We bet you’ve used a ‘pakad’ in your kitchen, haven’t you? Well, tongs is a sophisticated English name for it. Their importance of tong in the kitchen cannot be overstated, as they offer a safe and hygienic way to handle hot, delicate, or hard-to-reach items during cooking, serving, and grilling. In India, tongs are a staple in every household, often referred to as "chimta" or "pakad" in regional languages, and are used for various culinary tasks, from flipping rotis on a tawa to serving pakoras at a festive gathering. Tongs are versatile kitchen tools designed for gripping, lifting, and serving food items with precision and ease.

1. Salad Tongs

Salad tongs are essential tools for tossing and serving salads with ease and efficiency. Typically made of stainless steel or wood, they feature two hinged arms with spoon-like ends that grasp and lift salad ingredients without crushing them. The long handles provide a comfortable grip and allow for precise control when serving.

Pros of salad tongs include their versatility for both tossing and serving salads, while cons may include difficulty in handling delicate greens or smaller ingredients. Despite this, they remain a convenient and indispensable tool for salad preparation and presentation.

2. Ice Tongs

Ice tongs are specialized tools designed for gripping and serving ice cubes, making them essential for cocktail parties, gatherings, and everyday use. They typically feature long, slender arms with serrated edges or teeth that provide a secure grip on slippery ice cubes.

Ice tongs excel in maintaining hygiene standards by preventing direct contact between ice and hands, minimizing the risk of contamination. However, users need to exercise caution to avoid inadvertently scratching delicate glassware when handling them. Despite this, ice tongs stand out as a practical and stylish choice for serving chilled beverages, adding a touch of sophistication to any gathering while ensuring cleanliness and precision. If you often host parties or are enthusiastic about making cocktails, having this type of tong is absolutely critical.

3. Serving Tongs

Serving tongs are versatile tools used for gripping and serving a wide range of hot and cold dishes, from grilled meats to pasta and vegetables. Their sturdy construction and long handles provide a secure grip and precise control, making them ideal for buffet-style service or family meals. Pros of serving tongs include their ability to handle various food items with ease, while cons may include the risk of damaging delicate or flaky foods if not handled gently. Having said that, serving tongs remain an indispensable tool for efficiently transferring food from serving dishes to plates.

4. Scissor Tongs

Scissor tongs combine the functionality of tongs with the convenience of scissors, offering a versatile solution for gripping, lifting, and cutting food items during cooking and serving. Their scissor-like design allows for easy one-handed operation, making them ideal for tasks like serving salads, pasta, and grilled meats. Pros of scissor tongs include their multifunctionality and ease of use, while some cons could be the risk of mechanical failure or difficulty in handling larger food items.

5. Pasta Tongs

Pasta tongs are specialized tools designed for gripping and serving cooked pasta without damaging delicate noodles or sauces. Their long, slender arms and gentle grip make them ideal for transferring pasta from pots to plates with precision and ease. What’s great about pasta tongs is their ability to handle hot pasta without causing it to clump or stick together, while cons may include difficulty in gripping smaller pasta shapes or portions. Despite this, pasta tongs remain a convenient and essential tool for pasta lovers and home cooks alike.

6. Locking Tongs

Locking tongs, also known as kitchen tongs, are versatile tools designed for gripping, lifting, and turning food items with precision and control. They feature two long arms connected by a pivot near the handle, which can be opened and closed using a locking mechanism. Locking tongs come in various sizes and materials, including stainless steel, silicone, and nylon, offering durability and heat resistance for a wide range of cooking tasks.

Pros of locking tongs include their ability to securely grip both large and small food items, while cons may include the risk of damaging delicate foods if not handled with care. Nevertheless, locking tongs are indispensable tools for grilling, sautéing, and serving a variety of dishes with ease.

7. Plating Tongs

Plating tongs, also known as chef's tongs or precision tongs, are specialized tools used for delicately arranging and serving food on plates with precision and finesse. They feature long, narrow arms with fine tips that provide a delicate grip on food items without crushing or tearing. Plating tongs are often made of stainless steel or titanium, offering strength and durability for professional kitchen environments. The good thing about the plating tong is its ability to handle delicate food items with precision, while cons may include the need for practice to master their use effectively. Plating tongs are critical for chefs and home cooks seeking to elevate the presentation of their dishes with professional flair.

8. Utility Tongs

Utility tongs are multipurpose tools designed for a wide range of kitchen tasks, including gripping, flipping, and serving various food items during cooking and serving. They feature sturdy construction and scalloped edges for a secure grip on both solid and delicate foods. Utility tongs come in various lengths and materials, including stainless steel, silicone, and nylon, offering versatility and durability for everyday use. Pros of utility tongs include their ability to handle a wide range of tasks, while cons may include the risk of scratching non-stick surfaces if not handled carefully.

9. BBQ Tongs

BBQ tongs are essential tools for grilling enthusiasts, designed for gripping, flipping, and serving meats, vegetables, and other barbecue fare with ease and precision. They feature long handles and sturdy construction for safe handling of hot grill grates and food items. BBQ tongs often have scalloped or serrated edges for a secure grip and easy flipping of meats and vegetables. Pros of BBQ tongs include their ability to handle high heat and heavy food items, while cons may include the risk of mechanical failure or difficulty in handling smaller items. It’s mainly used for outdoor cooking and entertaining, offering convenience and control for grill masters of all skill levels.

10. Pom Tongs

Pom tongs, also known as pastry tongs or serving tongs, are specialized tools used for delicately handling delicate pastries, desserts, and other baked goods with precision and care. These tongs feature long, slender arms with fine tips that provide a delicate grip on delicate items without damaging their appearance or structure. Pom tongs are often made of stainless steel or food-grade plastic, offering durability and hygiene for food service environments. The YAYs of pom tongs include their ability to handle delicate items with precision, while the Nay may include the need for practice to master their use effectively. Pom tongs are majorly used by pastry chefs, bakers, and home cooks seeking to serve desserts with finesse and elegance.

11. Coated Tongs

Coated tongs are specialized tools designed for gripping, lifting, and serving delicate or non-stick food items without damaging their surfaces. They feature long arms with soft, non-stick coatings or silicone tips that provide a gentle grip on food items without scratching or sticking. Coated tongs come in various sizes and designs, offering versatility and protection for a wide range of cooking tasks. Pros of coated tongs include their ability to handle delicate or non-stick surfaces with care, while cons may include the risk of wear and tear over time.

How to Clean Tongs?

1. Cleaning tongs is a simple and straightforward process that can be done using hot, soapy water and a sponge or dishcloth.
2. For stubborn stains or residue, soaking the tongs in a mixture of warm water and baking soda can help loosen debris before scrubbing.
3. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or metal scouring pads, as they may scratch or damage the surface of the tongs.
4. After cleaning, rinse the tongs thoroughly with clean water and dry them with a towel or allow them to air dry completely before storing.
5. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help prolong the life of your tongs and ensure they remain hygienic and safe for use in the kitchen.

When it comes to finding high-quality tongs for your kitchen, thinKitchen is your go-to destination in India. Offering a wide range of tongs in various styles, sizes, and materials, thinKitchen provides durable and reliable tools for all your cooking and serving needs. Whether you're grilling outdoors, tossing salads in the kitchen, or serving desserts at a dinner party, thinKitchen has the perfect tongs to suit your needs.