Grilling season is now in full swing so all the masters of the grill should be choosing grill tongs as well. Having the right grilling accessories is crucial to grilling a proper meal. Nothing is more important to grilling then having the right set of grilling tongs. Don’t you dare try to flip a nice steak with a fork! Read on to learn what is the right pair of tongs for you.
When selecting a pair of tongs, consider the following factors to ensure you get the right pair for you’re style of grilling.
- Durable: Look for tongs made from high-quality materials like stainless steel or food-grade silicone. These materials are durable, heat-resistant, and easy to clean.
- What Length: Choose a length that suits your needs working the grill. Longer tongs (around 12-16 inches) are great for grilling larger items such as pork butt, while shorter tongs (around 9 inches) offer more precision and control for smaller items like chicken breasts.
- Locking Mechanism: Make sure the tongs have a locking mechanism for easy storage. No one wants tongs that stay open making it hard to store.
- Good Grip: Look for tongs with non-slip handles. A lot of tongs have a thumb rest which helps with control.
- Scallop or Flat Tips: Decide whether you prefer tongs with scalloped or flat tips. Scalloped tips provide better grip on food, while flat tips are ideal for more delicate items such as salmon.
- Spring Mechanism: Consider whether you want tongs with a spring-loaded mechanism. This feature can make it easier to open and close the tongs with minimal effort.
- Heat Resistance: Ensure the tongs are heat-resistant and suitable for use on the grill. Stay away from tongs with plastic tips.
- Dishwasher Safe: Easy clean up is a good thing.
Grilling tongs holding spare rib
What to avoid when buying a pair of grill tongs.
- Cheap Materials: Avoid tongs made from low-quality materials that may not withstand high heat or frequent use.
- Weak Hinges: Steer clear of tongs with weak or flimsy hinges that may break or bend easily. Flimsy tongs will turn out to be a waste of money after they break.
- Lack of Grip: Avoid tongs with handles that lack a comfortable and secure grip. Tongs with non-slip handles are easier to control the meat on the grill.
- Plastic: Ensure the tongs you choose are heat-resistant and suitable for use on the grill. Avoid tongs made from materials that may melt when exposed to high heat especially the tips.
- Enough Length?: Be cautious of tongs that are too short for your grilling needs. While shorter tongs offer precision and control, excessively short tongs may not provide enough distance from the heat, increasing the risk of burns.
- Do they lock?: Avoid tongs that lack a locking mechanism for storage. Without a locking feature, the tongs may take up more space in your kitchen drawer.
Small grill tongs.
A smaller size pair of tongs will give you better control smaller pieces of food and will help you with flipping and rotating. You’ll have a lot more success with small pieces of chicken breasts and skewers of shrimp with a smaller pair of tongs compared to a long pair of grilling tongs.
Small tongs are very versatile. Almost any grilled meal can be handled with a small set of tongs. Only time they fall short is when you have a large round roast such as a pork shoulder.
Because they are small they are great for storage. From the side of your grill to a kitchen drawer, 9 inch tongs can be placed anywhere when done grilling.
Thinking of grilling before a game or concert? Maybe you are going on a picnic? These are the perfect size to carry in a bag for grilling away from home.
Medium Size Grill Tongs.
The 12 inch grill tongs will provide better reach and leverage, making them a better choice for handling larger cuts of meat such as a rump roast compared to the 9 inch tongs.
This size tongs still allow great control of the food on the grill but allows for a little bit more distance away from the heat.
Ultimately, the choice between 9-inch and 12-inch tongs comes down to personal preference and your specific grilling needs. If you primarily grill smaller items and value precision and control, 9-inch tongs may be the better option. However, if you’re grilling larger cuts of meat often, 12-inch tongs may be more suitable. Nothing wrong with just having both though!
Long grilling Tongs.
Long tongs allow you to keep a safe distance from the heat source, reducing the risk of burns or injuries, especially when grilling over high flames or hot coals.
Longer tongs provide better leverage when dealing with a large roast. You’ll have a lot more success picking up and moving a big old pork butt with long tongs compared to a 9 inch pair.
Only down sides of long tongs is picking up small items on the grill and using them for grilling away from home. The smaller tongs are much easier to pack away.
Grilling Tongs flipping a pork chop
So, whether you’ve got a big hunk of beef or smaller shrimp skewers, the right pair of tongs can make all the difference. By understanding your grilling needs and prioritizing what’s important to your style, you can confidently make the right choice when choosing grill tongs.
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