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Winco Heavyweight Tongs Review
Scott Bradley
24 Years in Professional Kitchens
5.0
★★★★★
Published: October 1, 2025•Updated: January 1, 2026
Professional Verdict
Restaurant-quality tongs at budget price These are the same style of restaurant-grade tongs I used for 20 years in professional kitchens. Strong, reliable, dishwasher-safe. Inexpensive yet built like professional equipment—buy three and never worry about tongs again.
Choose Your Length
Both sizes are the same heavyweight construction with perfect spring tension. I keep both in my kitchen - 9" for sautéing and general tasks, 12" for grilling and working over heat.
12" Tongs (Grilling)
Perfect for grilling and keeping your hands away from heat. The standard professional length.
Check 12" Price →9" Tongs (Sautéing)
More maneuverable for sautéing and stovetop cooking. Perfect for everyday kitchen tasks.
Check 9" Price →As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Price and availability may change.
Why This Is in My Daily Toolkit
Restaurant-Grade Quality
After 24 years in professional kitchens, I know restaurant-grade tongs. I've used the flimsy ones that lose tension after a month, the silicone ones that melt on the grill, the expensive ones that aren't any better. Winco makes restaurant equipment. These are the same style tongs used in commercial kitchens everywhere - not because they're fancy, but because they work. Heavy-duty stainless steel construction. Proper spring tension that doesn't wear out. Scalloped edges that grip without slipping.
Heavy-Duty Construction
Made from thick stainless steel that won't bend or warp. One-piece design with no weak points or parts that can break. Heat-resistant up to high temperatures. Built to withstand commercial kitchen abuse.
Perfect Spring Tension
The spring tension is calibrated for professional use - strong enough to grip firmly, light enough to not cause hand fatigue. The tension stays consistent over years of use. No flimsy springs that lose grip over time.
Scalloped Gripping Edges
The scalloped edges grip food securely without damaging it. Works on everything from delicate fish to heavy steaks. The edges won't slip on smooth or greasy foods. Dishwasher-safe stainless steel.
Testing Environment
Performance Results
✅ Outstanding Performance
- Restaurant-grade stainless steel construction at inexpensive price
- Perfect spring tension that maintains grip strength over years of use
- Scalloped edges provide secure grip on all food types without slipping
- Dishwasher-safe and heat-resistant up to 500°F for grill use
⚠️ Minor Considerations
- All-metal design conducts heat during grill use (requires side towel)
- No locking mechanism for compact storage
- Can scratch non-stick cookware (use silicone tongs for non-stick)
Real Restaurant Experience
Professional Kitchen Use
From managing kitchen operations at Mellow Mushroom to working the line at fine dining restaurants, I've used these tongs to flip hundreds of steaks and burgers on the grill, toss pasta and sauté vegetables, plate delicate items during service, move hot pans and sheet trays, and handle everything from salads to grilled proteins. In a professional kitchen, tongs are an extension of your hand. These Winco tongs have the right weight, the right grip, and the right tension. They're the ones every line cook reaches for first.
Compare 12" Kitchen Tongs
See how the Winco stacks up against top competitors
| Feature | Winco Winco UT-12 12" | OXO OXO Good Grips 12" | Edlund Edlund 4412HDL 12" | KitchenAid KitchenAid 12" |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 0.9mm stainless steel | Brushed stainless steel | Heavy-gauge stainless steel | 430 stainless steel |
| Spring Type | Coiled spring | Internal spring | Flat spring (replaceable) | Internal spring |
| Locking Mechanism | ❌ None | ✅ Pull-tab | ✅ Two-position | ✅ Pull-tab |
| Handle Type | Bare stainless | Soft silicone grip | Bare stainless | Ergonomic stainless |
| Scalloped Edges | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| NSF Approved | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Dishwasher Safe | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Made In | Import | Import | Vermont, USA 🇺🇸 | Import |
| Pro Kitchen Use | ✅ Industry standard | ✅ Some kitchens | ✅ Industry standard | ⚠️ Home use mainly |
| Replaceable Parts | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (spring) | ❌ No |
| Expected Lifespan | 5+ years | 5+ years | 10+ years | 5+ years |
| Warranty | Standard | Satisfaction guarantee | Commercial + parts | Lifetime |
| Best For | Pro kitchens, value seekers | Home chef comfort | High-volume commercial | Brand-conscious home cooks |
| Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Winco
Winco UT-12 12"
RECOMMENDEDMaterial:0.9mm stainless steel
Spring Type:Coiled spring
Locking Mechanism:❌ None
Handle Type:Bare stainless
Scalloped Edges:✅ Yes
NSF Approved:✅ Yes
Dishwasher Safe:✅ Yes
Made In:Import
Pro Kitchen Use:✅ Industry standard
Replaceable Parts:❌ No
Expected Lifespan:5+ years
Warranty:Standard
Best For:Pro kitchens, value seekers
OXO
OXO Good Grips 12"
Material:Brushed stainless steel
Spring Type:Internal spring
Locking Mechanism:✅ Pull-tab
Handle Type:Soft silicone grip
Scalloped Edges:✅ Yes
NSF Approved:❌ No
Dishwasher Safe:✅ Yes
Made In:Import
Pro Kitchen Use:✅ Some kitchens
Replaceable Parts:❌ No
Expected Lifespan:5+ years
Warranty:Satisfaction guarantee
Best For:Home chef comfort
Edlund
Edlund 4412HDL 12"
Material:Heavy-gauge stainless steel
Spring Type:Flat spring (replaceable)
Locking Mechanism:✅ Two-position
Handle Type:Bare stainless
Scalloped Edges:✅ Yes
NSF Approved:✅ Yes
Dishwasher Safe:✅ Yes
Made In:Vermont, USA 🇺🇸
Pro Kitchen Use:✅ Industry standard
Replaceable Parts:✅ Yes (spring)
Expected Lifespan:10+ years
Warranty:Commercial + parts
Best For:High-volume commercial
KitchenAid
KitchenAid 12"
Material:430 stainless steel
Spring Type:Internal spring
Locking Mechanism:✅ Pull-tab
Handle Type:Ergonomic stainless
Scalloped Edges:✅ Yes
NSF Approved:❌ No
Dishwasher Safe:✅ Yes
Made In:Import
Pro Kitchen Use:⚠️ Home use mainly
Replaceable Parts:❌ No
Expected Lifespan:5+ years
Warranty:Lifetime
Best For:Brand-conscious home cooks
Why Trust This Comparison?
This comparison is based on 24 years of professional kitchen experience testing equipment in high-volume restaurant settings. All recommendations are honest assessments - we earn a small commission if you purchase through our links.
Ready to upgrade your kitchen?
Check Price on AmazonHonest Assessment
What Works
- Restaurant-grade stainless steel construction at budget price ($8)
- Perfect spring tension that maintains grip strength over years of use
- Scalloped edges provide secure grip on all food types without slipping
- Dishwasher-safe and heat-resistant up to 500°F for grill use
Limitations
- All-metal design conducts heat during grill use (requires side towel)
- No locking mechanism for compact storage
- Can scratch non-stick cookware (use silicone tongs for non-stick)
Who These Tongs Are For
Perfect If You:
- Grill regularly and need reliable tongs
- Want professional-quality at budget price
- Cook frequently and need durable tools
- Value function over fancy features
- Need multiple pairs for different tasks
Skip If You:
- Only use non-stick cookware (get silicone tongs)
- Want a locking mechanism for storage
- Prefer heat-proof handles
- Rarely use tongs in cooking
Ready to upgrade your kitchen tongs?
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Are Winco tongs dishwasher safe?
Yes, all stainless steel Winco tongs are dishwasher safe. They hold up well in commercial dishwashers.
Do Winco tongs have a locking mechanism?
Most standard Winco utility tongs (like the UT-12) do NOT have a lock. Some newer models do, but the classic versions store unlocked. Store them in a drawer or hang them.
Should I get the 9-inch or 12-inch tongs?
I use both daily. The 12-inch are perfect for grilling and keeping your hands away from heat - this is the standard professional length. The 9-inch are more maneuverable for sautéing and stovetop cooking. Both sizes available above with the same heavyweight construction and spring tension. If you only buy one pair, get the 12-inch for versatility.
How's the spring tension on Winco tongs?
The coiled spring provides strong, consistent tension that doesn't weaken over time. This is a key feature that makes them professional-grade.
How heat-resistant are stainless steel tongs?
Stainless steel handles heat well but will get hot with prolonged contact with hot cookware. The scalloped tips can withstand direct grill contact.
Are these tongs heavy or lightweight?
Winco tongs are heavier than typical home-use tongs. The thick stainless steel (0.9mm-1.2mm) makes them sturdy enough for commercial kitchens.
Can I use Winco tongs on nonstick cookware?
Yes, but be gentle. The scalloped stainless steel edges can scratch nonstick surfaces if you're rough. For nonstick, consider silicone-tipped tongs.
How do Winco tongs compare to OXO tongs?
Winco tongs are more industrial - heavier, no frills, and dirt cheap ($2-5). OXO tongs have cushioned handles, locks, and cost more ($10-15). Both are excellent but serve different needs.
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The Bottom Line
Ready to Add These to Your Kitchen?
These are one of the 11 tools I use most in my home kitchen. After 20 years using similar restaurant-grade tongs professionally, I know what works. Inexpensive, professional-quality—buy a few pairs. You'll use them for everything.
I keep three pairs in my home kitchen: one for the grill, one for the stove, one for serving. Inexpensive yet built to last—they'll outlast typical home kitchen tongs by years.
Check Price on Amazon →
→ View Winco Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Tongs on Amazon
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Complete Your Professional Kitchen Setup
About Scott Bradley
Professional Chef • 24 Years Professional Kitchen Experience
Professional chef with 24 years of restaurant experience including Pizzaiolo at Purple Café, Kitchen Manager at Mellow Mushroom, and line positions at Feierabend, Il Pizzaiolo, and Paragary's. A.A.S. Culinary Arts from Seattle Central College, B.S. Business Administration from University of Montana. Every product tested through real professional kitchen use or extensive long-term home testing.
Read more about my testing methodology →