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 we score
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
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 we score
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.
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 we score
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
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 we score
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
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 we score
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
Manufacturer specs, not hands-on tests. Each pick is rated out of 10 on four things:
30%Heat & head material
25%Length & reach
25%Lock & grip
20%Care & warranty
What to look for in kitchen tongs
Pick the right length12 inches suits stovetop; longer for grilling, shorter for serving
Choose the head materialsteel grips and takes heat but scratches nonstick; silicone is gentler
Choose a one-handed lockkeeps tongs compact in a drawer and is easy mid-cook
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.
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.
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.
