Asian food is one of the most popular to make at home and to make it a more authentic experience, it’s always good to have some quality chopsticks in the kitchen drawer. Some people make do with the cheap variety that you get with a take-out but these are better for singular use than cleaning and using again.
Even though they’ve been around for roughly 5,000 years, they haven’t changed a lot but a lot of people believe best chopsticks are the ones that feel a bit special when you use them and can come in a variety of eye-catching designs. There is a lot to consider which is why it can be hard to tell the products worth buying and those that are little better than the take-out freebies. That’s why we have created our list of the best chopsticks, making it easy for you to make a good choice.
Quick Summary of Best Chopsticks
Goldage Fiberglass Dishwasher-safe Chopsticks
These 9.25-inch fiberglass chopsticks look great now, and because they don’t have a painted coating, expect them to look just as good in years to come. There is a lot of value in the 5 pairs, costing half the price of a lot of the competition whilst giving you more sets. BPA-free, they are compliant with food safety standards around the world including the FDA but although they are dishwasher safe, they can slip through the small holes so it is best to wash them in a dishwasher basket.
They have a good amount of tack to them so they won’t slip down your fingers in the same way that other materials do and fiberglass is known for maintaining its shape, even at high temperatures. With a 2-year warranty, and textured tips for added grip
- Dishwasher safe
- Easy to hold with a grippy tip
- Great value (you get 5 pairs)
- Includes 2-year warranty
finessCity Titanium Chopsticks with Aluminium Case
Not everyone thinks of titanium when it comes to chopsticks but they are some of the most hygienic and easiest to keep clean. These 9-inch chopsticks come with a neat aluminum case, making them perfect for travel so if you embark on a lot of business trips then they could be the ideal way to tuck into your room service.
These rounded chopsticks are easy to handle and despite being made from strong metal, they are light enough to use with noodles, rice, and sushi. With some products in the niche, you can experience a metallic taste but that isn’t a problem with these non-toxic, food-grade chopsticks. The only issue you might have is choosing what color you want the case to be.
- Easy to keep clean
- Includes a case for easy portability
- No metallic taste
- Light and easy to use
Totally Bamboo 20-2003 Twist Reusable Bamboo Chopsticks
These reusable bamboo chopsticks come with a neat twist design that makes them easy to hold, giving you added grip. Because they are made from bamboo, the best way to maintain them is by hand washing and drying with a towel, they’re not dishwasher safe.
Anyone who likes to entertain will appreciate the value for money as they come in a set of 5. Made from Moso bamboo, it is better for the environment than wood and grips to food better than metal alternatives. The main issue is that they are durable but probably won’t last more than a couple of years due to the material but they do come with a one-year manufacturers warranty to protect your purchase.
- Unique twist design
- Bamboo is a renewable resource
- Includes 1-year warranty
- Not dishwasher safe
Happy Sales HSKS7/B, Travel Chopstick with Case
For a unique chopstick that feels more like a one of a kind than a common wooden design, these are ideal. These wooden chopsticks have a lacquered finish that makes them easy to wipe clean and the sticks have the same appealing blossom design as the case.
The tips feature a grippy texture to make them easier to handle so beginners and experienced chopstick users will enjoy using them. It’s best to avoid cooking with these chopsticks and we’d also recommend against putting them in the dishwasher as it can compromise the quality and the lacquer might start to peel. Easy to wash and convenient to take wherever you go, their appealing design makes them a great gift but you might want to keep them for yourself.
- Grippy tips make them easy to hold
- Eye-catching blossom design
- Comes with a carry case
- Not good for cooking or washing in the dishwasher
HuaLan Japanese Natural Wood Chopstick Set
These eye-catching wooden chopsticks are BPA-free and made from raw materials. Measuring 8.8 inches long, they come in an attractive case and as a set of 5 so the whole family can enjoy a take-out with quality chopsticks. The bodies are full of grooves to make them easy to hold and each pair is made from a different wood that includes ebony, rosewood, cherrywood, chestnut, and boxwood.
They are coated with food-grade lacquer, making them safe to use and it is recommended that you wash them by hand and dry them soon after. They are light enough to use without causing discomfort and are some of the best wooden chopsticks you are likely to find.
- Made from BPA-free materials
- Includes 5 pairs – each one made form a different wood
- Coated with a food-grade lacquer
- Can be a little slippery
Senior ICare Adult Chopstick Helpers
When it comes to handling chopsticks, we all have to start somewhere. Even if it’s just been a while since you last used them, it can be difficult to get back up to speed. This is why these are a good idea for anyone using them for the first time, the elderly, or those with arthritic hands. The hinged device accommodates different sized chopsticks and various materials so it can be used time and again but it does come with reusable wooden chopsticks. It can be adjusted for height to suit the user’s needs and makes it easy to grasp food between the sticks. A lot of people comment on how it helps people young and old to build their confidence in using chopsticks.
- Great for beginners
- Can be used with any sized chopstick
- Adjustable height
- Includes reusable wooden chopsticks
- Included chopsticks are not dishwasher safe, although the helper device is
Chopsticks Guide
When you get used to them, chopsticks make a take-out more fun and home cooking more satisfying. This is only when you use a decent pair as some products can spoil easily and leave a bad taste in the mouth. The easiest way to avoid buying a bad pair that feels cheap, it is important to know what you should expect from the best chopsticks before buying.
We have outlined a few key pointers in our following guide so your noodles or sushi night isn’t ruined by having to stay everything with a fork.
Can You Reuse Wooden Chopsticks?
In some cases, it is fine to reuse wooden chopsticks, especially when they are covered by quality, food-grade lacquer. However, you will find that wooden chopsticks tend to spoil over time and can hold onto bacteria, causing you hygiene issues.
When you wash them correctly (handwashing and drying quickly) they can last longer but check they are supposed to be reusable before buying.
Are Chopsticks Slippery?
Even wooden chopsticks can slip in your fingers from time to time so it is difficult to label every type of chopstick as being slippery. Still, the smoothness of a rounded chopstick can make them more difficult to hold but most of the time, they come with grippy tips to make them easier to hold.
Square chopsticks tend to be easier to grip but can be a little uncomfortable in comparison and metal chopsticks are even more slippery and take more time to get used to.
What To Look For In Chopsticks
Length
There is no optimal length for chopsticks but the average tends to be a little over 9-inches. To make them comfortable you probably want to consider the size of your hands so if they are on the small size, you could go for something below the average although anything around 9 inches should be comfortable for anyone to hold.
Grip
It shouldn’t matter what material you use, as long as the chopsticks you go for has enough grip they should stay in place. Some products have grooves whilst others use a twisted design to make sure they don’t slip, stopping you from spilling rice on your lap.
Easy To Clean
A chopstick is a pretty basic design so it shouldn’t take much to get them clean. Wooden designs can be harder to maintain and should be dried quickly after washing. Some lacquered products can be put in the dishwasher which makes life a lot easier although it is important to keep them in a dishwasher basket so they don’t fall and catch on the turning blades.
Extras
Sometimes giving you extra features with your chopsticks can feel like a gimmick but if you are giving them as a gift, look for a pair with a carry case or a pleasant box included as it can make it feel more special.
Appearance
Chopsticks can be decorative and when you find a pleasant pair with certain patterns or floral indents it can make them very appealing. This shouldn’t be chosen in place of being functional but if you want something a little different, there are plenty of styles to choose from.
Convenience
This is particularly important for anyone who is new to using chopsticks but anyone can appreciate a pair that is easy to hold and doesn’t slip. Because you need to maintain a level of hand control, they need to have a good weight to them, too light and you can find your hand slipping, too heavy and they can be difficult to grip.
Quality Over Quantity
If you live alone or if it is just you and your partner, you might want to invest in a couple of quality pairs rather than a big set. Still, there are plenty of excellent options for families so you can enjoy a take-out around the table with the kids and open the chopstick set you have ready to go.
Different Materials Used For Chopsticks
This is where a chopstick can differ greatly. Although wooden chopsticks are commonly included in your takeout, they are often better for single use. To find a pair that can last, and ensure you get the right one for you, here are the most common types of chopsticks.
Bamboo
Environmentally friendly and free-from toxins, bamboo is a strong material that is becoming more common because of its affordability. A lot of the time they are disposable because they tend to warp over time and are not dishwasher safe. Any bamboo chopstick that calls itself reusable might require some maintenance such as a coat of a specialist bamboo friendly oil.
Wood
Wooden chopsticks are some of the most grippy which makes them good for beginners in particular but are not always as durable. When they come with a coating, make sure it is food-grade as some of the cheaper products can use artificial colors and other harmful substances.
Metal
This is a little general but some of the most common metal used include stainless steel and titanium. They are durable, robust, and a lot of the time they are safe to wash in the dishwasher. Still, there isn’t as much grip.
Fiberglass
Easy to use because they are lightweight but also known for their durability, fiberglass chopsticks are a good option for the experienced and beginner. Resistant to rust and dishwasher safe (always check this with the specific model) they should last a long time.
Plastic
Because they are so smooth, it can be difficult to get a good amount of grip on a plastic chopstick. However, they are easier to clean and when made from BPA-free materials, they can last a long time. Still, they aren’t great for cooking and don’t feel as nice in your hands.
Can I Use Chopsticks For Cooking?
Certain types of chopsticks are better for cooking, notably the longer ones closer to 10 inches and longer. Even still, they have to be made from heat resistant materials to ensure they do not warp or spoil.
Bamboo chopsticks are often good for cooking because they do not scratch the bottom of the frying pan but it is always best to check with the manufacturer’s guidelines before using chopsticks whilst cooking.