With a host of cookie scoops available on the market, making the ideal choice is a tough nut to crack. That's why we have crafted a full buying guide to help you better understand the factors to consider when searching for the perfect cookie scoop.
Cookie Scoop Sizes
Cookie scoops can be divided into three categories based on the size of the spoon. In the section below, we have explained them briefly:
1. Small-sized cookie scoops usually have a holding capacity of 1 Tbsp. to 1.46 Tbsp. They are perfect for making small meatballs, pancakes, cereals, small cookies, macarons, etc.
2. Medium-sized cookie scoops have a capacity of 1.5 Tbsp. to 2.46 Tbsp. They are ideal for making regular-sized balls using different food ingredients.
3. If you want to prepare large cookies, serve ice cream or sorbet, or make burger patties, pick a large-sized cookie scoop with a capacity of 3 Tbsp. to 5.2 Tbsp.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cookie Scoop
Number of items
You can choose a single cookie scoop or a pack of three, depending on your needs. If you want to make cookies or pancakes, one cookie scoop is ideal for you. But if you want to use it for alternate purposes, like scooping out ice cream balls, making different-sized meatballs, and so on, it's better to go for a pack of three cookie scoops. Since each item in the set has different ball spoon sizes, you can use them to scoop out exact amounts of cookie dough, minced meat, ice cream, or any other food item needed for recipes.
Material
Cookie scoops are mainly manufactured from 18/8 stainless steel because of their high durability and tensile strength. Thus, they don’t bend or break easily, regardless of how soft or hard the dough is. Apart from this, this material is resistant to rust and doesn’t suffer from deformations due to corrosion. Also, make sure the material is food-grade because it prevents contamination and allows you to prepare healthy dishes. In some products, the handles have a core stainless steel body and a plastic cover so you won't ever have to hold a cold cookie scoop.
Finish
Most cookie scoops are produced with a gleaming mirror finish. Thanks to their shiny bodies, they have an amazing appeal and charm. Therefore, always opt for a product with a luster that won't fade even with repeated washing.
Handle design
Most cookie scoops have double handles so you can grip them easily, while a few come with only a single handle. If you don’t want to suffer from too much pressure on your wrist while scooping out different food items, you should choose a product with double handles. You should also ensure that a handle has an ergonomic design if you don’t want to suffer from fatigue after use. Moreover, some cookie scoops have handles covered with rubber, allowing you to maintain a firm grip when scooping out any dough, batter, ice cream, or other food.
Ease of cleaning
Some cookie scoops can only be hand-washed with soapy water, while others are dishwasher-safe. Fortunately, you can also find a couple of cookie scoops that are ideal for hand-washing as well as the dishwasher. Therefore, you can make the choice based on your preferences.
Cog & Ratchet or Spring Release
There are two types of trigger systems with cookie scoops: cog & ratchet and a spring release system. In the section below, we will briefly explain both so you can easily decide which product to buy.
Cog & ratchet
In the cog and ratchet system, there is a hollow tubular section and a metallic circular plate with spikes. When you squeeze the cookie scoop’s handle, the circular spiked plate will move inside the hollow section linearly. It will move out of the hollow section once you release the pressure on the handles.
Spring release
Some cookie scoops are reinforced with a stainless steel spring between their handles. When you squeeze them, the spring becomes compressed, allowing you to scoop out the food item. To release the scooped ball, remove pressure from the handles and allow the spring to expand back to its original shape.
Cookie Scoop Cost
Cookie scoops usually cost between $6.29 and $22.99 based on their features, the number of units in a pack, the material they are manufactured with, and so on. For example, if you want a pack of three cookie scoops completely made from stainless steel, it will cost more than a pack made of plastic and stainless steel. Similarly, a single cookie scoop will be cheaper than a set of three or four pieces.
