An Introduction to Tongs
An essential utensil in many foodservice operations, tongs come in various styles, some of which are specialized to fulfil specific tasks. With so many different models on the market, many people are likely not even aware of the full range of tongs that can be utilized to make food prep and serving easier. From the most versatile to the most highly specific, this article lays out the different types of tongs to help you narrow down your options.
General Purpose & Utility Tongs
Even within the realm of generalized tongs, there are multiple choices, so the type of food you're serving and the setup of your operation can influence your purchase. For example, the tools used to handle delicate vegetables at a salad bar differ from the versions designed for selecting denser product like fried chicken.
Utility Tongs
Perhaps the most versatile category of kitchen tongs, these are suitable for any purpose from plating salad greens to plating grilled or fried meats. Utility tongs are typically designed for functionality and aren't the most decorative option, but they do perform a wide range of tasks. Some models lock closed for safe, easy storage.
Buffet & Serving Tongs
In many operations with a buffet or cafeteria-style food line, serving tongs are crucial. As the name suggests, these are used for plating food in a sanitary manner. While buffet tongs are somewhat of a vague category, most feature versatile hands. Serving tongs often come in attractive designs for an elegant touch in buffet and banquet settings.
Pom Tongs
These tongs are normally used for picking up fresh produce and salad toppings on cold food bars. The smaller hands are specialized to create a more delicate grip than the wide hands seen on utility or serving tongs. Pom tongs are also sometimes utilized for selecting appetizer or dessert items from serving lines.
Specialty Tongs
While there are plenty of versatile tong options for handling general tasks in the kitchen, some applications require more specific tools. Establishments ranging from upscale dining spots to neighborhood bars and everything in between can introduce highly specialized prep and serving tasks. Utility tongs typically won't do if you're looking to elegantly serve ice or flip burgers on a grill.
Ice & Bar Tongs
Invaluable to many establishments providing drink service, ice tongs are designed to pick up one ice cube at a time for smooth transfer between containers and glasses. They're found both in hotel room service and upscale cocktail lounges. Bar tongs serve a very similar purpose, but in addition to ice, they can also be used to retrieve garnishes.
Salad Tongs
Although basic utility tongs can be used for serving salad, specialized salad tongs are utilized in restaurants serving salads in buffet or catered settings. These tongs feature a spoon on one side and a fork on the other, enabling users to easily gather portions of salad for smooth transfer to a plate.
Pastry Tongs
To avoid damaging delicate cupcakes, Danishes, and other delicate baked goods, pastry tongs feature flat hands that grip without any harsh edges or ridges. Sometimes called flat grip tongs, these tools are usually not suitable for grabbing dense or heavy items, but they're a perfect addition to bakeries and patisseries.
Grill, Fry, & Turner Tongs
Working on a grill requires more sturdy tongs than most other tasks. Grill and fry tongs feature slotted or mesh heads for draining excess grease when lifting product out of a fryer or off a grill, while turner tongs feature flat hands for flipping meat on a grill. These tongs are made to withstand the high heat of fryer oil or active grills.
Spaghetti Tongs
Although often referred to as spaghetti tongs, these tongs can be used to serve a variety of pasta shapes. These versions feature special forked hands designed to grip onto noodles, preventing them from slipping while serving. Any establishment serving large amounts of pasta can save valuable time and labor by using this style of tongs for pasta service.
Snail Tongs
One of the most specialized styles of tongs, snail tongs are – as the name suggests – used for serving and eating escargot. This unique tool is designed to be used in conjunction with an escargot fork, allowing users to keep the snail's shell securely clamped in the snail tongs with one hand while the other hand extracts the meat with the fork.
Additional Styles and Deciding Factors
Within each category of tongs, there are a variety of models to choose from. While many tongs are made of stainless steel, some are available in materials such as plastic or bamboo, which may be better for your operation depending on your concept or intended use. Plastic tongs are typically durable and conduct heat less readily than metal, while metal tongs are essential for handling food on the grill or in a deep fryer. Tongs available in different colors can be integrated into a color-coded system to prevent cross contamination between different food items. Finally, serving tongs can come in even more specialized designs, such as scissor tongs for plating bulky items like corn cobs or sleek plating tongs, which resemble large tweezers.
Many operations end up needing more than one style of tongs. For varied menus, buffet lines, or large kitchens with multiple prep stations, a selection of tongs can round out your equipment collection.
