5 Different Types of Spatula & Its Uses
Ultimate Spatula Guide: Comparing Types and Their Unique Uses
Ever wondered how a simple kitchen tool can completely change your cooking game? Enter the spatula: it's not just any tool; it's essential and incredibly versatile. From its humble beginnings, spatulas have evolved into a diverse range of sizes, shapes, and materials, each designed to tackle different cooking tasks easily.
Whether mastering complex dishes, ensuring a flawless stir, or experimenting with exciting new recipes, having the right spatula on hand can make all the difference. It's like having a reliable sidekick in the kitchen, ready to help you flip, stir, and create with precision and flair.
In this blog, you will learn about various types of spatulas and a wide array of uses of spatula in cooking. So, whether you want to scrape the sizzling dosa from the pan or effortlessly flip a fluffy pancake, know the spatula uses and make each task easier and more satisfying.
A Chef's Best Friend: Explore Different Spatulas
To get your desired pickle from the jar and to flip those omelettes on the pan, you need two different types of helping accessories. Yes, ditch the one-size-fits-all spatula and find the perfect tool for every culinary task! Below are a few commonly used spatulas to help select the best one for achieving optimal results.
Metal Spatula
Constructed with stainless steel, metal spatulas are prioritised for their strength and durability. Featuring a thin as well as wider blade, they are ideal for cooking tasks that mandate precision and control, such as cooking meat on the grill, flipping pancakes, and serving delicate bakery goods. It easily slides under the food without damaging its texture or shape.
Worried about using metal spatulas on non-stick surfaces? Look for non-stick pans that are metal spoon compatible and hush away your damage or scratch concerns about the non-stick coating.
Silicone Spatula
Prominent for their flexibility and heat resistance properties, silicone spatulas are made from food-grade silicone to withstand high temperatures without melting or warping. The head of silicone spatulas is broad and curved, allowing you to scrape bowls and pans, fold cooked batters, and mix ingredients. They are ideal for non-stick surfaces, making them easy to use on delicate cookware.
In addition, silicone spatulas are easy to clean and usually dishwasher safe, thus holding a special place among home cooks and professional chefs.
Fish Spatula
Commonly used for handling delicate foods like fish fillets, fish spatulas are designed with stainless steel and flexible blades to deliver strength and flexibility. It has a slotted design that allows excessive liquids and oils to drain away, allowing you to perfectly lift fragile food items without breaking them. They also enable people to cook delicate foods with precision, such as lifting cookies off baking sheets, flipping burgers, or draining oil from fried foods.
As these spatulas have flexible blades and slotted designs, they do not damage the food and are easy to clean. Hand washing them is recommended to extend their life.
Wooden Spatula
Typically made from maple or beech wood, wooden spatulas used in kitchens have been popular cookware accessories for centuries due to their gentle touch and heat resistance properties. They are known for their incredible ability to scrape bowls and pans without damaging the surface. Available in various sizes and shapes, some have flat shapes while others have curved edges, making them suitable for cooking eggs, sauteing vegetables, and stirring curries and sauces.
However, to maintain their pristine condition, wash them with mild soap and water and sanitise them once a week with oil to prevent cracking.
Rubber Spatula
Primarily designed for scraping bowls and jars, rubber spatulas are made with a blend of rubber and silicone and feature soft, flexible heads. From freezing cold to high heat, these spatulas can effortlessly withstand any temperature without melting or losing their shape. They are ideal for use in non-stick cookware and fragile bakeware.
To clean these spatulas, simply wash them with mild soap and warm water. Avoid putting them on direct heat as it can damage the spatula.
5 Uses of Spatula That Can Revolutionise Your Kitchen Routine
Understanding what is spatula used for goes far beyond its traditional use. Whether you select a silicone, rubber, or wooden spatula, each type offers various uses to streamline your cooking process. Let's take a look at a few spatula uses.
Stir-Frying and Sauteing
The heat-resistant wooden and silicone spatulas are ideal for sauteing vegetables and stir-frying meats. Their curved and flat edges can scrape off bits from the pan to deliver the complete flavours of the dishes.
Mixing and Stirring
There is no other kitchen tool than a spatula that exceptionally mixes various ingredients in a bowl or pan without damaging their texture. The wooden spatula is extremely gentle on non-stick surfaces for stirring and mixing.
Flipping
Be it flipping pancakes or burgers, these spatula uses in cooking ensure the food is cooked evenly on both sides. The wide and flat surface of the spatula effortlessly flips delicate food items without breaking them apart.
Icing Cakes and Cupcakes
When it comes to icing deserts, spatula uses in the kitchen delivers precision. You can use a small spatula for delicate work on cupcakes and a larger one for icing big cakes.
Cleaning Countertops
Beyond flipping, mixing, and stirring, the spatula uses extend to efficiently scrape off all the crumbs and spices from the countertops for easy cleaning. Its edges can also reach corners, making them spotless.
Wrapping Up
Spatulas are versatile kitchen tools with various uses. From spatula uses in baking to flipping delicate foods, each variety serves a unique purpose. So, carefully understand these various types of spatula and uses to ensure you opt for the right spatula for your culinary adventures.
FAQs
Can spatulas be used for cooking on a grill?
Yes, spatulas can be used for cooking on a grill. Opt for those made from metal or heat-resistant materials like stainless steel or silicone for optimal results.
How do you choose the right spatula for cooking?
When choosing a spatula, consider the type of cooking you do most often. Based on that, look for the most suitable materials, size, and shape of the spatula to best cater to your needs.
How do you store spatulas?
Spatulas can be stored in a utensil holder or drawer with other kitchen tools away from direct sunlight. Ensure they are clean and dry before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
