Tongs are a type of kitchen utensil that help users grab onto foods to lift, flip, toss, or serve them without hand contact. They are designed to keep hands away from hot cooking surfaces and flames as well as prevent cross-contamination. Tongs make it easy to cook foods while safely keeping hands and arms from the hot surface as well as to serve foods that would be awkward to handle with regular serving utensils. Here are some of the most common uses for tongs:

• Flipping burgers and grilled meats
• Tossing pasta
• Serving salads
• Decorating plates
• Plating delicate garnishes and food
• Handling or turning hot foods
• Removing cooked foods from boiling water
• Handling hot foods from the oven or grill
• Grabbing hot pans
• Stirring pastas
• Lifting and lowering food in and out of pots and pans
• Serving food
• Tossing a salad
• Removing corn on the cob from boiling water
• Tossing a stir fry
• Letting little ones eat Chinese food
• Extending your reach

Tongs are versatile and come in various designs, sizes, and materials, making them an essential tool for any kitchen.