People use metal tongs to flip food in a frypan for several reasons:
Versatility: Metal tongs are highly versatile kitchen tools. They can be used for various tasks, such as flipping, grabbing, turning, and serving different types of food. Spatulas, on the other hand, are primarily designed for scraping and flipping, but may not be as effective for tasks like grabbing and tossing.
Grip and Control: Tongs offer a firm and secure grip on the food, especially when flipping delicate or bulky items like fish fillets, steaks, or vegetables. They provide better control, preventing the food from falling apart or sticking to the pan while flipping.
Heat Resistance: Metal tongs are designed to withstand high heat, making them suitable for use in hot pans or grills. They won't melt or get damaged like some plastic or rubber spatulas might when exposed to high temperatures.
Avoiding Scratches: Some frypans have non-stick coatings or surfaces that can be easily damaged by metal spatulas. Tongs are gentler on the pan's surface, reducing the risk of scratches and preserving the non-stick properties.
One-Handed Operation: Tongs can be operated with just one hand, allowing the other hand to hold the pan handle or perform other tasks simultaneously. Spatulas typically require two hands for efficient flipping.
Hygiene: Tongs provide a greater distance between the user's hand and the food being cooked, which can be beneficial from a hygiene standpoint, especially when dealing with raw or messy items.
Despite these advantages, some people still prefer using spatulas for flipping food, particularly when cooking on delicate surfaces or when dealing with foods that are easily damaged or need extra precision when turning. Ultimately, the choice between using metal tongs or a spatula depends on personal preference, the type of food being cooked, and the specific cookware being used.