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Ever tried flipping a sear with a fork and ended up poking holes in your steak? That’s where good tongs step in — they’re like the right pair of gloves for your hands. The right kitchen tongs give you control, protect your food, and help you move items without turning your stovetop into an obstacle course. Whether you’re tossing pasta, grilling outdoors, or plating delicate fish, having the right pair makes the job feel effortless.
Not all tongs are created equal. There are sleek fish tweezers for precision, medium-length tongs for general cooking, long BBQ tongs for safe grilling, and pasta servers built to scoop and strain. Think of them like shoes: you wouldn’t run marathons in flip-flops, and you wouldn’t grill with tiny tweezers. Matching the style to the task makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Stainless steel tongs are the all-rounders — durable, heat-resistant, and often dishwasher-friendly. Look for a locking mechanism that keeps them compact in your drawer and a solid hinge for long life. Popular examples include lockable models from Rösle and many kitchen ranges carried by specialist UK retailers.
Bamboo or wooden-handled tongs blend style with functionality. They’re warm to the touch and gentle on non-stick surfaces, so they make sense for serving and light cooking. Brands like Eva Solo pair natural materials with modern design, giving you tools that look as good on the table as they work in the pan.
Pasta servers and precision tweezers are specialty tools that solve specific problems. A pasta server with wide prongs scoops and drains at once, while fish tweezers or kitchen tweezers help you remove bones and plate like a pro. If you love detailed finishes or cook seafood often, adding a pair of tweezers to your drawer is like upgrading from a hobbyist to a craftsman’s kit.
If you shop for tongs, you’ll quickly notice trusted brands that consistently deliver quality. Here are a few you’ll see across UK stores and marketplaces:
Rösle is known for precision German engineering. Their lockable kitchen rod tongs in a short size (around 9") are ideal for everyday use and are built to last without flex.
Eva Solo blends Scandinavian design with functionality. Their serving tongs and longer bamboo-handled tongs (about 6.75" for serving, and 13" for kitchen versions) are beautiful for both cooking and presenting dishes.
Zwilling’s pasta servers and sturdy stainless tools are a favourite in many UK kitchens for their balance and grip. Their pasta server is roughly 9.25" long and is great for both stirring and serving.
Fiskars brings ergonomic handles and contemporary materials to kitchen tongs. Their oak and stainless combinations offer a tactile feel that’s comfortable during long cooking sessions.
Global’s line includes tiny fish bone tweezers (about 3.25") for delicate work and heavier-duty utility and pasta tongs for broader tasks. If you love precision, their small tweezers are a game-changer.
These brands present a mix of classic materials and robust designs: from steak pliers that reach about 12" to heavy-duty BBQ tongs nearing 19". They’re all good options depending on whether you need a mid-size kitchen tool or something built for the grill.
Shopping for the right tongs is easy if you know where to look. Specialist kitchen stores and general retailers both stock quality options, and each has its perks.
Nordic Nest is a great place to find Scandinavian brands and stylish designs — expect to see Eva Solo, Zone Denmark, and similar lines there. Their curated selection tends toward design-forward pieces that also perform well in everyday cooking.
Specialist shops that focus on knives and tools often carry precision items like fish tweezers, lockable stainless options, and brand-specific collections (think Global and Zwilling). These stores are great for hands-on advice and testing feel and weight.
John Lewis, Lakeland, Robert Dyas, and Amazon UK stock everything from budget tongs to premium sets. If you want fast availability and a wide choice — including Tramontina BBQ tongs — these are go-to places. Selfridges and other department stores sometimes stock designer pieces if you’re looking for a statement tool.
Length matters. Choosing the proper length is like choosing the right ladder for a job — too short and you’ll strain, too long and you’ll lose control. Here’s a practical breakdown to guide your choice.
Short tweezers and mini tongs (around 3" for tweezers and up to 7" for serving tongs) are perfect for precise tasks: correcting plates, removing bones, or serving delicate canapés. They fit easily into your hand and are great for plating and fine work.
Medium-length tongs — around 9", 11", or up to 13" — are the workhorses of the kitchen. They handle turning meat in pans, tossing salads, and serving fish. Many models from Rösle, Zwilling, and Sabatier fall into this range and are versatile enough for most cooks.
For the grill or deep frying, reach matters. Long tongs near 19" provide safety and control away from heat. Tramontina’s BBQ tongs are an example: their extended length means you can work over a roaring grate without singeing your fingers.
Beyond style and length, a few features make a pair of tongs truly usable. Think about what you cook most and pick features that match those tasks.
A locking clip keeps tongs closed in storage and makes them compact. It’s a small convenience that reduces clutter and makes grabbing the right tool quicker.
Metal tips grip better for searing and browning, but silicone tips are kinder to non-stick pans and less likely to damage delicate surfaces. If you cook on non-stick regularly, silicone-tipped tongs like those from Sabatier are a smart choice.
Look for ergonomic handles with textured grips or wood accents that won’t slip when your hands are wet. Comfort makes a big difference when you’re working a long weekend brunch or barbecuing for a crowd.
Dishwasher-safe tools save time, but some wooden or bamboo-handled tongs last longer if washed by hand. Consider how much cleanup you’re willing to do: if convenience’s king, pick dishwasher-safe stainless options.
Taking care of your tongs is straightforward. Rinse or wash shortly after use to prevent food from drying into joints, dry fully to avoid water marks, and oil wooden handles occasionally to prevent drying. For stainless models, a gentle polish keeps them looking professional. Treat them like your favourite tools — a little attention pays off in longevity.
Not every kitchen tool needs to be an heirloom purchase. If you use tongs daily, invest in a sturdy stainless-steel pair with a solid hinge and a comfortable handle. For occasional use, an affordable silicone-tipped set can do the job. Premium brands like Zwilling and Rösle command higher prices for build quality and warranty, while brands like Tramontina and Global offer great performance across price points.
Before you click “buy,” ask yourself a few quick questions: What will I use them for most — grilling, serving, or plating? Do I need them to be dishwasher-safe? How important is length for my usual cooking style? Answering these makes choosing a pair of tongs feel less like guessing and more like picking a trusted kitchen sidekick.
Try to have two pairs: a medium-length stainless one for everyday cooking and a longer pair for the grill. Keep a tiny pair of tweezers or fish pliers for delicate tasks and plating. And remember — a decent set of tongs is often less than the cost of a single dinner out, but will earn its keep every time you cook.
Whether you shop at Nordic Nest for Scandinavian design, a specialist knife shop for precision tools, or a major UK retailer for convenience and range, there’s a perfect pair of tongs waiting to make your cooking easier and more enjoyable. Pick one that fits your hands, matches your cookware, and suits the way you cook — the right tool will feel like a natural extension of your hands in the kitchen.
Conclusion: Tongs are a small investment that yields outsized benefits. From flipping steaks and tossing salads to plating with precision, the right pair makes cooking safer, neater, and more enjoyable. Take a moment to consider length, material, and brand reputation, and you’ll end up with a pair that becomes a daily favourite.
