Buying guide
Wooden Spoons and Spatulas: The Everyday Essentials
Wooden spoons, silicone spatulas and fish slices: what each is for and how to look after them.
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Nothing is used more in a kitchen than spoons and spatulas. Buy a few good ones and they last for years.
Our shortlist
Shortlist in progress
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.
Where to buy
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What to have
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Wooden spoon | Stirring sauces, beating butter and sugar: doesn't scratch or conduct heat |
| Silicone spatula | Scraping bowls clean, folding in flour gently |
| Heatproof silicone spoon-spatula | Custards and sauces in the pan |
| Fish slice / turner | Lifting Welsh cakes, farls and pancakes from a griddle |
Look for
- Hardwood (such as beech or olive wood) that is smooth, with no splinters.
- One-piece silicone spatulas with no joint where food can hide.
- Heat resistance marked on silicone tools if you use them in hot pans.
Care
Hand-wash wooden tools and dry them straight away; rub with food-safe oil occasionally. Replace any that crack.
Frequently asked questions
Why use a wooden spoon?
It does not scratch pans or conduct heat, so it is comfortable for long stirring and beating butter and sugar.
How do I care for wooden spoons?
Hand-wash and dry them straight away, rub with food-safe oil occasionally, and replace any that crack.
What is a silicone spatula best for?
Scraping bowls clean and folding in flour gently. One-piece designs have no joint where food can hide.
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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