The baking enthusiast will know how important a spatula can be to mixing and serving whilst anyone who has ever tried to scrape a burger off a grill without a spatula will know how much of a struggle food prep can be without one. What might surprise some people is that there are different types of spatulas for different purposes.

Whatever type you’re looking for, it can be hard to find a quality one that will last a long time, which is why we have created our list of the best spatulas on the market. Each one has a quality build, a great reputation and will flip a pancake or omelet with ease.

Quick Summary of Best Spatulas

Winco FST-6, Medium, Stainless Steel, Brown

Di Oro Chef Series Standard Flexible Silicone Turner Spatula

Victorinox Chef’s Slotted Fish Turner Head

GIR: Get It Right Premium Silicone Spatula Turner

OXO Good Grips Brushed Stainless Steel Turner

Rubbermaid Commercial Products High Heat Silicone Spatula

Spatula Buyer’s Guide

It might seem like a simple kitchen utensil but up until now, you have probably been buying products that aren’t known for their longevity. This is why it is important to know what to expect from a quality spatula as the benefits can ensure it lasts a long time and makes flipping pancakes and eggs simple.

There are different types of spatulas so things can get confusing but we have created the following guide to help you find a product that is right for your needs and will last for many pancake mornings.

What To Look For In A Spatula

Heat Resistance

Most metal spatulas will be fine to use around a hot pan or grill, just be mindful if you leave it in the heat for a while when picking it back up. For plastic and silicone-based spatulas, be sure that it has enough heat resistance so it doesn’t melt as you use it to scoop or stir.

BPA Free Materials

With so many silicone spatulas on the market, you need to make sure it is made from food-grade materials that are BPA-free. Because it will come into contact with food, this is imperative.

Sturdy Head

If you’re lifting a six stack of pancakes you need to know that your spatula isn’t going to wilt and drop the contents on the floor. The better products will have enough give you make them flexible but be strong enough to carry the food you need it to.

Sharp Edge

Anyone who wants to get under a burger that is stuck to the grill or an omelet that needs to be turned urgently will appreciate a sharp edge. This allows the spatula to get underneath without having to keep readjusting.

Quality Materials

For heavy-duty use such as lifting and flipping burgers on a grill, you will likely want a metal fish spatula that has a strong handle and stainless steel head. Anyone wanting to flip an omelet or a pancake might prefer a silicone spatula because it will not scratch the pan.

Although you want your spatula to be made from sturdy materials you still need to be sure that they are well suited to your pans. A stainless steel head might be great for using on the grill but they can scratch pans if used robustly.

A Reputable Brand

This is important when it comes to cooking as you want a genuine product that is made from safe materials. This is more likely to be the case when you use a product from a reputable brand and they also tend to give a money-back guarantee or something to protect your purchase.

Dishwasher Safe

This isn’t always a deal-breaker but it can be important for keeping your spatula bacteria-free and clean. Certain products clean up better than others after a wash and check that it is suitable to wash this way before you put it in your dishwasher.

Head Size

Depending on what you are using it for, a spatulas head is an important consideration. Anyone looking to flip an omelet will need something with a wide enough head to accommodate the width without causing it to break in half.

Different Types of Spatula

Although there are several types of spatula that you can split into different categories, here are the main ones:

Metal Fish Spatula – Despite the name, these can be used for a variety of foods and are popular at the BBQ grill. Because of the sharp edge, it can scoop food that is stuck to the grill or pan and has a slotted head to allow drips to fall. This is also what helps to keep the food from sliding off the head and expect a sturdy handle so it can hold heavier items.

Silicone Coated Spatula – Sometimes these are made of plastic but the better ones favor silicon because it is heat resistant. They are handy because they do not scratch cookware, ideal if you don’t have nonstick pans. Also available in high-heat versions and good for baking as you can scrape the sides of a cake mix with ease.

Metal Turner – Popular for using with meats because they can push burgers down with a strong head to ensure everything is cooked well and for lifting stubborn foods from an oven tray.

Offset Spatula – A specialist, long and thin spatula that is a handy utensil for baking as it is used to evenly spread frosting over a cake.

Different Materials Used For Spatulas

We’ve discussed the main types now it’s time for a closer look at the common materials used in spatulas.

Metal – Although they are heavier, this adds to their durability and you will find it a hard task to break a decent metal spatula. Typically used around the grill they are perfect for frying or grilling fish, meat, and vegetables.

Silicone – These are becoming more and more popular as they are made to resist heat at high temperatures and are good for avoiding scratches on your pans. Some silicone spatulas are great for scraping mixtures when cooking and do not stain easily.

Plastic – As with many plastic products, these spatulas are more affordable but you do have to compromise on quality. They tend to melt when exposed to high temperatures and can peel at the tip before too long.

Wood – Good for use with non-stick pans because much like silicone, they do not scratch surfaces. They are fine with the heat but tend to stain and spoil and need a thorough clean to keep them hygienic.

Key Takeaways

There is no need for you to use a cheap, poorly made spatula, especially since there are some great affordable options available. Any of the above will be an excellent addition to your meal prep and will be sure to flip pancakes and burgers for a long time.

When you feel the sturdiness of a well-built product, you’ll never want to go back to a flimsy product that makes cooking awkward. Go for something that deserves to be in your kitchen.

Creating wonderful candy creations requires the cook to track temperatures very precisely.  Fortunately, there is such a tool for maintaining temperatures throughout the entire candy process: a candy thermometer. The best candy thermometers not only help the candy maker maintain control over their candy-making process but can also be used for other purposes as well, such as checking the temperature of boiling water for pasta or monitoring the temperature of hot oil for deep frying. Let’s take a closer look at some of these thermometers, and find out which ones are the best.

Quick Summary of Best Candy Thermometers

OXO Good-Grips Glass Candy Thermometer

Defull Hanging Hook/Pot Clip Candy Thermometer

Polder THM-515 Candy/Jelly & Deep Fry Thermometer

A Guide to Candy Thermometers

Anyone looking to make candy is going to want to buy a great thermometer, and we’ve listed some of the best candy thermometers above this guide. However, not everyone will want one of the ones selected above and instead want to choose their own. Our readers shouldn’t worry about that because we have them covered. Below are some of the things that consumers are going to want to consider before they buy their own candy thermometer. We’ve also listed a few general-purpose tips that will allow consumers to keep that thermometer in good condition for as long as possible. Okay, we’ve prattled on long enough, let’s wade right into the depths of this article and get started.

What To Consider When Buying A Candy Thermometer

We listed some of the things that consumers are going to want to consider when they’re buying their next thermometer.

Thermometer Accuracy

The first thing for any cook to consider when choosing a new thermometer is the accuracy of the tool. Due to their very nature, thermometers are never completely accurate, but some of these thermometers do come close. In our opinion, any thermometer that comes within a +/- 4-degree Fahrenheit range (or better) is pretty accurate. These are the ones that are factory calibrated and tested to ensure accuracy and are the ones that usually state their accuracy range. If a thermometer doesn’t list its accuracy range, then this might be a thermometer to avoid.

Thermometer Mobility 

It’s also a good idea to choose a thermometer that can be used in more than one location. Some thermometers can only be clipped to the side of a pot, which is fine, but this may result in a different temperature reading that if the thermometer was used in the middle of the mixture. Generally speaking, the middle of any mixture is a more accurate representation of its overall average temperature than the side of a pot. Therefore, it’s important to choose a thermometer that can be used in several different locations. Yes, the thermometer should have a clip, but it should also have a flat bottom that allows it to stand upright and a handle that allows it to be lowered down into the candy if necessary. A good handle will also serve the purpose of making it easier to remove the thermometer.

Easy-To-Read Gauge 

The next thing that consumers should consider is how easy the gauge is to read. It’s important to choose one that can be easily read without having to remove it from the candy mixture. Look for models that are large and have a large measurement gauge with clear temperature markings on it. It should also display temperatures in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. If possible, also choose one that has its temperature readings divided into several Candy Temperature Zones. Some of the zones that can be found on some thermometers include the following:

Candy Temperature Zones:

Candy Thermometer Care Tips

Keeping the thermometer in good condition means getting years of service out of it. The consumer can buy the best candy thermometer in the world and it’s not going to matter if they don’t take care of it when they’re using it. Below are some tips that consumers should consider to keep their thermometer working well.

To unlock the full flavor and aroma of your spice or coffee, a quality spice grinder can help to bring a dish to life with a vibrancy that shop-bought spice just can’t offer. How good the product is will depend on the method it uses and if it produces heat, so you need to make sure you know what a good spice grinder looks like.

This is why we created the following list of the best spice grinders available. There are some electric grinders and some manual but each one will help you to get the perfect coarseness for your needs and will be able to grind a variety of spices and coffee. On top of this, we’ll take a look at how easy they are to clean and the neat features they offer.

Quick Summary of Best Spice Grinders

Secura Electric Coffee Grinder and Spice Grinder

Spice Grinder 2.5 inch

Kuhn Rikon 25550 Ratchet Spice Grinder, Black

KRUPS F203 Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder

Amazon Basics Electric Coffee Grinder

Cuisinart SG-10 Electric Spice-and-Nut Grinder

Spice Grinder Guide

No matter what type of spice you are looking to grind, you should pat yourself on the back for even considering a spice grinder. It is the best way of brightening up dull flavors and there is something very satisfying about adding freshly ground ingredients into a sauce. You’re only going to want to spend the time grinding spices if you can use a quality product.

This is where our buyer’s guide comes in. It details everything you need to know about spice grinders before purchasing so you end up with a product that can reduce cinnamon sticks and peppercorns to a satisfying powder or turn coffee beans into fresh grinds for a perfect brew.

What To Look for in a Spice Grinder

Easy to Clean

This is one of the issues with using an electric spice grinder. After you have emptied the contents, it can be difficult to remove the fine grinds from under the blades. Using a kitchen towel is often a handy way of keeping things clean and if the bowls and lid are dishwasher safe then that is a bonus.

This is especially important if you are looking to grind coffee beans after you’ve used the device to grind strong spices.

One-Touch Operation

Most electric spice grinders tend to feature a one-touch operation. This means you can use your other hand to hold the device to keep it in one place as the blades worm their magic.

Adjustable Grinds

This isn’t something you tend to get with electric spice grinders although there is an easy way around it. By holding the button for longer you can get a finer grind. This might require some experimentation on your behalf but most products come with advice on how long it takes to create a certain grind.

Some manual spice grinders will give you adjustable settings to make this easier.

Durable Blades

No matter what type of spice grinder you go for, the blades need to be durable and rust resistant. This will be the case if they are made from stainless steel which is the most common material used. They are more hygienic and easier to wipe clean than a lot of the alternatives.

Capacity

If you want to make large quantities of spice or coffee, then you will need to buy a spice and coffee grinder that can give you enough from a single operation. Electric grinders tend to give you more scope for storing a larger amount of ground spice.

Added Features

To make their product stand out from the crowd, a lot of manufacturers will include a few neat extras to their product. We’ve seen some that have magnetic lids to hold everything in place and others that come with two bowls with different sets of blades. This might not be a deal-breaker but it can open up some more options for you.

Design

A lot of people will say this isn’t as important as performance, but they are either kidding themselves, or it comes a very close second. Because you will probably use it frequently, you want the spice grinder you buy to look good. Most of them are compact and don’t take up a lot of room on your kitchen top and a lot of the time they come with smooth edges and a black or silver design that is neutral enough to fit into most kitchen designs.

Brand Reputation

This can be a good thing, but it isn’t uncommon for choosing a reputable brand to work against you. This is because you often pay more for a brand name and don’t always get a lot of extra quality.

Still, if you find a product that has a lot of positive reviews such as any from our selection above, it doesn’t matter what brand is behind the product – you know it is going to be a good purchase. A lot of the time the better brands do give more in terms of a warranty or money-back guarantee to protect your purchase.

Manual Spice Grinder Vs Electric

This is one of those comparisons that keep popping up so it is important to evaluate the benefits of both.

Manual

A manual spice grinder is great because you save money on your electric bills and using one is better for the environment. Not to mention, the actual process is satisfying and because you aren’t using a fast-spinning stainless steel blade, it won’t heat the contents and disrupt the flavor.

However, there is the downside in that there is more effort involved and the grind won’t always have adjustable settings. Still, a manual spice grinder is a good option for those on a budget as they are usually more affordable.

Electric

It is important to start with the convenience of using an electric spice grinder as it can turn a few ounces of peppercorns into a fine grind in a matter of seconds. Then there is the variety of spices you can grind. A manual grinder isn’t suitable for cinnamon sticks among other spices whereas a lot of electric grinders make light work of firmer ingredients.

On the downside, some electric spice grinders can heat the contents so look for one that has anti overheating technology.

Manual Spice Grinder Vs Mortar and Pestle

When it comes to choosing between these two, you are guaranteeing yourself a bit of manual labor. That’s fine, whatever it takes to release the full flavor of fresh spices. Still, what you go for depends on your preference.

Spice Grinder

These come in many forms, so it is difficult to specify the particular traits but generally, they come with an easy to operate handle or turning mechanism and the blades tend to do most of the work.

Another bonus is that they can have adjustable settings and require minimal clean-up.

Mortar and Pestle

These look more attractive than most spic grinders, but the workload is more intense. Having to pound peppercorns or cinnamon sticks can be time-consuming without a blade there to help. They are also more likely to break but there is something to be said for the eye-catching look and they are usually easy to clean.

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. Many people believe the best chopsticks are the ones that feel a bit special when you use them and 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

Glamfield’s Fiberglass Dishwasher-safe Chopsticks

Kuvik Titanium Chopsticks with Carrying Case

Lanhuth’s Bamboo Twisted Chopsticks, 10 Pairs

Happy Sales HSKS7/B, Travel Chopstick with Case

HuaLan Japanese Natural Wood Chopstick Set

Senior ICare Adult Chopstick Helpers

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.