Tongs

The Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Tongs: Best Picks, Brands, and Where to Buy in the US

Why the Right Tongs Matter More Than You Think

Tongs are one of those humble kitchen tools that quietly do heavy lifting—literally. Whether you're flipping a burger on the grill, serving a salad at a dinner party, or reaching into a hot pan, the right pair of tongs gives you control, safety, and a better cooking experience. Think of tongs as an extension of your hand: precise, heat-resistant, and dependable. Picking the wrong pair is like trying to use tweezers for a sled—possible, but awkward and inefficient.

Common Types of Kitchen Tongs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all pair of tongs; different styles suit different tasks. You’ve got stainless steel tongs for durability, silicone-tipped tongs for nonstick safe cooking, wooden tongs for a rustic serving look, and locking tongs that compact for easy storage. Knowing which type fits your routine helps you shop smarter and avoid returns.

Stainless Steel Tongs

Stainless steel tongs are the go-to for heavy-duty tasks like grilling and oven work. They're sturdy, often weigh between 4 and 8 ounces, and can extend 12 to 18 inches—great for keeping your hands a safe distance from high heat. Many grill masters prefer a long stainless pair with scalloped edges for a reliable grip on meat and vegetables.

Silicone-Tipped Tongs

If you cook on nonstick pans, silicone-tipped tongs are a must. The soft tips prevent scratching while offering a secure grip. They typically withstand temperatures up to 400–500°F and are ideal for flipping fish or stirring delicate foods that would flake with metal. They’re the delicate touch in a world of rugged kitchen gear.

Wooden and Bamboo Tongs

Wooden tongs add a tactile, natural touch to serving, especially at the table or around wooden cookware. Brands like Cerqular make wooden kitchen tongs popular for their aesthetic and functional appeal. They’re lightweight—often under 4 ounces—and typically range from 7 to 12 inches, making them perfect for salads and bread service.

Brand Spotlight: Dreamfarm — Clongs, Clongs Lite, and BBQ Clongs

Dreamfarm has built a reputation for clever design and playful names, and their Clongs lineup is no exception. The Clongs and Clongs Lite are favorites for home cooks who want precision and ergonomics. The BBQ Clongs are tailored for outdoor grilling with a longer reach and heat-resistant materials to handle up to high grilling temperatures. These tongs are designed to feel natural in hand—snug, maneuverable, and often lighter than traditional metal tongs.

Why Dreamfarm Clongs Stand Out

Clongs combine the reach of standard tongs with a unique scissor-like feel that many cooks find intuitive. The Lite versions shave off weight without sacrificing strength, and the BBQ models add length and reinforced tips for flipping bigger cuts of meat. If you want a modern take on a basic tool, Dreamfarm lineup is a smart place to start.

Brand Spotlight: Cerqular Wooden Kitchen Tongs

Cerqular offers wooden kitchen tongs that are engineered with simplicity and charm in mind. A wooden tong adds warmth to your serving set and avoids scratching delicate surfaces. Their wooden tongs are often marketed as one-size-fits-most and work beautifully for salad service, soft-baked goods, or light grilling where a wooden tool makes sense.

When to Choose Wooden Tongs

Wooden tongs shine at the table—think serving salad, tossing pasta, or picking up bread rolls. They're less suitable for very high heat or heavy flipping, but if you want a natural look and soft touch for your serving ware, they’re an elegant choice.

Top US Stores and Brands to Buy Tongs From

Shopping for tongs in the US gives you plenty of options. From specialty kitchen stores to big-box retailers and online marketplaces, each offers different advantages—price, selection, or premium brands. Here are some reliable places to consider when you’re looking to buy tongs.

OXO and OXO Good Grips

OXO’s Good Grips series is a staple in American kitchens. Known for comfort and thoughtful design, OXO tongs often feature ergonomic handles, locking mechanisms, and silicone tips. They’re a great mid-range pick for everyday use, and you’ll frequently find options in 9-inch and 12-inch lengths.

Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table

For premium materials and boutique selections, Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table stock high-end tongs from respected brands. These stores are good for finding professional-grade stainless steel tongs, specialty designs, and items that make stylish gifts—for cooks who appreciate form along with function.

Walmart, Target, and Amazon

Walmart and Target offer budget-friendly tongs that cover basic needs—perfect if you want a decent set for under $15. Amazon gives the widest selection, from inexpensive 2-for-1 sets to premium branded tongs. If convenience and price range matter most, these retailers are hard to beat.

How to Choose the Best Tongs for Your Needs

Choosing tongs is a balance of length, grip, material, and weight. Think about what you cook most and let that guide your selection. Do you flip steaks on an open grill? Go long and sturdy. Mostly stirring or serving? A shorter, lighter pair with silicone tips should do the trick. Here’s a checklist to simplify your decision.

Length and Reach

Length makes a big difference. For grilling, tongs between 16 and 18 inches keep your hands safely away from flames. For stove-top or serving, 9 to 12 inches is usually most comfortable. Match length to task, and you'll wonder how you ever managed without the extra reach.

Grip and Comfort

Comfortable handles reduce fatigue. Look for soft-touch grips or ergonomically molded handles, especially if you’ll be using tongs repeatedly. A good grip should feel like a handshake—secure but not tight—and allow easy maneuvering without slipping.

Locking Mechanisms and Storage

Many tongs include a locking clip at the hinge, which keeps them compact for drawer storage. If you live in a small space or like tidy kitchens, this small feature can make a big difference. Some locking designs also help with hanging storage if you prefer utensils on hooks.

Best Tongs for Specific Uses

Not all tongs are created equal. Here’s a quick guide to the best type of tong for common kitchen tasks so you can match tool to task like a pro chef.

Best Tongs for Grilling

For the grill, choose long stainless steel tongs with scalloped or serrated tips for a confident grip on meat. Look for heat resistance and a sturdy hinge; heavy-duty tongs can feel more like a chef’s tool than a toss-and-go gadget. Many grill tongs run 16–20 inches, giving you that safety distance from flare-ups.

Best Tongs for Baking and Serving

Shorter, silicone-tipped or wooden tongs are ideal for handling pastries, cupcakes, and salads. Their gentler touch prevents damage to delicate textures. A 9 to 12-inch pair usually gives enough reach to serve guests without feeling bulky.

Best Tongs for Nonstick Cookware

If you love your nonstick pans, protect that surface with silicone-tipped tongs. They provide a firm grip while being soft on coatings and usually withstand temperatures up to 400–500°F—more than enough for most home cooking.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Keep Tongs Lasting Longer

Paying a little attention to care will make your tongs last for years. Stainless steel tongs often go in the dishwasher, but silicone-tipped pieces might do better washed by hand to preserve the tip. Wooden tongs need extra TLC—wash gently, dry immediately, and treat wood occasionally with food-safe oil to stop cracking. Clean tools help prevent cross-contamination and keep your cooking smooth.

Dishwasher-Safe vs. Hand-Wash

Check manufacturer guidelines—many stainless and silicone tongs are dishwasher-safe, but wooden ones are not. When in doubt, hand-wash and dry right away. It takes less than a minute and preserves the tool’s appearance and performance.

Price Ranges and Value: Where to Spend and Where to Save

Tongs range from a few dollars to $30+ for premium designs. If you want a reliable everyday pair, spending $15–25 on a sturdy stainless-steel or high-quality silicone pair usually offers the best value. Reserve splurges for specialty or heavy-duty models if you grill a lot or need a very specific feature.

Buying Sets vs. Single Pieces

Set deals can be tempting—two or three sizes for less than a single premium pair. If you cook a variety of foods, sets are convenient. But if you want one all-purpose pair that lasts, single premium tongs often outperform cheaper sets over time.

Where to Compare and Find Deals in the US

Comparison sites and marketplaces help you spot the best price, read reviews, and check specs quickly. Look for retailer filters that show material, length, and heat resistance to speed up your search. Seasonal sales—like summer grilling season—also bring great discounts on grill-ready tongs.

Shopping Tips for Smart Buys

Read user reviews focusing on durability and heat performance, not just appearance. Look for clear product measurements in inches and check return policies before buying. If you can test a pair in-store, assess the weight and grip—sometimes the feel matters more than the specs.

Eco-Friendly and Specialty Options

If sustainability matters to you, consider tongs made from responsibly sourced bamboo or recycled stainless steel. These choices reduce single-use plastics and fit nicely into an eco-conscious kitchen. Specialty tongs—like lockable or multi-function models—can also reduce clutter by replacing multiple tools.

Conclusion: Choose the Right Tongs and They’ll Serve You Well

Choosing tongs is a little bit of science and a lot of personal preference. Think about what you cook most, pick materials that match the task, and don’t be afraid to invest a few extra dollars for comfort and longevity. From Dreamfarm clever Clongs to Cerqular wooden options, and from OXO to Williams Sonoma, there’s a pair of tongs for every kitchen and budget. With the right pair, you’ll cook safer, serve better, and enjoy the little conveniences that make good cooking great.