Whether you're a cooking enthusiast or a catering professional , the importance of quality kitchen tongs cannot be underestimated. Ideal for those who value durability , precision and ease of use , professional kitchen tongs, often made of stainless steel , are designed to withstand impact and heat. They are essential for a variety of tasks, from cooking to serving dishes.
Whether your need is a kitchen tongs to embellish your plates, or a professional meat tongs to handle with precision, there is a tong for each function. The 30 cm stainless steel kitchen tongs models are particularly popular for their ability to keep your hands away from the heat while ensuring a good grip thanks to their non-slip handles.
This article will guide you through the variety of kitchen tongs , preferred materials , how to select the ideal tongs for each task, and tips for keeping your tongs in top condition.
The diversity of our kitchen tongs
Discover the rich and varied world of kitchen tongs , each designed for specific functions that enhance the preparation and presentation of your meals. Here is a look at some of these specialized tongs, essential to any quality culinary arsenal, ranging from the convenient silicone kitchen tongs purchased at Gifi , to the elegant kitchen tongs from Cyril Lignac , without forgetting the timeless classic from Ikea .
Salad tongs
A must-have for lovers of fresh salads, the salad tongs are specially designed with wider, flat or slightly concave tips to gently grasp the leaves without damaging them.
They are available in stainless steel , plastic or wood, often fitted with silicone or plastic tips for a soft and food-friendly grip.
Spaghetti tongs
The spaghetti tongs , with their serrated ends and curved shape, are the ideal tool for handling spaghetti and other long pasta without them slipping.
It also comes in handy for serving asparagus or other long, thin vegetables.
Precision pliers for dressing
Precision tongs for plating are essential for chefs and pastry enthusiasts aiming for impeccable presentation of their dishes. Made of stainless steel, they offer rigidity, hygiene and allow precise handling of herbs, spices or edible flowers.
Multifunctional barbecue and grill tongs
Perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts, the multifunctional barbecue and grill tongs are designed to withstand heat and effectively grip meats, vegetables and other grilled foods. Their stainless steel or silicone design, combined with a slightly curved shape, makes serving simple and provides the leverage needed for easy handling.
The materials of choice for maximum durability
When selecting kitchen tongs, the material they are made of plays a major role, directly influencing their durability and performance . Find out the most popular materials for kitchen tongs.
Stainless steel pliers
Stainless steel tongs are extremely popular and recommended for their strength and durability . Corrosion-resistant, this alloy does not deform easily and is free from harmful substances, thus ensuring food safety.
Composed of iron, carbon, chromium, and sometimes nickel or molybdenum, stainless steel is perfect for culinary use without health risks. Easy to clean , these tongs can be washed in the dishwasher, offering a practical and hygienic solution. They retain their shape and effectiveness even after multiple uses, proving indispensable for both professionals and cooking enthusiasts.
Tongs with silicone tips
Tongs with silicone tips combine durability and softness. These tips, often affixed to professional kitchen tongs or to more accessible models such as the Carrefour kitchen tongs , prevent food from slipping and protect non-stick surfaces from scratches.
The heat-resistant and flexible silicone allows you to safely handle hot or cold foods. These tongs are particularly suitable for delicate foods such as salads or vegetables, allowing for delicate gripping without damaging them. In addition, the silicone tips are easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Wooden tongs for a rustic touch
Wooden tongs add a rustic and eco-friendly touch to your kitchen. Often PEFC certified to ensure sustainable forest management, they are appreciated for their natural aesthetic and commitment to ecology. However, they require more rigorous maintenance than stainless steel or silicone-tipped tongs.
It is essential to dry them thoroughly after cleaning and to maintain them regularly with linseed oil or mineral oil to preserve their appearance. Wooden tongs, which do not damage pans and other cooking utensils, are ideal for kitchens using delicate materials. However, they are not suitable for the dishwasher and must be handled with care to avoid damage.
How to choose the right pliers for each use?
Selecting the right kitchen tongs depends on the specific use you intend to use them for. Understanding the differences between each type of tongs will guide you towards the perfect tool for your culinary endeavors.
For salads and pasta
For preparing salads or pasta, a tong with well-defined characteristics is essential. For salads, choose a salad tong equipped with ergonomic handles and wide, flat tips, available from various suppliers such as Gifi kitchen tongs or Ikea stainless steel kitchen tongs .
These tongs make it easy to gently grasp salad leaves, ensuring a fresh and attractive presentation every time. For pasta, a spaghetti tong is the ideal choice. Featuring serrated ends and a curved shape, they easily capture spaghetti or other pasta without the risk of slipping.
They are also very practical for serving long, thin vegetables, such as asparagus.
For dressing and decorating dishes
When it comes to dressing and decorating dishes, opt for precision tongs. These are thin and rigid and have a curved or angled shape, facilitating precise dressing down to the millimeter. Made of stainless steel, they ensure optimal rigidity and hygiene , allowing you to handle herbs, spices or edible flowers with care.
These tongs are particularly prized in fine dining restaurants and by chefs for their ability to enhance the presentation of dishes while preserving the integrity of fragile ingredients.
For barbecue and grill cooking
When cooking on the barbecue or grill, a professional meat tong becomes essential. Designed to withstand heat , these sturdy tongs allow you to handle meat, vegetables and grilled food without risk. They often include a locking system for easy storage and are ideal for serving grilled food directly at the table.
They are also practical for handling objects in hot environments, such as sterilizing jars or baby bottles in a sterilizer, thanks to their wide opening and excellent grip.
Care tips for your kitchen tongs
Regular maintenance of your kitchen tongs is essential to maintain their performance , durability and hygiene . Here are some practical tips for taking care of your kitchen tongs.
Regular cleaning
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent the build-up of dirt and food residue. Most stainless steel or silicone-tipped kitchen tongs are dishwasher safe, making cleaning much easier.
If you prefer manual cleaning, use a microfiber cloth and warm, soapy water.
For more stubborn tasks, a toothpick or compressed air can help remove particles stuck in hinges or pivots.
Rust Prevention
Although stainless steel tongs are corrosion resistant, they are not completely rustproof and can rust if not properly maintained. To prevent rust, be sure to dry your tongs after each use and cleaning.
You can also apply a few drops of oil to a cloth to protect the surface of the steel.
Rust Removal
If you notice rust on your clamps, you can remove it using Flitz or a rust eraser. These products will lightly sand the surface of the steel and remove rust stains.
However, be careful to avoid scratching the steel.
Storage
To maintain the flexibility and functionality of your pliers, it is important to store them properly. Use locking mechanisms if available, and store them in a dry, clean place. Avoid stacking them on top of each other to prevent damage and scratches.
By following these care tips, you can extend the life of your kitchen tongs and ensure that they remain in good condition for many uses to come.
Conclusion
After exploring the world of kitchen tongs , you now have the information you need to select and maintain the ideal tools for your kitchen. Whether you are a cooking enthusiast or a professional , opting for a professional kitchen tong made of stainless steel or with silicone tips can revolutionize your cooking experience. It is important to consider the versatility and precision of each tong, as well as the quality of the materials to ensure maximum durability .
By following the recommended care instructions, you will extend the life of your tweezers while ensuring impeccable hygiene .
Don't wait any longer to invest in these essential utensils and take your culinary art to the next level. Whether you're preparing a sophisticated dinner or a simple family meal, the right kitchen tongs will become indispensable companions .
FAQ
What are the different types of kitchen tongs available and what are they used for?
Assorted kitchen tongs include:
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Serving tongs : ideal for cooking and serving, perfect for turning meat and vegetables, or for serving dishes such as salad or meat.
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Dressing tongs : thin and rigid, designed for precise dressing of plates, frequently used in gourmet restaurants.
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Snail tongs : allows you to handle snails without burning yourself.
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Pasta Tongs : Specially designed to serve pasta easily.
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Salad tongs : often made of wood or plastic, ideal for handling salads and other cold foods.
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Meat tongs : heat resistant, perfect for cooking meat, especially on the barbecue.
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Sandwich Tongs : Helps hold sandwich ingredients while cooking.
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Ice tongs : to grab ice cubes without burning yourself.
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Sugar Tongs : Designed to serve sugar in drinks with elegance.
What materials are commonly used to make kitchen tongs and what are their respective advantages?
The materials used for kitchen tongs each offer distinct advantages:
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Stainless Steel : Sturdy, easy to clean, and meets food hygiene standards. Excellent for resisting heat without warping.
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Silicone : Heat resistant, does not damage non-stick surfaces and ensures good grip on wet foods.
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Plastic : Lightweight, economical, and gentle on nonstick surfaces, but may be less durable and slippery on wet foods.
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Wood : Aesthetically pleasing, but requires more careful maintenance and is less resistant to heat and shock.
How to choose quality kitchen tongs, considering factors such as handling, closing system and heat resistance?
To choose a quality kitchen tong , consider several key factors:
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Handling : Choose pliers with ergonomic, non-slip handles for a comfortable and secure grip.
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Closing system : Choose models with a robust, integrated closing mechanism to avoid breakages.
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Heat Resistance : Ensure the clamp can withstand high temperatures without deformation, which is well guaranteed by stainless steel and silicone.
How to clean and maintain kitchen tongs to ensure their durability and hygiene?
To clean and maintain kitchen tongs, follow these tips:
- Wash them immediately after use under running water and dry them carefully to avoid corrosion.
- Avoid improper uses, such as opening cans or using as a screwdriver, which can damage the blades.
- Rinse the tongs well to remove food acids and use a standard metal cleaner if stains appear.
- Store them in a dry and visible place, away from children and away from heat sources.
