The 10 Best Food Tongs
Editor's Notes
July 21, 2019:
First things first: every time you get your tongs out to use them, click them together a couple times, just to make sure they work. At least, that's what every single talented cook and chef that I've ever worked with has done, and I've always done it, and if you've ever worked in the back of house, you've done it, too, so you know what I'm talking about.
At any rate, there's a surprising variety of tongs for different kitchen tasks. The Oxo Good Grips are some of the most versatile; their silicone tips not only protect enamel and nonstick pans, but they tend to not cut into softer foods as all-metal tongs can, which might release some of the all-important juices. The Lavador set is similarly designed and notably cheaper, but they just don't feature the high-end construction that the Oxos do. The Vollrath and Winco models are commonly seen in professional environments; the former is exceptionally durable and the latter is dirt-cheap and certainly does the job. Neither one has a locking mechanism, but if you're using them for multiple hours out of the day, that may not matter to you. The Rosle pair is built to look as good as they function, and talented home chefs may really appreciate their one-handed locking mechanism, though it has a bit of a learning curve.
Then there are some more specialized types of tongs. The Outset are very long, and designed specifically to keep you out of harms way at the grill (though a heat-resistant cutting glove also can help there). So, too, are the Shark Heavy Duty; their sharp edge can cut into roasts and smoked meats in a pinch so you know how close they are to done, and their lever-action ensures you'll be able to pick up heavy items without strain or fear of dropping them. Pasta tongs are good for -- you guessed it -- pasta, and not a ton more, though they are also effective for leafy salads. Options like the Adecco tweezers and Pampered Chef toast tongs serve very specific purposes, but if you need them, you really need them, and not much else can do exactly what they do.
Whichever pair you choose, just don't forget to click them together a couple times first. You know, just to make sure they work.