Serving spoons, or ladles, are essential kitchen tools for homes, cafeterias, and restaurants. They take the mess and hassle out of serving your favorite dishes, from fruit to soup to pasta. Whether you're updating your kitchenware or investing in your cooking tools for the first time, this guide gives you the inside scoop on finding the best serving spoon in 2024. After researching the market, we curated a list of our top picks, with Cornucopia's Serving Spoon Two-Pack standing out in aesthetics and durability. Keep reading to learn about our other favorites, and follow up with our informative buying guide!
What does it take to find the best serving spoon? It's not as simple as it sounds. Instead of settling for the first serving utensil you can find, use a discerning eye to ensure the material and design suit your exact needs. For instance, slotted spoons are ideal for foods served in hot juices, like roast or vegetables. On the other hand, foods like soup or mashed potatoes require a solid spoon with a large bowl. With a market flooded with options, how do pick the best serving spoon? We've created this guide just for you, breaking down the top factors to consider before buying.
Which Boxes Should You Tick When Buying Serving Spoons?
Materials
Perhaps one of the most important factors from our list. In the market, you will conveniently find kitchen utensils made of different kinds of materials; from wood to silicone to stainless steel. The question is, which one should you choose? And which is the right pick? We’ll help you out with that.
Silicone
Modern kitchens are loaded with kitchen utensils made of silicone. And truth be told, why wouldn’t they? Silicone is flexible and perhaps the easiest material to use. Moreover, it does not stain easily and even after extended use, silicone utensils don’t lose their shine. The softness will allow you to conveniently scoop ice cream, mashed potatoes, and similar things. Plus, if you happen to own non-stick pans then you’re better off using silicone utensils on them to prevent damage.
Wood
When it comes to wooden utensils, everybody knows they don’t break that easily. With their robustness and smooth texture, your pots and pans will remain unscathed. However, wooden utensils tend to stain easier than other materials.
Stainless Steel
Last, we have the knight in shining armor. Stainless steel is perhaps the most common in households these days. Not only does it rank high when it comes to durability but utensils made of stainless steel are reliable as well. You can expect them to take you through a dinner without breaking apart. However, they are not recommended for non-stick pans and pots.
Consider Your Kitchenware
Speaking of serving spoons, what kind of utensils do you have in your kitchen? This might not be the most important point but it’s something to think about. Your go-to option should be serving utensils that match or have a contrast with the ones you currently have in your kitchen drawer.
So whether you’re going for a whole set or a single or even a pair or serving utensils, don’t forget the theme that you’ve been following for a while.
Style and Convenience
We can’t compromise here, now can we? Certainly, serving utensils should be clear and radiant. The underside and the top side should look attractive. When it comes to spoons, the edges should be well-rounded, polished to improve their look, and be symmetrical. Consider whether your prefer elegant, smooth appearance, a mirror-polish finish, or etched designs. The handles should be just the right size, not too thin, and not too wide. You want it to fit comfortable in your hand and conveniently in the basket of a dishwasher.
Final Words
Whether you choose wooden, silicone, stainless steel, straight-lined, or curved lined spoons it is up to you. We have laid down all the cards for you. Honestly, though, it depends on your taste as well. Some people cannot compromise with kitchen utensils so they go with a uniform approach and choose all straight-lined spoons. At the end of the day, the decision rests with you. But whichever you choose, make sure you check the measurements carefully. Countless buyers end up regretting and/or returning their flatware because they didn’t think it through.