Last Updated: June 12, 2024, 7:03 a.m.

Bamboo skewers are indispensable tools for grilling and barbecuing. They offer a simple yet effective way to skewer meats, vegetables, and fruits for cooking. Bamboo skewers are thin, pointed sticks made from bamboo or other types of wood. They’re used all over the world and are popular because they are inexpensive, disposable, and environmentally friendly.

We reviewed several of the best bamboo skewers on the market based on features like material quality, length, thickness, and eco-friendliness. The HOPELF Bamboo Marshmallow Roasting Sticks are our favorite because of their strength and variety of sizes/lengths.

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There are several different features that you should consider before purchasing the ideal bamboo skewers for your particular needs. Some of these include:

Material

Skewers are commonly made from two types of materials, bamboo and stainless steel. Both options come with their own pros and cons. If you are looking for disposable and affordable skewers, then bamboo skewers are the best option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for durable skewers and are willing to spend more, then you can opt for stainless steel skewers. Generally, bamboo skewers are preferable since they are more hygienic, readily available, and the most affordable option.

Thickness

The thickness of bamboo sticks is one of the most important factors to consider since it determines how effectively they can be used. Thinner bamboo sticks tend to crack and break during use, whereas thicker sticks are sturdier and able to support more food. Overall, it is a better idea to choose thicker bamboo sticks since they are less prone to breaking or bending.

Length

The length of the bamboo sticks determines how much food you will be able to use per stick. The majority of bamboo sticks are available in two sizes, 6-inch and 12-inch. If you plan on making BBQ or kebabs, then longer sticks would be an ideal option.

Prices

The price of the skewers depends on the type of material they are made of. Generally, bamboo skewers are the cheapest option, costing a few dollars. Other skewers, made with stainless steel, cost more than bamboo skewers. Despite being inexpensive, bamboo skewers usually come in large quantities, making them a good option when grilling BBQ often.

Quantity

How many bamboo skewers do you need for your BBQ? You can find a variety of packs offering different quantities of sticks. If you are going to have large groups of friends and family gathering at your home, it is better to opt for a 100 stick pack. On the other hand, if you are not going to have a lot of guests over, you can opt for a pack with 50 bamboo sticks. However, since there is always a chance of some sticks bending or breaking, it is wise to always keep spares on hand.

Durability

The durability of sticks is a feature that cannot be ignored since it determines the performance of the sticks. Stick durability depends on two factors; the material they are made of and their relative thickness. Naturally, thicker sticks tend to be more sturdy than thin ones. Other than that, the better the quality of the bamboo used, the more durable the sticks are going to be. Overall, it is important you check whether the product is durable upon purchase as it can severely impact performance.

Style

There are several different styles of bamboo sticks available on the market, straight, looped, and paddled ones being the most commonly used. Out of all three, straight bamboo sticks are the most popular option since they are easy to use. Straight bamboo sticks are ideal for grilling vegetables, kebabs, small pieces of chicken, and more. On the other hand, knotted sticks are commonly used for drinks and cocktails as they allow you to attach a decorative martini umbrella, or lemon wedge, to a stick easily. Lastly, paddle bamboo sticks work as a great option for platters and appetizer plates.

Ease of use

Though bamboo sticks are straightforward and easy to use, there are some features that determine how functional the sticks are, such as the sharpness of the tip and the thickness of the stick. Sharp tips allow you to easily grab onto kebabs and vegetables. Whereas, thicker sticks are less likely to bend during use, saving you the hassle of transferring hot food from one stick to another.

Product life

Bamboo skewer sticks are meant to be used once or twice and are disposable. This makes them a great option for outdoor family picnics and BBQs. Moreover, these are also very inexpensive – you can get a 100 bamboo stick pack for a great price. On the other hand, if you are looking for a long-lasting option then you can opt for stainless steel skewer sticks. These are bound to last you years and are washable and extremely durable. However, keep in mind that these cost much more compared to bamboo skewer sticks. There’s no doubt that choosing the ideal bamboo skewers can be a little confusing. However, we assure you that all of the products we reviewed guarantee high-quality as well as durability. Hence, you can choose any of the products listed above with confidence.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Hopelf Bamboo Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
• Most Durable: Good Cook 12-Inch Bamboo Skewers
• Multipurpose Design: Bambuu | Bamboo Skewers 12-Inch
• Best Value: Decorrack Natural Bamboo Skewer Sticks
• Great For Meat Skewers: Garsun Bamboo Skewers

Reviews

Are bamboo skewers worth purchasing?

Bamboo skewers are biodegradable, hygienic, and come at a great price. Moreover, the thickness and length of bamboo skewers creates a decent amount of traction between the stick and the food, allowing you to rotate food on the grill easily. Therefore, yes, bamboo skewers are worth purchasing.

How to ensure that bamboo skewers don’t burn in the oven?

To ensure that bamboo skewers don’t burn on the grill or in the oven, soak the skewers in water for 20 to 30 minutes. This not only ensures that the skewers won’t burn, but also helps keep the sticks intact during cooking.

What is the most ideal length for bamboo skewers?

Bamboo skewers that are 6-inches long are usually preferred for grilling and roasting since they fit all grill sizes easily and extremely functional. They can also be used to decorate crafts, cupcakes, drinks, platters, and more.