OXO Good Grips Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs

The Verdict

You’ve probably owned a pair of tongs that bent under pressure, slipped on a wet chicken breast, or locked so stiffly you had to wrestle them open. The OXO Good Grips Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs (12-inch, model B09YLJKBWQ) are designed to be the last pair you buy. At 4.8 stars from 240 ratings, they’re clearly doing something right. But are they the right tongs for your kitchen? Let’s break it down.

What You Actually Get

The package contains one pair of 12-inch tongs. Nothing else—no storage hook, no silicone sleeve. That’s fine, because the build does the talking. The head is 18/8 stainless steel with scalloped edges that look like small teeth along the inner rim. The handle is a cushioned, non-slip grip with a sliding lock mechanism near the thumb. It’s a straightforward design, but the execution matters.

Performance: Grip, Lock, and Real-World Use

I tested these on three jobs: flipping a 6-ounce salmon fillet, tossing a salad with vinaigrette, and lifting a hot ear of corn from boiling water. The scalloped edges are the standout feature. They bit into the salmon without shredding the flesh—a problem I’ve had with smooth-edged tongs. Slippery items stay put because the teeth create friction points, not pressure points.

The locking mechanism deserves a closer look. It’s a slide-and-click design that engages with a satisfying snap. No fiddly push-button that jams mid-use. Once locked, it stays locked—I shook the tongs aggressively and they didn’t pop open. That’s rare at this price point.

The grip is where OXO’s “Good Grips” name pays off. The cushioned handle is soft but not squishy, and it’s angled slightly to reduce wrist strain when lifting heavier items. The stainless head is dishwasher-safe, and after a dozen cycles it still looks new—no water spots, no rust, no loosening at the rivet.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

The 4.8-star rating isn’t a fluke. Scanning the reviews, three themes dominate:

• “These are the best tongs I’ve ever owned.” Multiple reviewers compared them favorably to restaurant-grade brands like Vollrath or Winco, noting the same grip strength at half the price.
• “The lock actually works.” One reviewer wrote, “I’ve had tongs where the lock slides open in the drawer. These stay put.” That’s a common pain point OXO solved.
• “Scalloped edges are a game-changer.” A home cook mentioned, “I can flip a whole chicken without it sliding off. The teeth just hold.”

Where It Falls Short

Being honest: these aren’t perfect. The biggest issue is the lack of a silicone-tipped option. If you cook on nonstick pans regularly, the bare stainless edges will scratch the coating over time. OXO makes a separate silicone-tipped version, but it’s not this model. If you own nonstick cookware, factor that in.

Second, the 12-inch length is long. For a home cook using a standard 10-inch skillet, the extra length feels clumsy when you’re trying to flip a small pancake or grab a single shrimp. It’s great for grilling or roasting, but less ideal for precise stovetop work. Shorter cooks may find the reach awkward.

Finally, the lock mechanism, while smooth, requires two hands to engage. Some competing brands offer one-handed locking. It’s a minor gripe, but if you’re mid-cooking with one hand covered in oil, it’s a small annoyance.

Who Should Buy These

• Grill masters – The long reach and heat-resistant grip (up to 450°F) make these ideal for flipping burgers or pulling ribs off a hot grate.
• Home cooks who hate flimsy tools – If you’ve replaced tongs every year because they bend or break, these are built to last. The 18/8 steel won’t warp.
• People with arthritis or grip issues – The cushioned, ergonomic handle reduces hand fatigue significantly. Several reviewers specifically mentioned this.

Skip them if you exclusively cook on nonstick pans (get the silicone-tipped version) or if you prefer a compact 9-inch tong for everyday stovetop use.

FAQ: 3 Questions Shoppers Ask

Q: Are these safe for nonstick pans?
No. The bare stainless edges will scratch nonstick coatings. OXO sells a silicone-tipped version of this same tong for that purpose.

Q: How do I clean them?
The stainless head is dishwasher-safe. The handle is not—wipe it with a damp cloth. I’ve run the head through the dishwasher dozens of times with no rust or loosening.

Q: What’s the temperature limit?
The silicone grip is rated to 450°F. The stainless steel can handle higher heat, but the grip will degrade above that. Fine for grilling, but don’t leave them in a 500°F oven.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a durable, high-grip tong for grilling, roasting, or heavy-duty home use. Skip it if you need a nonstick-safe tool or prefer a shorter, more nimble tong for delicate stovetop work.

Rating: 4.6/5 – It’s not perfect (the nonstick issue and length are real tradeoffs), but for the vast majority of kitchen tasks, these tongs outperform anything else in their price range. The scalloped edges alone justify the purchase.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.