What is the best pair of kitchen tongs?

The consensus favorite across home cooks, professional kitchens, and testing publications like [America's Test Kitchen ] is the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Locking Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item..

Here is a breakdown of the top contenders depending on what you need:

Best Overall: OXO Good Grips 9-Inch or 12-Inch Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item. – Widely considered the gold standard. They hit the absolute sweet spot for spring tension (not too stiff, not too loose), feature comfortable silicone grip inserts on the handles, scalloped pincers that hold food securely, and a reliable pull-tab ring mechanism to lock them closed for storage.

Best with Silicone Tips: Misen Silicone Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item. – If you want to protect your nonstick cookware, Misen’s version uses a firmer, higher-grade silicone on the tips that doesn't feel overly floppy or bendy, maintaining great precision when grabbing food.

Best Heavy-Duty / Pro-Style: All-Clad Stainless Steel Locking Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item. – Made of polished 18/10 stainless steel with no rubber or silicone grips. They are ultra-sturdy, commercial-grade, completely dishwasher safe, and built to last a lifetime (making them exceptional for high-heat grilling).

Quick buying tip: 9-inch tongs are ideal for everyday stovetop control and precision, while 12-inch tongs give you the extra reach needed for grilling or dealing with deep pots of boiling water.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Are you mostly grilling outdoors or cooking on a stovetop?
• Do you prefer all-metal or silicone tips to protect nonstick pans?

I can help you pick the exact size and style that fits your cooking habits.

Best overall: OXO Good Grips 12-inch locking tongs

• OXO SoftWorks Stainless Steel 12-inch Food Tongs - $15.97 (Walmart)

If you want one pair that does almost everything, I'd buy the OXO Good Grips 12-inch stainless-steel tongs.

• Excellent grip: scalloped ends hold everything from asparagus to steaks.
• Comfortable: soft, non-slip handles and a thumb rest.
• Locking mechanism: closes for compact storage.
• 12 inches: long enough to keep your hands away from heat without feeling unwieldy.
• Durable stainless steel: suitable for everyday cooking and serving.
• Current listings are around $16, which is a very good value.

One important alternative

If you have nonstick cookware, I'd get the OXO 12-inch tongs with nylon heads instead:

• OXO SoftWorks 12-inch Nylon-Head Tongs - $14.97 (Walmart)

The nylon heads are gentler on nonstick surfaces while retaining the same comfortable handle and locking design.

My verdict: Buy the stainless OXO 12-inch unless you regularly use nonstick pans; then choose the nylon-head version.

Best overall: OXO Good Grips 12-inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs

• OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs - $15.99 (Target)

These are the pair I'd buy for most kitchens. They consistently come out on top in testing, including recent 2026 reviews from Food Network and Yahoo. They're comfortable, well-balanced, easy to squeeze, have excellent scalloped tips, and the locking mechanism is genuinely useful.

Why 12 inches?

It's the sweet spot: long enough to keep your hands away from a hot pan, but short enough to give you good control. Food Network specifically found 12 inches ideal for everyday cooking.

One important caveat

If you frequently cook with nonstick cookware, I'd get the OXO nylon-head version instead. The nylon tips won't scratch coated pans, though they're limited to about 400°F.

• OXO 12-Inch Tongs with Nylon Heads - $14.99 (Target)

Bottom line: If you want one pair that does almost everything, get the OXO Good Grips 12-inch stainless-steel tongs. If you use nonstick pans regularly, get the nylon-head version.

The overall best pair of kitchen tongs is the Zwilling Pro Universal Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for stainless steel precision, or the Misen Silicone Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for nonstick safety , with prices ranging from $19 to $25.

Top Kitchen Tongs Comparison

Top Choices Breakdown

Add to list Features a smart slotted/solid design on opposite ends to drain sauces or hold liquids. Buy them via the Zwilling Store.

Add to list Offers scalloped edges for secure grip and protective silicone to prevent scratching delicate cookware. Check options at Misen.

Add to list Premium stainless steel build with an elliptical handle that prevents twisting in your hand. View details on the Le Creuset Official Site.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Do you mostly cook with nonstick pans or cast iron/stainless steel?
• Do you prefer a locking ring pull or a gravity-lock mechanism?

I can help you pick the exact model for your kitchen.

After comparing recent kitchen-tong tests and available models, the best all-around choice for most home cooks is:

OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs — Best overall

OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs

$20.08

OXO SoftWorks 9-Inch Locking Tongs

$14.97

Winco Stainless Steel Utility Tongs

$3.36

Why they’re the top pick

• Excellent grip: scalloped stainless tips grab everything from steak to pasta without crushing food.
• Comfortable handle: the soft, non-slip grip is easier on your hand than many all-metal designs.
• Good length: 12 inches is a sweet spot—long enough for heat protection but still precise for stovetop cooking.
• Easy storage: the locking mechanism keeps them closed in a drawer.
• Dishwasher safe.

Best alternatives

• For nonstick pans: OXO 9" Tongs with Nylon Heads — nylon tips protect coatings while keeping a firm grip.
• Best budget workhorse: Winco Stainless Steel Utility Tongs — inexpensive, durable, and common in restaurant kitchens.
• For grilling: consider a longer 16-inch pair so your hands stay farther from heat.

My pick for a single pair to keep in a home kitchen: OXO Good Grips 12-inch stainless-steel locking tongs. If you use mostly nonstick cookware, choose the nylon/silicone-tip version instead.

The absolute best overall kitchen tongs are the [OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/shopping/product-reviews/best-tongs) (priced around $18 ), celebrated for their balanced weight, comfortable rubberized grips, and smooth, reliable one-handed locking mechanism . For a silicone-coated alternative safe for nonstick pans, the Misen Silicone Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (around $19 ) are top-tested favorites, while the heavy-duty [DI ORO Seamless Silicone Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.dioro.com/) offer premium heat resistance up to 600°F.

Top Kitchen Tongs Compared

Key Criteria for Choosing Tongs

• Length: 9-inch to 12-inch lengths offer the best sweet spot for everyday stovetop control and reach, while 16-inch options are better suited for outdoor grilling.
• Head Material: Bare stainless steel provides a superior grip on heavy proteins , but silicone or nylon tips are mandatory to prevent scratching nonstick, ceramic, or enameled cookware.
• Locking Mechanism: A smooth pull-tab or gravity-drop lock allows you to open and close the tool easily with one hand while cooking.

If you share what type of cookware you use most often (nonstick vs. stainless steel/cast iron) or if you plan to use them for grilling , I can recommend the ideal size and tip material for your routine.

If you want one pair that does almost everything, I’d buy the OXO Good Grips 12-inch locking tongs with silicone heads.

OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Tongs with Silicone Heads

$25.86

Why OXO:

• Excellent grip without crushing food.
• Silicone tips are safe for nonstick and ceramic cookware.
• Comfortable, nonslip handle and easy one-handed locking.
• Dishwasher safe.
• The 12-inch version gives better reach for stovetop cooking; Food Network named the 12-inch OXO stainless-steel model its best overall after testing 17 pairs.
• The silicone-head version is particularly versatile because it won't scratch your pans and is rated for heat up to 600°F.

My pick: Get the 12-inch silicone-head version if you cook regularly. If you mostly serve salads, pasta, or work close to the pan, the 9-inch is handier.

If you specifically want maximum durability for steaks/grilling, I'd choose the 12-inch all-stainless OXO instead.

The consensus favorite across major testing publications (including America's Test Kitchen, Serious Eats , and Food Network ) is the OXO Good Grips Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item..

Why OXO Good Grips Wins

• Perfect Tension: They strike the ideal balance—requiring just enough pressure to feel secure without fatiguing your hand during prolonged cooking sessions.
• Precise Pincers: The scalloped metal or coated tips align flawlessly, meaning they can delicately grab a single piece of asparagus or securely lift a heavy roast.
• Intuitive Lock: The pull-tab mechanism at the base locks and unlocks smoothly with one hand and doubles as a convenient hanging loop.
• Comfortable Grip: The soft, non-slip rubber handles insulate against heat and prevent slipping, even with wet or greasy hands.

Choosing the Right Style and Size

• Tip Material (Silicone/Nylon vs. Bare Stainless Steel): If you frequently cook with nonstick, ceramic, or enamel pans, opt for the version with silicone or nylon heads to avoid scratching your cookware. Choose bare stainless steel if you primarily use cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless cookware (and for high-heat grilling).
• Length:
  • 9-Inch: Highly recommended by test kitchens for everyday stovetop precision and control.
  • 12-Inch: The gold standard for general versatility, keeping your hands safely away from hot splatters or boiling water.
  • 16-Inch: Best reserved for outdoor charcoal or gas grilling where extra reach is vital.

Other honorable mentions include the heavy-duty and precise Misen Silicone Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item. and the budget-friendly U-Taste Silicone Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item..

If you'd like to narrow it down, let me know:

• What type of cookware do you use most often (nonstick, stainless steel, cast iron)?
• Will you be using them primarily for stovetop cooking or grilling?

For everyday home cooking, testing and consensus from culinary authorities (like America's Test Kitchen and Food Network ) point to one undisputed champion: the OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item..

Top-rated options tailored to different cooking styles and preferences include:

OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs (Best Overall): Widely praised as the gold standard. They require very little hand pressure to close (0.55 lbs), feature comfortable silicone grip inserts in the handles, have a reliable pull-tab locking mechanism, and strike the ideal length balance for sautéing or grilling without feeling unwieldy.

Misen Silicone Tongs (Best Silicone-Tipped): If you primarily cook with delicate nonstick pans and want peace of mind against scratching, Misen's silicone-headed option offers a sturdy build, high heat resistance, and a secure grip on bulky foods.

Winco Stainless Steel Heavyweight Utility Tongs (Best Budget / Pro Style): The no-nonsense, spring-loaded stainless steel choice used in commercial restaurant kitchens. They have no rubber or plastic parts to degrade, offer incredible grip strength, and cost a fraction of consumer-branded specialty tools.

Rösle 12-Inch Tongs (Best Splurge / Buy-It-For-Life): Made of premium 18/10 stainless steel with a patented locking mechanism that opens and closes automatically when tipped up or down, these are ultra-durable and sleek, though significantly more expensive.

Quick Buying Tips

• Length: 12-inch tongs are the most versatile for keeping your hands safely away from splattering oil or high grill heat. A secondary 9-inch pair is great for low-heat tasks or serving.
• Tips: Bare stainless steel is best for high heat and precision, while silicone-tipped tongs protect nonstick coatings.

If you let me know whether you plan to use them mostly on nonstick pans , an outdoor grill , or for general cooking , I can recommend the exact style and tip material that fits your setup.

If you want one pair that does almost everything, I’d buy the OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs.

OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless Steel Tongs

$15.99

Why these are my pick:

• Excellent grip without requiring much hand strength.
• 12" is the sweet spot for everyday cooking.
• Stainless-steel scalloped tips grip meat, vegetables, pasta, etc. securely.
• Comfortable non-slip handles and thumb rests.
• Lock closed for easy storage.
• Dishwasher safe.
• Food Network tested 17 leading models and named these Best Overall.
• Currently around $16 at Target, depending on availability.

One caveat: If you regularly cook with nonstick pans, I'd get the OXO 12" Silicone-Head Tongs instead. The silicone tips protect the coating while retaining the same comfortable OXO design.

OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Tongs with Silicone Heads

$16.95

Bottom line:
🥇 Best overall: OXO stainless-steel 12"
🥈 Best for nonstick cookware: OXO silicone-head 12"
💰 Best cheap option: GoodCook 12" locking tongs

If you're buying just one, I'd choose the OXO silicone-head version—it's more versatile because you can safely use it with nonstick cookware.