The Bottom Line
These are the exact tongs I used in every restaurant kitchen. Strong, reliable, dishwasher-safe. Restaurant-grade tongs at a fraction of the price. At $8, buy three and never worry about tongs again.
Why This Is in My Daily Toolkit
After 40 years of cooking, I know 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 than the cheap ones.
Winco makes restaurant equipment. These are the same 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.
I keep three pairs in my home kitchen: one for the grill, one for the stove, one for serving. At $8 each, they're cheaper than most home kitchen tongs and will outlast them by years.
What Makes These Tongs Work
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.
Real Restaurant Experience
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
- 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.
Honest Assessment
What Works
- ✓ Restaurant-grade quality at budget price ($8)
- ✓ Perfect spring tension that lasts
- ✓ Heavy-duty stainless steel construction
- ✓ Dishwasher-safe
- ✓ Scalloped edges grip securely
- ✓ Heat-resistant for grill and stove use
Limitations
- ✗ All-metal design gets hot (use side towel)
- ✗ No locking mechanism for storage
- ✗ Plain appearance (no fancy design)
- ✗ Can scratch non-stick pans (use silicone for those)
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
How to Make Them Last Forever
Daily Care:
- • Throw in the dishwasher or hand wash
- • Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots
- • Store in utensil crock or hang on hook
Maintenance:
- • Check spring tension periodically (rarely an issue)
- • Clean any buildup from scalloped edges
- • Minimal maintenance required
What to Avoid:
- • Don't use on non-stick surfaces (use silicone tongs)
- • Avoid leaving on hot grill (they get hot)
- • Don't use for prying or twisting heavy items
Ready to Add These to Your Kitchen?
These are one of the 11 tools I use most in my home kitchen after 21+ years of professional cooking. At $8, buy a few pairs. You'll use them for everything.
💡 Also available at restaurant supply stores
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All recommendations are based on my 21+ years of restaurant experience.