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Winco Extra Heavyweight Tongs Review

👨‍🍳
Scott Bradley
24 Years in Professional Kitchens
5.0
★★★★★
Published: November 10, 2025•Updated: November 10, 2025
💎Tier 3: Expert Evaluation
Professional Verdict

Restaurant-quality tongs at budget price 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.

Choose Your Length

Both sizes are the same extra 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.

9" Tongs (Sautéing)

More maneuverable for sautéing and stovetop cooking. Perfect for everyday kitchen tasks.

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Why This Is in My Daily Toolkit

Restaurant-Grade Quality

After 45 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.

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 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

    ⚠️ 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.

    Honest 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

    Frequently 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 extra 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 24 years of professional cooking. At $8, 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. At $8 each, they're cheaper than most home kitchen tongs and will outlast them by years.

    → View Winco Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Tongs on Amazon

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    Scott Bradley, Professional Chef

    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 →