Wooden spoons are one of the oldest and most basic culinary equipment. Cooking using wooden spoons instead than metal or plastic has numerous advantages: They won’t scratch nonstick surfaces or melt in boiling soups, and they’re robust enough to mix stiff batters and remove cooked-on food from pot bottoms.
Solid wood spoons should be hand-washed because dishwashers can dry them out and cause cracking or splitting. But just because wooden spoons are basic doesn’t mean they’re all alike. For the best results, choose a spoon made of sturdy hardwood like beech or maple that is one solid piece.
A Buyer’s Guide to Wood Spoons for cooking
In order to make an informed decision about which wooden spoon is right for you, it’s a good idea to first familiarize yourself with the different varieties of wooden spoons available.
Types of wooden spoons
In terms of wooden spoons, you’ll find three distinct designs: basic, slotted, and scraper. Basic spoons do not have any particular attribute about them, except for their depth. When you’re in the kitchen and only want a quick taste, use a shallow spoon.
When you wish to serve your dish, you’ll want a deeper bowl. Slotted wooden spoons have slots or apertures in the. In order to make it easier to pick up your solid meal, the slots have been engineered to allow liquids to drain through them. You can use them for both cooking and serving.
Finally, wooden scraper spoons are used to remove food off the pot’s bottom or side. There are ones with round edges and ones with a sharp or flat edge for better scraping from every corner.
Wood Type
Inexpensive wooden spoons are typically manufactured from pine, which is commonly used in furniture making. Pinewood spoons are a good option if you’re on a small budget. But otherwise, we would advise you against them as they are not as lasting as the other options, and may even have a unique flavor to them from the beginning.
Another economical option is a bamboo cooking spoon. They are durable and a sustainable choice. If you are concerned about the environment, then a bamboo wood spoon is what you should go for because of its eco-friendly nature.
Hardwoods such as maple, cherry, olive, or beech are better choices if you have a high-quality set of wooden spoons. They are prone to cracks, so you know you can get good use out of them.
Ease of Cleaning
Basic wooden spoons are often easier to clean as they are solid and without any holes. Slotted wooden spoons are more difficult to clean as they have several slots in them which are tougher to get into, especially if the spoons are washed by hand.
If you use turmeric in your cooking or some other pungent spice or curry powder, you are risking your spoon getting stained and having a small stink. This is often the case when the spoons are cheap.
Handle length and grip
Contrary to what you imagine, you can modify the length of the handle for convenience of usage. A longer handle is perfect for when you are using deep pots or cooking at high heat. They will not only enable better access to every nook and corner of the pot but shields you from intense flames and getting burned.
You can even buy wooden spoons with handle grips that range from squared-off edges to round, or even silicone ones. As well as improving your grip on the spoons, these handles protect your hands from burning when the spoons become too hot to handle.
Pieces Included
The first thing to look into is what components are included in the utensils set. Some sets come with a couple of pieces but others are significantly larger and can feature as many as 10 pieces.
Knowing what kind of pieces you want from your set is a wonderful beginning point to guarantee that you are purchasing a set that includes parts that you know you will be utilizing.
Maintenance
Following on from the material of the utensils, you should always consider the maintenance of the utensils.
Spoons are easier to clean than utensils with slats since they don’t cling on to extra food as easily. Dishwasher-safe wooden utensils are available, however. Dishwasher-safe wood might vary in type, so keep this in mind when choosing a piece for your home.
Price of the spoons
Lastly, always consider your budget. The price of wooden spoons varies according to on their quality, as is with other things. Spoons that are of high quality and constructed from hardwood normally retail somewhere from $14 to $40. This price range comprises a single spoon and a three spoon set.
If you are on a strict budget, then pine or even bamboo spoons are available for $1 to $10 at most. These affordable spoons are generally offered in sets, that feature a variety of spoons with varied head forms
8 Best Wood Spoons for Cooking-Wooden Spoons for Various Cooking Needs
OXO Good Grips Wooden Beech Spoon
The OXO Good Grip spoon is produced from a single piece of beechwood, which has fairly similar properties to that of bamboo wooden spoons. So you know the spoon is meant to last. This particular wooden spoon is available in three different forms, medium and big spoons or corner spoons.
Large and medium spoons are designed for stirring and cooking with a circular head, while the corner spoon is designed for scraping the bottom of the pot clean. The spoons are polished off with natural oil and include a hole if you want to hang them.
Features I liked Most:
- What should stand the test of time
- Large handle for comfort
- Durable beechwood that is supposed to last
- Safe to use with nonstick cookware
- Hanging hole for simple storing
OXO Wooden Spoon Value Set
The OXO Good Grip spoon is produced from a single piece of beechwood, which has fairly similar properties to that of bamboo wooden spoons. So you know the spoon is meant to last. This particular wooden spoon is available in three different forms, medium and big spoons or corner spoons.
Large and medium spoons are designed for stirring and cooking with a circular head, while the corner spoon is designed for scraping the bottom of the pot clean. The spoons are polished off with natural oil and include a hole if you want to hang them.
Features I liked Most:
- Durable beechwood that is supposed to last
- What should stand the test of time
- Hanging hole for simple storing
- Large handle for comfort
- Safe to use with nonstick cookware
Sur La Table Traditional Bamboo Spoon
This Sur La Traditional Spoon is fashioned from a single piece of bamboo. The traditional bamboo utilized makes the spoon more sustainable than many wooden spoons.
Choose between a 12-inch and a 15-inch spoon based on your preference. Both spoons feature a curved head that makes them versatile to use cooking a diversity of foods as well as serving. The 15-inch spoon has a long handle which is nice when cooking in deep pots or with a high burner.
Features I liked Most:
- Bamboo is a strong and environmentally friendly wood.
- Prevents chemical ingestion into food due to lack of laminated finish.
- Long handle
- Easy storage by using the hanging holes
- Versatile use
Neet Organic Bamboo Cooking and Serving Utensil Set
It’s a terrific present idea, too, because this wooden spoon set comes with about everything you’ll ever need. Made from 100 per cent organic bamboo that is highly robust and sturdy. With this set, you’ll receive an assortment of serving utensils plus a bamboo vase to keep them all in.
It’s easy to keep this useful set clean because it’s free of odors and stains. The bamboo makes the spoons eco-friendly and the smooth tips protect the spoons from scratching your cookware.
Features I liked Most:
- Easy to hold
- Functional and practical
- Stain and odor free
- Easy cleaning
- Durable and sustainable use
- Cookware is unaffected.
AIUHI Wooden Kitchen Utensils for Cooking
This AIUHI Cooking set is manufactured from 100 percent natural teakwood. Teakwood is used to make these spoons, which means they won’t break, are non-toxic, and have no odor. They will also last a long time. To top it all off, you won’t have to be concerned about harming your nonstick cookware by using one of these spoons.
You’ll get a 5-piece wooden spoon set that includes a strainer, salad fork, teakwood spatula, wooden wok spatula, and a soup ladle, to name a few. Once you get this set you are set for life!
Features I liked Most:
- Incredibly long-lasting
- Use with nonstick utensils is possible.
- Chemically inert and unharmful
- Easy to clean
- Great for gifting
BICB Long Handle Wooden Mixing Spoons
When it comes to wooden spoons, there is no such thing as too many. Beechwood is the material of choice for the BICB spoons, which may be used for a variety of tasks besides mixing. The usage of beechwood makes this bulk set sturdy to endure a while. The major selling point is their lengthy handle which is up to 12 inches.
This means you may use them for pots with higher depth and without the danger of harming yourself. Plus the heat resistant function further safeguards you from burning yourself. This spoon set is more than simply a kitchen implement, as the wide and sturdy head makes them great for arts and crafts. What a multipurpose tool!
Features I liked Most:
- Handle that is both long and cushy
- Set of solid spoons
- Can be used for reasons aside from cooking
- It will endure a long time
- Non-stick surface
Nayahose Wooden Kitchen Utensil Set
If you are searching for a set that has it all, then this Nayahose utensil set is right for you. Two spatulas, two spoons, and a colander are among the set’s six distinctively shaped teakwood pieces.
If you cook with nonstick pans, these spoons are perfect because they won’t scratch or harm them. This set can also be used for a long time due to the BPA-free technology.
Features I liked Most:
- Easy to clean and store
- Doesn’t damage nonstick cookware in any way.
- The design is dark, with a distinctive texture.
- An excellent option for a holiday gift exchange.
- Environmentally friendly and long-lasting
Ecosall Healthy Cooking Utensil Set
If you are seeking for a healthy alternative, in the sense that they are eco-friendly and non-toxic then the Ecosall Cooking Utensil Set is your answer. This 6 pieces professional set is handcrafted in Europe from 100 percent natural white beechwood. They are without any polished finish so you are getting the spoons in their original state.
The spoons are robust, lightweight, and have a long handle, all of which will make your life easier. You may even use them on any nonstick cookware without scratching them.
Features I liked Most:
- Hanging holes for simple storing
- Durable and comfortable use
- Healthy and nontoxic
- Lightweight
5 Steps to Clean Wooden Spoons
1. Use soap and water to clean wooden spoons
Hand-wash a wooden spoon after each use with warm water and soap, then allow it to air dry. Wooden spoons will last longer if you clean them after each use. Using a dishwasher to clean wooden spoons is a bad idea.
2. Apply oil to the area
They may even break up if they’ve been exposed to air for a long time. Discard the split ones because they’re a breeding ground for bacteria and food accumulation. Mineral oil or walnut, tung, or linseed oil can be massaged into dried-out spoons to bring them back to life. To reduce the risk of rancidity, it is best to stay away from oils derived from food sources like vegetable or olive oil.
3. Use vinegar to get rid of the accumulation
But removing the accumulation is a cinch because it’s natural. Immerse crusty spoons in a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water overnight to get down into the muck. Use a scourer made of copper or stainless steel to remove stubborn deposits.
4. Use lemon or baking soda to neutralize odors
These spoons will discolor and pick on smells and odors over time. Most of the time, stains and odors can be removed. Getting rid of odors that don’t go away is a straightforward process when they don’t go away.
Use the cut side of a lemon or a baking soda and water paste to scrub the surface. After marinating spoons with baking soda and lemon juice for a few minutes, remove the spoons from the marinade. Use soapy water to wash it and let it dry in the open air.
5. Use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect
As a final precaution, you can disinfect your spoons by cleaning them with soap and water. Apply hydrogen peroxide and wait for it to dry before proceeding.
FAQ
Are utensils made of wood preferable?
The biggest benefit of using wooden tools is that they are gentle on all types of cooking surfaces. In addition to not scratching your pots and pans, the softer edges of these knives also contribute to a quieter and more enjoyable cooking experience.
Is it possible that wooden utensils may harbor bacteria?
Wooden utensils are among the greatest equipment to use when cooking since they have been treated with mineral oils during production which means that the surface becomes inert and neutral and does not enable bacteria to reside.
Final Verdicts
Hardwoods are an excellent choice for wooden cooking spoons for a variety of reasons. Stirring food with them is a breeze thanks to their suppleness and ease of use. Soups, stews, and stir-fry meats can all be made and served by them. A cooking spoon made from bamboo or mesquite wood is a better option for those who care about the environment. You can’t go wrong with a spoon made of bamboo or mesquite.
