tongs

I have zero confidence in tongs and how they can affect the meat.

I use cotton gloves, cover them with rubber gloves and handle them that way.

While I still occasionally use tongs (mainly for grilling smaller items), I've switched to the flannel lined neoprene gloves for handling most of my barbecue. Ever had ribs, brisket or pork butt try to fall apart on you when taking them out of your smoker. The tongs don't work well with chicken or turkey. Your gloved hands do a better job of handling the meat/fowl than do tongs. When I'm done, I just wash my hands with the gloves on, and they're ready to go next time.

I couldn't find the site where I ordered my gloves, but this one looks like the same thing:

Neoprene Lined Gloves

Looks like manufacturer #6784.

I got a package of 25 cotton gloves at the food supply store for $8 and I buy plastic gloves by the case, so it's cheap. For me, they're much more flexible.

FYI page, the link didn't work, it went to a "try again" page you have to put in the 6874 and it brings a full page of stuff up.

You can also find gloves like that at restaurant supply stores, in the glove/fryer section.

Like Pags, I use tongs for smaller items on the grill. The ones I prefer are these from Oxo. They're very sturdy and come in a range of lengths up to 16"

For larger items when using the smoker, grill, or oven, I go with gloves. Over the years, I've tried several different types, and these are the ones I like the best. They're a quality product that's lined, have a 14" gauntlet, and a nubby texture to prevent slippage. Best of all is the price - $10 including shipping.

One thing nice about glove is the fact that, should something slip you have a fair chance at catching it before it becomes dog-food. With tongs, it's kind of like Mr. Miagi trying to catch a fly with chopsticks - it can be done but the probability is very slim!

Just my $0.02...

dls--

That's where I got my gloves. The Texas Brisket Rub is very good also

thanks guys, I ordered my gloves from Texas BBQ and added a 2 pound bag of BBQ rub as well. Now to find a nice set of slabs or two. Also made a birthday request for the OXO tongs

I smell smoke!!!

Hey Wheelz. You're right about Mr. Miagi catching a fly with tongs. When I grilled the 9 New York Strip Steaks two weeks ago, the 9th steak didn't quite make it from the grill to the platter. Hit the deck. Since I didn't have extras, I used the five second rule. Quickly picked it up as though nothing happened. Actually, I did it in front of all my guests so I ate that one. Good thing I washed the patio down before the party.

He who hath never dropped food, hath not ever cooked food......

Aahhh. Missa Miagi and RangerDF hath sixth sense grasshopper.

Yes,I depend on gloves,of different types,for different situations.

The question was about TONGS,and I also use them,for different situations.

Those selected here,on America's Test Kitchen,are what I have settled on -over the years.

Having the chance to work a little in some pro kitchens,I found them there as well.

Kitchen Tongs


Hope this helps some.

I found some scissor tongs at Home Depot in grill section. I use two for handling ribs. Spatula end slips under stuff easily and you can clamp them as tight as you need. I find I'm using them for most everything

I probably would use gloves if handling lots of meat.

Those are like using gloved hands. I'm heading to Lowe's as soon as I return home from my niece's wedding in Chicago.

I looked at Home Depo and on the Internet and could not find those tongs anywhere. Is there any more information that might help. They look great!

RangerDF: Just in case I was wrong about Home Depot , I called local Lowes (home improvement) and they still had a box of them in grill acessories. Lowes# 205324. Couldn't find on Lowes site either - maybe seasonal(?)

They are "Perfect Flame" brand item

I found the tongs at Lowe's. I bought two. About $6.50 ea. I thought about buying the whole box, about 12 pair and cornering the tong market,raise the price and make a killing, but luckily my wife was with me and saw things differently. Also I got my rubber gloves from Texas BBQ. You can bet I will never drop food again.

I'll pay the higher price if you pay shipping.

Our Lowes is out of stock.

I bought the 12" Nylon Tip and 16" Oxo locking tongs suggested by Tom. Figured if he and Cook's Illustrated rates them highly, I can't go wrong.

Next time I see the scissor tongs at Lowes, I'll pick up a pair. Heck. They're cheap at $6.50. Looks like a couple of them would work well on a rack of ribs.

quote:

Originally posted by RangerDF:
They are a hinge type and part of a set of BBQ tools. They tend to not line up well at the business end.

Ranger,

In my time working in a rib joint, I did a lot of grilling and I'm with you on the frustration with tongs. I think anyone who's worked in a kitchen knows what I mean when I say that once you find a good pair of tongs you make sure you don't lose it.

Some tongs are impossible to hold anything in, but my favorite tongs have actually been misaligned... so that the ridges lock in when they're closed. These kind are much more reliable and balance food better when you're used to them.

I don't think there's much differentiation between brands or types, maybe you want one with rubber handle, stainless steel or something, but that's just personal choice. Ditch the tongs that don't work and just pick up another pair. Test and repeat until you find one you like. Maybe you can find good grill tongs online, but i doubt they're any better than the standard ones you can get in your local store - try to get cheap ones because of the high turnover.

After all of this about tongs... everyone's right that often times nothing beats your own hands. They're the best tool we have.

Yep,most volume kitchens,ypu leave a pair on every hot door,etc.

If a guy moves them,you introduce him to a 12 in scimitar.

Picked up 2 new sets of OXO tongs 12" and 16". Also ordered 2 sets of gloves from Texas BBQ, pretty easy. Ordered on line, had them here in 2 days. No shipping charges or taxes. They were waiting for me outside my front door!