Tongs look simple: two arms, a hinge, done. But walk through a restaurant supply store and you'll find more than a dozen kinds, each shaped for a specific job.
Using the right pair makes cooking and serving faster, cleaner and safer. Here's a guide to the most common types of tongs and what each one does best.
The short answer
Most kitchens run on three kinds: utility tongs for everyday cooking, long grill tongs for the barbecue and serving or salad tongs for the table. Specialty tongs like pom, ice, spaghetti and sugar tongs handle the jobs in between.
What are tongs used for?
Tongs let you grip, lift, turn and serve food without touching it. That keeps your hands away from the heat and keeps fingers out of the food, which is why you'll find them everywhere from home kitchens to buffets, bars and backyard grills.
Cooking tongs
| Type | What it looks like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Utility (kitchen) tongs | Spring-loaded arms with scalloped metal or silicone tips | Flipping, turning, pulling pasta, everyday cooking |
| Locking tongs | A ring or tab that holds them closed | Everything utility tongs do, plus compact storage |
| Grill tongs | Extra long and sturdy, usually stainless steel | Steaks, burgers, ribs and anything over open flame |
| Silicone-tipped tongs | Silicone heads on metal arms | Nonstick pans, fish and delicate food |
| Gripper tongs | Flat, squared-off ends | Burgers, frozen patties and other flat foods |
| Spaghetti tongs | Toothed or claw-like ends | Pasta and other slippery foods |
| Scissor tongs | Scissor-style handles | Corn on the cob and big vegetables |
Serving tongs
| Type | What it looks like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Salad tongs | One spoon side and one fork side, or two wide paddles | Tossing and serving salad |
| Pom tongs | Short, spring-loaded, with scalloped edges | Salad bars, produce and buffets |
| Buffet tongs | Wide, sturdy heads that grab almost anything | Self-serve lines and catering |
| Serving tongs | Polished or decorative finishes | Dinner parties and plated service |
| Paddle tongs | Flat paddles, usually bamboo | Appetizers, salads and a rustic table look |
| Mini tongs | About 4 to 6 inches long | Appetizers, charcuterie and pastries |
Shop the 12″ bamboo salad tongs →
Specialty tongs
| Type | What it looks like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ice and bar tongs | Small, with claws or teeth | Ice, citrus and garnishes |
| Sugar tongs | Tiny, with claw or spoon ends | Sugar cubes for coffee and tea |
| Snail tongs | A rounded, spring-loaded clamp | Holding escargot shells |
The right tongs for the job make everything easier, from the grill to the buffet line.
How to choose the right tongs
- Length: long for the grill and deep pots, short for serving and the table
- Material: stainless for high heat, silicone-tipped for nonstick, bamboo or plastic for serving
- Grip: scalloped or toothed ends hold slippery food better
- Spring: firm enough to grip, easy enough not to tire your hand
- Lock: a must if drawer space is tight
Not sure which material fits? Our guide to the best materials for tongs breaks it down, and here's why one pair is never enough.
Quick answers
What are the most common types of tongs?
Utility tongs, grill tongs and serving or salad tongs. Most kitchens get by with those three.
What tongs are best for grilling?
Long, sturdy stainless steel tongs that keep your hands well away from the heat.
What are pom tongs?
Short, spring-loaded tongs with scalloped edges, common at salad bars and buffets.
What's the difference between salad tongs and kitchen tongs?
Salad tongs usually have a spoon side and a fork side for tossing and serving. Kitchen tongs have matching scalloped tips built for cooking.
Tongs for every station
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