The world of BBQ is chaotic.
Everything from the choice of meat and seasonings to the technique of heating and smoking varies across countries, cultures, and chefs.
The word itself is far from uncomplicated. Is it a cooking method? A grilling device? A style of food? Or the gathering where this style of food is served?
No one knows for sure.
Yet, it remains one of the most exciting parts of the culinary arts.
Grilling up a simmering and savory T-bone steak is worth a million bucks, only if grilling goes smooth. For that, you need a guide to peaceful grilling and the best accessories to facilitate your smooth journey.
Speaking of accessories, grilling tongs are a pivotal appendage when it comes to barbeques. Having a troublesome one can simply ruin your party.
So, in order to avoid the chaos and feel the peace and joy inside, DO NOT SETTLE FOR ANY GRILL TONG. The best grill tongs up for sale in 2020 awaits here with all their upsides and downsides.
Skim through and take your pick.
How to Find the Best Grill Tongs?
In a saturated market of kitchen appliances, quality is difficult to filter from endless quantities.
Since tongs aren’t only meant for your grilling weekends, rather they are your basic kitchen necessities, spending your money on a flimsy thing doesn’t sound too great.
These are like your heat-proof pair of hands, therefore, they must be versatile enough to act like one.
When venturing into the jungle for the best grilling tongs, you must be prepared. A little research that lets you land into a useful review article ( looks like you are on the right path ), is the first step.
Getting to understand the details comes next. Factor in the size of the tong, the design and the materials used to make the tips and the grip. We’ll talk about these intricate details in the buying guides.
Next, you have got to choose between the mechanisms of tongs. Some prefer the scissor style while others find the simple spring-loaded tongs more comfortable.
Last but not the least, look for the manufacturer’s reputation. Doesn’t matter if it’s a basic kitchen tool, for optimum performance, reputation matters!
Letting a 360 degree review to highlight the pros and cons of the top best units currently available and following along with the expert tips provided by a handy buying guide, is probably the easiest way to get to the best kitchen tongs.
Overview
If you want a no-fuss recommendation, these grill tongs are functional and reliable in any context.
- Overall Best: Grille Perfect Grilling Tongs Heavy Duty
- Editor’s Pick: Cuisinart CGS-134 Grilling Tool Set
- Most Capable Multitasker: ChefGiant Tonglite Heavy Duty Spatula & Retractable Tongs
Summary
Maybe you want to know more about these top picks. This section summarizes why they are so great, but if you want a longer look, check out the detailed reviews afterward.
- The Grille Perfect Grilling Tongs Heavy Duty is a boon if you often find yourself getting burned when handling your grill. These extra-long tongs are 16 inches in length and give you a firm grip on large pieces of meat or delicate seafood. They are also very easy to clean!
- Why get just tongs when you can get a whole kit? The Cuisinart CGS-134 Grilling Tool Set comes with grill tongs, gloves, a grill fork, and a spatula一everything you need to use your grill.
- If you use your grill very frequently, get something durable like the ChefGiant Tonglite Heavy Duty Spatula & Retractable Tongs. It combines six tools into one, making it the ideal grill partner when you go camping.
Top 14 Best Grill Tongs Reviews
| Rank | Product | Rating | Shops |
| #1 | Grille Perfect Heavy-Duty Grilling Tongs [Overall Best] Grille Perfect thinks that their 16-inch grilling tongs are the perfect gear that can protect your grilling experience from a downward spiral. The handle is constructed from silicone, meaning that it effectively prevents heat from reaching your palms. The grippers, on the other hand, are made of heavy-duty stainless steel. So you can safely expect this to be around for a long time. Dimensions: 17.88 x 2 x 1.6 inches Weight: 14.4 ounces Length: 16 inches | 9 | Check Price |
| #2 | Cuisinart CGS-134 Grilling Tool Set with Grill Glove [Editor’s Pick] There’s a reason why this is my personal favorite. This may not be an extravagant grill tool-set, but it contains the four precise tools that decide whether your BBQ turns out to be a smooth deal or a fussy one. Dimensions: 18.6 x 4.7 x 3 inches Weight: 1.75 pounds Length: NA | 9 | Check Price |
| #3 | ChefGiant Tonglite Heavy-Duty Spatula & Retractable Tongs [Most Capable Multitasker] This piece of machinery by ChefGiant is the most innovative thing you will see on the web today. This is the best multitasker in town with six different tools in one body. The extra-long retractable tongs grab and flip steaks with prowess. It does not struggle with a heavy brisket. Dimensions: 19 x 4 x 2 inches Weight: 1.15 pounds Length: 18.5 inches | 9 | Check Price |
| #4 | Rösle Stainless Steel Fine Tongs [Luxury Pick] These stainless steel tongs are 12.2 inches long and can lift and turn the delicate items on your menu with ease. They have skinny pointed tips that are scored to give you the best grip on your food. Dimensions: 12.2 x 0.5 x 0.75 inches Weight: 4.6 ounces Length: 12.2 inches | 9 | Check Price |
| #5 | OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs [Best Gripping Tongs] The gripper has a scalloped edge design that allows you a firm grip on your food without piercing it. In contrast to the firm tip, the cushioned handle is soft and non-slip. So you can expect comfortable grilling with OXO Good Grips. The brushed stainless steel unit is 12 inches long, perfect for keeping your hands safe from the cooking surface. If you want something longer, a 16’’ version is also available. Dimensions: 13.75 x 6.75 x 1.5 inches Weight: 6.3 ounces Length: 12 inches | 9.5 | Check Price |
| #6 | Rachael Ray Lil’ Huggers Lazy Locking Cooking Tongs [Attractive Design] The Lil’ Huggers, which is a part of Rachel Ray’s popular kitchenware line, is actually pretty impressive. This piece of kitchen tools is as easy to use as most of Rachel Ray’s kitchenware. It comes in three colors, among which we like aqua blue the most. The duo has a small footprint and gives you a great feel. Dimensions: 13.7 x 5.4 x 1.6 inches Weight: 14.8 ounces Length: 13.7 inches | 9 | Check Price |
| #7 | Cave Tools Grill Tongs [Sturdiest Pick] These are the thickest stainless steel grill tongs that we have come across so far. How is this an advantage? It increases durability by several times.The sturdy construction and large clamps make it a reliably strong tool. No matter how heavy a brisket you are dealing with, you are guaranteed that it won’t bend or break. Dimensions: 17.13 x 2.6 x 2.24 inches Weight: 13.6 ounces Length: 17 inches | 9 | Check Price |
| #8 | Grill Tongs for Kitchen & Barbecue [Most Affordable] This is a duo of 16-inch and 12-inch tongs. So while you will want the longer-handled pair for heavy-duty grilling, the smaller one can be used as a secondary or for frying food, making pasta and noodles, and when baking on sheet pans. Dimensions: 17.72 x 4.92 x 0.79 inches Weight: 10.2 ounces Length: 16 inches | 9 | Check Price |
| #9 | Grill Tongs Shark BBQ Heavy Duty Barbecue [Best Scissor Tongs] Scissor tongs are a result of some neat engineering. Many grillers prefer scissors style because they feel that this allows them more control. The body is made of steel and the handles are quality PVC. These long tongs for grilling are 17.5 inches in length. This incredible length and the scissor-style construct give you an extra effective reach. Dimensions: 17.7 x 3.8 x 1.4 inches Weight: 13.6 ounces Length: 17.5 inches | 9 | Check Price |
| #10 | Grilljoy 24PCS BBQ Grill Tools Set with Meat Thermometer and Injector [Comprehensive Grill Tool Kit] This is a complete grill tool-set in the true sense of the word. Grilling is a breeze with these extra thick stainless steel tools. The tongs included here are made of single-piece metal. It does its job pretty well, although the set is not merely about the tongs, as you may have noticed. It is a functional and portable set that comes at a reasonable price point. Dimensions: 17.32 x 9.45 x 2.68 inches Weight: 4.71 pounds Length: 15 inches | 9 | Check Price |
01. Grilling Tongs Heavy Duty 16 Inch by Grille Perfect – Overall Best
[amazon box=”B07PVHQ1MS”]Grille Perfect thinks that their 16-inch grilling tongs are the perfect gear to protect your grilling experience from a downward spiral.
From the user reviews on Amazon, it is quite clear that consumers also feel this way. These tongs are being praised for being “terrific” and “a good value for the money.”
Do the heaps of praise hold up?
The handle is constructed from silicone, meaning that it efficiently prevents heat from reaching your palms. This also gives you a non-slip and firm hold, no matter how greasy the handle becomes.
The grippers, on the other hand, are made of heavy-duty stainless steel. So you can safely expect this to be around for a long time.
The design of the grippers strikes a perfect balance between sturdy and delicate. This 12 oz unit is tough enough to lift large cuts of meat like a pro. Conversely, it is meticulous enough to handle the delicate fabric of seafood.
The scalloped edges provide a solid grip on your meat and burgers without tearing them apart. There is a close to nonexistent chance that your meat slice will fall off from the strong grip of Grille Perfect grilling tongs.
These tongs provide a functional length of 16 inches. Ergo, your hands will be nowhere close to the scorching heat of your grilling surface be it your favorite Weber grill or the flat tops.
The tongs have a reliable and comfortable feel. There is a locking mechanism in place that molds it into a compact shape when not in use. It also has a hanging ring for easy storage and accessibility.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 17.88 x 2 x 1.6 inches
- Weight: 14.4 ounces
- Length: 16 inches
Strengths:
- The comfortable hold makes it great for amateurs and pros alike
- Functional grippers that are sturdy and durable
- Handles both heavy and delicate food with equal expertise
- Includes a hanging ring and locking mechanism
- Comes with a free Ebook containing tips and tricks for grilling
Weaknesses:
- Not the most attractive pair of tongs
Verdict:
The best thing about this grilling gear is the price point. You get strength, reliability, and ergonomic design, all at a very affordable price.
This is a must-have among your grilling supplies, and we cannot help but agree with the hype that surrounds this solid pair of kitchen tongs. My rating for this product is 9/10.
02. Cuisinart CGS-134 Grilling Tool Set with Grill Glove – Editor’s Pick
[amazon box=”B005TGXZ7U”]There’s a reason why this is my personal favorite. This may not be an extravagant grill toolset, but it contains the four precise tools that decide whether your BBQ turns out to be a smooth deal or a fussy one.
This set comes with:
- 12” grill tongs
- A wide grill spatula
- A grilling fork, and
- A grill glove
Let’s elaborate on each of them, starting with the tongs.
The tip of the curved tongs in the Cuisinart Grilling Tool Set is toothed. This makes it easier to hold and turn even the thickest steaks.
The handle is rubberized, preventing heat from being transmitted to your hands, as well as adding color to the appearance of the entire unit.
The spatula is wide and has a serrated edge for cutting meat. It also sports a handy bottle opener.
Then there is the grilling fork.
All three of these tools have elongated rubberized handles for a comfortable grip and to keep you away from the flames as much as possible. These are stainless steel constructs with loops on each of them so that you can hang them up nearby.
The oven mitts are an additional bonus.
The only downside is that it is not dishwasher-proof.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 18.6 x 4.7 x 3 inches
- Weight: 1.75 pounds
- Length: NA
Strengths:
- A compact and functional set that covers your grilling needs
- Solid stainless steel with bright colors combine attractive design with durability
- Each component is highly functional, so there isn’t a redundant piece
- Long handles to keep you away from heat and prevent burns
Weaknesses:
- Not dishwasher proof
Verdict:
This grill toolset is a good value for money and a great gift for any grilling aficionado. The attractive look makes it even more suitable as a gift option.
Even if you don’t need to surprise anybody now, simply give yourself a present with the best grill tongs set in 2021: the Cuisinart Grilling Tool Set. My rating for this product is 9/10.
03. ChefGiant Tonglite Heavy Duty BBQ Grilling Spatula & Retractable Tongs – Most Capable Multitasker
[amazon box=”B072R1TSHQ”]This piece of machinery by ChefGiant is the most innovative thing you will see on the web today. This is the best multitasker in town with 6 different tools in one body.
You can use this one as:
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Knife
- Opener
- Grill scraper
- (Surprise, surprise!) In-built LED flashlight!
The tong lite is not only about being fancy. Made of premium grade 430 stainless steel, this is a solid performer.
The extra-long retractable tongs grab and flip steaks with prowess. It will not struggle even with a heavy brisket.
When used as a spatula, it is quite wide and easily slips under your food.
This heavy-duty BBQ grill gear has an equally great handle. Made of fibre-reinforced nylon, it can withstand up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature.
It will give you a solid and comfortable grip. This is a good thing, particularly for a beginner who may struggle with other grill gears.
This all-in-one grill tool is dishwasher safe. However, manufacturers recommend manual cleaning.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 19 x 4 x 2 inches
- Weight: 1.15 pounds
- Length: 18.5 inches
Strengths:
- Innovative design that can be used in six different ways including as a flashlight
- Sturdy and efficient as the high-quality 430 stainless steel construction ensures heavy-duty performance and durability
- Comfortable nylon handles
- Hooks for easy storage
- Dishwasher-safe and low maintenance
Weaknesses:
- A bit pricey, but well worth the money as it can replace several other tools
Verdict:
This is the epitome of innovative kitchen tools.
Often, a multifaceted tool like this one turns out to be uncomfortable. Rest assured this is not true for ChefGiant Tonglite.
These grill tongs with light are a handy must-have that you should not miss. My rating for this product is 9/10.
04. Rösle Stainless Steel Fine Tongs – Luxury Pick
[amazon box=”B0007VHCQ2″]The perfect grilling gear must never miss a slim pair of tongs. Otherwise, how could you work with those delicate pieces of bacon and seafood without damaging them?
Rösle Stainless Steel Fine Tongs were made for this.
These 12.2-inch stainless steel tongs lift and turn the delicate items on your grill with ease. The pointed tips are scored to give you the best grip on your food.
However, it is not merely grill gear. You can use it to extract items from jars and pin bones from fish.
The build material is high quality 18/10 stainless steel that gives the manufacturers enough confidence to offer a lifetime warranty.
Everything about these tongs is classy. They are sleek, look great, and boast a polished hanging loop for storage convenience.
They are a bit on the pricey side, but the feel and the service are worth it.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 0.5 x 0.75 inches
- Weight: 4.6 ounces
- Length: 12.2 inches
Strengths:
- Ideal tongs for thin and delicate food like seafood and fruit
- Ergonomically designed to maximize comfort
- Supreme performance with a great grip and feel
- Excellently removes pin bones from fish
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Weaknesses:
- Rather expensive when compared to other options
- Not suitable for larger and heavier pieces of food
Verdict:
This German engineered pair of fine tongs is supremely built and serves its purpose well. Overall, this is undoubtedly among the best BBQ tongs.
If you have felt the ordeal of turning thin pieces of bacon or removing fish bones, this is an absolute necessity for you. As far as handling delicate pieces of food go, these are the best. My rating for this product is 9/10.
05. OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs -Best Gripping Tongs
[amazon box=”B00004OCK1″]Get a grip with OXO Good Grips. This pair of metal tongs are the talk of the town and for good reason. They boast an ergonomic and thoughtful design from the base to the tip.
The gripper has a scalloped edge design. This allows you a firm grip on your food without piercing it.
In contrast to the firm tip, the cushioned handle is soft and non-slip. So you can expect comfortable grilling with OXO Good Grips.
The brushed stainless steel unit is 12 inches long, enough to keep your hands safe from the cooking surface. However, if you want something longer, a 16’’ version is available.
This one performs proficiently. It is versatile enough to be able to flip the most greasy and heavy piece of meat and the thinnest stalk of asparagus at the same time.
There is a metal pull-out lock in place which simplifies storage.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 13.75 x 6.75 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 6.3 ounces
- Length: 12 inches
Strengths:
- Grips really well, making it suitable for larger cuts of meat
- Signature cushioned no-slip handle ensures you can handle them comfortably
- Good for flipping and lifting all sorts of food
- Possesses the perfect spring tension, not too tight or too loose
Weaknesses:
- It has a metal pull-out lock, but some users prefer a rubber lock instead
Verdict:
The OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel tongs are premium quality tongs and are good enough to give our Overall Best a run for their money.
I won’t shy away from calling them some of the best tongs for grilling. They are highly recommended by users everywhere. My rating for this product is 9.5/10.
06. Rachael Ray Lil’ Huggers Dishwasher Safe Lazy Locking Cooking Tongs – Cooking Tongs that Look Great
[amazon box=”B075G1Q5V7″]Want pretty grill tongs? Look no further than these. Nonetheless, don’t let us give you the impression that they’re any less functional.
The Lil’ Huggers, a part of Rachel Ray’s popular kitchenware line, is actually pretty impressive.
It comes as a duo. The longer piece is 12 inches and the shorter one is 9 inches in length. Both the ends of these tongs are silicone made.
Although this silicone construct can withstand a temperature of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s not a good idea to expose it to scorching flames. It works best for medium to low heat cooking.
This kitchen tool is as easy to use as most of Rachel Ray’s kitchenware. It comes in three colors, among which we like aqua blue the most. The duo has a small footprint and gives you a great feel.
The reason they are named ‘little huggers’ is their locking mechanism. The flawless tabs lock them into compact units.
The overall performance is satisfactory. However, there are no gripping grooves on the tips. Hence, these tongs can struggle a bit when grasping heavier or greasy things.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 13.7 x 5.4 x 1.6 inches
- Weight: 14.8 ounces
- Length: 13.7 inches
Strengths:
- Looks and feels great, especially with the bright color
- Lightweight and compact, so use and storage is not complicated
- An efficient locking mechanism makes storage easy
- Easy to use for everyday cooking and grilling, while remaining affordable
Weaknesses:
- Tips are not grooved, so may struggle with slippery food
Verdict:
They are the best grill tongs for gifting because of their attractive look, great feel, and supreme performance. The Lil’ Huggers are great. However, we advise you to keep them away from direct flames. My rating for this product is 9/10.
07. Cave Tools Grill Tongs- Sturdiest Pick
[amazon box=”B01AKQLK5W”]These are the thickest stainless steel grill tongs that we have come across so far. How is this an advantage?
It increases durability by several times.
The sturdy construction and large clamps make it a reliably strong one. No matter how heavy a brisket you are dealing with, you are guaranteed that it won’t bend or break.
This unit comes with a leather hanging strap and fits on any grill tool holder without any trouble. These open-style tongs have a locking bracket to lock them shut.
Cleaning is extremely easy. It is dishwasher safe.
As a bonus, you get 25 professional BBQ recipes and a free download grilling journal for both IOS and Android.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 17.13 x 2.6 x 2.24 inches
- Weight: 13.6 ounces
- Length: 17 inches
Strengths:
- Sturdily built for a long life
- Great at doing its job, even for giant ribs and tomahawk steaks
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Great value for money with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee
Weaknesses:
- Not the best cooking tongs but does the job pretty well
Verdict:
This is a great no-bend, no-break, sturdy unit that sets out to do its job right. There is a close to zero chance that you will get disappointed with this purchase. Even if you do, there’s always a lifetime satisfaction guarantee! My rating for this product is 9/10.
08. Grill Tongs for Kitchen & Barbecue- Most Affordable
[amazon box=”B0761W4ZTT”]This is a sleek pair of tongs by the Mountain Grillers. Even then, these tongs are by no means flimsy. This unit is sturdy enough to grab hold of a chicken but handles lighter food better.
This is a duo of 16-inch and 12-inch tongs. While you will want the bigger one for heavy-duty grilling, the smaller one can be used for frying food, making pasta and noodles, and when baking on sheet pans.
This is a stainless steel spring unit. The textured, non-slip handles are comfortable and give you a satisfactory grip.
This unit is dishwashable, and there are hanging loops, so cleaning, maintenance, and storage aren’t an issue.
The only minus is the durability. It may not last for many years, so you need to use it with extra care.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 17.72 x 4.92 x 0.79 inches
- Weight: 10.2 ounces
- Length: 16 inches
Strengths:
- A pack of two for a great price
- Long and sleek with comfortable non-slip handles
- Versatile and can be used for various cooking purposes
- Satisfactory performance and easy to use
Weaknesses:
- Not the most durable tongs out there
Verdict:
The best thing about this unit is the price point.
Two pairs of quality tongs come at an extremely affordable price point. If using the same tongs for years to come isn’t a priority, then we recommend you go for these ones by the Mountain Grillers. My rating for this product is 9/10.
09. Grill Tongs Shark BBQ Heavy Duty Barbecue- Best Scissor Tongs
[amazon box=”B07MQBWR3N”]Scissor tongs are a result of some neat engineering. Many grillers prefer scissors style because they feel that this allows them more control.
For those of you who feel this way, these heavy-duty BBQ grilling tongs by Shark BBQ are good news because this is the best out there.
The body is made of steel, and the handles are quality PVC. These long tongs for grilling are 17.5 inches in length. This incredible length and the scissor-style design give you an extra effective reach.
The finger bows are quite grippy. They are comfortable and slip-proof no matter how greasy your hand gets.
Speaking of aesthetics, this one looks professional and gives you the vibe that it’s here for business. It’s dishwasher safe, in case you were wondering.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 17.7 x 3.8 x 1.4 inches
- Weight: 13.6 ounces
- Length: 17.5 inches
Strengths:
- Provides extra effective reach due to its long length
- The edges are serrated and razor-sharp, making it easy to hold on to ribs
- Comfortable grip
- Durable and well constructed
- Dishwashable and easy to clean
Weaknesses:
- Can be rather overpriced
Verdict:
These are the best scissor grill tongs out there. If you want to prepare a big rack of ribs or grill a whole chicken, these tongs will come in handy. No matter what you need them for, these grill tongs will not disappoint. My rating for this product is 9/10.
10. Grilljoy 24PCS BBQ Grill Tools Set with Meat Thermometer and Injector- Comprehensive Grill Tool Kit
[amazon box=”B07FDKD9JF”]Before we review this tool-set, here’s what it contains:
- Power tongs
- Spatula
- Meat forks
- Meat thermometer
- Meat injector
- Corn holders
- Cleaning brush
- Extra brush head
- Salt and pepper shakers
- Knife
- BBQ skewers
- Basting brush
Needless to say, this is a complete grill toolset in the truest sense of the word.
The best thing is the aluminum case that it comes in. Each and every piece of this set is securely strapped by velcro inside this lightweight yet sturdy case. Hence, this is an extremely portable toolset for outdoor grilling events.
Grilling is a breeze with these extra thick stainless steel tools. Made of rust-resistant premium quality stainless steel, all the pieces are durable and robust. These have extended heat-proof handles to keep you far and safe from the heat.
The tongs included here are made of single-piece metal. They do the job pretty well, although the set is not merely about the tongs, as you may have noticed. It is a functional and portable set that comes at a reasonable price point.
The pieces are dishwashable. Storage is no-hassle. Simply strap them inside the case. The case has hanging hooks. So hang it anywhere you like and hit the road with it anytime you want.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 17.32 x 9.45 x 2.68 inches
- Weight: 4.71 pounds
- Length: 15 inches
Strengths:
- Very useful for outdoor grilling events like picnics and camping
- High quality, rust-resistant stainless steel at a reasonable price
- Contains a meat thermometer, basting brush, and injector as well
- Lightweight and portable aluminum case
- Great as a gift for new grill owners
Weaknesses:
- The tongs aren’t the best available.
Verdict:
This quality-built, highly portable, all-inclusive set comes at a reasonable price point, so it’s great for your outdoor grilling ventures. This is also a supreme gift for your grilling aficionado friend. If you want a bunch of grill accessories, this is the set to buy. My rating for this product is 9/10.
Buying Guide: Factors to Consider before Buying Grill Tongs
As we mentioned earlier, a perfectly planned BBQ party may spiral out of control if you don’t have a decent pair of tongs in hand. A burnt steak or a burnt hand isn’t going to make you feel the peace of a BBQ weekend. Add the frustration of a flimsy piece of tongs.
Ugh! Unimaginable.
Ergo, you need a solid plan for purchasing a solid tongs before you go on planning your party. This checklist will come handy.
If you are looking for the easy food for party, check this article “Top 20 Easy Food for Party: Get The Party Buzzing!”
The Tips:
The tips of the tongs you find for sale are either made of silicone or stainless steel. You may stumble upon one or two made of nylon.
Silicone tips are great because they don’t scratch the surface of non-stick cookware. So, units like the Rachael Ray Lil’ Huggers Dishwasher Safe Lazy Locking Cooking Tongs are more suited to your kitchen. Silicone can withstand high temperatures. Therefore, they are perfect for medium heat cooking.
For grilling though, stainless steel is a better match. Tongs made of stainless steel such as the Grilling Tongs Heavy Duty 16 Inch by Grille Perfect or the Cuisinart CGS-134 Grilling Tool Set with Grill Glove are sturdier and offer a greater hold.
Nylon tips are also great on non-stick cookware, but nylon isn’t that heat resistant. So, we guess you can safely cross them out of the list if grilling is on your mind.
The Grips:
The best grips or handles are made of silicone or rubberized stainless steel. These are cushioned up to a certain degree, therefore, feel comfortable. Made of FDA approved silicone, DAILY KISN Premium Stainless-Steel Locking Grill Tongs is a prime example of tongs with quality handles.
You must also look for units that promise non-slip handles, as the OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs does.
Grilling is a greasy business, you won’t want a slippery hold on your extended arm.
The Style:
This is another choice that you must make when you purchase grill tongs. There are simple tongs and scissor style tongs available out there.
Spring-loaded tongs are more easily maneuvered than scissors. Even then, some users feel that they get better control when they use X-shaped scissor style tongs.
If you feel the same way, check out the Grill Tongs – Heavy Duty Barbecue Grilling Tong w Red PVC Handle by Shark BBQ.
The Length:
Shorter tongs are well known for allowing more control to the user. However, these are only ideal for stove-top cooking. When it comes to grilling, saving yourself from the scorching heat of the grilling surface must be a priority.
Therefore, the longer the tongs the better. The best grill tongs need to be long enough to prevent burns without being difficult to maneuver.
A good enough length is 16 inches. Many great 16-inch tongs have made it to the list of our favorites. Grilling Tongs Heavy Duty 16 Inch by Grille Perfect and Rosle Stainless Steel Lock and Release Click Tongs are a couple of them.
You can also go for tongs that are even longer such as the DAILY KISN Premium Stainless-Steel Locking Grill Tongs.
However, many users including us feel that a 12’’ tongs such as the OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs is good enough to keep you at a safe distance from the heat.
The Locking Mechanism and Spring Tension:
Lockable tongs mold into a compact form and make it easy for you to store them or simply hang them to your grill. Almost all decent tongs are lockable. The mechanism, however, varies across models.
Units such as DAILY KISN Premium Stainless-Steel Locking Grill Tongs offer a pull-out lock while units like Rosle Stainless Steel Lock and Release Click Tongs go a step further and offer gravity-fed locks. Rachael Ray Lil’ Huggers Dishwasher Safe Lazy Locking Cooking Tongs have flawless lock tabs in place.
The locking mechanism is all about preference. Opt for something that feels more convenient to you.
The spring tension is also a vital factor to take into consideration. This will determine how comfortable your tongs turn out to be.
If the spring tension is too high, it will feel rigid. On the other hand, if the spring tension is too low, it will feel loose and lax and struggle to give you a solid grip. OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs comes with the perfect spring tension. No wonder it is such a good grip.
Ease of Cleaning:
Almost all decent tongs are dishwashable. Check if yours is as well. This will take the burden of post-party cleaning away from your plate.
FAQs on Grill Tongs
Below, you’ll find answers to questions we get asked the most about grill tongs.
Are Tongs With Silicone Tips Safe?
Yes.
Cooking tongs with silicone tips are safe for your health. Silicone does not leach into food, so there is no chance of your food being contaminated.
Can I Use Rubber Tongs For Grilling?
Yes, as long as the grippers are made of stainless steel.
Many quality tongs have rubberized handles to make it more comfortable to hold. As long as the tip or the grippers that come in contact with the cooking surface does not have rubber on it, there is no issue.
What Are The Different Types Of Tongs?
There are three basic types:
01. Salad tongs
02. Scissor tongs
03. Buffet serving tongs
Each type is constructed with their specific activity in mind. Grill tongs can resemble salad tongs or may adopt the scissor style. The main point is they should be sturdy enough for a grill gear.
Why Are They Called Tongs?
The name ‘tongs’ comes from the Old English word ‘tang’ which means ‘one that bites’! From how tongs work, we guess you can feel how appropriately this is named!
What Are The Tongs Used In The Kitchen?
Tongs are utensils that grip your food and lift or turn them instead of you holding food directly with your hands.
So, you can use them for a variety of purposes such as grilling, serving salad or spaghetti, or cooking over a heating surface. You can turn food with more precision with tongs than other utensils such as spoons.
Final Thoughts
Reading this absolutely detailed account on tongs may have made you realize that it’s not just the world of BBQs that’s chaotic. The world of tongs isn’t as small as the name! There are so many types and so much engineering involved!
Slacken your grip. It’s not that tough either. The ultimate goal is to decide what you want in your ideal kitchen gear.
Once you have decided on that and skimmed through the buying guide we prepared for you after a lot of testing and research, it’s now time for the purchase.
Bring home the best grill tongs and enjoy your BBQ outings for years to come.
Oh, and one more thing! Here are the 10 Best Grill Brush for post-party cleanup.
Cheers!
My Number One Recommendation
It is quite clear that the Grille Perfect Heavy-Duty Grilling Tongs beats out all the others in this list for the title of Overall Best. The handle is constructed from silicone, meaning that it efficiently prevents heat from reaching your palms.
This also gives you a non-slip and firm hold, no matter how greasy the handle becomes. The grips, on the other hand, are made of heavy-duty stainless steel. So you can safely expect this to be around for a long time.
The scalloped edges provide a solid grip on your meat and burgers without tearing them apart. There is a close to nada chance that your meat slice will fall off from the strong grip of Grille Perfect grilling tongs.
Check Latest Price For Grille Perfect Heavy-Duty Grilling Tongs
