Best Overall
Oxo Good Grips Stainless Steel Ladle
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Cooking soup, sauces, and stew is a thousand times easier when you're using the best ladles on the market. It also makes serving dishes much more efficient. Ladles can be utilized for pouring gravy and other thin liquids into your utensils. In short, a ladle is a must-have for your kitchen, but it's important that you select high-quality options. Lucky for you, we've already done the work and tested the best ladles on the market to bring you this curated list. The OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Ladle wins our vote as the best ladle of 2024, but the other options we've selected might impress you as well!
Buying Guide: Ladles
A ladle is a culinary item with a long handle and a bowl that is deeper than a spoon. Its form makes it simple to dip it into a big soup pot and take a significant quantity of soup or gravy conveniently and in a single go! Although ladles are typically used for liquid recipes, they may be used to scoop any form of food out of a large pot without risking a burn. Ladles are also available in a variety of substances, however, they should be stable at high temperatures so that they can be used with hot dishes. Are you looking for a nice ladle for your kitchen gear? This section will fill you in on everything you need to know to do so!
Materials Used to Make the Ladles
Ladles are manufactured using a variety of materials, so pick your option wisely.
Stainless steel
The highest-quality ladles are typically made of stainless steel. They are fire-resistant by nature, so you would never have to bother about them becoming ruined in a hot broth or stew. Because stainless steel resists stains and odors better than other substances and is extremely robust, these ladles will last for ages. In thick soups and sauces, a carbon steel ladle is generally more successful at gobbling up meat and vegetables.
Wooden
Wooden ladles are not as sturdy as stainless steel ladles, however, they can withstand high temperatures. They also will not scratch cookware's nonstick finish.
Plastic
Plastic ladles are the most cost-effective and will not ruin nonstick cookware. However, they are not as sturdy as stainless steel ladles and are not heat resistant by nature. You must always make sure that any plastic ladle you purchase can endure temperatures of at least 450°F so that it does not melt. Plastic is also a good absorbent of stains and smells. If you must use plastic, make sure it is BPA-free and will not leach toxins into your meals.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Ladle
Bowl
A ladle must have a large enough bowl to pick up a large amount of broth, stew, sauce, or liquid, regardless of how dense or lumpy it is. A ladle that can carry at least half a cup is ideal. Several ladles are not labeled with precise measurements, however, most hold about 6 ounces. Tiny ladles are ideal for putting marmalade and jams into containers, whilst bigger ladles are ideal for thick sauces and soups, as well as serving drinks.
Handle
It is also important to think about how long the ladle's handle is. It must be at least as tall as your cooking pot, so you do not lose grip of the ladle. You will need a ladle with at least a 9-inch grip for most pots and other large dishes, so you can securely take out a portion without bringing your palm too near to the hot dish. If you are preparing a meal in a shorter pot, such as a Dutch oven, a ladle with a smaller handle that can sit on the pot's edge without tipping over is preferable. The handle of a ladle also has an impact on how simple it is to use. Straight handles are common on ladles, and they serve well. Versions with an inclined handle, on the other hand, are usually simpler to wash and have a more intuitive shape, allowing you to give the exact scoops every time.
Hook
A ladle with a looped end is also beneficial. Longer-handled ladles, on the other side, have enough extension to sit against the pot's rim without slipping in. In a small pot where it is hard to stay steady, you may not want to use a larger ladle. You will also not have to fear a ladle with a hooked tip sliding off the rim of your pot if you use one with a hooked end.
Spout
Certain ladles are intended to make pouring fluid into a compact vessel easy and mess-free. Most have a vent in the edge, whereas others have a bent rim. In the dish, you will also see some ladles with two spilling spouts.
Resistance to heat
If you are going with a non-metallic or wood ladle, be sure it is resistant to heat so you do not have to worry about it scorching or bending on the fire. Go for a ladle that can endure temperatures of at least 450°F for maximum versatility.
Drainage
If you need to segregate the liquid and solid elements of your broth or stew, certain ladles contain tiny holes on the edges of the bowl.
Dishwasher-friendly
If you want to make washing a breeze, get a dishwasher-safe ladle. Certain ladles, such as wooden ones, must not be washed in the dishwasher. So make sure you buy an appropriate one if you want dishwasher safety on the table.
The Price Range of Soup Ladles
Ladles range in cost depending on the material, dimensions, and other characteristics. The majority of them cost between $5 and $60.
Inexpensive
Plastic or nylon ladles are the cheapest, and some are constructed of a mix of plastic or nylon and stainless steel. These typically grab 6 ounces, and not all have a hooked grip or pouring spout. Such ladles normally cost between $3 and $15.
Mid-range
These kinds of ladles are typically big plastic or synthetic fiber designs, or medium-size metal or softwood alternatives. They usually have a hooked grip and a filling spout and can hold six ounces or over. The price of these ladles ranges from $15 to $35.
Expensive
Metal or wood are used to make the most premium ladles. They have a looped handle and a serving spout and carry at least 6 ounces. The price of these ladles ranges from $35 to $60.
General Tips on Buying and Using Ladles
Thoroughly observe the ladle's maintenance and washing recommendations. This will prevent damage to your ladle. It’s especially vital with wooden ladles that are more sensitive to damp damage. It's also important to always use the most appropriate ladle for your recipes. For sauces, use a tiny ladle. Ladles made exclusively for dishing gravy are tiny and fit nicely into a gravy bucket because they are supposed to be served at the table. You can also use a ladle when making poached eggs. Put the egg into the ladle and slowly drop it into the bubbling water so only the water comes over the side. Keep the egg in the water for about 5 seconds to allow the white to begin adjusting and you’ll be done before you know it.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Oxo Good Grips Stainless Steel Ladle
- Best Design: Ototo Nessie Ladle Spoon
- Most Affordable: Oxo Good Grips Nylon Ladle
- High End Option: Rösle Stainless Steel Hooked Handle Ladle
- Best In Variety: Newness Soup Ladle
- Best Value: Baerfo 304 Kitchen Ladle
Reviews
Best Design
Ototo Nessie Ladle Spoon
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Most Affordable
Oxo Good Grips Nylon Ladle
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High End Option
Rösle Stainless Steel Hooked Handle Ladle
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Best in Variety
Newness Soup Ladle
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Best Value
Baerfo 304 Kitchen Ladle
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FAQs
Is a ladle really necessary?
You may not think you require a ladle in your kitchen. Even if you cook broth or stew on a daily basis - you may just be used to pouring it down another way or through another deep spoon. However, since it is simpler to dig down into a big pot with a long-handled ladle, you may find using it super convenient. So if you’re looking for convenience, get a ladle and you will never look back!
Do I need multiple sizes of ladles?
It is based on the meals you make. If you prepare a lot of bowls and sauces, you may want to have a variety of ladles to suit the thickness and chunkiness of the dish!
What kind of ladle do you recommend for sauces and chunky soups?
For creamier dishes, you’re typically better off selecting a ladle with a relatively deep bowl that’s a little broader than ordinary. You will be likely to see the contents better this way.