A lot of kitchen wares are made for specific purposes. What they all do, though, is to make our lives easier when handling different kinds of cooking tasks. One notable kitchenware when it comes to this purpose is the kitchen tongs. But, what are tongs used for? Lucky for you, we will show you in this guide.
Kitchenware such as tongs makes life easier and has different kinds of uses. If you want to know more about how these tools work and how they can be in your favor, continue reading further down below to get the possible information when using this kind of equipment. In this article, you will know how to use food tongs properly when you’re cooking.
What Is a Kitchen Tong?
They are a type of kitchen equipment used to lift and grip different kinds of hot and cold ingredients. Whether flipping burger patties in a hot griller or picking up large chunks of meats, a tong is the best kitchen tool to do it.
Uses of Tongs
Knowing how to use a tong helps understand what a tong is used for. Here are some uses of food tongs:
Flipping dishes
This is one of the most popular uses of a kitchen tong. You can flip over food or other ingredients upside down. Like your typical burger patties, you can easily turn them over with just a single use of a tong. Because of their long handles, you don’t have to deal with hot oil splashes or even dealing with extremely hot temperatures.
Turning Meat
When grilling your favorite part of the meat, you get a good grip on the meat without fear. It would drop or tumble off the griller. You don’t lose as much juice because it doesn’t allow the juices to come out.
Pulling
As for pulling, you can just easily pull out our freshly-baked hot bread from the pan without having to deal with hot temperatures.
Extender
Are you trying to go for spices that are hard to reach? Then why not ask the help of a tong? As mentioned earlier, they are a good piece of equipment to have a grip on.
There are a lot of ways in which tongs are used. Simply put, they are simple kitchen tools that give you an easier time flipping dishes and minimize the chance of burning your hand if done by other kitchenware.
Choosing the Best Tongs For You
If you plan on buying kitchen tongs for your daily kitchen needs, it would be wise to better understand how these tools work. The abundance of kitchen tongs readily available in the market today may quickly get you overwhelmed.
So, to get you started, here’s what you need to know and consider to understand further what is a tong used for:
Size
Choosing the right size matters the most. Thankfully, there is an overabundance of sizes for you. So, to get you started, think of something wherein your tongs are used. If you find it more often that your tongs are used for typical recipes and meat sizes, then go for 6 to 9 inches tongs. The longer your tongs would be, you will have a harder time transferring them from one place to another.
Construction
In terms of durability, nothing beats the classic stainless steel construction. They are known to be durable and reliable in terms of longevity of use. If you buy kitchen tongs, ensure that the entire tong is made up of thick stainless steel materials. Another good feature about the construction is having a food-grade silicone handle and head to ensure maximum grip.
Heat Resistance
It’s terrible sightseeing your tongs melting away when they are exposed to high temperatures. And in most cases, these types of scenarios do happen. To avoid witnessing this kind of circumstance, go for something that is heat-resistant. Aim for silicone-made handles and head.
Ease of Use
Tongs have an open and close mechanism, which makes them easy to use. However, some tongs feel like you are going to the gym because of how hard your hands need to be pressed when opening and closing.
It should have a spring that functions as an easy closing and opening mechanism. Also, go for brands and models that have locking features. The best choice would have a ring lock to place the ring on top to lock the tongs securely.
Scalloped Edges
Having scalloped edges not only gives you an easier time holding your meat or dish, but it also gives you an easier time maneuvering it from pan to plate. Go for silicone-based scalloped edges.
Plastic vs. Steel
Both of them have a unique way of how to do things. As for plastics, they are more finely tuned to tolerate colder temperatures. However, they are not known for having a good time with extremely hot temperatures.
As for metals, they are more durable than plastic and stand the test of time. They may also be good for flipping dishes in extremely hot temperatures, but they should last for a few seconds as steel is a great conductor of heat.
Types of Tongs
To know more about what a tong is used for, check out these types of tongs. This will help you know what tong is intended for your needs.
Kitchen Tongs
These are some of the most popular types of tongs used. They are commonly used in flipping burgers, meats, and all sorts. Usually, they have a flat surface design to give you a good grip on the contents.
Forked Tongs
As their name suggests, they are made with prongs at both ends that easily grab foods that are slippery or wet. And this means they are great for pasta, onions, and many more.
Plating Tongs
Due to their size, these are commonly called tweezer tongs. They are an ideal choice for finishing or garnishing your final dish.
Extra-Long Tongs
They are the best choice when dealing with hot temperatures. And this means they are great when flipping your grilled meat from hot coals or woods. The length prevents your hand from being exposed to heat.
Conclusion
Tongs make your day-to-day kitchen duties a whole lot easier. That’s why you need to know what a tong is used for. They have tons of uses, thanks to their versatile design. If you happen to buy tongs for your specific needs, everything you need to know is already written above. Be sure to read everything to have an easier time choosing the right tongs for you! ! Learn more about tongs here!