This is because certain vegetable skewers are better equipped for certain purposes. But if you don’t want to end up with burned vegetables, the best vegetable skewers of 2024 are key. Our top choice? The HOPELF Natural Bamboo Vegetable Skewers, of course!
A barbeque plate is incomplete without grilled vegetables on the side. Thankfully, grilling vegetables isn’t a difficult task when you’re using the right kind of skewers. As it turns out, the barbeque skewers that you currently own or use might not be ideal when grilling veggies.
Picking the Right Vegetable Skewers
To pick the right vegetable skewers, you must pay attention to the following factors:
Material
Vegetable skewers are usually made from two types of materials: bamboo and metal.
Bamboo skewers
Bamboo skewers are disposable, more economical, and are best suited for lightweight food items. Other than grilling vegetables, these can also be used for marshmallows, sausages, prawns, and more. That said, these are not very durable and get burnt easily.
Metal skewers
On the other hand, metal skewers are a much more durable option. These can be used for both light and heavy food items and are easier to manage and rotate due to their decent weight. Although metal skewers cost more than bamboo ones, they also last for several years.
Size
The size of the skewers is one of the most important factors to consider if you don’t want the skewer to fall into the grill now and then. A skewer’s length should be longer than the grill’s diameter, and this is even more crucial if you’re grilling more than just veggies!
Remember, the bigger the skewer, the more there is room for food. Hence, a decently sized veggie skewer can also come in handy for grilling chicken pieces, fish, meat, and more.
Durability
The durability of the skewers depends on the type of material they are made from. Generally, bamboo sticks tend to break easily as compared to wood and stainless steel skewers. If you need vegetable skewers for one-time use only, then bamboo ones are the most economical option for you. But, if you are looking for durable vegetable skewers that’ll last you many uses, then opt for metal or stainless steel skewers instead.
Handles
The handles of the skewers, especially metal skewers, should be made from heat-resistant materials. This is because the skewers can get very hot on the grill, so you can easily burn your hands by touching them. Ideally, the handle should be made from wood since it doesn’t get as hot as metal handles. Also, the shape of the handle should be easy to grab with tongs and gloves.
Ease of cleaning
Cleaning the skewers afterward is probably the most boring part of grilling. Some vegetable skewers can be very stubborn to clean. However, that’s not the case with vegetable skewers that are dishwasher-safe. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning the skewers, then it’s best to go for disposable or dishwasher-safe skewers.
Balance
There’s nothing more annoying than the skewers spinning when you don’t want them to, which happens when the skewer doesn’t support the weight of the food properly. To ensure this doesn’t happen, look for skewers that are sturdy enough to maintain the balance without food bits falling off. Generally, flat skewers have better balance than round skewers. Some skewers even feature a spiral design that works well at balancing the food.
Disposable Skewers vs. Reusable Skewers
Reusable skewers can be used numerous times due to their sturdy build quality. These are usually made from stainless steel and are a great choice for restaurants and homes that use skewers frequently.
These are usually dishwasher safe and are hence easier to clean as well. That being said, reusable skewers tend to be more expensive than disposable skewers.
If you are looking for an eco-friendly and economical option, then disposable skewers are the ideal choice for you. Disposable skewers are designed for one-time use only.
These are usually made from bamboo and work best for hor d'oeuvres platters and cocktail decorations. Since these are very lightweight, you can easily carry them on trips, during picnics, and while traveling.
