When browsing the aisles for kitchen accessories to complete our homes, the vast majority of us are drawn to pretty yet impractical items that we simply don’t need.
We trawl department stores popping pretty napkin rings, extra-large ceramic mugs, lovely glass jars for decanting grains, cereals or pasta and chic yet oftentimes impractical wooden utensils into our shopping trolleys.
Yet by the time we return home and attempt to cook a wholesome dinner, we quickly realise that those strawberry-shaped salt and pepper vessels can’t actually serve as a substitute for a spatula or ladle, and leaving that wooden spoon resting on a hot pan runs the risk of large-scale disaster.
Perhaps the most underrated kitchen utensil which is primarily beloved by barbeque-mad patriarchs is a humble pair of tongs. The onomatopoeic piece of kit is surprisingly versatile, and something that no home kitchen should be without. That’s right, they don’t just belong in your favourite local café as a means by which baristas retrieve your precious morning croissant.
There is a surprisingly large variety of kitchen tongs on the market, so it’s important to consider your quotidian needs before purchasing a pair. While those rainbow-striped silicone tongs may look the part, they might have too small of a surface area to actually help handle certain foods. In addition, you’ll want a pair of tongs which can easily close for fuss-free storage.
Whether you’re in the market for a heavy-duty pair of metal tongs or a simple, long-lasting universal kitchen accessory – we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling for a round-up of the best kitchen tongs on the market.
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OXO Softworks Nylon 12 Inch Tong
Whether cooking or transferring food, the OXO Softworks Nylon 12 Inch Tong has got your back. Thanks to the impressive length of this kitchen accessory, it’ll keep your hands safely away from any spluttering oil while grilling and flipping.
It’s constructed with high-heat resistant nylon, so it’ll be able to withstand hot grills without damaging your favourite non-stick pan. It’s also complete with non-slip handles and an easy pull tab toggle for keeping the tongs open or closed.
Buy now £12.00, Argos
Rosle 12 inch Locking Tongs
These restaurant-quality tongs have an innovative gravity-locking system for easy one-handed use. Simply point the tongs downwards, press them together and watch as they spring apart. To lock them again, point the tongs upwards and complete the same motion. We love the delicately scalloped, pointed tips of these tongs, which allow chefs to turn, flip and move food items with dextrous ease. They’re also available with silicone tips for non-stick pans.
Buy now £29.14, Amazon
Global GS-65 Utility Tongs & Server
Made in Japan, these highly versatile tongs from Global are crafted from Cromova18 stainless steel, making them both robust and lightweight. We’re fans of how the honeycomb-esque holes in the tongs make them a great option for serving pasta, while the subtle indentations on the handles make them a delight to hold.
Buy now £24.95, Harts of Stur
Joseph Joseph Elevate Fusion Silicone Head Stainless Steel Tong Set, 2 Piece
This set of two silicone head stainless steel tongs by Joseph Joseph comprises one set of tweezer-like tongs which are perfect for handling smaller, delicate foods such as prawns and asparagus, and a pair of larger tipped tongs for turning and flipping fish, meat and more. Non-stick safe and heat-resistant up to 270°C, these are a fine choice for any home kitchen.
Buy now £25.00, John Lewis
4in1 Stainless Steel Kitchen Food Tongs
An incredible value-for-money set which contains all four pairs of tongs you could ever need in your kitchen, we were particularly impressed by the small silicone stands which prevent the tong heads from sullying your kitchen surface – especially when hot. Ease to operate with a simple O-ring lock design and safe for non-stick pans, you simply can’t go wrong.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
315℃ Heat Resistant Kitchen Tongs: U-Taste 40cm Silicone Cooking Tong
Extra-long and perfect for use with big pans and woks, these silicone-tipped cooking tongs measure an impressive 40cm and are heat resistant up to a whopping 315°C. They’re also available in a variety of stylish colours to suit your personal kitchen aesthetic, including teal, turquoise, mauve and orange.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
Alessi 502 Spaghetti Tongs Stainless Steel
Sleek and stylish, these stainless steel pasta tongs by Alessi belong in an Italian kitchen. Made in Italy, the handy pasta servers measure 19cm, and grip the likes of spaghetti and angel hair pasta with ease.
Buy now £18.00, Amazon
Magnetic Wooden Toast Tongs For Toasters
The wooden kitchen tongs you never knew you needed, these fantastic magnetic tongs are designed to snap onto your toaster for easy toast removal. No more singed fingers and dropped toast before the school rush or daily commute. z
Buy now £2.99, Lakeland
Kitchen Silicone Tongs
Opt for a trio of colour-coded tongs for use when cooking meats, veg and fish. This set of three 9-inch tongs is made from sturdy stainless steel and can be used for air frying, barbequing or simple everyday oven use.
Buy now £12.98, Amazon
Verdict
Heavy-duty and built to last, our top pick of the bunch is the OXO Softworks Nylon 12 Inch Tong. Coming in close second is the professional kitchen-approved Rosle 12 inch Locking Tongs with their innovative gravity lock mechanism.
