Having a sturdy pair of tongs is essential for grilling! Whether you're charring veggies or checking barbecue, you need tongs that offer a secure grip on foods while keeping your hands away from the heat. Classic tongs are a versatile choice, but you can also find tongs with serrated edges, flashlights, and other useful features.
To help you sort through the plethora of options online, we found the 10 best choices. We especially love the Premium Tongs from Weber. They are dishwasher-safe, 17 inches long, and have inward-facing scallops for a better grip. To check out more of our favorites, take a look at our best 10 list. Make sure to read our buying guide, which was reviewed by a chef, for insight on how to find the best tongs for you!
Quick List - Top Grill Tongs
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
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Table of Contents
Choose tongs depending on the type of use and the surface on which they're used. The tongs you buy should be of a suitable length to prevent potential burns and to give enough reach. Given below are some essential points that will help you in choosing a pair of tongs.
Most grill tongs have a spring mechanism that helps them open, close, and pick up foods with ease. The spring is attached to the handles and facilitates the opening of the tongs. This mechanism also reduces hand fatigue and will be easier on those with arthritis.
They also usually have a manual lock that keeps the tongs closed. You just need to pull the ring or hook to lock the tongs in place. Pushing down the hook will unlock them. Generally speaking, spring tongs are the best for all-purpose use.
Open-style tongs have no locking system. They can be joined in the middle or at the ends. Tongs joined in the middle look similar to scissors and often have loops for your fingers. These tongs are often uncomfortable to use, especially for grilling.
One advantage to scissor-style tongs is that you can often open them as wide as you need, while spring tongs have a limit to how far they spread open and might not work for big foods. However, they can be more cumbersome to use and may not be strong enough for heavy foods.
Other tongs are simply a continuous piece of metal curved to form a U-shape. One advantage of these is that you can easily and quickly hang them on your grill's tool rack. They also have fewer parts that could break, rust or get food stuck in them. But they're hard to open very wide if the need arises, and their flexible material means a less secure grip on heavy foods.
A good pair of tongs should feel like an extension of your arm. It should help you reach even the farthest corners of the grill effortlessly and keep your hands at a safe distance away from the heat. Tongs designed for grilling will be longer than your ordinary kitchen tongs. The length of the tongs will also depend on the grill you’re using.
For small grills, tongs measuring between 13 to 15 inches will be ideal. They're also suitable for turning smaller foods like shrimp and kebabs. On the other hand, if you possess a large grill, you need a longer pair of tongs of about 20 inches. This will give you enough reach for the items at the farther end of the grill.
Turning foods will be easy because the tongs keep your hands at a safe distance from the grill. But keep in mind that longer tongs might not be able to give you the control that a smaller pair of tongs can provide you with. A longer pair of tongs works fine for grilling chicken and big cuts of meat and fish.
If you frequently use the grill for a wide range of foods, it’s best to have two to three pairs of tongs of various lengths.
Stainless steel is the best material for grill tongs since it is resistant to rust and very durable. It tolerates higher temperatures without turning brittle. Stainless steel tongs are also strong enough to turn and transfer heavy foods like steaks and burgers.
For the best strength, look for tongs with each arm and head made out of a continuous piece of stainless steel. Tongs made with separate arms and heads that have been attached together are more likely to snap under heavy weight. If you're concerned about an uncomfortable grip, look for one-piece arms with added silicone or wood grips.
We generally don't recommend other materials for grill tongs, like chrome-plated steel or plastic. These materials are more likely to bend or warp, especially in high temperatures or when handling large food.
If you plan to leave them hanging out on your grill a lot, you'll want to make sure the spring mechanism is rust-resistant. The spring is often the first part to rust when the tongs are constantly exposed to the elements.
First, consider the shape and size of the tong heads. Most tongs have narrow oval-shaped heads. These should work well for most grilling tasks, but we recommend bigger, wider heads if you're often cooking large cuts of meat.
Most tongs have scalloped heads or tips to grab greasy or irregularly-shaped foods from the grill. Generally speaking, smaller, more defined scallops will give you a better grip. Or, you can go for tongs with teeth. While the teeth make it easier to grab and lift larger foods, picking up smaller foods can be difficult.
If you want nonslip tips for a better grip, choose silicone. This material is highly heat-resistant and won't scratch enamel or ceramic grills. Other plastics, like nylon, will melt or warp in high heats. However, even silicone does not tolerate open flame for long, so watch out for flare-ups. Choose all-metal tongs for use above 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some tongs have versatile heads with serrated edges that can act as a knife. If you are using your tongs for various foods, consider a pair with one regular tong head and one spatula head for the best of both worlds! The spatula head will help you flip burgers with ease.
Finally, some heads have long holes or slots in the center. These holes help fat drain from whatever you're picking up, but they also make it easier to move delicate foods. If you often cook fish or other delicate proteins, slotted tongs are a great choice.
Using tongs can be uncomfortable if the handle isn’t right. Look for a handle with an insulating material like silicone or wood to protect your hands from burns. We prefer silicone since it also offers a nonslip grip! Plus, unlike wood, silicone won't get damaged by water or the dishwasher.
Hooks, loops, or hanging holes are also useful for hanging the tongs on the grill when you're barbecuing or for storage. If your grill has narrow hooks for utensils, ensure that the hanging hook on your tongs will fit. Otherwise, you may need to purchase small S-hooks.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Weber Original Tongs | ![]() | Best Heavy-Duty Tongs That Offer a Solid Grip | |
2 | Grillhogs 16-Inch Heavy Duty Tongs | ![]() | Best Shorter Tongs With Sturdy Construction | |
3 | Cave Tools Grill Master's BBQ Tongs | ![]() | Best Open-Style Tongs for Heavy Steaks and Roasts | |
4 | Outset Rosewood Tongs | ![]() | Best Extra-Long Tongs With Wooden Handles | |
5 | Rösle Lock and Release Click Tongs | ![]() | Best Narrow Tongs With a One-Handed Lock Mechanism | |
6 | Shark BBQ | ![]() | Best Scissor-Style Tongs With Long Heads | |
7 | Grille Perfect Extra Long Stainless Steel Tongs | ![]() | Best Tongs With Scallops and Teeth | |
8 | Traeger BAC530 | ![]() | Best Serrated Tongs for a Solid Grip | |
9 | Tovolo | ![]() | Best Silicone Tongs for Slippery Foods | |
10 | Grillight | ![]() | Best Grilling Tongs With a Removable Light |
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These stainless steel tongs have inward-pointing scalloped teeth that can grip foods more securely than regular scalloped edges. Plus, the nonslip rubber handles offer a safe, comfortable grip. We also appreciate that they are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Some users say these tongs are not suitable for delicate tasks. On the other hand, many appreciate that they are heavy-duty and grasp foods easily. Reviewers also like that these tongs are very easy to use and clean.
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These heavy-duty tongs are 16 inches long, making them ideal for small or medium grills. They are made of solid steel with oak on the handles to protect your hands from the heat. Plus, they can be locked closed for storage.
A few reviewers complain that their fingers pinch between the handles while trying to grab food. Overall, however, most reviewers loved the functionality and wooden handles. They confirm that these tongs grip and hold heavy foods well.
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These open-style tongs have two oversized heads that make it easy to grab and flip big items. Plus, one head has slots, while the other has teeth for a better grip on food. When it's time to clean up, toss them in the dishwasher.
These tongs come with a small clip that keeps them closed for storage, and reviewers note that it's very easy to lose. But, many reviewers confirm that these tongs handle heavy steaks and roasts without bending. Users also appreciate that they offer a solid grip on big and small items alike.
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These stainless steel tongs are 22 inches long, giving you extended reach on larger grills and keeping your hands far away from hot surfaces. Plus, their heat-resistant rosewood handles protect your hands from getting burned and offer a more comfortable grip.
A few reviewers report that the spring mechanism lacks strength. Overall, however, they are very impressed with the length, confirming that these tongs are easy and safe to use on hot grills. Many also appreciate the durable stainless steel and rosewood construction.
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The locking mechanism of these tongs lets you open and close them with one hand! To open them, point the tips down and squeeze. The tongs automatically lock when pointed directly upwards. The heads are also narrow, making it easy to use the tongs on a full grill.
The fully stainless steel tongs don't come with non-slip handles, which may be an issue if you're handling greasy food. But, many users love being able to close these tongs with one hand. They also report that they are sturdy and look sleek.
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If you prefer scissor-style tongs, we recommend this unique pair with two different heads: one spatula head for flipping and one serrated head for cutting. Plus, the heads are long and rectangular, making it easier to pick up skewers or rows of long veggies.
Some users note that the grip isn't comfortable, especially if you have larger hands. On the other hand, many confirm that these tongs are perfect for general grilling, especially for veggies, kebabs, and brats! They also report that the serrated edge is very sharp and cuts well.
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What makes this pair of tongs special are the toothed and scalloped edges, allowing you to handle a variety of foods. The toothed edge can grip onto larger cuts of meat like briskets and steaks, while the scalloped edge can help move delicate foods like vegetables and shrimp. Plus, these tongs are dishwasher-safe.
A few users complain that the locking and hanging mechanism broke. But, many reviewers say these tongs are excellent for grabbing a variety of foods. The rubberized handles give them better control and grip while grilling, too.
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These open-style tongs have serrated heads, giving you a very solid grip on unwieldy foods. There are also two sizes of serration for added versatility. We also like that they are made of solid stainless steel with teak handles for excellent durability.
It should be noted that the serrated edges are sharp, and they may pierce or damage delicate foods. However, many reviewers say these tongs are sturdy and will hold up well to continued use. They also note that they are strong enough to handle racks of ribs and briskets.
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These tongs have silicone tips that can withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Silicone tips are great for handling greasy foods and won't scratch enamel or ceramic grills. Plus, these tongs have built-in rests on the arms to keep your countertops clean!
Some reviewers note that the locking mechanism is stiff, especially when unlocking. However, reviewers appreciate their versatility, saying these tongs are great for both nonstick pans and outdoor grills. They also confirm that they are sturdy and grip foods well!
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If you often grill in the evening or at night, these tongs may come in handy! An LED flashlight is tucked into one arm, illuminating your grill space. Plus, you can remove the flashlight and wash the stainless steel tongs in the dishwasher.
A few reviewers wish the arms had some sort of grip for easier handling. Overall, however, users love the light, saying it casts a surprising amount of white light. They especially like using these tongs while camping, grilling in the winter, or grilling at night. Plus, they say the one-handed locking system works well.
Whether you're a grill master or a grilling enthusiast who just stepped into the world of BBQ, you'll need a few essentials for a complete grilling experience. We have some recommendations for you.
No. 1: Weber|Original Tongs
No. 2: Grillhogs|16-Inch Heavy Duty Tongs
No. 3: Cave Tools|Grill Master's BBQ Tongs
No. 4: Outset|Rosewood Tongs
No. 5: Rösle|Lock and Release Click Tongs
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