Jarvis

Catering Specialist
Reset

Hello! 👋

Hi there, I'm Jarvis! I see you're looking at the Commercial Tongs | Versagrip Flat Tongs | 12 Inch Blue Handle | Vollrath HY161. How can I help you with the technical specs or suitability for your business today?

Jarvis is an AI assistant and may occasionally provide incorrect details. To ensure your equipment fits and functions perfectly, we recommend verifying all critical specifications-including dimensions, power requirements, and compatibility-with our expert sales team prior to purchase.For orders or stock, call 0333 355 0535

How can we help? Choose an option below

Select an option to get started. We're here to help!

Product Questions

Specs, suitability, features & comparisons

Other Enquiries

Delivery, warranty, invoices & customer service

Vollrath Out of Stock

Commercial Tongs | Versagrip Flat Tongs | 12 Inch Blue Handle | Vollrath HY161

SKU: HY161
£33.33 / exc vat
£40.00/ inc vat

Out of Stock, but not for long

Pop in your email and we’ll ping you as soon as it’s back — no chasing needed.
Notify Me
  • 20-Gauge Stainless Steel
  • Springless Design
  • All-Natural Antimicrobial Handle
  • Bonded Insulated Handle
Have a quick question about this product?
Ask instantly →

Product Overview

Here’s a real kitchen workhorse you can rely on. The Vollrath Versagrip tongs 12 inch are crafted for the professional who needs tools that are as tough and  dependable as they are. Made from heavy-duty stainless steel with a clever, easy-clean design, these tongs are built to handle the heat and  pace of any commercial kitchen without missing a beat.

These are designed for chefs, caterers, and  food service professionals who take hygiene seriously. The blue-coated handle isn't just for a comfortable grip; it’s a key part of a HACCP colour-coding system, helping you prevent cross-contamination between different food types, such as raw fish and  cooked meats. It's a simple, effective way to keep your kitchen safe and  compliant.

Featuring a unique springless design that eliminates food traps and  antimicrobial properties for extra peace of mind, these are more than just tongs. They are an investment in kitchen safety, efficiency, and  long-lasting quality. Stop replacing flimsy tools and  grab a pair that’s built for the job.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • 20-Gauge Stainless Steel: Built tough to easily withstand daily commercial kitchen use.
  • Springless Design: Eliminates hidden gaps, making cleaning quicker and  much more hygienic.
  • All-Natural Antimicrobial Handle: Helps to guard your kitchen against the spread of bacteria.
  • Bonded Insulated Handle: Gives you a secure, comfortable grip that won't ever slip.
  • Blue Colour-Coding: Perfect for avoiding cross-contamination and  following HACCP procedures.
  • Kool Touch Handles: Stays cool up to 107°C, keeping your hands safe.
  • 12-Inch Length: Keeps your hands a safe distance from hot pans.
  • Fully Functional up to 176°C: Dependable performance for a wide range of cooking tasks.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Vollrath
  • SKU: HY161
  • Material: 20-Gauge Stainless Steel
  • Handle: Blue, Insulated, Antimicrobial, Bonded
  • Length: 12" / 305mm
  • External Dimensions: 38(H) x 108(W) x 305(L)mm
  • Weight: 0.16kg
  • Handle Heat Resistance: Kool Touch up to 107.2°C
  • Max Functional Temperature: 176.6°C
  • Design: Springless, Flat Tongs

Expert Review and  Insights

In a pro kitchen, it's the simple, everyday tools that often make the biggest difference. These Vollrath tongs are a perfect example of doing the basics brilliantly. They feel solid in your hand, the springless design is a godsend for cleaning, and  the coated handle gives you real confidence when you're working fast. They're a proper workhorse, not a flimsy gadget.

Sophie Brooks – Chef Tools Expert View Profile →

  • Truly Robust: The stainless steel feels exceptionally sturdy compared to cheaper alternatives.
  • Handle Heat Limit: The handle is heat resistant, but not for leaving in a hot pan.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Harbour View, a bustling seaside café in Whitby, was struggling with flimsy utensils that couldn't keep up with their busy summer service. Their head chef was constantly replacing tongs that had bent or whose springs had failed, posing a hygiene risk.

"We were buying new tongs every few months. They’d bend, the springs would get clogged with batter, and  they were a nightmare to properly clean. The Vollrath ones are in a different league entirely. They just work, day in, day out, with no fuss."

Robert Miller – Head Chef

Since switching, The Harbour View has seen a dramatic improvement in kitchen efficiency and  has not had to replace a single pair of tongs in over 18 months of service.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Wash thoroughly with warm, soapy water before the first use.
  • Assign the blue colour to a specific food category (e.g., raw fish) as part of your HACCP plan.
  • Make sure all kitchen staff understand the colour-coding system to prevent mistakes.
  • Store them in an accessible utensil pot or rack for quick grabbing.

Keeping It Going

  • These tongs are fully dishwasher safe for easy and  effective cleaning.
  • To prolong the life of the handle, avoid resting it on the edge of very hot pans for long periods.
  • Wipe dry after washing to prevent water spots and  maintain their look.
  • Periodically check them over, though their robust build means they require very little maintenance.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Commercial Tongs

Not sure which tongs are right for your kitchen? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Length Matters

Longer tongs (12"+) are brilliant for grilling and  frying, keeping your hands safely away from the heat. Shorter tongs offer more precision for delicate plating.

Handle with Care

An insulated, non-slip handle like the Kool Touch provides comfort and  prevents burns, which is a lifesaver during a long, busy shift.

Spring-Loaded vs. Springless

Spring-loaded tongs often have a locking mechanism for storage, but a springless design is far easier to clean and  significantly more hygienic.

The Colour Code

Colour-coded handles are a non-negotiable for kitchens serious about preventing cross-contamination between raw meats, fish, vegetables, and  cooked foods.

Material Strength

Always look for heavy-gauge stainless steel. It resists bending and  corrosion, meaning it will last for years, not months, in a tough commercial environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these blue flat end kitchen tongs dishwasher safe?

A: Yes, absolutely. They are designed for the rigours of commercial dishwashers, making cleanup quick and  easy.

Q: What is the main benefit of a 'springless' design?

A: The key benefit is hygiene. With no spring mechanism, there are no small, hard-to-reach places for food and  bacteria to get trapped.

Q: What is the blue handle for?

A: It's used for colour-coding in line with HACCP food safety plans. Blue is commonly designated for use with raw fish to prevent cross-contamination.

Q: How heat resistant is the handle?

A: The 'Kool Touch' handle is colour-safe and  remains comfortable to hold with food temperatures up to 107.2°C. The whole utensil is functional up to 176.6°C.

Q: Will the handle coating peel off after a while?

A: No, the insulated handle is permanently bonded to the steel core, specifically designed so it won't slip, crack, or peel off, even with heavy use.

Q: What does 'antimicrobial' actually do?

A: The handle's material has properties that naturally inhibit the growth of common bacteria, adding an extra layer of food safety to your kitchen.

Q: Are these tongs too industrial for front-of-house use?

A: Not at all. Their professional appearance and  the clear safety benefit of colour-coding make them excellent for buffet lines and  assisted service counters.

Q: What does 20-gauge steel mean for me?

A: It's a measure of thickness and  strength. 20-gauge steel is very robust and  won't bend or warp easily, making these tongs a reliable, long-term tool.

What Customers Are Saying

Proper solid tongs. The handle feels great and  the fact there's no spring makes them so much easier to keep clean during service.

David Carter – The Noodle Pot, Manchester

Bought a full set of these for colour-coding our prep stations. Does the job perfectly and  they feel like they'll last forever.

Jennifer Evans – Catering Manager, Birmingham

Excellent quality commercial food service tongs. A bit pricier than basic ones, but you can feel the difference immediately. Well worth it.

Tom Bell – The Anchor Inn, Cornwall

Add Review

The Vollrath Standard: Reliability You Can Grip

For over a century, Vollrath has been a cornerstone of professional kitchens, and  these Versagrip tongs show exactly why. This isn't just about meeting the basic specs of steel and  heat resistance; it's about manufacturing trust. A tool from Vollrath is a tool that won't fail you mid-service. The springless hinge isn't merely a feature; it's a direct response to a real-world hygiene problem, saving you time on cleaning and  reducing safety risks. Investing in these heat resistant chef tongs means fewer re-orders, more consistent performance, and  the underlying confidence that your essential equipment meets the highest standards of durability. This is what you get from a brand that truly understands the relentless pace and  pressure of a commercial kitchen.

Explore more from Vollrath

Why a Springless Design Means a Safer Kitchen

Ever tried cleaning a normal pair of tongs and  wondered what's hiding in that fiddly spring mechanism? A springless design gets rid of that problem entirely. Think of it like a solid, one-piece hinge instead of a collection of moving parts. There are no nooks, crannies, or coils for food particles and  bacteria to get trapped in. This not only makes cleaning faster but, more importantly, far more thorough. It gives you complete peace of mind that your utensils are properly sanitised, which is crucial during inspections and  for day-to-day food safety.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Restaurant & Pub Kitchens

    An essential, durable tool for line cooks, perfect for turning, plating, and  grabbing items from the grill or fryer.

  • Hotel Buffets & Caterers

    The colour-coding is ideal for maintaining strict food hygiene standards on a busy self-service line.

  • Fish & Chip Shops

    The flat ends are brilliant for handling delicate battered fish without piercing it, ensuring perfect presentation.

  • School & Hospital Canteens

    The antimicrobial handle and  easy-clean design are vital for environments where safety and  hygiene are paramount.

Find equipment tailored to your type of business:

Shop for Cafes Shop for Hotels Shop for Restaurants View All Business Types

Why Choose EasyEquipment?

  • Trusted for 50+ Years

    We've been kitting out UK kitchens for half a century—we know our onions.

  • Speedy & Free Delivery

    Get your gear fast with free UK mainland delivery, often as soon as the next day.

  • Price Match Promise

    Find it for less elsewhere? We'll match the price, no quibbles or fuss.

  • Real UK Support

    Got a question? Our friendly, UK-based team is on the phone, ready to help you out.

Ready to Order?

Equip your kitchen with the reliable Vollrath Versagrip tongs 12 inch today and  feel the difference that quality craftsmanship makes.

Add to Cart Call Us for Advice

Customer Reviews

How do you rate this product?

Your voice makes a difference! We value your honest feedback and would love to hear about your experience with our products.

Please take a moment to leave a review and help us grow together.

0/5