Anyone who bakes or cooks will agree that you need a spatula to get the job done well and safely. This concept that a spatula is a kitchen necessity has unfortunately morphed into hoarding spatulas and collecting sets that you’ll never use, that don’t work well, or will clutter cabinets and drawers.
If you’ve found yourself overwhelmed by your supply of spatulas, or if you are just beginning to stock your kitchen, keep reading. In this guide, we are going to cover everything you need to know to select the best spatula. We will compare and contrast different materials and different designs so that you can learn what the pros and cons of each are. Then, we will give some recommended products for you to consider.
If you’re ready to get your kitchen in order and your cooking streamlined, then let’s begin.
First, the Features
When you begin to look for new spatulas, you need to keep in mind that you are looking for spatulas that meet these features:
Cleanliness
Make sure the spatulas you choose are easy to clean and don’t have spaces or crevices that can hold in food and dirt where bacteria are apt to grow. If it is your preference, look for spatulas that are dishwasher safe so you can ensure they are clean and sanitized.
Cost
Most spatulas are not extremely expensive, but if you plan to get several at a time, keep your cost in mind, especially if you are on a budget.
Design
Make sure you get spatulas that will do every job around the kitchen. We will cover the different designs in which spatulas are produced further along in this article. In that portion, you will learn why each design is necessary for every kitchen.
Alongside job capabilities, design can include the color and appearance of the spatula as well as its storage capabilities. If these are design features that concern you, make sure you pay close attention to what each spatula offers in this regard.
Safety
Be sure to pick spatulas that will work with the type of pans you have in your kitchen. If you have non-stick pans, you need to avoid metal spatulas since they will most likely scrape off the non-stick coating on your pans. Also, be sure to pick spatulas that are non-toxic and do not react to foods.
Sturdiness
Check to make sure the spatulas that you purchase are sturdy and will hold up to working with different ingredients in different cooking methods. Select items that are not easy to break, bend, or burn since these events are likely to happen in your kitchen at some point.
The Material Make-up
Now that we understand what features we should look for in a spatula, we can begin learning more about the materials that they are made from. Each of these materials has its benefit to cooking, and some may have a negative side. But, learning about each one will make your decision so much easier.
Metal
This type of material is most commonly used for flipper spatulas. Remember, though, that these are not ideal for use with non-stick pans. Check with the manufacturer of both the spatula and the non-stick pans to confirm if they are or are not compatible.
Pros:
- Durable items
- Can be used with heavy ingredients
- Most are designed to be heat resistant
Cons:
- Will scrape off non-stick surfaces
- Typically used on for flipper spatulas
Plastic
If you have a non-stick pan, you should have a plastic spatula on hand. These are convenient kitchen tools that can help with anything from frying eggs to the serving cake.
Pros:
- Perfect to use with non-stick surfaces
- Flexible
- Inexpensive
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Some may leach toxins
- Not a durable option
- Can burn and melt
Rubber
This type of material is most commonly used for spreader spatulas but can be made into other types as well.
Pros:
- Flexible
- Will not scratch surfaces
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Can burn and melt
- Can get stained
Silicone
Spatulas made from silicone are versatile kitchen utensils that can be used to clean out jars, spread frosting, and scrambled eggs.
Pros:
- Soft and flexible
- Will not scratch surfaces
- Inexpensive
- Heat-resistant
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Can soak up and hold onto odors
- Can be cut easily
Wood
Spatulas made from wood are beautiful and unique kitchen tools that offer families a safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly option.
Pros:
- Safe to use with non-stick pans
- Heat resistant
- Non-toxic
- Non-reactive to food
- Eco-friendly
- Can be personalized or custom designed
- Designed to last many years with proper care
Cons:
- Can be difficult to clean
- Should be cleaned and oiled before use
- Can hold onto bacteria
Designed for a Purpose
Spatulas come in four basic designs, each of which has a special purpose. Let’s look at each of these designs and learn what they do best, so you can decide which material you would prefer each design to be made from and how many of each design you will need for your kitchen.
Fish Spatula
At first, it may seem that purchasing a spatula specifically designed for flipping fish is excessive or possibly redundant if you already have a flipper spatula, but consider some of the reasons why you might want one.
- A fish spatula will help you make great fish without destroying the delicate filet
- A fish spatula is a great tool for pan-frying anything from pancakes to omelets
Flipper/Turner Spatula
This spatula design is ideal for use with pan-frying and grilling. It is designed with a long handle, usually is made of metal, and typically has perforations in it so that it doesn’t hold onto excess liquids.
Scraper Spatula
This type of spatula is the quintessential spatula design that most kitchens contain. Scraper spatulas are used to mix cake and brownie batters and sometimes for stovetop cooking. They are typically made from either rubber or silicone so that they are flexible and able to clean the sides of baking bowls and jars of ingredients. This is one spatula that you cannot do without.
Spreader Spatula
This type of spatula is designed to be flexible so that it can reach into tight places and spread soft ingredients such as icing and cream cheese. They are frequently made from metal, but there are plenty of plastic and rubber options on the market.
Two designs are offered, the offset spreader spatula and the straight spreader spatula. The offset spatula is ideal for using to spread toppings on a large and flat surface, such as a sheet cake. The straight spatula is better suited for spreading toppings on the sides of round cakes.
Spatula Recommendations
Now that we have covered the features, the materials, and the designs to look for in a new spatula, let’s start looking at some of the best products available on the market.
The Best Fish Spatula for Non-stick Pans – OXO Good Grips Silicone Flexible Omelet Turner
Just in case you have a set of non-stick pans at home and want to use a fish spatula, you are in luck. This spatula is designed to be gentle with non-stick pans but sturdy enough to cook all your favorite foods.
Pros:
- Heat-resistant
- Can be used with non-stick pans
- Dishwasher safe
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Not as durable as a metal option
The Best Flipper Spatula – Sur La Table Silicone Flip Turner
If you need a spatula that is functional and versatile in what it does around the kitchen, then this spatula has you covered.
Pros:
- Flexible and durable
- Can be used with non-stick pans
- Heat resistant up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit
- Designed with a comfortable handle
- Will not absorb odors and flavors
- Dishwasher safe
- Can be used to mix, flip, and serve food
Cons:
- Does not last very long
The Best Metal Fish Spatula – Mercer Culinary Hell’s Handle Fish Spatula
If you need a fish spatula that can hold up to many uses and still keep going, then get this item.
Pros:
- Can be used to fix many different types of dishes
- Handle is heat-resistant
- Designed to keep the handle joint sanitary
- Flexible and durable blade
- Has over 3,000 positive online customer reviews and ratings
Cons:
- Some customers have stated that the handle is too short
- Some customers have states that the handle is not ergonomic enough
The Best Metal Spatula – OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Turner
For a job well done, this turner is what you need. It is ideally designed for pan cooking and quickly plating up food.
Pros:
- Designed with a broad head to pick up wide items
- Dishwasher safe
- Handle is designed to be comfortable to hold and resist slipping
Cons:
- Should not be used with non-stick pans
The Best Plastic Spatula – OXO Good Grips Nylon Flexible Turner
For a spatula that is simple yet effective in its work, this is the option you should get.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Flexible
- Dishwasher safe
- Can be used on non-stick pans
- Heat resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- BPA free
Cons:
- Plastic can melt
- Not designed to last a long time
The Best Rubber Spatula – Rubbermaid Silicone Spatula
To ensure that your baking and cooking time is smooth and fun, get this spatula.
Pros:
- Heat resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Dishwasher safe
- Food safe
- Designed with a notch to rest it against pots and pans
- Has over 4,000 positive customer reviews and ratings
Cons:
- Does not work well to flip or turn food items
- Not designed to last a long time
- Silicone head is easy to cut and tear
The Best Scraper Spatula – ChefStir Silicone Spatula Set
This set will meet all your scraper spatula needs. It will work wonders for spreading soft cheese, stirring mixes, and even cooking on a stovetop.
Pro:
- Can be used with non-stick pans
- BPA free
- Eco-friendly
- Food safe
- Heat resistant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
- Versatile set with various sizes
- Lifetime guarantee
- Dishwasher safe
- Durable and flexible design
Cons:
- None
The Best Silicone Spatula – Premium Silicone Spatula
If you only need one silicone spatula in your kitchen, then these should be it. This will look after many types of stovetop cooking, mixing baking mixes, and scraping bowls and jars.
Pros:
- Can be used with non-stick pans
- BPA free
- Dishwasher safe
- Heat resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Durable and flexible design
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- None
The Best Spatula Sets
For those who have decided that they prefer to shop for their new spatulas as a set based on material make-up, then consider the following options:
Metal Set – West Elm Material Iconics Tool Set
This is a set for home chefs who want the best designed and the best-looking tools in their kitchen. While it is a set that is not entirely made of metal, its key tools are. This is a set you will be willing to splurge for.
Pros:
- This set comes with nine different kitchen tools including, a whisk, a set of tongs, two spoons, a slotted spoon, a slotted spatula, and three knives in varying sizes
- Available in four different colors
- Comes with a wooden base designed to hold all the included kitchen tools
Cons:
- This is an expensive set
Plastic Set – Rachael Ray Nylon Kitchen Utensil Set
Get the basics you need for cooking all in one place and at one convenient price with this set.
Pros:
- It is an inexpensive set
- It can be used with non-stick pans
- It is dishwasher safe
- It is designed with ergonomic handles
- The set includes two flipper spatulas, two scraper spatulas, one spreader spatula, and one pastry brush
Cons:
- Can melt if set on a hot stovetop or pan
Rubber/Silicone Set – Kangbet Silicone Spatula Set
For those who enjoy baking with rubber silicone tools, this set is going to inspire a bake-a-thon in your home.
Pros:
- BPA and lead-free
- Food safe
- Can be used with non-stick pans
- Heat resistant up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit
- Durable and flexible design
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Does not include a flipper spatula
Wooden Set – Nayahose Wood Cooking Utensil set
If you prefer the look and the feel of wooden kitchen tools, then don’t pass over this beautiful set.
Pros:
- Ergonomically designed
- Easy to clean
- Made from beautiful and sturdy teak wood
- Non-stick
- Will not scratch non-stick pans
- Set includes eleven kitchen tools
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Should be cleaned and oiled before first use
- May require some sanding prior to use
The Best Spreader Spatula – Silicone Spatula Set
This is a straight spreader spatula set that is perfectly suited for icing cakes and cleaning out jars.
Pros:
- Food safe
- Ergonomically designed
- Easy to clean
- Comes in four bright colors
- Heat resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons:
- Some customers have stated that these are too flexible
- Silicone can tear and be cut easily
Culina Experts Offset Spatula
If you are baking and cakes and other treats often, then you need this offset spatula that is specifically designed for such projects.
Pros:
- It is an inexpensive option
- It is ergonomically designed
- Dishwasher safe
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- None
The Best Wooden Spatula – Eddington Italian Olive Wood Wide Spatula
If eco-friendly and non-toxic are buzzwords for you, then you need to try a wooden spatula. They are hardworking and quite versatile.
Pros:
- Safe to use with non-stick pans
- Can be used to mix, flip, and serve food
- Beautiful design that will make it an item worth displaying
Cons:
- Should only be hand washed
- Should be coated with mineral oil to keep the wood from cracking
In Conclusion
The world of spatulas is actually very versatile, and it is interesting how these tools are designed for certain tasks. By knowing and understanding what each type of spatula does best, we can be better cooks and enjoy the cooking process far more.
Now that you know what to look for in a spatula and can understand how a certain style or material will work best for your cooking style or for your kitchen space, you are well on your way to a more productive cooking adventure.
If you have any other kitchen tool inquiries, browse our guides and articles at Whisk and Mix. We cover topics ranging from cookware to storage solutions. Here, you should be able to find the inspiration and the information you need to make the time in your kitchen memorable.