7 Best Kitchen Tongs of 2026

When heat strikes fear into most tongs, the Eddeas All Metal Tongs stand tall—literally forged from single-piece food-grade stainless steel that laughs in the face of 600°F. These aren’t just durable; they’re battle-ready for searing steaks, flipping brisket, or gripping hot charcoal without warping, melting, or losing grip. The pull-ring locking system is a game-changer, offering one-handed operation and space-saving storage—no more jumbled utensils in your drawer.

In real-world grilling tests, the 9” and 12” pair proved versatile across tasks: the shorter tong excelled in tight spaces like air fryers or sauté pans, while the longer one handled backyard BBQs with confidence. The ergonomic handles provided solid control, though prolonged use revealed slightly less cushion than silicone-gripped rivals—fine for quick flips, but less ideal for marathon cooking. Still, their all-metal build resists stains, odors, and rust, making cleanup a breeze in the dishwasher. They’re not ideal for non-stick pans, though—expect minor surface contact that could scratch over time.

Compared to the OXO Good Grips models, the Eddeas tongs trade soft-grip comfort for raw heat resilience and simplicity—a fair trade if you prioritize performance over finesse. They’re perfect for grill masters, campfire cooks, or anyone who regularly pushes heat limits and wants tongs that won’t quit. While the OXO 2-Piece Nylon Heads model offers broader pan compatibility, the Eddeas set delivers unbeatable heat resistance at a fraction of the cost, making it a top pick for high-heat warriors.

The OXO Good Grips 9 Inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs bring a refined balance of control, comfort, and reliability to the everyday cook’s arsenal. From the soft, non-slip handle to the scalloped stainless steel jaws, every detail feels thoughtfully engineered—especially the thumb rest, which reduces hand fatigue during repetitive tossing or flipping. These tongs grip securely without crushing delicate foods, making them ideal for everything from salad greens to grilled fish.

In testing, they handled daily kitchen duties with quiet confidence—tossing pasta, serving roasted veggies, or transferring chicken from pan to plate. The brushed stainless steel resists fingerprints and corrosion, and the locking mechanism clicks shut smoothly, making drawer storage compact and tangle-free. However, while heat resistant, the bare metal tips can scratch non-stick surfaces, so they’re best reserved for stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware. They’re also on the shorter side, so reaching deep into stockpots or wide grills requires a stretch.

Against the Eddeas all-metal model, these trade extreme heat tolerance for ergonomic superiority and better grip control—a clear win for home chefs who value comfort over searing temps. They’re not the most versatile for outdoor grilling, but for stovetop-centric cooks who want precision and ease, these are a benchmark of value and thoughtful design. While pricier than budget picks, they deliver OXO’s signature build quality and user-first engineering, outperforming cheaper tongs in long-term durability and daily usability.

The HOTEC Premium Stainless Steel Locking Tongs are a colorful yet serious upgrade for cooks who demand non-scratch safety and ergonomic precision. With silicone-tipped jaws rated for high heat, these tongs glide over non-stick pans without fear of damage—perfect for delicate crepes, scrambled eggs, or air fryer baskets. The set of three sizes (7”, 9”, and 12”) covers every scenario, from plating appetizers to flipping burgers on a crowded grill.

Real-world use confirms their versatility and comfort: the cushioned silicone handles reduce hand strain, and the updated handle edge design prevents accidental finger cuts—a subtle but meaningful safety win. The pull-ring lock is intuitive, and the hanging loop makes wall storage easy. However, while the silicone tips resist heat well, they’re not rated for extreme searing temps like all-metal tongs, so avoid direct flame or 500°F+ surfaces. The lightweight build aids control but feels less substantial when gripping heavy roasts or thick steaks.

Compared to the GORILLA GRIP model, HOTEC’s tongs offer more size options and a more refined handle design, making them ideal for home kitchens with diverse cookware. They’re not built for commercial heat, but for everyday users who prioritize pan protection and hand comfort, they’re hard to beat. While the OXO nylon-head set offers similar protection at a higher price, HOTEC delivers triple the versatility in sizing and a vibrant, space-saving design, making it a smart investment for non-stick defenders.

The OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Tongs with Nylon Heads aren’t just tongs—they’re a kitchen command center in two tools. With a 9” and 12” pair featuring heat-resistant nylon heads, they offer perfect pan protection for non-stick, ceramic, or enamel surfaces, eliminating the anxiety of scratched cookware. The soft-grip handles with thumb rests deliver buttery-smooth control, reducing fatigue during long cooking sessions—ideal for parents, older cooks, or anyone with hand sensitivity.

In action, these tongs excel in precision and adaptability: the shorter one shines in mixing bowls or air fryers, while the longer model dominates grills and roasting pans. The nylon tips stay intact up to 400°F, handling everything from sautéed zucchini to grilled salmon without melting or warping. The scalloped edges grip firmly without tearing, and the locking mechanism ensures tidy storage. That said, the nylon heads, while durable, can’t match the longevity of metal tips under constant high heat or heavy-duty use.

Stacked against the HOTEC 3-piece set, this OXO duo offers superior ergonomics and brand trust, but with fewer size options. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s engineered for cooks who want premium feel and long-term reliability across all cookware types. For those who cook daily on non-stick surfaces and value hand comfort, these are the gold standard—delivering OXO’s hallmark quality with unmatched pan safety, easily justifying their place as the best overall tongs in the lineup.

The GORILLA GRIP Kitchen Tongs punch far above their price tag with a bold combo of strength, safety, and smart design. Don’t let the black silicone fool you—these are serious tools with stainless steel cores and scalloped silicone tips that grip everything from slippery cherry tomatoes to hefty ribeyes. The 484°F heat resistance makes them viable for most stovetop and oven tasks, while the non-scratch silicone protects your favorite non-stick pans.

In testing, the 7” and 9” pair proved incredibly practical: the shorter tong was perfect for air fryers and small pans, while the 9” handled grilling and salad tossing with ease. The silicone-coated handle offers excellent slip resistance, even with oily hands, and the pull-lock system is intuitive and secure. However, the shorter length limits reach, and the joint mechanism has slight wiggle—not a dealbreaker, but noticeable compared to OXO’s tighter build. They’re also not for extreme heat, so avoid flaming grills or broiler use.

Next to the $9.99 budget tongs from the 2-pack, GORILLA GRIP delivers better ergonomics, stronger materials, and more reliable locking—making it the true best budget set. While it doesn’t match the OXO nylon set in refinement, it covers 90% of needs at a fraction of the cost. For new cooks, college students, or anyone building a starter kitchen, these tongs offer exceptional value, durability, and pan-safe performance, making them a no-brainer upgrade from flimsy utensils.

The HINMAY Scissor Tongs redefine precision and power with a spring-free, scissor-style mechanism that feels more like surgery than cooking. Crafted from professional-grade 304 stainless steel, these tongs withstand heat up to 1112°F, making them uniquely suited for open flames, searing grills, or commercial stoves. The ErgoGrip Pro handles—a fusion of silicone and reinforced nylon—deliver laser-accurate control with zero hand fatigue, even after hours of flipping wings or serving buffet lines.

In real-world use, the 10” and 12” set covers nearly every need: the 10” for fine tasks like plating, the 12” for commanding the grill. The scissor action provides unmatched responsiveness, allowing micro-adjustments that hinge-style tongs can’t match. They grip juicy meats without slippage and handle delicate fish with care. However, the scissor mechanism isn’t lockable, so storage takes more space, and they’re overkill for simple salad tossing—better suited for serious cooks than casual users.

Compared to the Eddeas all-metal tongs, HINMAY’s set offers superior build, heat tolerance, and control, justifying its premium positioning. While the OXO tongs win on comfort for daily use, the HINMAY pair dominates in high-stakes, high-heat environments. For grill enthusiasts, caterers, or anyone who demands restaurant-grade performance, these are the ultimate upgrade—offering durability, precision, and a lifetime of reliability, easily earning their title as the best premium build.

The 2 Pack Black Kitchen Tongs are the definition of no-frills efficiency—a bare-bones but effective duo that gets the job done for those who cook on a budget. With BPA-free silicone tips and 304 stainless steel bodies, they offer solid non-stick safety and rust resistance, making them a smart first buy for dorm rooms, RVs, or backup drawers. The 500°F heat rating handles most cooking tasks, and the locking clip keeps them compact when stored.

In practice, they perform adequately for light flipping and serving: burgers, salads, and veggies are no problem. The non-slip surface helps with grip, though the handles lack a thumb rest or cushioning, leading to hand strain during extended use. The joint has noticeable play, and the silicone tips, while durable, aren’t as heat-resistant as higher-end models. They’re not built for searing or heavy lifting, but for occasional grilling or weekday meals, they hold their own.

Against the GORILLA GRIP set, these are cheaper but less refined—no pull-lock, less ergonomic design, and thinner build. Yet for the lowest price in the lineup, they deliver basic functionality and pan protection without breaking the bank. For budget-first buyers or those needing a spare pair, they’re a functional, no-surprises option—proving that affordable doesn’t mean unusable, even if they lack the polish of premium picks.