KITCHEN TOOLS · BUYING GUIDE

Best Kitchen Tongs

Updated

The best kitchen tongs: silicone, nylon, stainless steel, mini and grill tongs from OXO, All-Clad and Weber, compared by length, tips, locking mechanism and care.

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Our picks at a glance

ProductAwardScore
OXO 12" Tongs With Silicone Heads Stainless steel, silicone
Best overall 8.3 Check price
OXO Mini Tongs Brushed stainless steel
Best budget 6.9 Check price
All-Clad Precision Stainless Steel Tools, Locking Tongs, 12 inch Heavy gauge stainless steel, polished finish
Best premium 8.1 Check price
OXO 12" Tongs With Nylon Heads Nylon, stainless steel
Best value for nonstick 8.2 Check price
Weber Precision Grill Tongs Stainless steel
Best for grilling 8.3 Check price
How the editorial score works

The score rates documented features and practical tradeoffs on a 10-point scale, using the weighted criteria below. An 8 means strong support with one clear limit; a 9 means particularly complete support with minor limits. It is our editorial judgment from manufacturer information, not a hands-on test or a customer rating.

  • Heat & head material30%
  • Length & reach25%
  • Lock & grip25%
  • Care & warranty20%

The order of the picks also reflects who each product suits best, so it is not decided by the score alone. More on our method

  1. 01 · Best overall
    OXO 12" Tongs With Silicone Heads

    OXO · 1101980

    OXO 12" Tongs With Silicone Heads

    8.3/ 10
    Editorial score
    Heat/head
    7.5
    Length
    8.5
    Lock & grip
    9.0
    Care
    8.5
    Why this score?
    Heat & head material · 7.5
    Silicone heads safe on nonstick; no maximum temperature stated
    Length & reach · 8.5
    12-inch class suits most stovetop jobs
    Lock & grip · 9.0
    Locks closed; soft non-slip grips
    Care & warranty · 8.5
    Dishwasher safe; OXO Better Guarantee

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forEveryday stovetop cooking, including in nonstick pans

    OXO's classic stainless steel locking tongs with heat-resistant silicone heads that protect nonstick finishes and can scrape pans without scratching. They have soft non-slip grips, lock closed for storage and are dishwasher safe.

    Strengths

    • Silicone heads are safe on nonstick and ceramic cookware
    • Locks closed; dishwasher safe

    Weaknesses

    • OXO does not state a maximum temperature for the silicone heads
    • Silicone heads are thicker than bare steel edges for picking up small pieces

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    14" x 1" x 2"
    Material
    Stainless steel, silicone
    Locking
    Yes, locks closed for storage
    Care
    Dishwasher safe
    Warranty
    OXO Better Guarantee

    Details checked against the oxo.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  2. 02 · Best premium
    All-Clad Precision Stainless Steel Tools, Locking Tongs, 12 inch

    All-Clad · K1201464

    All-Clad Precision Stainless Steel Tools, Locking Tongs, 12 inch

    8.1/ 10
    Editorial score
    Heat/head
    8.5
    Length
    8.5
    Lock & grip
    7.5
    Care
    7.5
    Why this score?
    Heat & head material · 8.5
    Heavy-gauge steel heat safe to 600°F; bare edges not ideal for nonstick
    Length & reach · 8.5
    12.1 in suits stove and grill
    Lock & grip · 7.5
    Self-locking, scalloped edges and drain slots; no non-slip grip listed
    Care & warranty · 7.5
    Hand washing recommended; limited lifetime warranty

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forCooks who want heavy-gauge steel tongs for the stove and the grill

    Heavy-gauge stainless steel locking tongs with scalloped edges and slots that drain liquid before serving. All-Clad rates them heat safe to 600°F for indoor and outdoor use, and they are covered by its limited lifetime warranty.

    Strengths

    • Heat safe to 600°F, the highest rating here
    • Limited lifetime warranty

    Weaknesses

    • All-Clad recommends hand washing
    • Bare steel edges are not ideal for nonstick pans

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    12.1 x 1.6 x 1.6 inches
    Material
    Heavy gauge stainless steel, polished finish
    Heat resistance
    Up to 600°F
    Locking
    Self-locking
    Care
    Hand washing recommended
    Warranty
    Limited lifetime
    Made in
    China (designed in Canonsburg, PA)

    Details checked against the all-clad.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  3. 03 · Best value for nonstick
    OXO 12" Tongs With Nylon Heads

    OXO · 1054628

    OXO 12" Tongs With Nylon Heads

    8.2/ 10
    Editorial score
    Heat/head
    7.0
    Length
    8.5
    Lock & grip
    9.0
    Care
    8.5
    Why this score?
    Heat & head material · 7.0
    Nylon heads safe for nonstick but rated only to 400°F
    Length & reach · 8.5
    12-inch class suits most stovetop jobs
    Lock & grip · 9.0
    Locks closed; soft non-slip grips
    Care & warranty · 8.5
    Dishwasher safe; OXO Better Guarantee

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forNonstick and ceramic pans on a tighter budget

    Stainless steel locking tongs with scalloped nylon heads that OXO says are safe for nonstick cookware and heat resistant to 400°F. Soft non-slip grips and a lock for storage match OXO's other 12-inch tongs.

    Strengths

    • Nylon heads are safe for nonstick and ceramic cookware
    • Dishwasher safe and locks closed

    Weaknesses

    • Nylon heads are rated only to 400°F, so keep them off grill grates
    • Scalloped nylon is bulkier than bare steel tips

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    14" x 1" x 2"
    Material
    Nylon, stainless steel
    Heat resistance
    400°F
    Locking
    Yes, locks closed for storage
    Care
    Dishwasher safe
    Warranty
    OXO Better Guarantee

    Details checked against the oxo.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  4. 04 · Best for grilling
    Weber Precision Grill Tongs

    Weber · 6768

    Weber Precision Grill Tongs

    8.3/ 10
    Editorial score
    Heat/head
    8.5
    Length
    8.0
    Lock & grip
    9.0
    Care
    7.5
    Why this score?
    Heat & head material · 8.5
    Stainless with flat front edge for fish and ribs; no heat rating listed
    Length & reach · 8.0
    18 in keeps hands from grill heat; long for stovetop use
    Lock & grip · 9.0
    Hands-free lock, soft-touch handle, hanging loop
    Care & warranty · 7.5
    Dishwasher safe; 2-year warranty, shorter than All-Clad's

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forTurning food on a grill while keeping hands away from the heat

    Long stainless steel grill tongs with a soft-touch handle and a flat front edge that gets under fragile food like fish and vegetables while still gripping a rack of ribs. A hands-free locking mechanism closes them, and a metal loop lets you hang them.

    Strengths

    • 18 in long to keep hands away from the grill
    • Hands-free lock, dishwasher safe, hanging loop

    Weaknesses

    • Long for everyday stovetop use
    • 2-year warranty, shorter than All-Clad's limited lifetime cover

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    18"H x 1.73"W x 2"D
    Material
    Stainless steel
    Locking
    Hands-free locking mechanism
    Care
    Dishwasher safe
    Warranty
    2 years

    Details checked against the weber.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  5. 05 · Best budget
    OXO Mini Tongs

    OXO · 11305500

    OXO Mini Tongs

    6.9/ 10
    Editorial score
    Heat/head
    6.5
    Length
    6.0
    Lock & grip
    7.0
    Care
    8.5
    Why this score?
    Heat & head material · 6.5
    Brushed stainless scalloped edges; no heat rating; too short for hot pans
    Length & reach · 6.0
    7 in suits jars and serving boards only
    Lock & grip · 7.0
    Locks closed; no non-slip grip listed
    Care & warranty · 8.5
    Dishwasher safe; OXO Better Guarantee

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forServing appetizers and reaching into jars

    Seven-inch brushed stainless steel tongs with scalloped edges, sized for pulling pickles and olives out of jars and for serving cheese, crackers and fruit. They lock closed for storage and are dishwasher safe.

    Strengths

    • Lowest price here and small enough for jars and serving boards
    • Locks closed; dishwasher safe

    Weaknesses

    • Too short for hot pans or the grill
    • No non-slip grip listed, unlike OXO's 12-inch tongs

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    1.05" x 0.9" x 7"
    Material
    Brushed stainless steel
    Locking
    Yes, locks closed for storage
    Care
    Dishwasher safe
    Warranty
    OXO Better Guarantee

    Details checked against the oxo.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon

COMPARE

Side-by-side comparison

Select a column heading to sort.
OXO 12" Tongs With Silicone Heads Everyday stovetop cooking, including in nonstick pans14" x 1" x 2"Stainless steel, siliconeYes, locks closed for storage
All-Clad Precision Stainless Steel Tools, Locking Tongs, 12 inch Cooks who want heavy-gauge steel tongs for the stove and the grill12.1 x 1.6 x 1.6 inchesHeavy gauge stainless steel, polished finishSelf-locking
OXO 12" Tongs With Nylon Heads Nonstick and ceramic pans on a tighter budget14" x 1" x 2"Nylon, stainless steelYes, locks closed for storage
Weber Precision Grill Tongs Turning food on a grill while keeping hands away from the heat18"H x 1.73"W x 2"DStainless steelHands-free locking mechanism
OXO Mini Tongs Serving appetizers and reaching into jars1.05" x 0.9" x 7"Brushed stainless steelYes, locks closed for storage

How we chose

We compared locking tongs from established makers using their own product pages, looking at length, head material (bare steel, silicone or nylon), heat ratings, locking style, cleaning instructions and warranty. We chose one pair for each main use: everyday stovetop cooking, nonstick pans, high-heat cooking, grilling and serving.

What to look for in kitchen tongs

Pick the right length. Around 12 inches works for most stovetop jobs. Longer tongs keep your hands away from grill heat, and short tongs are easier to control for serving and reaching into jars.

Choose the head material. Bare stainless steel grips firmly and handles high heat but can scratch nonstick coatings. Silicone and nylon heads are gentler on pans but have a lower heat limit, so check the rating.

Look for a lock you can use one-handed. A lock keeps tongs compact in a drawer. Locks you can open and close with one hand are easier to use mid-cook than ones that need both hands.

Check the grip and spring tension. Non-slip handles help when your hands are wet or greasy. Tension that is too stiff tires your hand, while too loose makes it hard to hold heavy food.

Read the care and warranty details. Many tongs are dishwasher safe, but some makers recommend hand washing. Warranties range from a couple of years to limited lifetime cover.

Frequently asked questions

What length of kitchen tongs should I buy?

A 12-inch pair, like the OXO 12-inch Tongs With Silicone Heads or the All-Clad Precision Locking Tongs, suits most stovetop cooking. Go longer for the grill, such as the 18-inch Weber Precision Grill Tongs, and shorter for serving, like the 7-inch OXO Mini Tongs.

Are silicone or nylon tongs better for nonstick pans?

Both protect nonstick surfaces. OXO says its silicone-headed tongs are heat resistant and can scrape pans without scratching, while its nylon-headed tongs are rated to 400°F. Bare stainless steel tongs, like the All-Clad Precision pair, are better kept for stainless, cast iron and the grill.

Can kitchen tongs go in the dishwasher?

Most of these can. OXO lists all three of its tongs here as dishwasher safe, and Weber says the same for its Precision Grill Tongs. All-Clad recommends hand washing its Precision Locking Tongs.

How do locking tongs work?

A lock holds the arms closed so the tongs take up less space in a drawer or can hang neatly. All three OXO pairs here lock closed for storage, Weber says its Precision Grill Tongs use a hands-free locking mechanism, and All-Clad describes a self-locking system on its Precision tongs.

What are the best kitchen tongs for grilling?

The Weber Precision Grill Tongs are the pick for grilling. They are 18 in long to keep your hands away from the heat, have a flat front edge that gets under fragile food like fish and vegetables, and use a hands-free lock. The All-Clad Precision tongs are rated heat safe to 600 F for indoor and outdoor use, while OXO's nylon-headed pair is rated only to 400 F, so keep it off grill grates.

What are the best heavy-duty kitchen tongs?

The All-Clad Precision Stainless Steel Locking Tongs are the heavy-duty pick, made from heavy-gauge stainless steel with scalloped edges and slots that drain liquid. They are rated heat safe to 600 F, the highest rating in this guide, and carry a limited lifetime warranty. All-Clad recommends hand washing, and the bare steel edges are not ideal for nonstick pans.