs are your indispensable partner for achieving perfectly cooked meals outdoors, ensuring safety and confidence with every flip.

Crafted for longevity, these grilling essential boast rust-resistant construction and thoughtfully designed heads that securely grip various food items. The extra-long build provides a safe distance from the heat, while the comfortable, non-slip handle ensures a firm grasp. A convenient integrated bottle opener adds to the grill-side utility.

A convenient integrated bottle opener adds to the grill-side utility.

Pros

• The angled and scalloped heads offer exceptional grip on diverse foods, from large racks of ribs to smaller corn on the cob, preventing slippage.
• An integrated bottle opener provides convenient access to beverages, streamlining your outdoor cooking setup.
• The extended length of these barbecue tongs effectively shields your hands and arms from intense grill heat, promoting safer handling.
• Durable, rust-resistant materials ensure these tongs will be a reliable grilling companion for many seasons to come.
• The soft, non-slip grip ensures maximum comfort and control, even when your hands are a bit greasy.

Cons

• While designed for extensive use, some users might find the locking mechanism slightly stiff initially, requiring a brief break-in period.

For anyone seeking reliable and comfortable grilling tools, the OXO Outdoor Grilling Tongs offer a robust solution. Their thoughtful design, combined with durable construction, makes them a standout choice for backyard chefs and outdoor cooking enthusiasts alike, ensuring delicious results with every use.

9. Tongs For Cooking – Heat Resistant 600 Degrees Stainless Steel

Elevate your culinary game with the EDDEAS Kitchen Tongs, engineered for precision and durability. These aren’t just any kitchen utensils; they are your reliable partners for diverse cooking tasks, from delicate flips to secure grips, promising years of exceptional performance in your home kitchen.

Crafted from robust 1mm thick, food-grade stainless steel, these cooking tongs offer superior heat resistance up to 600 degrees, ensuring safety and longevity. The ergonomic design, featuring comfortable silicone-cushioned handles, provides a secure and anti-slip grip, making flipping, serving, and handling hot foods effortless and safe during grilling, baking, and everyday meal preparation.

Pros

• Constructed from heavy-duty, 1mm thick food-grade stainless steel for exceptional durability and resistance to rust and heat.
• Features a user-friendly pull-ring locking mechanism for secure storage and easy, one-handed operation, preventing accidental opening or closing.
• Ergonomic handles with silicone cushioning ensure a comfortable, non-slip grip, reducing hand fatigue and the risk of burns during extended cooking sessions.
• Versatile set includes 7-inch, 9-inch, and 12-inch tongs, offering the perfect size for a wide range of kitchen tasks, from flipping small appetizers to handling large roasts on the grill.
• Dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleanup, blending convenience with professional-grade performance.

Cons

• While the silicone provides heat resistance, extended direct exposure to very high grill temperatures without immediate removal might still require caution, as with most silicone-enhanced utensils.

Ideal for home cooks and grill masters alike, the EDDEAS Kitchen Tongs are a testament to quality craftsmanship, offering reliable performance for all your cooking needs. Invest in these essential kitchen tools for safe, comfortable, and efficient food handling, whether you’re searing steaks or tossing salads.

10. KitchenAid Silicone Tipped Side Locking Tongs, Black, 9 Inch

Elevate your everyday cooking and serving with the KitchenAid Silicone Tipped Side Locking Tongs. Designed for culinary confidence, these 9-inch tongs offer a perfect blend of precision, comfort, and durability, making them an indispensable tool for any home chef tackling everything from delicate salads to robust grilling tasks.

Experience superior grip and control thanks to the finely scalloped edges that secure food without damage. The innovative side locking mechanism allows for effortless one-handed operation, ideal for busy kitchens, while the heat-resistant silicone tips ensure your non-stick cookware remains scratch-free during use. Cleanup is a breeze with their dishwasher-safe design.

Cleanup is a breeze with their dishwasher-safe design.

Pros

• Versatile Food Handling: Effortlessly serve pasta and salads, or precisely flip and manage chicken, steak, burgers, and other meats on the grill or in stovetop pans, ensuring even cooking and presentation.
• Intuitive One-Handed Operation: The convenient side-mounted slide locking mechanism allows for quick, easy engagement and disengagement of the tongs with a single hand, streamlining your cooking process.
• Gentle Yet Secure Grip: Scalloped silicone-tipped edges firmly grasp food items, preventing slippage while also protecting delicate ingredients from being punctured, broken, or bruised, maintaining their integrity.
• Compact and Tidy Storage: The secure lock keeps the tongs closed when not in use, making them compact for efficient storage in kitchen drawers or cabinets, maintaining an organized kitchen space.
• Hassle-Free Cleaning: Built for convenience, these tongs are completely dishwasher safe, allowing for quick and thorough cleanup after meal preparation or serving.

Cons

• While the 9-inch size is ideal for many tasks, some users who frequently handle very large items on a deep grill might prefer a longer tong for increased reach.

The KitchenAid Silicone Tipped Side Locking Tongs are a fantastic addition for anyone seeking reliable kitchen tools for everyday meal preparation and elegant serving. Their thoughtful design ensures both functionality and ease of use, making them a top choice for home cooks and grill masters alike.

Discover the Best Kitchen Tongs

Material and durability

The materials used in kitchen tongs dictate their longevity and performance through rigorous use.

Opting for robust construction ensures your kitchen tools stand up to the heat and demands of cooking. High-quality stainless steel is a prime choice for tongs due to its exceptional heat resistance, allowing you to safely handle scorching hot foods right off the grill, stovetop, or out of boiling water without worry of deformation or melting.

This material also excels in its resistance to rust and corrosion, meaning your tongs will maintain their pristine appearance and hygienic surface even with frequent exposure to moisture and acidic ingredients, preventing unsightly stains and performance degradation over time.

Furthermore, the tactile experience of using these tongs is significantly enhanced by well-designed grip comfort, often achieved through ergonomic shaping or the incorporation of silicone or rubberized handles. This thoughtful integration leads to better control and maneuverability, crucial for delicate tasks like flipping fish or serving precise portions. The combination of durable stainless steel, excellent heat tolerance, rust-proof properties, and comfortable handling ultimately translates to a reliable, long-lasting culinary companion.

Design and functionality

The way kitchen tongs are engineered dictates their ease of use and overall effectiveness for a multitude of tasks.

A well-designed tong significantly improves your culinary experience, from delicate flips to secure grips. Consider how the locking mechanism operates; a simple push-and-pull lever offers immediate engagement, while a slide-lock might provide a more compact storage solution. The distinction between spring-loaded and manual tension is crucial: spring-loaded tongs provide consistent pressure for effortless handling of lighter items, whereas manual tongs often offer a sturdier, more controlled grip ideal for heavier foods or precise manipulation.

Furthermore, the shape and edging of the gripping surfaces are paramount. Broad, angled blades excel at maneuvering large items like steaks or whole chickens, while serrated edges ensure a firm hold on slippery ingredients. For effortless maintenance, look for tongs that are completely dishwasher safe, eliminating the need for tedious handwashing after meal preparation, ensuring hygienic food handling and longevity.

Quick Best Kitchen Tongs America’S Test Kitchen Buying Checklist

• Material Matters: Look for sturdy stainless steel that won’t bend or rust.
• Comfortable Grip: Ensure the handles are shaped for a secure and comfortable hold.
• Locking Mechanism: A good lock makes storage easy and prevents accidental opening.
• Durable Hinge: Check for a robust hinge that can withstand frequent use.
• Heat Resistance: Tongs should be able to handle high temperatures near grills or stovetops.
• Dishwasher Safe: For effortless cleaning, opt for tongs that can go in the dishwasher.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Kitchen Tongs Useful?

Kitchen tongs are essential for safely flipping, lifting, and serving food without direct contact, preventing burns and mess.

Are All Kitchen Tongs Made Of Stainless Steel?

While stainless steel is common and highly recommended for durability and heat resistance, other materials exist.

How Do I Clean My Kitchen Tongs?

Most kitchen tongs can be washed by hand with soap and water, and many are also dishwasher safe for convenience.

What’S The Difference Between Locking And Non-Locking Tongs?

Locking tongs have a mechanism that keeps them closed for compact storage, while non-locking tongs remain open when not in use.

Should I Worry About Heat Resistance When Buying Tongs?

Yes, especially if you plan to use them for grilling or cooking at high temperatures, to avoid damage or melting.

Final Words

Investing in the right kitchen tongs can transform how you cook and serve. Prioritizing material, design, and functionality ensures a reliable kitchen tool for years to come.

Make your next meal preparation effortless by choosing the best kitchen tongs America’s Test Kitchen has to offer.