"Let me see that tong" ... I think I know what the subject of Sisqo's next single should be. (Amazon)(Amazon)
I'm a former professional baker who still spends a lot of time in the kitchen, and my husband loves to cook. The one tool we're constantly fighting over? Tongs. When I say we both reach for them multiple times a day, I'm not exaggerating; from savory stir-fries to sweet snacks, these underappreciated utensils come in clutch anytime flipping, tossing or lifting is involved. While metal is popular, I prefer soft-tipped tongs that won't scratch my pans, like these Popco Silicone Tongs. This highly rated trio includes three sizes to suit different needs. And if your kitchen is currently without 'em? Take it from me — it'll be the best $10 you spend this month.
In an interview with USA Today about her favorite kitchen products, Food Network star Giada de Laurentiis said she "can't live without" her GIR spatula. Cook just like the iconic Italian chef for only $10 (which is only a couple dollars more than its lowest price ever).
Toss, flip and do other kitchen gymnastics with this trio of tongs.
When it comes to flipping food, I prefer tongs to a flat turner 90% of the time. In fact, I really only reach for my turner when I'm making pancakes or fried eggs since it has more surface area for sliding underneath to keep everything intact. Vegetables, meat and seafood? It's tongs all the way.
Because tongs allow you to clamp down on your food, they offer more control. Plus, if I'm turning, say, small broccoli florets on a roasting tray to brown both sides, I can grab multiples at a time, which speeds things up. What's great about this Popco set is that it includes small (7-inch), medium (9-inch) and large (12-inch) tongs for all types of kitchen jobs.
The smallest are ideal for safely grabbing things from the toaster or air fryer, while the medium are more for everyday uses, like turning roasted vegetables and proteins. The large can be used to toss salads or lift larger pieces of meat, like steaks, and I also use this size to retrieve homemade doughnuts from hot oil (the longer length helps protect my hands). I like that each size is a different color so you can easily spot the one you're looking for if you keep them in a crock on the counter (or a cluttered drawer). Plus, the gentle silicone tips are safe to use on any type of cookware and are heat-safe up to 480° F. Because they're nonstick, they're also a breeze to clean.
When you're done using them, just pull the little ring up top to close them up. That ring doubles as a way to hang them on a hook if you want easy access at all times — and why wouldn't you?!
More than 11,000 Amazon customers are so pleased with their Popco food picker-uppers, they gave them a perfect five-star rating.
"I use these tongs several times a day, and they have saved me from getting burned reaching into the oven, getting a chicken leg off the grill or reaching down into the depths of my air fryer," wrote a happy home cook. "The three sizes are perfect for all the various things that one might need to grab. The little grabbers on the ends of the tongs hold on well to everything I have picked up so far, including safely getting eggs out of boiling water without any danger of dropping the egg or splashing boiling water. ... For washing, they survive well with the silverware in the dishwasher."
"The best tongs I have found ... The big difference between these and others is that they are all metal down to the ends, instead of the cheaper ones that are just silicone at the tips where you are trying to grip the food," explained another enthusiast. "They provide a much sturdier, firmer grip."
"The colors help brighten up my kitchen," swooned a third. "They work great. I have been using them every day since I got them. I have had others that didn’t open wide enough to use when cooking. These are the best set that I have had yet."
While reviews are mostly positive (these tongs have a 4.7-star out of 5 average rating), a few shoppers did share some notes.
"The tongs are sturdy and easy to open," said a generally satisfied buyer. "I like the three different sizes. The tips are well-coated and are great for using on nonstick pans and our air fryer. The only minor negative is that they are not easy to close if you have something in your other hand at the time."
"Great cooking tool," raved a fifth fan. "Only one minor issue; on the inside of the tongs, there is a sharp edge. Will cut flesh. Otherwise, quality product." Good to know!
P.S.: Here's another silicone utensil that both Giada De Laurentiis and I reach for all the time.
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
