Everything you need to know about lobster tongs

Lobster tongs may sound like something you only find in fancy seafood restaurants, but they're actually a super practical tool for anyone who loves shellfish. Lobster tongs are sturdy, squeezable tongs specifically designed to crack the hard shells of lobster, crab, and other crustaceans without damaging the meat.

[product=crab-lobster tongs]
Perfectly designed for opening lobsters, crabs, and other crustaceans, these tongs make preparing a luxurious seafood dinner easier and more enjoyable than ever.
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What do you use it for? Simple: to crack open legs, claws, and carapaces to get to that delicious, tender meat. No fumbling, no flying bits of shell, and no cutlery to bend or break.

And the best part? Such tongs may seem small and innocuous, but they make a world of difference. With a good pair of lobster tongs, you can eat crustaceans neatly, efficiently, and with much less fuss. In short: a small tool, a big pleasure on your plate.

Why lobster tongs are indispensable

A lobster tong simply gives you more power with less effort. No need to pry with a knife or fight with your fork. The tongs do the heavy lifting, allowing you to open even the toughest claws and shells with minimal effort.

Plus, you can work cleanly and safely. No sharp pieces of dish suddenly flying off, no flying splinters turning your board into a construction site. Everything stays neatly under control. Your hands are safe too, with much less risk of slips or cuts.

And perhaps most importantly, you keep the meat whole. With lobster tongs, you crack the shell just enough to remove the meat in one clean piece. No crushed, mushy bits. No lost juiciness. Just perfect meat, exactly as it should be. Want to learn more about cooking lobster ? Then read our comprehensive blog post about it.

How exactly does a lobster tong work?

Lobster tongs are cleverly designed for maximum grip and minimal effort. They have a sturdy, slightly curved shape that fits comfortably in your hand. The inside often has ridges or teeth that prevent the shell from slipping when you squeeze. This allows for precise, slip-free work.

How the tongs break the shell is actually quite simple. The leverage allows you to apply firm pressure to the shell with minimal force. The tongs squeeze just enough to crack the shell, but not so hard that you crush the meat inside. It almost feels like the tongs are doing the thinking for you.

And why not just use a knife, spoon, or other cutlery? Because that often ends in frustration, or worse: damage to your cutlery, your hands, or the meat. Regular cutlery bends, slips, or breaks the shell unpredictably. With lobster tongs, you work more controlled, safely, and much neater. One tool, much less hassle.

What should you pay attention to when buying lobster tongs?

Buying good lobster tongs seems simple, but there are a few key factors that really make a difference. They're all about comfort, strength, and durability—exactly what you need for hard-shelled crustaceans.

Material

Choose stainless steel if you want long-lasting tongs. Stainless steel is durable, rust-resistant, and retains its beauty, even after frequent use. There are also coated versions, which are somewhat lighter and sometimes offer a better grip. Both work well, as long as they're strong enough to break the bowl without warping.

Grip and handle

A lobster tong should fit comfortably in your hand. Note:

• Non-slip handles
• An ergonomic shape
• Not too narrow handles

The better the grip, the safer you work, especially if your hands are slightly wet from the butter or cooking liquid.

Firmness and opening

The pliers should open wide enough to crack both thin and thick scissors. A sturdy hinge and solid construction are important. Weak pliers mean more pinching, less control, and a greater risk of breakage.

Tip: pliers that bend slightly but do not sag are ideal.

Maintenance and cleaning

Choose a model that's easy to clean. Preferably one that...

... Dishwasher safe (but hand washing is always safest)

...No difficult corners where residues can get stuck

...Remains rust-free after frequent wet use

Buying good lobster tongs ultimately means less effort, more enjoyment, and above all: neat work without mess. Perfect for lobster, crab, and any other shell you don't want to tear open with your hands.

How to use lobster tongs like a pro

Using lobster tongs isn't difficult, but there's a clever way to do it. With the right technique, you'll effortlessly extract the finest meat from every shell.

The correct position on the scale

• Always place the pliers on the thickest part of the shell, for example the scissors or the middle of the leg.
• With thin ends the shell breaks too quickly and everything flies in all directions.
• Place the bowl stably (on your plate or on a cutting board) so that you have a good grip and nothing slides away.

How to push without squeezing like the Hulk

You don't have to be a bodybuilder to open a lobster. Thanks to the leverage of the tongs, the knife is already powerful enough. Squeeze slowly and with control. If you hear a soft crack, you're done. From there, carefully crack the shell open further with your hands.

Tips to prevent splashes

Shellfish can sometimes splatter a little, especially when still juicy. Prevent this by:

• Place the pliers perpendicular to the bowl.
• Turn the bowl slightly while squeezing.
• Place a napkin or piece of kitchen paper over the scissors.

This way your shirt stays clean, your table remains uncluttered and your lobster… exactly where it belongs.

For which dishes do you really need lobster tongs?

Lobster tongs aren't just handy; for some dishes, they're simply indispensable. Think of a whole lobster , where you want to neatly open the claws, legs, and tail without damaging the tender meat. With crab claws, tongs make the difference between elegant eating and a complete workout. You crack the legs open just enough to pull out the meat whole.

Tongs are also useful for langoustines , especially if you don't want to tear them open by hand and want to keep the meat intact for a beautiful dish. And of course, with seafood shells. All these different crustaceans require a tool that's strong, precise, and safe. With lobster tongs, you'll not only eat more easily, but you'll also truly enjoy all the wonderful flavors.