Some of the features and factors you must consider when choosing the ideal salad tongs for yourself include.
Material
Salad tongs are made from different sorts of materials. To make sure that the salad tong you buy lasts long and does not compromise efficiency, it is important that you buy a reliable set of tongs. The most common type of tongs available in the market is stainless steel. These are usually high-quality, heat-resistant, and durable. Also, since stainless steel can withstand high temperatures, you can safely use it for hot food objects as well. On the other hand, you can also go for tongs made from wood and plastic. Though these are functional, they are not the most durable option available on the market. Also, since plastic is not heat-resistant, it tends to melt when used for handling hot food items. One way to figure out the best material is to look in your kitchen. Matching your salad stongs with your salad bowls will prevent any accidental damage. For example, while stainless steel tongs might work with ceramic bowls, they might damage wooden bowls.
Handle
The handle of your ideal salad tongs should feel comfortable in the hand. It should not have any sharp or pointed edges. The smoother the surface of the handle - the better. The handle should have some heat resistance so you don’t accidentally burn your hand when flipping your steaks! You should also look for a unit that features plastic or silicone padded handles. Some units feature ergonomically designed handles. These not only help ensure a nice and sturdy grip, but make it much easier to open and close the tongs, so this is another feature you may want to look into.
Size
You can find different sizes in tongs and the size is important to consider because it contributes to how comfortable the tong is to hold and how much food can it pick up in one drag. If you are only going to use the tong for salads, then a small-to-medium-sized tong would do. But if you also plan to use it for barbeque and similar food items, you may have to go for a larger piece. In short, the ideal size of tongs for you depends on your personal needs and the type of food you’ll be needing them for.
Tip type
Since you are going to be grabbing and transferring salad with the tip of the tongs, the type of tip is a feature that should not be ignored. You can find a large variety of tongs in this regard, with the most popular option being silicone tips. Since silicone can withstand heat and easily picks up food items, it is very effective. Apart from this, you can also find nylon tong tips. The nylon-tipped tongs are typically used for cold-to-room temperature food items only since they aren’t heat resistant. If you’re aiming for the most durable option, go for a stainless steel tip - they provide a firmer grip and are long-lasting. The tip type can also determine the precision of your salad tongs, which is essential if you plan to use them in making salad dressings as well.
Non-stick coating
If you plan to use the tongs for hot food items as well, you may want to look for a non-stick coating. The majority of stainless steel tongs feature silicone and nylon heads. Not only does this ensure that the tip is heat resistant, but also non-stick. Non-stick tips ensure that food bits don’t stick to the tongs and remain easy to clean. They also help prevent the pan from being scratched, ensuring that the surface of the pan does not get damaged. However, if you are only going to use tongs for salad, then wooden tongs will also be a good option.
Heat transfer
It’s always a better option to opt for heat-resistant kitchen utensils. When it comes to tongs, there should be a cover around the handle that allows you to handle the heat. If you are going to use the tong for food items that come out of the oven or grill, then this feature is a must-have. However, if you won’t be handling hot food items with the tongs, you can opt for regular tongs.
Locking mechanism
An effective locking mechanism makes it easier for you to handle the tongs. It ensures that the tongs are neither too loose, nor too stiff, by regulating the spring tension of the frame. Other than that, a lot of tongs come with a locking mechanism that locks both arms of the tongs, allowing the compact size of the locked tong to be stored anywhere conveniently. One thing to be mindful of though; make sure your tong can be locked/unlocked with one hand so you don’t have to struggle too much when you have to use it while multi-tasking in the kitchen.
Ease of clean
If you don’t want to end up scrubbing the tongs to get food bits off of it each time you use it, you should look for a unit that is easy to clean. Typically, non-stick tongs are very easy to clean and don’t need much effort to be washed. You should also check whether the tongs are dishwasher safe - since that’ll make the cleanup easier.
Price
The price of the tongs depends on the sort of material they are made from. Usually, stainless steel tongs cost more than plastic and wood tongs. However, these are also more durable and long-lasting. In the end, you get what you pay for. For a better quality product, you may have to pay relatively more.
