KitchenAid · Non-Stick Kitchen Gadgets & Utensils
KitchenAid Side Locking Tongs
Skip. Grip coating composition undisclosed; potential PFAS risk unclear.
KitchenAid does not disclose grip coating materials on these tongs. The silicone or polymer grips may contain PFAS, but lack transparency prevents full risk assessment.
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Material
Stainless steel handle, plastic/silicone grips, unknown grip coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Non-stick, chemistry undisclosed
Marketed non-stick without stating the coating chemistry.
Category baseline
cookware is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
KitchenAid Side Locking Tongs feature a stainless steel handle paired with plastic or silicone grip material. Stainless steel itself does not leach heavy metals or degrade under normal cooking temperatures. The grip coating composition is not disclosed by the manufacturer, which prevents full assessment of potential additives in the plastic or elastomer component.
The brand's record and disclosure
KitchenAid has not publicly released detailed material safety data or testing results for this specific product. The manufacturer does not transparently communicate coating formulations or PFAS-free status for kitchen tools. No significant recalls or safety controversies specific to this tongs model are on record, but the lack of disclosure about grip materials limits independent verification.
How it compares in its category
Stainless steel tongs with grips are common and generally considered safer than nonstick-coated alternatives, which carry Teflon-type coating fume risk. Many competitors (e.g., OXO, Calphalon) provide more transparent material specifications for grip components. The side-locking mechanism itself does not introduce additional chemical hazards compared to standard tongs.
If you buy it
Inspect the grip coating before first use for cracks or discoloration; replace tongs if the grip material deteriorates, flakes, or shows visible wear. These tongs are safe for normal stovetop and oven use up to the manufacturer's stated temperature limit (typically 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit depending on grip material). Hand wash to extend grip life; dishwasher exposure may accelerate coating breakdown. Monitor the grip annually for signs of degradation and replace within 3-5 years if used regularly.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Plastic grip coating degradation
Undisclosed plastic or silicone grip material may degrade, flake, or leach compounds when exposed to heat, moisture, and repeated dishwasher cycles. No independent testing data for this specific product are publicly available.
Plasticizer leaching from grip (BPA/phthalates)
If grip material contains polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other plastics, heating and contact with oils or acidic foods could potentially leach plasticizers. Manufacturer does not disclose grip polymer type, making assessment impossible.
Stainless steel handle corrosion
304 or 18/10 stainless steel (typical in KitchenAid cookware) resists rust and does not leach nickel, chromium, or iron under normal cooking conditions. No issues are documented for this product line.
Locking mechanism integrity
Repeated side-locking cycles may wear plastic or rubber components in the latch mechanism, potentially releasing small fragments into food if internal parts break. No specific failure data exist for this model.
Silicone grip toxicity
Food-grade silicone does not leach harmful chemicals under typical cooking temperatures. If the grip is silicone, risk is minimal; confirmation from manufacturer would strengthen this assessment.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Non-Stick Kitchen Gadgets & Utensils
GreenPan
Platinum Silicone Tongs
silicone, stainless steel handle
Silicone tongs lower PFAS concern, but verify specific batch claims independently
⚠Risky category by default
GreenPan
Williams Sonoma Greenpan Premiere Collection Wide Tongs
stainless steel with silicone handle
Stainless steel tongs with PFAS-free claim; lower concern for non-coated utensil.
⚠Risky category by default
T-fal
Tefal Ingenio K2060714 Steel Food Tongs
stainless steel, bare uncoated
Bare stainless steel tongs, no coating risk for PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
More non-stick kitchen gadgets & utensils grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.