Grilling is one of the best ways you can celebrate the start of summer. You’ll find most grilling enthusiasts hitting their charcoal and gas grills hard at the first sign of warm weather. But if you grill, you already know how important it is to use the right tools. If you don’t use the best grill tongs or spatulas, then you’ll have a hard time flipping your meat and veggies. If you’re searching for a new pair of the top grilling tongs on the market, then you came to the right place.
When you grill often, the tools you rely on the most, such as tongs, need to be able to handle higher temperatures, and should be designed to give you ultimate control during use, but finding a solid pair of tongs that check all the boxes can be harder than you think. After growing tired of using tongs that weren’t designed to last I decided to test out dozens of the leading tongs on the market, and I’ve narrowed it down to the top five pairs. I’ve also created a buyer’s guide that will discuss all of the important features you need to look for in a pair of tongs that can withstand heavy-duty use, high temperatures, and dishwasher use. Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that lists some of the important specs each pair of tongs have to offer, in addition to how they rated.
Grill Tongs Comparison Chart
| Product | Length | Material | Hanging Loop | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DRAGONN Kitchen Tongs  Shop On Amazon! | 9 & 12 Inch | Stainless Steel | Yes | |
GRILLHOGS Grill Tongs  Shop On Amazon! | 16 Inch | Stainless Steel/Oak | No | |
Mountain Grillers Tongs  Shop On Amazon! | 12 & 16 Inch | Stainless Steel | No | |
DAILY KISN Grill Tongs  Shop On Amazon! | 17 Inches | Stainless Steel | Yes | |
Smart Cook Tongs  Shop On Amazon! | 16 Inches | Stainess Steel | No |
DRAGONN Premium Set of Kitchen Tongs
Our Rating:
This is a two-pack of tongs that includes one pair that measures in at nine inches, with the other pair measuring in at twelve-inches. Both of the tongs are made out of brushless stainless steel and come equipped with non-slip handles, complete with thumb rests. These tongs are durable and built tough, allowing you to flip and lift food on the grill safely and easily. They’re both dishwasher safe and can easily be hung up using the built-in hanging loops located on the ends. The included locking mechanism allows you to close the ends of the tongs, for easier storage.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Made out of brushed stainless steel
- Equipped with a locking mechanism
- Built-in hanging loop
Cons
- Does not come with any type of tip material at the end that would improve grip
Conclusion
This two-pack of brushed stainless steel tongs is a steal for the price and will allow you to grill your meats and veggies over an open flame, safely. Both pairs are dishwasher safe, easy to use, strong, and designed to handle higher temperatures. if you’re on a tight budget, then this two-pack of grilling tongs will give you more bang for your buck.
GRILLHOGS Barbecue Grill Tongs
Our Rating:
These tongs are made out of stainless steel with damage-resistant oak for the handle portion of the tongs. The longer length of the tongs will protect your hands and forearms by preventing the need to get too close to the grate, which can be dangerous if you’re cooking at a higher temperature. The wooden oak handle will prevent the heat from the tongs from reaching your hands while providing a sturdy and comfortable grip. You can also use the included hook and lock feature to keep the tongs compact and neat, when not in use, for easier storage.
Pros
- Made out of stainless steel
- Oak handle
- Hook and lock design
- Long length prevents user from coming into contact with heat from grill
Cons
- Grooved ends can make it difficult to handle smaller cuts of meat
- Tips are not coated in a non-slip material
Conclusion
This durable pair of tongs can be used to grill even large cuts of meat and can easily handle turning roasts, large cuts of beef, and more. The tips of the tongs do not come with any type of material, which is a drawback since this can help to prevent the food from slipping off the end of the tongs. However, the grooved design makes it easier to grasp larger cuts of meat. These tongs are well-built and designed to easily handle higher temperatures and heavy-duty use.
Mountain Grillers Tongs
Our Rating:
This is a two-pack of grilling tongs with one pair measuring in at twelve inches and the second pair coming in at sixteen inches. The length of both pairs will keep your hands and forearms safe from higher grilling temperatures. These extra-long tongs come with a non-slip grip, which will make it easier for you to maneuver them when you’re lifting food from the grill to an awaiting dish or flipping meat. Both pairs are made out of stainless steel and are dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Made out of stainless steel
- Extra-long design
- Non-slip grip
- Two tongs for the price of one
Cons
- Grooved ends can make it difficult to handle smaller veggies and cuts of meat
Conclusion
These tongs are pretty basic in design, but they do come equipped with a comfortable grip and grooved ends that make it easier for you to grasp and pick up meat. The tongs are both made out of a durable stainless steel, are dishwasher safe, and come equipped with a longer length that makes it easier to handle heavier or larger cuts of meat.
DAILY KISN Premium Stainless-Steel Locking Grill Tongs
Our Rating:
These tongs are made out of stainless steel and come equipped with a hanging hook and locks located on top of the tongs for more convenient storage. The tongs measure in at seventeen inches, making them the longest tongs I’ve reviewed. Their longer design makes it easier to handle larger cuts of meat, but can also make the tongs a bad choice if you’re dealing with smaller cuts of meat or veggies. The included pull ring technology will prevent the tongs from accidentally closing or opening, providing you with better control during use.
Pros
- Pull ring technology
- Measures in at seventeen inches long
- Able to easily handle larger cuts of meat
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not designed for smaller cuts of meat or veggies
Conclusion
These longer than average tongs are perfect for turning burgers, whole roasted potatoes, brisket, and steaks, but the larger design can make it difficult for you to grasp smaller food. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty pair of tongs, these are it. The innovative pull ring technology will prevent the tongs from accidentally opening and closing, while the stainless steel material allows you to effortlessly lift food off the grate, flip bigger cuts of meat, and more.
Smart Cook Tongs
Our Rating:
These durable tongs made by Smart Cook come equipped with a secure plastic rubber grip handle, designed for user comfort, and a grooved thumb rest which will help to improve your control during use. The locking mechanism will prevent the tongs from opening up during storage. The tongs measure in at sixteen inches, a length that will provide more than enough protection from the hot grate when you’re grilling. The scalloped edges of the tongs will give you a better grip, especially when you’re dealing with greasy meat or meat that’s coated in a sauce.
Pros
- Scalloped edges
- Sixteen inches long
- Dishwasher safe
- Plastic rubber grip handle and thumb rest
Cons
- Can be difficult to handle smaller cuts of meat
Conclusion
The tongs come equipped with a locking mechanism which makes storing them a breeze. The scalloped edges combined with the plastic and rubber grip with a thumb rest are designed to improve your control and comfort during use. The durable stainless steel construction ensures these tongs are able to easily handle larger cuts of meat. Reasonably priced, built tough and designed to last, these tongs are a steal for the price.
Grill Tongs Buyer’s Guide
Aside from the spatula, the tongs are one of the most commonly used grilling tools, and because you’ll find yourself relying on them often, you need to find a pair that’s built tough and won’t fall apart on you during use. Tongs designed for grilling are much different than the standard tongs you’ll use in your kitchen. They’re often longer and made out of thicker steel that’s designed to handle higher temperatures.
A good pair of tongs should feel like an extension of your arm and allow you to easily move food around the grill, whether you’re learning how to grill fish, cooking up some skewers, or turning a roast. But not all tongs are created equal. So, if you’re tired of dealing with flimsy tongs that rust easily or break, then this buyer’s guide will come in handy the next time you’re shopping for an upgrade.
A good pair of tongs is one of the most important grilling utensils you can use. The tongs you buy need to be the perfect length in order to prevent burns. Additionally, they must be easy to open using one hand. Tongs must be sturdy enough to use to lift heavy veggies such as large roasted potatoes, or a large cut of meat.
Material used, length, and design, are just some of the important specs you should pay attention to.
Length
The length of the tongs will be an important safety feature that you should pay attention to. The length will give you plenty of space from the grill to your hands, so you don’t come into contact with the open flame on the grill. The tongs should also allow you to easily turn your food when you’re grilling.
Make sure that the length of the tongs is between at least five and twelve inches. Ideally, the length of the tongs you buy should be between thirteen and fifteen inches. If you often grill at very high temperatures, such as when you’re cooking steak on a charcoal grill, then you should consider buying longer tongs. In most cases, the longer the tongs the better. Just keep in mind, a longer design can also have a negative impact on your control during use.
Material
Obviously, buying tongs that are made out of plastic is a bad idea, since these will easily melt if they make contact with the grate. You should also avoid buying tongs that are made out of chrome-plated steel, since these tend to fall apart quickly.
The tongs need to be made out of high-quality, thick metal, such as stainless steel. You don’t want the tongs to fall apart in the middle of turning a roast or lifting a steak off the grate. Since stainless steel is also naturally rust-resistant, in addition to being tough, it’s a great choice for tongs. Tongs made out of this type of material will last longer and will allow you to handle meat like a pro.
Style
Consider purchasing different styles of tongs, since you’ll need tongs of different sizes, depending on what you’re cooking. A small pair of tongs can be used when you’re cooking at a lower temperature and need to turn smaller food such as brussels sprouts, seafood, and skewers. If you don’t want to purchase a single pair of tongs you can often find sets that will include tongs in different sizes. These sets can offer more value, especially if you often grill a wide range of foods.
Grip
For tongs, aside from length, the grip is everything. Ideally, the grip on the tongs should be made out of a non-slip material and should help to prevent your hands from slipping if your hands are sweating or slippery from handling meat or other types of food. In most cases, you’ll come across tongs that come equipped with a heat-resistant grip made out of durable synthetic rubber or silicone. These grips also make the tongs more comfortable to handle. Lower priced tongs will not have a grip at all, which can make them difficult to use, especially if you’re grilling larger cuts of meat at a higher temperature.
Tips
Grabbing food off the grill can be difficult, since you’ll be dealing with greasy meat or meat that’s covered in a marinade or sauce. Because of this, you need a pair of tongs that offer more than just a metal tip design. Coated tips are designed to get a better grip on the food you need to turn, so you’re not struggling to turn food or remove it from the grill.
Tongs that come equipped with silicone tips are a great choice and can do a great job of preventing the food from slipping off the end. Models that come equipped with tips that are made out nylon can also work well to grab your food off the grill. However, this type of tip material isn’t rated as heat-resistant, so it can melt if you allow it to make direct contact with the grate.
Many of the leading tongs will either have a material coating at the tips, or a scalloped design. The scalloped design also works to improve the tong’s grasp on greasy meat or meat that’s covered in sauce. Since there’s no coating you also won’t have to worry about the material melting.
Shape
Another factor that you’ll want to consider is the shape of the tongs. Tongs that have grooves are designed to handle larger cuts of meat. However, grooves can make it difficult when it comes to handling smaller pieces of meat or veggies.
Maintenance
These days, most tongs are rated as dishwasher safe, which will make cleanup a cinch, however, there are some models that should be washed and dried by hand. Make sure you pay attention to the manufacturer’s care instructions in order to avoid damaging the tips of the tongs, the handle, or causing rust due to improper care.
Price
Tongs are one of the most affordable grilling tools out there, so you’ll be sure to find a pair that will work with your budget. Don’t go for the first cheapest pair of tongs you come across. These are usually the tongs that are difficult to handle, don’t come with any type of tip materials, and tend to rust and fall apart in a matter of a few months. Invest in a high-quality pair that designed to last season after season.
Final Thoughts
The best grill tongs will be long enough to allow you to easily cook over an open flame without the fear of burning your forearms. They should also be strong enough that you can flip or turn larger veggies and cuts of meat, easily. The tip material should be designed to prevent greasy meats from slipping off the end. These are all important things to look for in your next pair of grilling tongs that can ensure your food is cooked correctly, and that you don’t burn yourself when you’re grilling. The products that I’ve included in my guide are top of the line and will provide the type of durability, strength, and important features that will allow you to safely grill like a pro.
