Grill Tongs: Your Essential BBQ Tool Guide

Grill tongs are an essential tool for any pitmaster or BBQ enthusiast. The right pair of tongs can make flipping, gripping, and maneuvering food on the grill a breeze, while keeping your hands safely away from the heat. With so many options available, it can be challenging to find the perfect pair for your grilling needs.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll review the top grill tongs on the market, comparing their features, durability, and performance to help you choose the best pair for your BBQ arsenal. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a serious grillmaster, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best grill tongs of 2024.

What Are BBQ Grill Tongs?

BBQ grill tongs are essential grilling tools designed specifically for handling food on a hot grill. These specialized tongs consist of two arms connected by a spring-loaded hinge, with one end featuring gripping surfaces for food handling and the other end equipped with comfortable handles. Unlike regular kitchen tongs, grilling tongs are typically longer (usually 12-20 inches) to keep your hands safely away from the heat while providing precise control over your food.

Most quality BBQ tongs are constructed from durable stainless steel to withstand high grilling temperatures and frequent use. The gripping ends often feature scalloped edges or textured surfaces to securely hold both delicate items like vegetables and heavier cuts of meat. Many modern grill tongs also incorporate features like non-slip handles, locking mechanisms for storage, and heat-resistant materials like silicone or wood for comfortable handling.

Benefits of Grilling Tongs

Having a reliable pair of BBQ tongs offers numerous advantages that can significantly improve your grilling experience:

Safety and Control

• Keep hands safely away from hot grill surfaces
• Provide precise control when flipping and moving food
• Reduce risk of burns and accidents
• Allow access to all areas of the grill surface

Versatile Food Handling

• Securely grip both large and small items
• Handle delicate foods without breaking them
• Turn meats without piercing and losing juices
• Manage multiple items efficiently during cooking

Enhanced Cooking Performance

• Maintain better temperature control by reducing grill lid opening time
• Allow for quick adjustments to prevent burning
• Enable easy rearrangement for optimal heat exposure
• Facilitate even cooking through proper food rotation

Improved Food Quality

• Prevent food from breaking or falling apart
• Maintain food integrity better than forks or spatulas
• Avoid piercing meats and losing valuable juices
• Allow for gentle handling of delicate items

Convenience Features

• Locking mechanisms for compact storage
• Hanging loops for easy access while grilling
• Dishwasher-safe materials for easy cleaning
• Non-slip grips for secure handling

Durability and Longevity

• Stainless steel construction resists rust and corrosion
• Heat-resistant materials maintain integrity
• Strong hinges withstand repeated use
• Quality construction ensures long-term reliability

Ergonomic Benefits

• Reduce hand and wrist fatigue during long grilling sessions
• Provide comfortable grip for extended use
• Balance weight for easy maneuverability
• Offer natural hand positioning while cooking

Practical Advantages

• Work well for both outdoor and indoor cooking
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Take up minimal storage space
• Often more cost-effective than replacing damaged tools

High-quality grilling tongs are an investment that pays off through improved cooking results, enhanced safety, and longer-lasting durability. Whether you’re a weekend griller or serious BBQ enthusiast, having the right pair of tongs can make a significant difference in your outdoor cooking experience.

How to Choose the Best Grill Tongs

When selecting the best grill tongs for your needs, consider the following factors:

• Length: Longer tongs (16-20 inches) provide better reach and safety, while shorter tongs offer more control for precise tasks.
• Material: Stainless steel is durable and heat-resistant. Some tongs feature silicone or wooden grips for comfort and heat insulation.
• Grip: Look for tongs with non-slip handles and scalloped or silicone-tipped ends for a secure hold on food.
• Locking Mechanism: A locking feature keeps tongs closed for compact storage.
• Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe tongs are convenient, but hand-washing may extend the life of your tools.
• Versatility: Consider tongs that can be used for both grilling and indoor cooking.
• Weight: Lighter tongs are easier to maneuver, but heavier ones may offer more durability.
• Additional Features: Some tongs include extras like built-in bottle openers or hanging loops.

OXO Good Grips 16-Inch Grilling Tongs – Best Overall

The OXO Good Grips 16-Inch Grilling Tongs are our top pick for their perfect balance of durability, comfort, and functionality. These tongs feature a sturdy stainless steel construction with non-slip grips that ensure a secure hold even when handling greasy or slippery foods.

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Highlights

• Durable stainless steel construction
• Non-slip grips for secure handling
• Scalloped edges for better food grip
• Locking mechanism for easy storage

Specifications

• Length: 16 inches
• Material: Stainless steel with silicone grips
• Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Dishwasher safe: Yes

Customer Reviews

• “These tongs are perfect for grilling. The length keeps my hands safe, and the grip is comfortable even during long BBQ sessions.”
• “I love how sturdy these tongs are. They can easily handle heavy cuts of meat without bending.”
• “The locking feature is a game-changer for storage. No more tangled tongs in my drawer!”

The OXO Good Grips 16-Inch Grilling Tongs are an excellent all-around choice for any grilling enthusiast. Their combination of durability, comfort, and functionality makes them suitable for a wide range of grilling tasks, from delicate vegetables to hefty steaks.

Weber Precision Grill Tongs – Best Premium

The Weber Precision Grill Tongs are a premium option for those who want top-notch quality and precision in their grilling tools. These tongs are designed with the serious griller in mind, featuring a robust stainless steel construction and ergonomic soft-grip handles.

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Highlights

• High-quality stainless steel construction
• Ergonomic soft-grip handles
• Precision-engineered tips for better control
• Built-in bottle opener

Specifications

• Length: 18 inches
• Material: Stainless steel with rubber grips
• Weight: 13.1 ounces
• Dishwasher safe: Yes

Customer Reviews

• “These tongs feel incredibly sturdy and well-made. They’re definitely worth the investment for serious grillers.”
• “I love the extra length and the soft grips. They make handling large cuts of meat a breeze.”
• “The built-in bottle opener is a nice touch. One less tool to carry to the grill!”

For those who demand the best in their grilling tools, the Weber Precision Grill Tongs are an excellent choice. Their superior quality and thoughtful design features make them a standout option for both casual backyard BBQs and more serious grilling endeavors.

KingTong 17 Inch Extra Long BBQ Tongs – Best Budget

The KingTong 17 Inch Extra Long BBQ Tongs offer excellent value for those seeking a reliable and affordable option. These tongs provide ample reach and a sturdy construction at a budget-friendly price point.

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Highlights

• Extra-long 17-inch length for added safety
• Durable stainless steel construction
• Non-slip silicone grips
• Locking mechanism for easy storage

Specifications

• Length: 17 inches
• Material: Stainless steel with silicone grips
• Weight: 6.7 ounces
• Dishwasher safe: Yes

Customer Reviews

• “Great tongs for the price. They’re long enough to keep my hands safe and sturdy enough for all my grilling needs.”
• “I appreciate the locking feature. It makes storing these long tongs much easier.”
• “The silicone grips are comfortable and provide a secure hold, even with greasy hands.”

The KingTong 17 Inch Extra Long BBQ Tongs are an excellent choice for those on a budget or new to grilling. They offer many of the features of more expensive tongs at a fraction of the price, making them a smart choice for casual grillers or those just starting their BBQ journey.

GEEKHOM 16-Inch Grilling BBQ Tongs – Best with Silicone Tips

The GEEKHOM 16-Inch Grilling BBQ Tongs stand out for their silicone-coated tips, which offer additional heat resistance and a non-stick grip on food. These tongs are perfect for those who want versatility in their grilling tools.

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Highlights

• Silicone-coated tips for heat resistance and non-stick grip
• Stainless steel construction for durability
• Non-slip silicone handles
• Locking mechanism and hanging loop for storage

Specifications

• Length: 16 inches
• Material: Stainless steel with silicone tips and grips
• Heat resistance: Up to 446°F (230°C)
• Dishwasher safe: Yes

Customer Reviews

• “The silicone tips are great for handling delicate foods without damaging them. They also work well with non-stick cookware.”
• “I love how versatile these tongs are. They’re perfect for both grilling and indoor cooking.”
• “The heat resistance is impressive. I can confidently use these tongs even when working with high heat.”

For grillers who want a versatile tool that can handle a variety of cooking tasks, the GEEKHOM 16-Inch Grilling BBQ Tongs are an excellent choice. Their silicone-coated tips and heat resistance make them suitable for both outdoor grilling and indoor cooking, offering great value for your money.

OXO Good Grips Grilling Tools Set – Best Set

The OXO Good Grips Grilling Tools Set is perfect for those who want a comprehensive grilling toolkit. This set includes high-quality tongs and a turner, providing you with the essential tools for most grilling tasks.

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Highlights

• Includes tongs and turner
• Durable stainless steel construction
• Non-slip grips for comfortable handling
• Convenient hanging loops for storage

Specifications

• Tongs length: 16 inches
• Turner length: 16 inches
• Material: Stainless steel with non-slip grips
• Dishwasher safe: Yes

Customer Reviews

• “This set has everything I need for basic grilling. The quality is excellent, as expected from OXO.”
• “I love how comfortable these tools are to use. The non-slip grips make a big difference during long grilling sessions.”
• “The tongs and turner complement each other perfectly. It’s great to have a matching set.”

The OXO Good Grips Grilling Tools Set is an excellent choice for those who want to upgrade their grilling gear with a matching set of high-quality tools. The combination of tongs and turner covers most grilling needs, making this set a great value for both novice and experienced grillers.

Cuisinart Locking Grill Tongs – Best for Versatility

The Cuisinart Locking Grill Tongs offer a great balance of functionality and affordability. These tongs feature a simple yet effective design that’s suitable for a wide range of grilling tasks.

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Highlights

• Durable stainless steel construction
• Comfortable silicone grips
• Locking mechanism for easy storage
• Hanging loop for convenient storage

Specifications

• Length: 16 inches
• Material: Stainless steel with silicone grips
• Weight: 3.36 ounces
• Dishwasher safe: Yes

Customer Reviews

• “These tongs are simple but effective. They do the job well without any unnecessary frills.”
• “I appreciate how lightweight these tongs are. They’re easy to maneuver around the grill.”
• “The locking mechanism works smoothly, which is great for storage in my cramped kitchen drawers.”

The Cuisinart Locking Grill Tongs are a solid choice for those who want a reliable pair of tongs without breaking the bank. Their straightforward design and comfortable grip make them suitable for a variety of grilling tasks, from flipping burgers to handling larger cuts of meat.

DAILY KISN 19.5″ Extra Long BBQ Tongs – Best Extra-Long

The DAILY KISN 19.5″ Extra Long BBQ Tongs are ideal for those who need extra reach, whether for safety reasons or to access hard-to-reach areas of larger grills. These tongs offer exceptional length without sacrificing functionality.

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Highlights

• Extra-long 19.5-inch length for maximum reach
• Heavy-duty stainless steel construction
• Wooden handles for comfortable grip
• Locking mechanism for compact storage

Specifications

• Length: 19.5 inches
• Material: Stainless steel with wooden handles
• Weight: 1.21 pounds
• Dishwasher safe: No (hand wash recommended)

Customer Reviews

• “These tongs are perfect for my large kamado grill. I can easily reach every corner without burning myself.”
• “The wooden handles are comfortable to hold and stay cool even during long grilling sessions.”
• “I appreciate the extra length when grilling on my fire pit. It keeps me at a safe distance from the flames.”

For those who need maximum reach without sacrificing quality, the DAILY KISN 19.5″ Extra Long BBQ Tongs are an excellent choice. Their exceptional length and sturdy construction make them ideal for large grills, kamado cookers, or fire pit cooking. While they require hand washing, the added safety and versatility make these extra-long tongs a valuable addition to any serious griller’s toolkit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What length of grill tongs is best?

For most grilling tasks, 16-inch tongs provide a good balance of reach and control. However, if you have a large grill or prioritize safety, consider tongs up to 20 inches long.

Are silicone-tipped tongs better than all-metal tongs?

Silicone-tipped tongs are gentler on delicate foods and won’t scratch non-stick surfaces. However, all-metal tongs may offer a more secure grip on heavier items.

How do I clean and maintain my grill tongs?

Most stainless steel tongs are dishwasher safe. For tongs with wooden handles or to extend their lifespan, hand washing is recommended. Dry thoroughly after washing to prevent rust.

Can I use my grill tongs for indoor cooking?

Many grill tongs are suitable for indoor use. However, extra-long tongs may be unwieldy in the kitchen. Consider a shorter pair for indoor cooking or look for versatile options designed for both.

How often should I replace my grill tongs?

With proper care, quality grill tongs can last for many years. Replace them if you notice signs of wear, such as loose hinges, bent tips, or damaged grips.

Are locking tongs necessary?

Locking tongs are not essential but can be convenient for storage and may prevent accidental opening. Some users find them easier to handle.

What’s the benefit of scalloped edges on grill tongs?

Scalloped edges provide a more secure grip on food, especially for rounded or slippery items like sausages or oily vegetables.

Conclusion

Investing in a quality pair of grill tongs can significantly enhance your BBQ experience. Our top pick, the OXO Good Grips 16-Inch Grilling Tongs, offers an excellent balance of durability, comfort, and functionality suitable for most grilling needs. For those seeking a premium option, the Weber Precision Grill Tongs provide top-notch quality and precision.

Remember to consider factors such as length, material, and additional features when choosing your grill tongs. With the right pair of tongs in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any grilling task with ease and confidence. Happy grilling!

Chris Johns

Chris is the founder of BBQ Report® and has been an avid barbecue fan for over 20 years. His mission is to make grilling and smoking the best food possible easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with grilling, smoking, and barbecue recipe recommendations.

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