It is critical to use the right ladle while making a wonderful batch of pancakes. Even if you make the most beautiful pancake batter in the world, if you don’t use a proper ladle, your pancakes will be uneven and irregular in shape.
What are the greatest pancake ladles on the market today? For making pancakes, stainless steel ladles are the best choice due to their durability and extended life expectancy. Additionally, a ladle with a medium-sized scoop is important for regularly creating the proper size pancakes for breakfast. A cup of tea and a stack of perfectly cooked pancakes would be a wonderful way to start the day. Take a peek at our list of the best kettles for making delicious tea while we’re on the subject of tea.
The most important characteristics to look for in a pancake ladle before selecting the finest one for you will be discussed in this article, followed by a look at five of the best pancake ladles currently available on the market today.
Types of ladles
To make pancakes, you may be wondering what type of ladle to use, as there’s no “pancake ladle.”
Let’s take a quick glance at the many types of ladles on the market before going into particular attributes to look for.
Sauce Ladle
It’s a sauce ladle if you’re cooking with sauce. The length of these ladles is often less than 5 inches. This ladle is ideally suited for pouring condiments or sauces because of its shorter length.
Soup Ladle
Pancakes are best made with a soup ladle. While sauce ladles are often just a few inches long, this one measures almost 15 inches.
When serving soup or other foods with a lot of sauce or broth, this type of spoon is favored because of its more prominent curve at the end that scoops.
Ladle with Slots
A scooping ladle with two slots at the end is known as a slotted ladle. Serving food that is submerged in liquid but not serving the liquid is a primary application for this ladle.
This type of ladle will not be necessary for our pancake batter, which is almost entirely liquid.
Once you’ve figured out what kind of ladle you need, it’s time to talk about the precise features you should be on the lookout for in a good pancake ladle.
How to make better pancakes
If you’d want some additional advice for producing the best pancakes, please read on!
The batter should not be overworked. It’s a simple mistake, but over-beating your pancake batter will result in pancakes that are less fluffy. A little lumpiness is what you’re looking for!
Pancakes will cook faster if you add a small quantity of sugar to the batter. A simple approach to add a little sweetness and speed up the cooking process is to use pancake syrup.
Shaped pancakes can be made by placing oiled metal cookie cutters on the skillet. In addition to being entertaining for children, this actually works! The greatest cookie press may also be found on our list of the top cookie presses for kids.
Over the years, have you experimented with a variety of different toppings on top of your pancakes? In the batter, have you ever used them? My mouth is watering at the thought of it. When adding additional ingredients to the batter, make sure to spread them evenly. They won’t stick to the pan as much and won’t burn as easily.
Keep calm and wait for the right moment. One of the most important things to keep in mind when making pancakes is to be patient and wait until they are cooked through before flipping them. Carefully lift the cake and turn it when bubbles appear around the edges and the middle appears firm.
Now that you know how to make pancakes, let’s talk about the qualities you should seek for in a pancake ladle to go along with them.
A Buyer’s Guide to Ladles: What to Search for
Material
Wood, stainless steel, nylon, silicone, or plastic are the most popular materials for soup ladles.
Stainless steel is often considered to be of the greatest grade, despite the fact that it has both advantages and disadvantages.
To avoid food accumulation at the seams, use a one-piece stainless steel ladle.
It is, however, possible that a stainless steel ladle could scratch non-stick surfaces when it is used. All of these materials are more scratch-resistant than stainless steel flatware.
Because it melts easily at high temperatures, plastic is the least expensive option.
the third least expensive option is made of wood that can crack over time if not properly cared for.
High-quality soup ladles are now commonly made of nylon or silicon, both of which are scratch- and stain-resistant materials.
Size
It’s not necessary to use a long soup ladle when cooking pancakes because the batter isn’t usually scooped out of a deep dish or saucepan.
However, the scooping section’s size should be taken into account. Choose a larger scooper if you prefer making larger pancakes, whilst smaller scoopers are better for making smaller pancakes.
Soup ladles that can scoop at least 3 oz. are ideal for pancakes of typical size.
Curvature
Make sure to choose a soup ladle with as much curvature on the end that scoops as feasible. This will prevent any accidental spills from occurring.
If you have a ladle with a greater curve, you will be able to serve or pour exactly the same amount of sauce, soup, or pancake batter every time, as none will run out.
Handle
This is the part of your soup ladle that will be held in your hand for extended periods of time, therefore it must be comfortable to hold.
While scooping out hot liquids or foods, the handle of most high-quality ladles will not become overheated.
Choosing a handle that is both light enough to avoid hand cramping and heavy enough to keep you balanced is essential.
Angle
Another item to think about is the ladle’s inclination. In general, the more pleasant it is to use, the higher the angle between the handle and the section that scoops the food or liquid.
In order to avoid leaning forward or hunching over while scooping and pouring, you should adopt a larger angle.
14 Best Ladles for Pancakes
Best Overall: Rösle Stainless Steel Hooked Handle Ladle with Pouring Rim
What We Like
- Drip-free pouring
- Tactile refinement that minimizes hand fatigue
- Made with quality materials and built to last
What We Don’t Like
- Pricy
The long, hooked end of the handle of this stainless steel ladle makes it ideal for hanging from a kitchen rail, where it will remain easily accessible. Serving and pouring are made simpler thanks to the ladle’s tilted handle. Although the ladle’s middle groove is intended to make it easier to hold, our reviewer found that it didn’t change where she held the ladle at all.
Our tasters agreed that the curved rim of the bowl made it easy to pour without spilling in any direction. The opposite, hooked end may be hung on the lip of a pot to prevent the ladle from sliding into your soup, and the handle is long enough that you’ll never drop it, even when using a 2-quart soup kettle. This durable, one-piece implement can be cleaned in the dishwasher and is covered by a lifetime guarantee.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Length: 12.8 inches
- Capacity: 5.4 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? Yes
Best Large-Capacity: Winco Stainless Steel Ladle
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What We Like
- Using only one heaping spoonful, you can easily fill a bowl.
- Easy to clean stainless steel surface.
- An oversize instrument can be hung up for convenience.
What We Don’t Like
- Stamped metal has jagged corners.
The largest size of this stainless steel ladle has a basin that can contain up to 12 ounces (1 12 cups) of liquid and is available for purchase separately. It can be used to serve soups and drinks with ease, as well as to transfer leftovers to other containers without making a mess. A single scoop was sufficient to fill a bowl for our taste-testing.
The 12.5-inch handle of this ladle is stamped with measurements in both fluid ounces and milliliters, and the curved rim of the ladle head keeps liquids contained. The hooked end of the handle can be used to store the ladle over the lip of a pot or on a kitchen rack. The indentation in the handle’s center provides a firm grip. Our tester noticed the stamped metal’s rough edges most when he or she lifted a full ladle. This ladle can be cleaned in the dishwasher and won’t corrode.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Length: 14.38 inches
- Capacity: 12 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? Yes
Best for Gravy: Buy Go! Gold Drizzle Spoon with Spout
What We Like
- Can be used as a serving spoon or in the kitchen.
- Exactly and uniformly pours
- Capable of drizzling hollandaise sauce or filling a crater in mashed potatoes
What We Don’t Like
- The side spout could be inconvenient for left-handed users.
This modern gravy ladle has a narrow spout for dispensing sauces, gravies, and even creamy salad dressings with ease and control. This robust stainless steel ladle is polished to a multicolored sheen, making it suitable for formal table service. One of the things our tasters loved about it was how easily it moved gravy from the skillet to the plate. Controlling the rate and location of the gravy’s flow was simple, allowing you to avoid getting it on your other food. Our taster agreed that it wasn’t the best option for soups and stocks, but that it was far more convenient than a rounded spoon for spreading sauces over fish and pears.
The hole at one end of the ergonomically curved handle makes it convenient to hang up when not in use. This ladle can go in the dishwasher without worry.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Length: 8.5 inches
- Capacity: 1 ounce
- Dishwasher safe? Yes
Best Plastic: Westmark Germany Non-Stick Thermoplastic Soup Ladle
What We Like
- Guaranteed to not damage your nonstick cookware
- Durable and lightweight
- Withstanding temperatures up to 410 degrees
What We Don’t Like
- It’s challenging to get the last scoops out of a pot.
Even though stainless steel ladles are attractive and long-lasting, they will be ruined if you use them in a pan that does not support nonstick cooking. This heat-resistant plastic ladle is BPA-free and safer for use with nonstick and coated pots, as it will not scratch the surface as easily as metal or wooden implements. 2 One of our reviewers found that it was easy to carry about but not too frail to use often. A bit pricier than your average plastic ladle, but doesn’t feel like it’ll crack anytime soon. It’s easy to clean and can even go through the dishwasher.
This ladle is available singly, so you won’t have to shell out for a whole tool set if you just need one or two pieces. However, Westmark’s Gallant range features a wide variety of tools, from spatulas and potato mashers to peelers and ice cream scoops, all with the same handle style.
- Material: Polyamide plastic
- Length: 12.4 inches
- Capacity: 4.5 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? Yes
Best Nylon: Joseph Joseph Elevate Nylon Ladle with Integrated Tool Rest
What We Like
- Ladle form is an oval
- Simple to pour to the left or right
- This thick nylon will not damage your pans in any way.
What We Don’t Like
- Having a smaller bowl than most ladles
Soup ladles with round heads typically can’t get the last of the soup out of a deep pot. As a result of the oval form of Joseph Joseph’s Elevate nylon ladle, our taste tester was able to scoop up more soup without having to tilt the stockpot or reach for a rubber spatula. Although the shallow bowl contains less per scoop than many other ladles, it did a good job of preventing egg noodles from escaping and pouring easily in both directions.
The ladle’s weighted handle and integrated spoon rest are key to its design. Our tester had no problems using it until she attempted to scoop roasted squash soup. When she put the ladle down on the counter, its head teetered because the puree had coated it so heavily. The ladle’s BPA-free nylon material, ergonomic handle, solid build, and practical shape make it a solid choice for any kitchen.2
- Material: Nylon and silicone
- Length: 11 inches
- Capacity: 3 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? Yes
Best Silicone: Tovolo Steel, Deep Spoon with Reinforced Silicone Ladle
What We Like
- Guaranteed to not damage your nonstick cookware
- A stainless steel grip that’s easy to hold on to
- Can withstand temperatures of up to 600 degrees
What We Don’t Like
- Washing dishes in the dishwasher can sometimes cause water marks.
When using tools in your nonstick cookware, you should use ones that won’t damage the coating. We found it to be the main advantage of this silicone-headed ladle. It slid silently across the surface of the pot while scooping stock or gravy, and its nylon core, hidden beneath the silicone, held more than half a cup of soup without bending. Thanks to the ladle’s silicone overmold, it can withstand high temperatures without melting, so you can set it down in the pot and forget about it while you eat.
You can use this ladle with confidence whether you’re serving steaming stew or icy punch because it’s made without harmful chemicals.
3 The stainless steel grip is sturdy without being cumbersome, so it won’t take up much room in a drawer. Its little curve prevents the ladle from tipping as you transfer it from pot to bowl.
- Material: Silicone and stainless steel
- Length: 12.25 inches
- Capacity: 4.6 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? Yes
Best Wooden: FAAY Hand-Carved Teak Ladle
What We Like
- Natural and environmentally friendly
- Usable and aesthetically pleasing
- Portable and easy to grip
What We Don’t Like
- Limited holding capacity
For some reason, this teak ladle stands out from the crowd of traditionally flat wooden cooking implements. The form was deemed comfortable in the hands of our evaluators. It serves its purpose in the kitchen admirably and also looks great in a serving bowl. Thailand-based Faay sources its goods from regional craftspeople. Each ladle has its own own grain and color tones thanks to the teak from which they are manufactured. Since it is crafted from a single piece of wood, no additional fasteners or finishing materials, such as glues or lacquers, are required to bolster the teak’s inherent resistance to heat and moisture.
Faay claims that treating this ladle with coconut oil keeps it from drying up and cracking; this is a useful piece of information for those who want to use the ladle at home. Using the recommended method of hand washing the ladle, our sample was able to put it through more than a dozen uses and cleanings before she felt the need to oil it.
- Material: Teak
- Length: 12 inches
- Capacity: 2.4 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? No
Best Set: HeroFiber Soup Ladle and Ladle Spoon Set of 5
What We Like
- The sizing is correct and easily discernible.
- Simple to pick up and pour
- Do well in large, deep pots
What We Don’t Like
- The handles are made of a rough stamped metal.
These stainless steel ladles come in a convenient set of five different sizes: 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon), 1/4 cup (2 ounces), 1/2 cup (4 ounces), 3/4 cup (6 ounces), and 8 ounces (1 cup). Each ladle’s volume capacity is plainly carved on the handle, making them useful as a combination ladle and measuring cup for making pancakes, crepes, or risotto. The marked volumes were found to be correct by our testing team.
Each of the ladles has a hooked end that may be used for hanging the set from a kitchen rail or for securing an individual ladle to the side of a pot without the chance of it falling in. The curved lip makes pouring easier, and the long handle allows for usage in even deep stockpots. The heat-resistant, stain-proof, and dishwasher-safe ladles are made of stainless steel. They are interchangeable with the Best Large-Capacity ladle featured here because of their similar design.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Length: 11.4-13.8 inches
- Capacity: 0.5-8 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? Yes
Most Fun: OTOTO Nessie Ladle
What We Like
- Appealing on a stovetop or kitchen island
- The handle and pot are both pleasantly smooth.
- Conveniently wipes clean
What We Don’t Like
- Limited in size
A ladle may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of “fun,” but this one from the forward-thinking OTOTO design firm is anything but. The adorable Nessie-shaped utensil, which was clearly inspired by the fabled Loch Ness Monster, may be displayed proudly on your counter or in a pot of soup. It’s perfect for when you only need to serve a few people, but it’s not as convenient for when you need to serve a large group out of a stockpot because of the short handle and little volume.
The curving ladle is made of BPA-free, heat-resistant nylon, can go in the dishwasher, and is easy to hold. The non-scratch, gripping surface was a hit with our tester because it prevented the handle from slipping out of her hand. It comes in three vivid hues: lime green, turquoise, and magenta.
- Material: Plastic
- Length: 9.6 inches
- Capacity: 3.5 ounces
- Dishwasher safe? Yes
All-Clad T109 Stainless Steel Large Soup Ladle
All-soup For a little more money, you may choose a ladle from Clad that is made entirely of high-quality 18/10 stainless steel. If you enjoy cooking with stainless steel appliances, this is a must-have soup ladle.
The ergonomically designed, 14.5-inch long handle features a rounded bottom and a grooved top for extra comfort. Pouring is made easier by the scooper’s slight curvature and curved lip.
Even though the handle-to-scooper angle isn’t optimal, most people have no issue using this soup ladle. A lifetime warranty against defects ensures that you can use this ladle for the rest of your life, even though it is more expensive up front.
It’s all about the user’s experience.
This ladle was a big hit with customers. There are many reasons why we chose it as our top pick. It is praised by users for its sturdiness, luster, and smoothness. It was a popular topic of conversation. Cleaning is also a breeze, according to the reviewers. One of our customers remarked on how much he like the handle’s shape and the how it feels in his palm. There have been no major issues reported by the customers.
Pros
- In the United States
- The building is built to last.
- Heavy-duty 18/10 stainless steel construction.
- Guaranteed for the long haul
- The shiny look
- Handle with a long shaft
For pancake making, this is a gorgeous and well-made ladle. The weight and length of the handle make it easy to reach into large pots.
OXO Good Grips Ladle
While OXO’s nylon version may be more affordable, this stainless steel soup ladle is clearly superior. OXO ensures your comfort by combining a non-stick grip with a stainless steel frame that is both sturdy and polished.
Because of its weight, this ladle is perfectly balanced. The quality is immediately apparent once you put it to use. Dishwasher-safe and with a cool-to-the-touch handle, this ladle can be used with hot food or liquids without burning your hands.
It’s all about the user’s experience.
When it comes to quality, you can always count on OXO. The same can be said for this instance. The products were a big hit with customers. They liked that it was easy to clean and there was no corrosion or chipping. They also mentioned that the handle is quite pleasant and that it appears to be highly durable. It’s great on pancakes, tater tots, and roasted vegetables, according to one user… Some customers complained that the rubber handle of the product drew water into it.
Pros
- Handle with non-slip surface
- Stain-free stainless steel
- Suitable for use in a dishwasher
- Heavy-Duty
- Durable
To sum it up, if you’re looking for a comfortable soup ladle made of stainless steel, look no further.
Cooler Kitchen Black 4 Ounce Soup Ladle
With this soup ladle, you’re getting the best of the best. The silicone scooper is BPA-free and non-stick, and the stainless steel handle is sturdy. In order to ensure that your pancakes are uniform in size, fill the scooper approximately three-quarters full of pancake batter, which has a 4 oz capacity and a large curve. It’s possible to scrape out every last drop of liquid from the pot or bowl you’re scooping out using the flexible silicone scooper’s flex-edge technology.
Hand cramps are minimized because to the weighted, extra-long handle. It doesn’t matter how long you keep the ladle in a hot meal or beverage because of Coolergrip technology, the stainless steel handle will not get hot.
For improved comfort, the handle and scooper are positioned at an angle that is higher than the average. That the ladle can be washed in the dishwasher is another perk.
It’s all about the user’s experience.
This ladle was praised by users for its high quality construction and ease of use. The handle was also a big hit with the reviewers, who described it as robust and beautiful. This ladle includes a looped handle for easy storage and a little lip for pouring to ensure that the food is evenly distributed. This ladle has two extra wonderful features that will make your cooking experience even better. One of the reviewers said she bought it to avoid ruining her nonstick cookware by using it. Another customer commented on how easy it was to clean and how much food was in each scoop. The handle broke off after a few uses, according to several of the consumers.
Pros
- Silicone and stainless steel that is free of BPA.
- Suitable for use in a dishwasher
- 13 centimeters long
- Hooked handle for simple stowaway
- Heat-resistant up to 450 degrees
- lightweight
All things considered, I believe that this pancake ladle is among the best on the market.
OXO Good Grips Nylon Ladle
To make pancakes, this OXO nylon ladle is an excellent choice. Non-stick surfaces can be scratched by stainless steel, whereas nylon can’t be. In addition, the handle is a little more comfortable to hold thanks to the nylon construction.
Unlike cheaper plastic equivalents, this ladle can withstand temperatures of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, so you won’t have to worry about melting parts. One potential drawback of this soup ladle is the scooper’s minor curve.
Instead of using a separate spatula to turn food on a skillet, you can use this instead (for example, pancakes after they have hardened a little).
It’s all about the user’s experience.
Users like the fact that this ladle is dishwasher safe and can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, they lauded the handle, praising its sleek and attractive appearance. Others have praised its ease of use and cleanliness. One customer mentioned that it works well for soups, pancake batter, and other recipes.
Pros
- SALE OF MICROWAVE.
- Suitable for use in a dishwasher
- BPA-free
- Handle that’s easy to hold
- Produced in America
- Not susceptible to corrosion
- The handle has a small hole for hanging.
For those who aren’t too particular, this is a great option for pancakes at a reasonable price point. It’s easy to clean in the dishwasher, portable, and long-lasting. Overall, this is a top-notch item at an incredible price.
Newness 304 Stainless Steel Soup Pan Ladle
This series comes to a close with yet another excellent soup ladle option. This 304-grade stainless steel ladle is rustproof and extremely robust. Because it’s designed to imitate a vacuum, the grip on these gloves helps keep your hands cooler. The triangle form also makes it easy to hold on to. This ladle is well-balanced and has a good weight. Even in a boiling kettle of water, the handle remains cool to the touch.
As a bonus, the scooper is dishwasher safe, making cleaning a breeze. At a modest price point, this ladle offers professional-grade quality. Generally speaking, this ladle is a solid option that won’t let you down.
It’s all about the user’s experience.
According to users, this ladle is well-made and simple to clean. That it’s built of stainless steel and looks sleek and sophisticated was also praised by the customers. This ladle has a nice weight to it, which makes it feel more robust to me than other ladles. I completely agree with one of the customers who mentioned that this is a beautiful ladle that may be used to serve guests at a dinner party. Do you have visitors coming? If you’re looking for a wine foil cutter, check out our selection and get set for a delicious supper. There have been no major issues reported by the customers.
Pros
- Made of 304 Stainless Steel, which is food-safe.
- Rustproof
- Handle with Ergonomic Design
- Use the handle’s storage hole.
- Durable
- a fresh and cutting-edge appearance
- It’s simple to clean.
In my opinion, the product is well-built and has a beautiful design. This pancake ladle is excellent quality for a low price. I give it a big thumbs up.
FAQ
What is the proper size of a ladle?
Without spilling the contents of a pot or pan, a ladle can be used to transfer the liquid to a bowl or cup. The bowl’s unique shape and extended handle make it ideal for handling hot dishes. A typical ladle is anywhere from 10 to 15 inches in length.
What is the capacity of a ladle?
At 4 oz., a normal ladle holds about half of a cup of liquid.
What is a wok ladle?
Wok cooking has been increasingly popular in recent years as a nutritious and flavorful method of preparing food. Using a wok ladle when cooking traditional Chinese cuisine is recommended by several chefs.
Ladles used in the kitchen are typically shallower than those used in the dining room. Tossing food and sauce together in a curved basin ensures consistent cooking. To learn more about woks, check out our list of the greatest cooking woks.
Final Verdicts
To summarize, all of these 5 ladles are made of high-quality materials, are lightweight and easy to handle, and will make pancake preparation easier and more comfortable for you in the kitchen. We hope you found this article to be informative and that it provided an answer to your question. Having learned about the greatest pancake ladles, you can now choose the one that best suits your cooking and entertaining style and preferences.
