Buying guide
Ice Cream Scoops and Portion Scoops
Neat scoops of ice cream on your crumble, and identical portions of cookie dough or mash. Lever, solid or spade scoops compared.
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A good scoop makes neat balls of ice cream for sticky toffee pudding or apple crumble, and doubles as a portion scoop for biscuits and buns.
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We only list products once their specifications have been checked against the manufacturer or retailer. Until then, use the criteria in this guide to compare what's available.
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Browse current options and prices at the retailer. These are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you (disclosure).
Types
| Scoop | Good for |
|---|---|
| Spring lever (trigger) scoop | Round, even balls; also portions cookie dough and batter |
| Solid one-piece scoop | Hard ice cream straight from the freezer |
| Spade | Serving from a tub or filling cones quickly |
What to check
- Size: lever scoops are often sold by number or by diameter. A medium scoop of about 5 cm suits desserts.
- Sturdy build: stainless steel lasts longer; check whether the lever mechanism can go in the dishwasher.
- Comfortable handle for hard ice cream.
Tip
Dip the scoop in hot water between scoops for cleaner balls, and let very hard ice cream soften for a few minutes first.
For more baking tools, see mixing bowls and cooling racks.
Frequently asked questions
Which ice cream scoop is best for hard ice cream?
A solid one-piece scoop with a thick handle, dipped in hot water, copes best.
Can I use an ice cream scoop for cookie dough?
Yes. A spring lever scoop makes even portions, so biscuits bake at the same rate.
What do the numbers on portion scoops mean?
Traditionally, how many level scoops fill a US quart. A higher number means a smaller scoop. Sizes vary, so also check the diameter.
How we choose
BeneRecipes compares tools using manufacturer specifications and retailer listings. We have not tested these products ourselves and don't publish star ratings. We explain which type suits which cook and why.
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