OXO · Non-Stick Kitchen Gadgets & Utensils
OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Tongs with Nylon Heads
Lower concern. Nylon heads and stainless steel are inherently PFAS-free.
OXO Good Grips tongs use stainless steel and nylon, materials without known PFAS application. No PFAS disclosure from brand, but primary materials carry low inherent risk.
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Material
Stainless steel tongs with nylon heads
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
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
These tongs pair stainless steel handles with nylon heads. Stainless steel is inherently inert and does not leach metals into food or cookware during normal use. Nylon is a thermoplastic polymer that softens above approximately 200°C (392°F), making it appropriate for non-extreme cooking tasks like tossing salads or serving. The nylon heads are not bonded with Teflon-type coating (Teflon) or other fluorinated coatings, eliminating fume risk from overheating.
The brand's record and disclosure
OXO is owned by Helen of Troy Limited and has maintained a reputation for kitchen safety without major product recalls or disclosed chemical controversies in the cookware segment. The brand does not publicize detailed material safety certifications for this product, but stainless steel and nylon are commodity materials with well-understood safety profiles in food contact. OXO's silence on PFAS is typical for cookware brands using non-coated metals and standard polymers, as PFAS is primarily a concern in non-stick and water-resistant finishes that this product lacks.
How it compares in its category
Nylon-headed tongs occupy a safer middle ground compared to silicone (which can leach oligomers when heated to high temperatures) or wooden handles (which can harbor bacteria if not dried properly). Stainless steel construction is the standard for safe cookware hardware and outperforms aluminum or ceramic-coated alternatives in durability and freedom from leaching. This product is functionally equivalent to store-brand stainless steel tongs at similar or lower cost, with no material disadvantage.
If you buy it
Avoid using these tongs with temperatures exceeding 200°C or directly over open flame, as the nylon heads will degrade. Hand-wash promptly and dry fully after use to prevent water pooling at the nylon-steel joint, which can cause corrosion or mold growth over years of use. Replace the tongs if the nylon becomes cracked, discolored, or brittle, as degraded polymer fragments may shed into food. Stainless steel handles require no special maintenance but can develop fingerprints or discoloration that does not affect safety.
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.”
Nylon thermal degradation
Nylon heads will soften and warp if exposed to sustained heat above 200°C or direct flame. At extreme temperatures, polymer chains can fragment, though food contact is unlikely during normal tossing or serving tasks.
Corrosion and microbial growth at handle-head joint
The junction between stainless steel and nylon can trap moisture if not dried thoroughly, potentially creating a site for mold or rust over extended storage. This is a durability issue rather than acute toxicity but can eventually compromise the tool.
Stainless steel nickel content
Stainless steel contains nickel (typically 8-12% in 18/8 grades), but the tongs do not contact food directly; the nylon heads are the food-facing surface. No leaching or contact dermatitis risk is reported for this product.
Lead or cadmium in metal hardware
OXO cookware and utensils are not known to contain lead or cadmium in their stainless steel components. No recalls or public warnings exist for this product line on heavy metal contamination.
Polymerization residues or additives in nylon
Food-grade nylon typically contains minimal residual monomers or harmful plasticizers, and no specific contamination has been reported for OXO's tongs. The nylon head is not intended for prolonged direct food contact (unlike storage containers), reducing exposure risk.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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.