What is the best pair of kitchen tongs?

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

• OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs - $15.97 (Walmart)

If you want one pair that does almost everything, I'd get the OXO Good Grips 12-inch stainless-steel locking tongs. Food Network's 2026 testing named them its best overall, and another 2026 test also put them first.

Why I like them:

• 12 inches is the sweet spot for everyday stovetop cooking.
• Stainless-steel scalloped tips grip food securely.
• Comfortable, non-slip handles and thumb rests.
• Lock closed for drawer storage.
• Dishwasher safe.
• Strong enough for steaks and chicken but controllable enough for vegetables and pasta.
• Around $16–18 currently, depending on retailer.

One caveat: the bare stainless-steel tips can scratch nonstick cookware. If you use nonstick pans, I'd get the OXO 12-inch tongs with nylon heads instead. They're specifically designed to be safe on nonstick surfaces.

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

My simple recommendation: stainless steel for cast iron/stainless pans and grilling; nylon or silicone tips for nonstick.

When it comes to the consensus among culinary experts (like America's Test Kitchen and Serious Eats ), a great pair of kitchen tongs needs to hit the sweet spot: comfortable spring tension (not too tight, not too loose), a secure pull-tab or gravity-based locking mechanism, and scalloped heads for precision grip.

The top-rated kitchen tongs stand out for specific cooking styles:

OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (The Undisputed Overall Favorite ): Consistently winning top honors from America's Test Kitchen and everyday home cooks, these are comfortable, durable, have a great spring feel, and feature a simple pull-ring lock on the end. The 12-inch length gives you plenty of reach for high-heat grilling or deep pots, while the classic stainless-steel scalloped edges hold everything from massive chicken breasts to delicate asparagus. (They also make a 9-inch version ideal for salad tossing and stovetop work).

OXO Good Grips Silicone-Coated Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Best for Nonstick Pans ): If you worry about scratching your ceramic or nonstick cookware, OXO’s silicone-headed variant provides the same ergonomic, comfortable grip and locking mechanism as the classic metal version, but the soft silicone heads are safe up to high temperatures and won't mar delicate pan surfaces.

Misen Stainless Steel / Silicone Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Best Upgrade/Precision Pick ): Praised for their sleek aesthetic and sturdy build, Misen offers a heavy-grade stainless steel frame with a comfortable grip-pad design. They provide phenomenal tactile feedback and precision control, making them a favorite for turning steaks or fine plating.

Rösle Locking Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Best High-End / Indestructible Pick ): Made of 18/10 stainless steel with an ingenious automatic locking mechanism (they open when pointed down and close when pointed up or hung), these are commercial-grade, seamless, and built to last a literal lifetime—though they carry a steeper price tag.[1][2][3]

To help narrow it down, tell me:

• Do you primarily cook with nonstick pans or stainless steel/cast iron?
• Are you looking for all-metal or silicone-tipped heads?

Across professional evaluations and home cook testing from culinary authorities like America's Test Kitchen and Serious Eats , one clear champion stands above the rest: the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Locking Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item..

The top recommendations break down by size and style depending on your cooking habits:

1. The Overall Best (12-Inch): OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
   • Why they win: They strike the ideal balance of spring tension (not too stiff to strain your hand, not too loose), sturdy stainless-steel arms that never bow or twist, and comfortable rubberized grip handles. The scalloped metal edges provide enough precision to pick up a single asparagus spear or flip delicate shrimp, while remaining strong enough to rotate heavy roasts or deep-fry chicken. The pull-tab locking mechanism at the base is reliable and easy to engage with one hand.
2. The Best for Everyday/Tight Spaces (9-Inch): OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Tongs
   • Why buy them: If you find 12-inch tongs unwieldy for everyday stovetop sautéing or plating smaller meals, the 9-inch version offers the exact same build quality and grip in a more agile, compact size.
3. The Best for Grilling or High Heat (16-Inch): OXO Good Grips 16-Inch Locking Tongs
   • Why buy them: When working over an intense charcoal or gas grill, extra reach is mandatory. This longer variation keeps your knuckles safely away from flare-ups and roaring heat without sacrificing control or the smooth locking action.

Note on materials: While some brands offer silicone-clad heads to protect nonstick pans, testers frequently note that all-stainless-steel scalloped edges offer superior grip, precision, and longevity, provided you use them carefully in coated cookware.

Are you looking for tongs primarily for everyday stovetop cooking, high-heat grilling , or use in delicate nonstick pans ? I can give you a more tailored recommendation based on 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 Locking Tongs - $15.99 (Target)

Why these are my pick

• Excellent grip and control: scalloped stainless-steel tips hold everything from vegetables to steaks securely.
• Very comfortable: the nonslip handles and thumb rests make them easy to use repeatedly.
• 12 inches is the sweet spot: long enough for a hot skillet or oven, but not unwieldy.
• Locking mechanism: convenient for storage.
• Dishwasher-safe.
• They're consistently highly rated by cooking publications; Food Network's current 2026 testing names them best overall, while Serious Eats also selected the 12-inch OXO as its top performer after testing more than 40 pairs.

One caveat: stainless-steel tips can scratch nonstick, ceramic, or enamel cookware.

If you use nonstick pans

I'd actually choose the OXO 12-Inch Tongs with Nylon Heads instead. They're designed specifically to be nonstick-friendly and are heat-resistant to 400°F.

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

Bottom line: OXO 12-inch stainless steel for maximum versatility; OXO 12-inch nylon if protecting your cookware is important.

When it comes to the best kitchen tongs, consensus from culinary experts like America's Test Kitchen and Serious Eats points overwhelmingly to versatility, comfortable spring tension, and a reliable locking mechanism.

The top recommendations depend on what you are cooking:

All-Metal Stainless Steel Tongs (e.g., Winco or Vollrath heavy-duty)The go-to choice for high-heat searing, grilling, and oven work where silicone isn't needed. Bare metal heads offer ultimate precision, won't melt, and are inexpensive workhorses—just avoid using them on nonstick cookware.

What to Look For:

• Length: A 12-inch pair is the most versatile for everyday stovetop and oven safety, keeping your hands safely away from splattering oil and heat. A smaller 9-inch pair is great for cold tasks like tossing salads or plating.
• Head Design: Scalloped edges provide a more precise and secure grip on a wide variety of foods compared to flat-headed styles.
• The Lock: Look for a pull-ring or push-button lock that doesn't jam or accidentally engage while you're trying to grab food.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Do you mostly cook using nonstick pans or stainless steel/cast iron?
• Are you looking for a 9-inch, 12-inch, or a dual-size set?

I can give you a more targeted recommendation!

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

• OXO Good Grips 12-inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs - $15.97 (Walmart)

This is the pair I'd buy for most kitchens. Food Network's latest testing named the OXO 12-inch stainless-steel locking tongs its best overall, praising their comfortable non-slip grip, control, secure scalloped tips, and dishwasher-safe construction.

Why I like them:

• 12 inches is the sweet spot for everyday cooking—long enough for a hot skillet but still precise.
• Excellent grip without requiring much hand strength.
• Lock closed for compact storage.
• Stainless-steel tips are durable and won't melt.
• Around $16–18 currently.

One caveat: If you frequently cook with nonstick, ceramic, or enamel cookware, get the OXO nylon-head version instead. The nylon tips won't scratch coated cookware, though they're limited to about 400°F.

• OXO 12-inch Tongs with Nylon Head - $14.99 (Target)

Bottom line: For a single pair that can handle steak, chicken, vegetables, pasta, and general cooking, OXO Good Grips 12" stainless steel is my pick.

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

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

If I were buying one pair of kitchen tongs, I'd get these. They’re the current top pick from Food Network's 2026 testing, and another independent test also named them its overall winner.

Why they're so good:

• 12" is the sweet spot for everyday cooking—long enough for a hot pan or grill without feeling unwieldy.
• Scalloped stainless-steel tips grip steak, chicken, vegetables, pasta, etc. securely.
• Comfortable, non-slip OXO handle.
• Lock closed for easy drawer storage.
• Dishwasher-safe.
• Excellent spring tension, so they don't require much hand strength.

One important caveat: the stainless tips can scratch nonstick cookware. If you cook mostly with nonstick pans, I'd instead get the OXO 12" Nylon-Head Tongs:

• OXO Softworks Nylon 12-inch Food Tongs - $14.97 (Walmart)

They're specifically designed for nonstick surfaces, though the nylon heads are limited to about 400°F.

My verdict: 🥇 Stainless OXO — best all-around 🥈 Nylon OXO — best if you use nonstick cookware 💰 Winco 12" — best cheap, restaurant-style workhorse

If you tell me whether you use nonstick, stainless, cast iron, or a grill, I can pick the exact pair I'd buy for your kitchen.

The consensus across expert testing from sources like America's Test Kitchen and Serious Eats points to OXO Good Grips Go to product viewer dialog for this item. as the gold standard for everyday kitchen tongs.

The best choices depend on your cooking style and cookware:

• The Overall Best: OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
  • Why: They feature comfortable, non-slip rubberized grips, a reliable pull-tab locking mechanism that doesn't jam, and precise scalloped steel heads that hold a secure grip on everything from heavy steaks to delicate asparagus. The 12-inch length keeps your hands safely away from high heat.
• Best for Nonstick Cookware: OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Silicone-Tipped Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
  • Why: If you want to protect your expensive nonstick pans or ceramic cookware from scratches, this version swaps bare steel tips for heat-resistant silicone heads while maintaining the same great spring tension and comfortable grip.
• Best for Precision & Compact Tasks: OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Tongs
  • Why: Great for smaller hands, toaster-oven tasks, or plating delicate foods where a 12-inch pair feels too unwieldy.

Do you primarily cook with nonstick pans or stainless steel/cast iron , and what length do you usually prefer? I can give you a more targeted recommendation or suggest alternative brands.

The best overall kitchen tongs are the OXO Good Grips 12-inch Tongs Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , praised for their comfortable grip, balanced spring tension, and reliable pull-tab locking mechanism.

Watch this brief review to see why these tongs are a favorite for cooking and grilling:

5:20 Our Winning Tongs for Grilling and More 82K views  · 5 years ago YouTube · America's Test Kitchen

Top Recommendations

Key Features to Look For

• Length: 12 inches keeps your hands safely away from heat, while 9-inch versions offer more control for delicate plating.
• Locking Mechanism: A pull-tab or push-button lock prevents the tongs from snagging on other tools in your drawer.
• Tip Material: Scalloped stainless steel offers the best grip for grilling and turning meats, whereas silicone tips protect expensive non-stick cookware.[1][2]

If you share your primary cooking style (like grilling, everyday stovetop cooking, or baking) or if you use non-stick cookware , I can recommend the exact size and material you need.

If you want one pair that does almost everything, my pick is the OXO Good Grips 12-inch Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs. Food Network named them its best overall after testing 17 models, and other recent testing also puts them at the top.

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

Why I’d buy them

• 12 inches is the sweet spot: long enough for a hot skillet, oven, or grill without feeling unwieldy.
• Excellent grip: scalloped stainless-steel tips hold meat, vegetables, pasta, etc. securely.
• Comfortable handle: the non-slip grip and thumb rest make repeated flipping/tossing easier.
• Locking mechanism: closes the tongs for compact storage.
• Dishwasher-safe.
• They're currently around $16 at Target in the product results I found.

One caveat: the bare stainless-steel tips can scratch nonstick cookware. If you use nonstick pans frequently, I'd get the OXO 12-inch Nylon-Head version instead. Food Network found it performed very well while protecting nonstick surfaces, although its nylon is rated to 400°F.

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

Bottom line: Stainless OXO for general cooking; nylon OXO if you have nonstick pans.