Quick answer: For long pasta such as spaghetti and linguine, choose toothed spaghetti tongs. For short shapes, vegetables and draining at the same time, choose tongs with a slotted head. For buffets and salads, a two-in-one spoon and fork set is the most useful.
Pasta is one of the most common meals in British kitchens, and the right tool makes serving easier and tidier. The three main options are below, with what each does best.
Toothed spaghetti tongs
Toothed tongs have fine points that grip long strands. They lift spaghetti and noodles from the pan and onto the plate in neat portions, without the strands slipping off. They are less useful for short shapes such as penne or fusilli, which can fall between the teeth.
Best for: spaghetti, linguine, noodles. Our toothed spaghetti tongs are rust-resistant stainless steel and weigh about 140 g.
Tongs with a slotted drainer head
A slotted head lets water drain as you lift the pasta. It works well for short shapes, gnocchi and blanched vegetables, and it keeps the plate drier. It is less precise for very long strands.
Best for: penne, fusilli, vegetables, mixed pasta dishes. Our pasta tongs with a slotted drainer are 27 cm long.
A pasta server or spoon-and-fork tongs
A broad server or a two-in-one spoon and fork tool suits buffets, salads and pasta bakes. It is quicker than tongs for serving a crowd, but it is not the best choice for lifting individual strands.
Best for: buffets, salads, pasta bakes. Our buffet serving tongs with spoon and fork are 30 cm long.
Which one do you need?
| What you cook | Best tool |
|---|---|
| Mostly spaghetti or noodles | Toothed spaghetti tongs |
| Mostly short pasta and vegetables | Tongs with a slotted drainer |
| Buffets, salads and pasta bakes | Spoon-and-fork serving tongs |
| Everything | Buy two: spaghetti tongs and a slotted pair |
Tips for better pasta serving
- Lift pasta straight from the water into the sauce, so it keeps some cooking water on it.
- Serve from a warm bowl. Cold plates cool the pasta quickly.
- Rinse tongs quickly after use, especially after salty water, and dry them to keep the finish bright. See how to care for stainless steel cutlery.
See the full range in serving and cake, and our guide to the best tongs for pasta, barbecue and buffets.
