Serving Tongs

Serving Tongs are a versatile and indispensable kitchen accessory actively used in all kitchen processes — from transferring ingredients during preparation to final plating and serving to guests. Professional tongs differ from household versions with higher material quality, more precise tip alignment and more comfortable handle ergonomics. In restaurants, cafés and catering businesses, serving tongs are a daily essential.

Types of Serving Tongs

Stainless steel tongs are the most durable and best suited for grilling and working with hot food — the steel tips withstand high temperatures and do not deform in prolonged heat. Ribbed or serrated steel tips provide a better grip on slippery or soft food pieces.

Silicone-tipped tongs are ideal for non-stick pans and baking trays — they do not scratch the non-stick surface and are more flexible when handling large quantities of food. Combined tongs with a stainless steel handle and silicone tips combine both advantages — a durable handle and a gentle grip on the product.

Sizes and handle length

Standard serving tong lengths: 15–20 cm for plating and delicate work, 23–25 cm for standard kitchen tasks on a pan or frying pan, 30–35 cm for grilling and working with hot ovens where greater distance from the heat source is needed. Longer tongs provide greater safety when working with a hot grill or oven.

A set of tongs of different lengths is recommended for various kitchen processes. For grilling, longer tongs are used for safe handling over a hot grill. A flat-top grill or wok pan works with medium-length tongs. For plating, precise work is possible with shorter tongs.

HACCP and hygiene

Serving tongs must be washed and disinfected after each shift. Stainless steel tongs are dishwasher-safe. Silicone tips should be checked for cracks or deformations — damaged silicone can fragment in food and pose a hygiene risk. HACCP colour coding can also be applied to tongs — different coloured handles for different product types prevent cross-contamination.

Tongs used with raw meat or fish must be washed immediately before use with thermally processed or ready-to-eat food. Heat treatment in cleaning ensures pathogen elimination and complies with HACCP requirements.

HoReCa use scenarios

In a restaurant grill, the chef uses long stainless steel tongs to turn and transfer large pieces of meat between grill sections. At a salad and side dish buffet, serving tongs allow guests to serve themselves with minimal food contact. In a quick-service restaurant, tongs for hot dogs or burgers are essential tools.

Also explore Spatulas, GN Pans and Containers and Chafing Dishes and Accessories for a complete professional kitchen setup.

Frequently asked questions

Which tongs are best suited for grilling? The best for grilling are long stainless steel tongs 30–35 cm in length, which provide sufficient distance from the heat source. The tips should be ribbed or serrated for a good grip on meat pieces. Silicone tips are not recommended for direct contact with the grill grate.

How to clean silicone tongs? Silicone tongs can be washed with hot water and mild detergents or in a dishwasher according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not scrub with abrasives that can damage the silicone surface. After washing, check the silicone’s integrity — signs of cracks or peeling mean the tong should be replaced.

Why choose BHS?

BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.

Delivery

We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.