Review: All-Clad Locking Tongs · 12 Inch
By Kitchen Expert
Kate Wilson
All-Clad Locking Tongs · 12 Inch
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9 photos
The Curated Take
4.7/5
The All-Clad Locking Tongs are best suited for home cooks and BBQ enthusiasts seeking durable, high-quality kitchen tools. These tongs are easy to clean and built to last, offering a secure grip on food with their scalloped heads. While they are slightly heavier and don't open as wide as some might prefer, their sturdiness and heat resistance make them reliable for both kitchen and outdoor grill use. Ideal for those willing to invest in a long-lasting utensil that provides a balance of functionality and quality, these tongs are a valuable addition to any cook's arsenal.
Ideal for
- Secure grip on the handle
- Durable stainless steel
- One-piece construction for easy cleaning
Not ideal for
- Don't open as wide as expected
Weight
These tongs are not as light as others I have used. This is a good thing in that they are definitely more sturdy, but I can see where they would...Read more
Grip
The handle grip is also nice. The tongs are rounded a bit, so there are no sharp edges. While they do not have silicone sections like some tongs, I don't...Read more
Durability
No cheap hinges that rust or break, no cheap springs. Heavy gauge stainless steel that feels very sturdy in hand and durable enough to handle larger cuts of meat and...Read more
Heat Resistance
These are not advertised as stay-cool tongs. They are heavy gauge stainless steel and, as such, do heat up if left on or near heat for prolonged periods. Regular use...Read more
Size
This size is perfect for kitchen use or outside at the smoker or grill. The tongs open wide enough to grab heaps of pasta, large cuts of meat, and hearty...Read more
Quality
All-Clad is known for its quality cookware, bakeware, and utensils. The price for the sturdy construction is even lower than expected, given that they won't need to be replaced for...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Kate Wilson
About the kitchen products
- Model: All-Clad Locking Tongs · 12 Inch
Test conditions
- When I bought the tongs: 2023
- Where I’ve used them: Home kitchen, home BBQ
- How many times I've used it: 20
Expert Reviews of the All-Clad Locking Tongs
Kate Wilson These tongs are far better quality than most others I've used. I like that they are made of one piece, so there are no grooves between silicone, etc., that food can get stuck in. The locking mechanism is very durable; these tongs will last a lifetime with proper care. The indent on the handle is useful for grip, too. They are a bit heavy, but I appreciate this because it adds to the durability. They do not open extremely wide, which would be helpful for ergonomic reasons while grilling, and they tend to heat up if left unattended while grilling, but overall, these tongs are easy to use and very sturdy.
Product Specs
| Product height (in) | 1.2" |
| Product length (in) | 12" |
| Product width (in) | 1.7" |
| Recommended care | Dishwasher-safe |
| Set size (pieces) | 1 |
| Weight (lb.) | 0.5 lbs. |
Review Ratings
Weight
4/5
Kate Wilson gave 4 of 5 stars. These tongs are not as light as others I have used. This is a good thing in that they are definitely more sturdy, but I can see where they would be more difficult to manage if I were left-handed because I have a wrist injury, and it can be hard to handle heavier utensils.
Grip
5/5
Kate Wilson gave 5 of 5 stars. The handle grip is also nice. The tongs are rounded a bit, so there are no sharp edges. While they do not have silicone sections like some tongs, I don't find them slippery or hard to hold. As mentioned, they also offer a secure grip on food with their scalloped head sections.
Durability
5/5
Kate Wilson gave 5 of 5 stars. No cheap hinges that rust or break, no cheap springs. Heavy gauge stainless steel that feels very sturdy in hand and durable enough to handle larger cuts of meat and hearty vegetables. I've had stainless steel and metal tongs fall apart quickly in the past, but these are a durable set with no faults yet.
Heat Resistance
4/5
Kate Wilson gave 4 of 5 stars. These are not advertised as stay-cool tongs. They are heavy gauge stainless steel and, as such, do heat up if left on or near heat for prolonged periods. Regular use near a barbeque or when cooking on any type of stove does not heat tongs up enough to warrant a mitt.
Size
5/5
Kate Wilson gave 5 of 5 stars. This size is perfect for kitchen use or outside at the smoker or grill. The tongs open wide enough to grab heaps of pasta, large cuts of meat, and hearty veggies. I have also used it to flip more delicate things like garlic bread on the grill and pick up smaller skewers of shrimp.
Quality
5/5
Kate Wilson gave 5 of 5 stars. All-Clad is known for its quality cookware, bakeware, and utensils. The price for the sturdy construction is even lower than expected, given that they won't need to be replaced for several years with proper care and use. I have had many tongs in the past that were lighter and cheaper, but they did not last.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Kate Wilson I have had several pairs of tongs, both silicone and stainless steel. These are the sturdiest I have ever owned, and I especially love using them on my BBQ because I know the food isn't going anywhere. They also have not warped or bent anywhere, and the locking mechanism is very secure.
Why did you choose this product?
Kate Wilson I had a few pairs of tongs that I would use depending on the size needed, etc. Each pair had a fault of some sort, and I was ready to upgrade to a pair that would last without annoying pieces coming off or the locking mechanism getting stuck or not working at all.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Kate Wilson In the past, I have spent very little on tongs and ended up with three pairs that I used interchangeably depending on the size needed or the type of food I cooked. They were all between $12 and $20, and none worked as designed after a year or so. These tongs by All-Clad were about $29 when I purchased them, which is an excellent value considering what I've spent on others. It's very high quality, and I trust the brand.
