9 Best Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs of 2026

These Devico 12-inch tongs are a powerhouse of precision and durability, engineered for cooks who demand maximum heat resistance and long-term reliability. Crafted from 18/8 (SUS 304) stainless steel, they stand up to searing grills and boiling pots without warping or corroding—making them ideal for high-heat cooking where lesser tongs fail. The 1 mm thick construction delivers exceptional sturdiness, while the sleek wire-brushed finish not only resists fingerprints but also provides a professional-grade look that elevates any kitchen tool collection.

In real-world use, these tongs excel at flipping thick steaks, lifting delicate fish fillets, and gripping roasted vegetables without slippage—thanks to their scalloped gripping edges and balanced tension. Their full-length metal build ensures no weak spots, and the locking mechanism (activated by pulling a ring) makes storage a breeze, whether hung on a hook or tucked into a drawer. At 12 inches, they offer excellent reach for deep pans or grills, though their length may feel slightly cumbersome for small tasks like serving salad at the table.

Compared to the OXO Good Grips model, the Devico tongs sacrifice some ergonomic softness but gain in pure durability and heat resilience. They’re a top pick for grilling enthusiasts and serious home chefs who prioritize longevity and performance over cushioned grips. While pricier than budget models, their all-metal integrity and rust-proof composition justify the investment—outperforming many in both function and resilience, especially when stacked against plastic-jointed or thinner alternatives.

The Hiash 9-inch tongs punch well above their weight as the best budget option for cooks seeking reliable performance without breaking the bank. Built from 430 (18/0) stainless steel, they resist corrosion and handle high temperatures—perfect for frying, grilling, or tossing hot noodles—though they’re slightly more prone to discoloration over time than higher-grade alloys. Their scissor-style pivot delivers smooth, consistent clamping force, and the thick, rounded handles offer a surprisingly secure and fatigue-resistant grip, even during extended prep sessions.

During testing, these tongs proved highly effective for flipping chicken cutlets, serving roasted potatoes, and handling grilled veggies, with the 9.45-inch length striking a sweet spot between control and reach. The full-metal construction cleans up easily in the dishwasher, and the built-in hanging hole simplifies storage—ideal for compact kitchens. However, the 430 steel, while durable, doesn’t match the long-term luster or rust resistance of 18/8 or 18/10 grades, especially in humid environments or with frequent acidic food contact.

When compared to the All-Clad 10-inch serving tongs, the Hiash model lacks the premium polish and balance but delivers remarkable value for everyday use. They’re best suited for casual cooks and beginners who want solid performance without premium pricing. While not built to last decades like higher-end models, their ergonomic comfort and heat resilience make them a standout in the budget category—offering more confidence and control than many rivals at or near their price point.

The All-Clad 12-inch locking tongs set the gold standard as the best overall choice, blending professional-grade materials with refined ergonomics in a way few can match. Made from highly polished 18/10 stainless steel, they boast superior corrosion resistance, a luxurious finish, and a perfectly balanced weight that feels intuitive in hand—neither too light nor too heavy. The laser-etched logo and seamless construction signal premium craftsmanship, while the locking mechanism ensures compact, tangle-free storage.

In action, these tongs deliver buttery-smooth operation with consistent spring tension, making them ideal for everything from delicate poached eggs to heavy pork chops. The brushed finish resists scratches and fingerprints, and the full stainless steel body wipes clean effortlessly—no crevices for grease to hide. At 12 inches, they offer ample reach for grills and stockpots, and their precise tip control allows for accurate food placement. The only caveat? They lack soft-grip handles, which can make prolonged use slightly tiring compared to models like the OXO.

Stacked against the OXO Good Grips, the All-Clad tongs trade rubberized comfort for superior balance and material quality—a trade-off that serious cooks will appreciate. They’re the ideal tool for those who want a single, do-it-all pair that performs flawlessly across cooking, grilling, and serving. While more expensive than most, their refined feel, durability, and polished design deliver unmatched value for users who treat their kitchen tools like investments—outclassing rivals in both aesthetic and functional excellence.

The OXO Good Grips 9-inch tongs are a masterclass in ergonomic design, making them the best choice for comfort and control during long cooking sessions. Their standout feature—soft, non-slip silicone grips with thumb rests—ensures a secure hold even with wet or greasy hands, reducing hand fatigue significantly. The sturdy brushed stainless steel body resists corrosion, while the scalloped jaw edges provide a reliable grip on slippery foods like pasta, grilled zucchini, or seared scallops.

In real-world testing, these tongs shine in the kitchen’s busiest moments—tossing salads, transferring roasted veggies, or plating delicate fish. The 9-inch length offers excellent maneuverability in tight spaces, and the locking mechanism makes storage simple and space-efficient. However, the silicone inserts, while comfortable, can trap moisture over time if not dried properly, and the pivot point has a slight wobble after heavy use—common in tongs with mixed-material construction.

Compared to the All-Clad model, the OXO tongs sacrifice some material prestige and balance but gain in user comfort and accessibility. They’re ideal for home cooks with hand sensitivity, arthritis, or anyone who values fatigue-free handling. While not as flashy or durable as full 18/10 steel tongs, their thoughtful design and reliable performance make them a top-tier pick—offering better grip and control than most full-metal alternatives, especially for everyday use.

The OYV Seamless Tongs redefine kitchen hygiene with their one-piece, gap-free construction, making them the best hygienic design on the market. Unlike traditional tongs with rivets and joints that trap food debris, these are forged from a single rod of food-grade stainless steel, eliminating crevices where bacteria can grow. This makes them exceptionally easy to clean—just rinse or toss in the dishwasher, and they come out spotless. Their scalloped head design ensures a secure, non-slip hold on everything from slippery noodles to grilled asparagus.

Available in a 9-inch and 12-inch set, they cover a wide range of tasks—from serving salad to flipping ribeyes on the grill. The 12-inch model offers excellent reach, while the 9-inch is perfect for bowl tossing or buffet serving. Both are heat resistant and durable, handling high-temp cooking with ease. However, the handles lack cushioning, which may lead to hand fatigue during extended use, and the spring tension is slightly stiff out of the box, requiring a few uses to loosen up.

When compared to the Hotec tongs, which also feature a one-piece build, the OYV set offers cleaner lines and better corrosion resistance, though Hotec includes silicone grips for comfort. These tongs are ideal for health-conscious cooks, professional kitchens, or anyone who prioritizes easy cleaning and food safety. While they don’t have the plush feel of OXO models, their seamless integrity and dual-size versatility make them a smarter long-term choice—particularly for users who value sanitation and simplicity over soft-touch extras.

The All-Clad 10-inch Serving Tongs are purpose-built for elegant food presentation, making them the best for serving at dinner parties or buffets. With wide, flat ends that grip bulky or stringy foods like lasagna, roasted carrots, or grilled sausages without tearing, they offer superior control compared to narrow-jawed cooking tongs. Crafted from ultra-durable mirror-polished stainless steel, they reflect light beautifully and resist scratches, maintaining a sleek, upscale appearance that complements fine dinnerware.

At 10 inches, they strike a perfect balance between kitchen utility and table readiness—long enough to serve from deep bowls, yet compact enough for precise plating. The ergonomic handles, shared with All-Clad’s cookware line, deliver a natural, balanced feel in hand, though they lack non-slip grips. These tongs excel in serving scenarios but are less ideal for high-heat flipping, as their wide tips don’t offer the precision needed for searing steaks or adjusting food on a grill.

Compared to the OXO Good Grips, the All-Clad serving tongs trade cooking versatility for presentation finesse. They’re not meant to replace your workhorse kitchen tongs but to complement them on the table. For hosts, entertainers, or anyone who values a polished, restaurant-quality experience, these are unmatched. While functionally simpler than multi-use models, their refined design and superior leverage make them worth owning—outshining general-purpose tongs when it’s time to serve with confidence and style.

The Hotec tongs set delivers exceptional versatility and comfort, earning its title as the best budget set with thoughtful upgrades. Featuring a 9-inch and 12-inch pair, this duo covers all bases—from tossing pasta to grilling burgers—while the one-piece seamless design prevents food buildup and simplifies cleaning. What truly sets them apart is the silicone-cushioned handle with thumb rest, offering fatigue-free control during long cooking sessions, a rare find at this price point.

The 1 mm thick stainless steel construction ensures durability and heat resistance up to 600°F, making them safe for grills, fryers, and boiling pots. The strong spring mechanism is engineered for 2.5x longer life than average, and the pull-ring lock makes storage effortless—hang them or tuck them away locked. In testing, they handled heavy steaks and delicate fish with equal confidence, though the silicone padding may degrade over time with aggressive dishwasher use.

Compared to the Eddeas set, Hotec tongs offer better grip and hand protection thanks to their cushioned design. They’re ideal for families, meal preppers, or outdoor cooks who need multiple sizes and reliable comfort. While not as premium as All-Clad, their combination of ergonomic innovation and full-metal build makes them a standout—delivering more comfort and longevity than most budget options, especially when you need two sizes and a secure, slip-free hold.

The Eddeas tongs set stands out as the best value for price, blending all-metal durability with smart functionality at a wallet-friendly cost. Made from one-piece stainless steel, these tongs eliminate food traps and ensure long-term hygiene, while the 600°F heat resistance makes them safe for grills, pans, and ovens. The pull-ring locking system offers smooth operation and compact storage, and the 9-inch and 12-inch pair provides flexibility for both fine and heavy-duty tasks.

In practice, they perform reliably across grilling, salad serving, and pasta tossing, with good spring tension and precise tip control. The ergonomic handles are smooth and comfortable, though they lack cushioning—making them less ideal for users with hand strain. Like most full-metal tongs, they conduct heat, so extended use near flames requires caution. Still, their lightweight build makes them easy to maneuver, and the dishwasher-safe design ensures hassle-free cleanup.

When stacked against the Walfos 3-size set, the Eddeas pair offers better simplicity and focus, avoiding clutter while covering essential lengths. They’re perfect for budget-conscious buyers who want two dependable, no-frills tongs without sacrificing material quality. While they don’t have silicone grips or a third size, their clean design, strong build, and locking reliability make them a smarter buy than many pricier models—delivering maximum utility per dollar without compromise on core performance.

The Walfos 3-size tongs set is the ultimate toolkit for cooks who want complete versatility, earning its title as the best multi-size set. With 7-inch, 9-inch, and 12-inch options, it covers every scenario—from grabbing pickles in a jar to flipping steaks on a smoker. Each pair is built from 1 mm thick food-grade stainless steel, ensuring durability and heat resistance up to 600°F, while the full-metal, seamless construction prevents grime buildup and simplifies cleaning.

The ring-pull locking system works smoothly across all sizes, and the full-metal handles include a thumb rest for control, though they lack cushioning. The 7-inch tongs are a game-changer for small tasks, offering precision unmatched by standard models. However, having three tongs can lead to storage clutter, and the spring tension varies slightly between sizes, requiring adjustment when switching.

Compared to the Eddeas 2-size set, the Walfos kit adds true specialty functionality with the mini 7-inch option—ideal for appetizers, garnishes, or tight spaces. It’s perfect for entertainers, grill masters, or large households needing dedicated tongs for different jobs. While the extra size increases cost, the range and robust build justify it—offering broader utility than any other set, especially when you need the right tool for every food-handling challenge.