I enjoy a good pulled pork sandwich, and I’ve recently discovered how interesting pulled pork can be. The last thing you want is for your pork butt to dry up before you can serve it after you’ve spent all day making sure it’s been smoking to juicy perfection. It’s a problem that many of us have encountered, especially during large gatherings. Fear not—we have made a list of the best tongs for serving pulled pork.
Contents
- 1 Does pulled pork in the slow cooker need liquid?
- 2 Can you put raw pork in a slow cooker?
- 3 What is the best cut of meat for pulled pork?
- 4 Traditional tongs Vs. Scissor tongs to cook and serve bbq
- 5 Things to consider before buying the best tongs for serving pulled pork
- 6 Best bbq tongs for serving pulled pork- A summary list
- 7 List of top 5 tongs for serving pulled pork
- 8 FAQ – Pulled pork
- 9 Conclusion
Does pulled pork in the slow cooker need liquid?
No. I add a little amount of extra liquid to my slow cooker pulled pork for taste, but it’s not necessary. When cooking pulled pork, you don’t need to add any more liquid because pork shoulder roasts contain a lot of fat and water. I add 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce for flavor, but you could potentially put it in without any liquid and it would still cook.
Can you put raw pork in a slow cooker?
Yes! We’ll put a pork shoulder or “butt” roast in the slow cooker raw for 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high for this recipe. The temperature of a slow cooker set to low is normally around 190 degrees, which is hot enough to cook pork without contaminating it.
Did You Know? Pulled pork is not only delicious but also healthy. It contains high levels of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B, for example, along with riboflavin, amino acids, and antioxidants. Refer to nutrition facts of pork for more information.
What is the best cut of meat for pulled pork?
Pulled pork, also known as shredded pork, is traditionally cooked with a “Boston butt roast,” which comes from the animal’s shoulder. Pork shoulder has just the right amount of fat and connective tissue for soft, juicy pulled pork. To prepare pulled pork, you can use either bone-in or boneless pork. You can also look for a good pulled pork recipe online.
Traditional tongs Vs. Scissor tongs to cook and serve bbq
You may also be given the option of using regular or scissor tongs. In general, it’s important to note that each type has its own set of benefits and can be useful in various situations. Traditional tongs are easy to use and available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The practical aspect of these is obvious, and if you buy a solid, well-built pair, there isn’t much that can go wrong. Scissor tongs, on the other hand, look and work like scissors.
While scissor tongs cannot perform all of the tasks that a typical pair of tongs can, they can be useful in some instances. Because scissor tongs include a pivot point in their design, they can take up items with less force. Similarly, using scissor tongs to apply a precise amount of gentle pressure can be more convenient. Meatballs can also be served using these. We have collated a dedicated list of the best tongs for meatballs to fulfill your needs.
Things to consider before buying the best tongs for serving pulled pork
Length
The most significant feature of your pork tongs is their length. The tongs should act as a safe extension of your arm, allowing you to keep your arm away from the heat while yet manipulating and handling the meat on the grill. On the other hand, they can’t be so long that grip strength and leverage are compromised. Most grill tongs strive for a sweet spot of roughly 16 inches, which is the ideal distance for safe handling and leverage. You can check out the best grill tongs for your grilling needs.
Grip
When it comes to the grip of your pork meat tongs, there are two things to keep in mind. To be able to handle massive chunks of meat or heavy veggies, you’ll need the correct grip strength and traction. On the other hand, you’ll need a varied and flexible grip in order to hold delicate foods without ruining them. The tongs must also have a large enough opening to accommodate large chunks of meat. In most circumstances, you’ll want to opt for tongs with shallow scalloped curves in the grip area because they offer the ideal balance of grip strength and versatility.
Strength
Tongs must be sturdy and long-lasting. These are meant to be exposed to heat on a frequent basis and must be properly constructed to withstand it. Grill tongs that are strong and heavy might also help you gain a good grip on larger pork pieces. The weight of heavier chunks of pork may cause weaker tongs to buckle. Trying to hold on to heavier chunks of meat with lighter tongs can also quickly wear out your arms. Because briskets are heavy, you’ll want to use your strongest set to move them.
Material And Locking
Tongs are available in a variety of materials. Popular materials include metal, plastic, and silicone. When working with a hot grill, plastic tongs might not be the best choice. Tongs made of heavy-duty stainless steel or metal might be very useful. A pair of tongs with a reliable locking mechanism can also be useful. They can remain in proper alignment for a long time if you have a locking mechanism that enables you to clamp the tongs shut when not in use.
Did You Know? China was the first nation to start domesticating pigs, starting around 7,500 B.C. It’s believed that traditional hunting could not provide the meat necessary to feed communities, so people learned to domesticate pigs to control their supply.
Best bbq tongs for serving pulled pork- A summary list
#1 Shark Stainless Steel Barbecue, BBQ Grill Tongs – This item is made of extremely thick 304 stainless steel which has proven to be highly durable.
#2 Weber 6610 Stainless Steel Original Tongs – Weber is a popular name when it comes to anything related to grilling pork for any other meat. A great product for your bbq needs
#3 OXO Good Grips 16-Inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs – You will not be disappointed if you choose OXO if you are searching for a comfy, functional, and highly trustworthy alternative that works every time.
#4 GRILLHOGS 9-Inch 2 Pack Barbecue Stainless Steel Grill Tongs – Look no further than GrillHogs’ products if you want to have a collection of strong, reliable, and simplistic BBQ tongs that deliver exceptional performance on a budget.
#5 Winco Coiled Heavyweight Stainless Steel Tong – The Winco Coiled Set grill tongs may be a workhorse performer if you want a simple, affordable set of tongs that operate wonderfully every time.
List of top 5 tongs for serving pulled pork
#1 Shark Stainless Steel Barbecue, BBQ Grill Tongs
The amazing Shark BBQ tongs would be our recommendation if you’re searching for a sturdy, effective pair of scissor tongs. This pair of tongs is great if you want the best tool for serving your pulled pork. The double-hinged tongs are made of strong steel, making them one of the toughest and most sturdily built in the comparison. Because of the high quality of the materials used, these tongs can withstand the heat for years and provide a long service life. The 304-grade steel is naturally rust-resistant.
It will serve you well for a long time. A lifetime warranty adds to the durability, ensuring that you get the most out of this budget-friendly tong. The Shark tong is also easy to clean and comes in a remarkable 18-inch length, so you don’t have to get any closer to the grill.
User Experience
Users were happy with their purchases. They said that this tong is long, has sharp sides that make you able to use them for cutting something if needed. They also appreciated that it is very easy to clean. One of the users commented that they are very sturdy and grip well. Some users were disappointed with the built quality and said it’s not good for heavy meat.
Pros
- 18 inches long
- Black fancy finish
- Extra thick material enhances durability
- Wide jaws allow you to flip barbeque quickly
- Heat-proof PVC handles
- It can be used as a spatula or serrated-edge knife
- 304-grade steel
Cons
- A little expensive
My Verdict: The Shark BBQ grilling tongs are a great choice if you’re searching for a sturdy, effective pair of scissor tongs for pork. Take a look at the best bbq tongs for more options.
#2 Weber 6610 Stainless Steel Original Tongs
The Weber 6610 Original Stainless Steel Tongs, which has a unique ability to hold food firmly, is one of the best available tongs. It has a lovely design that makes you want to keep it using all day. Even better, this unit is simple to open, ensuring that storage is not overly complicated.
Furthermore, these 17-inch tongs are long enough to rearrange charcoal without plunging a hand into the heat and robust enough to grasp large ribs.
It’s made of non-toxic stainless steel. As a result, there is no need to be concerned about the safety of your meals.
User Experience
People who bought this were really happy. No wonder it’s one of the highest-rated products on our list. Users said that it is very long and very well made, which I totally agree with. Others said that these tongs are very sturdy and are just the right tension. One of the customers commented that this is a heavy-duty, sturdy set of tongs which are awesome and affordable! No significant complaints by the users.
Pros
- Comfortable, ergonomic handle
- Excellent value
- Heavy-duty stainless steel construction for long service life
- Non-slip grip
- Easy to use
- Safe for food
Cons
- Pincher can pierce food
- Might struggle a little with smaller, delicate ingredients
My Verdict: With this unit pincher, you can rest assured that you are getting one of the best tongs for your pulled pork which will hold it securely without slipping making serving it easier.
Weber is a popular name when it comes to anything related to grilling pork for any other meat. Use this tool to grill your delicious hot dogs. Check out the best tongs for grilling hot dogs for more options.
#3 OXO Good Grips 16-Inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs
Because of its non-slip handle, the OXO Stainless Steel Locking Tong may be easily held for a tighter grip. Though it is available in different sizes (9, 12, and 14 inches), we recommend the 16-inch model for a better experience. If you need a tong to serve appetizers, the smaller size is best.
To use the tongs, the tension is also properly balanced, requiring just the right amount of effort. Aside from being dishwasher safe, this model features a lock system that gives consumers easy-to-use tongs that can be stored conveniently—no extra room required.
It’s easy to see why the product is so popular: it’s simple and functional, and it comes at a reasonable price.
User Experience
We all know how good quality products OXO makes. This is no exception. Users said that they are well built and seem like they will last a very long time. They also said that it is sturdy and easy to clean. One of the users mentioned that these tongs are super easy to grasp food with and do a fantastic job at preventing food from slipping. No significant complaints by the customers.
Pros
- Available in different sizes
- Removable silicone handle
- Compact size
- Scalloped pincers provide flexibility and grip strength
- Non-slip grips are a delight to use
Cons
- It might get slightly hot
My Verdict: These dishwasher-safe tongs have a built-in hook for easy storage and a strong locking mechanism. These are a great pair of tongs for household use from serving meat to salad. You can also take a look at the best salad tongs for more options.
#4 GRILLHOGS 9-Inch 2 Pack Barbecue Stainless Steel Grill Tongs
When it comes to BBQ, GrillHogs is a well-known brand, and their tongs sets can give exceptional usefulness and value.
The tongs from GrillHogs are composed of stainless steel with a thick oak wood cladding. Oak is a superb choice for both looks and durability, and the thick cladding gives you a sense of security. It also generates a heat-resistant handle that is incredibly safe and convenient to operate with. The tongs include scalloped pincers for improved grip, and the lock and hook mechanism makes it simple to lock them in place and store them when not in use.
The GrillHogs BBQ tongs come in three sizes: 9-inch, 12-inch, and 16-inch. You can get a better value by ordering a two-pack of any of the three types.
User Experience
Users said that these tongs are well built, sturdy, and sized right for a working kitchen. They mentioned that it’s well made, locks easily, and cleaning is a snap. They appreciated the wooden handles and said that they are good and only gets warm, so no heat gets to your hands. One of the users commented that she loves the lock feature and the fact they are metal and not plastic. No negative reviews at the time of writing this article.
Pros
- Thick oak handles resist heat
- Looks great
- Sturdy construction
- Nice value and options
- Provides a strong grip on pork or any meat
Cons
- Pincers struggle with smaller and delicate ingredients
My Verdict: These can be one of the best tongs to have at home for regular, heavy-duty grilling and serving pulled pork.
For more similar options, refer to the list of best wooden tongs.
#5 Winco Coiled Heavyweight Stainless Steel Tong
These 16-inch stainless steel tongs have a spring-coiled hinge and are made of high-quality material. The design’s astonishing simplicity comes with a tempting price tag, and when you consider the solid, constant performance, you know you’ve got a great value on your hands.
The tongs are easy to wash and can be used in dishwashers. These tongs perform well with both large and little ingredients, and the narrow length makes it even easier to manage. The tongs’ heavy-duty build and comforting stability and sturdiness inspire trust with every use. The rust-resistant steel can also withstand prolonged heat exposure without warping.
With a scalloped grip on the pincers, the tongs feel precisely balanced and can securely grab pork without requiring a lot of force.
User Experience
Users liked the tongs and said it was very nice long stainless steel heavy-duty tongs. Users also mentioned that they are sturdy, have a solid grip, are easy to handle & keep closed around objects. Other users appreciated the grip and said that they keep a firm grip on food without being destructive and are easy to clean. One of the users commented that it’s a very sturdy set of commercial quality tongs and he loves these tongs. Some users were complaining that they don’t have a way to secure them closed, and hence they’re always all the way open. Also, they don’t have a loop for hanging them, which disappointed the users.
Pros
- Excellent quality of materials and construction
- Scalloped grips make it easy to handle larger cuts of meat
- Inexpensive and excellent value
- Spring-loaded design
Cons
- No heat-resistant coating on handles
- No locking mechanism
My Verdict: You’ll be pleased with the sturdy construction and materials used to make these tongs. The price is the icing on the cake.
You can also use these tongs to flip your bacon on the grill. Check out the best tongs for bacon for similar products.
FAQ – Pulled pork
1. How long to cook bbq pulled pork?
The amount of time it takes to cook a pork roast for pulled pork is entirely dependent on the weight of the roast and the cooking gadget you’re using.
Pork is only safe to consume once it has reached an internal temperature of 145°F, with a temperature of 160°F recommended for medium doneness. Pork must reach an internal temperature of 195° to 205° to pull easily.
2. Can you pull pork after it’s cooled?
No. When the pork has been in the fridge for a long time, pulling it is quite difficult. If you don’t have time to pull it when it’s done cooking, cover it in foil, place it in the fridge, and then slowly reheat it up in the oven at 200° for 30 minutes to an hour when you’re ready to pull it.
3. Can you overcook pulled pork?
Yes. Tough-tender-tough is the order in which pork goes through its phases. Although to return it to the overcooked tough stage, you’d have to cook it for an extremely long time. When meat is overcooked, one of the biggest issues is that the fat breaks down and evaporates, leaving dry meat. If meat is overcooked, it might become mushy or have a gritty texture.
Conclusion
You already know how important it is to use the right tongs when serving pulled pork. If you choose one of the five devices listed above, you’ll have a great tool that can truly become a functional extension of your hands and provide valuable, dependable service when you’re in front of the grill. We’ve provided you with solutions that have been tried and tested and endorsed by satisfied consumers, ranging from budget solutions to premium options. You can also take a look at the list of best tongs available in the market and pick the one as per your needs. You can also comment down your questions and we’ll reply with the best possible solutions.
To those who want to read honest reviews and make a solid decision which they will not regret later. Ritik is an enthusiastic writer and what makes him stand out is his extensive knowledge in the field of kitchen gadgets and appliances. Seeing his mom using different gadgets and appliances at home fascinated him more in this niche since the childhood. He loves to share his research and knowledge about all the latest kitchen gadgets and appliances being released in the market and provide his reviews along. He helps his audience decide what will fit the best in their kitchen and what not.
