The Best Spatula

Our Top Pick for 2019: Wusthof Gourmet Offset 6-1/2-Inch Slotted Spatula
Amazon

Options, when buying a spatula, are nearly as varied as the uses of such a handy kitchen gadget. One of the most necessary and versatile culinary utensils, how can you even begin to narrow down your choices and purchase the right one for you? Spatulas are so commonplace in our homes, and yet, so multi-functional in their uses that it can make it difficult to distinguish which characteristics can set one apart from the other. However, there are differences in designs, materials, and function that brought these 4 spatulas to the top of our list. We are sure that they will make the top of your list, as well.

Let’s Have a Quick Look of Our Top 4 Picks:

Amazon

The German made, Wusthof Gourmet Spatula has the craftsmanship, materials, and overall quality that places it at the top of the list. It is a high end, 6.5-inch fish spatula with slotted construction. The blade is stamped from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel. This design feature allows the blade to be both durable and razor-thin, allowing you to lift food easily without damaging the edges of even your most delicate recipes.

However, being capable of handling fragile food with care does not mean the spatula is delicate, as well. Not only is the blade comprised of quality stainless steel, but also, the handle is made of synthetic polypropylene, and it is double riveted for strength and control. These features are derived from the unwavering commitment to quality held by the Wusthof family business since 1814. That commitment translates into satisfied customers and cooks, bringing this to the front of our list and warranting your consideration when purchasing this top of the line product.

Overall, Amazon reviewers gave this spatula 4.7 stars out of 5. Many of the customer reviews credit the quality craftsmanship for giving the Wusthof spatula just the right feel and balance to be used comfortably in stovetop cooking. In those reviews it was called the “Rolls-Royce” of spatulas, their favorite spatula of all time, amazing, top-notch, and “likely the last spatula you will ever buy.” Many reviewers said that they had purchased multiple of these spatulas for their homes or as gifts for others, which should assuage any doubt you have about the price, as so many found it undoubtedly worth every penny.

Though dubbed a fish spatula by Wusthof, this tool is perfect for many different jobs. One customer review on the Cookware Review website said that he “found it to be a good general purpose spatula, including for folding omelets.” This reviewer also went on to tout the balance between the spatula’s flexibility and strength, which allowed it to hold even the heavier meats, such as filet mignon. Amazon reviewers felt the same and expressed that they had found many different uses for this spatula from lifting cookies to scrapping scrambled eggs off of the pan.

The lightweight design, weighing only 3.2 ounces, allows it to be so easily maneuvered that flipping the food with precision is done with little effort. The weight, along with the offset slots, which are incorporated to evenly distribute the weight and tension of the food, help your delicacies stay on the blade with ease. You will no longer find yourself needing to sweat the accuracy of your wrist to be assured of the perfect turn over.

This Wusthof spatula comes with a top recommendation from “Cook’s Illustrated”, as well. It earned the rank of “Buy Now” amongst their top spatula choices. And, why would it be otherwise when the very little negative was found among any of the reviews of this product? The negatives listed paled in comparison to the many glowing recommendations that the spatula’s performance received. One negative given by an Amazon reviewer said that the handle had melted a bit when it was rested against the edge of the pan momentarily. Another reviewer reminded buyers that, since the spatula is constructed of quality stainless steel, you should avoid using it on non-stick surfaces which can be damaged easily by sharp tools. In both instances, a little caution can easily prevent damage to either the spatula or pan you are using. This product won our Gold Pick status for so many reasons and would be a great addition to your kitchen utensils.

The Zwilling Pure Silicone Turner has an ergonomic and classy design, created by architect and designer Matteo Thun. Flaunting a seamless transition from the silicone head to the stainless steel handle, which is designed to fit your hand comfortably, we have already found reason enough to love this spatula. But, there are even more features to consider and enjoy in our choice for runner-up.

The quality choices including satin finished stainless steel in the construction of the handle and shaping the grip like a knife bolster, give this product heft and comfort. The Zwilling turner weighs 6.4 ounces and is 15 inches long, giving it the durability and strength you are looking for in your everyday spatula. Using high-quality, 18/10 stainless steel not only makes it more durable but also, makes it corrosion resistant and easy to clean. You can even clean it in the dishwasher without worrying about damaging or wearing it down over time.

The Zwilling pure silicone slotted head makes it usable on non-stick cookware surfaces without causing any damage to your favorite pots and pans. The silicone is also quite strong and able to hold up under heavy foods easily. The head measures 3.2 inches wide, which is very useful when needing steady control to turn your food. Zwilling also offers a lifetime warranty that covers any product default derived during the manufacturing process. It is nice to have the guarantee that they back their product and its quality.

The Amazon customer reviews were very positive, giving the Zwilling turner 4.7 stars out of 5. Many customers applauded the sturdiness and long lasting materials used in the spatulas design. One customer stated, “the solid construction holds up well to frequent use.” It was also noted by another reviewer that, because of the pure silicone head, the food comes off without a hassle, which can really make a difference when you are flipping delicate foods.

Many of the customer reviews were quick to mention that the silicone was much more heat resistant than the cheaper options that are available. One reviewer said that no fraying or melting was found on the spatula head, even after multiple uses over a 2 year time period. Knowing that the product will not melt and begin to come apart into your food will give you peace of mind that no toxic chemicals are being added to your diet by this product.

While there were many positives about this Zwilling silicone turner, the only negative found in any of the reviews was that some people considered the leading edge a little thick. However, while a few people mentioned having trouble sliding the edge under their pancakes or eggs without bunching up the edges, most said it had never been a problem for them. One customer review even offered the advice that when he applied a little pressure before sliding the spatula under his food, it always slid under without a hitch. The Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Pure Silicone Turner earns a spot among your kitchen utensils at a very reasonable price, especially considering the many wonderful benefits it has to offer.

The OXO Stainless Turner is constructed of brushed stainless steel and has a soft, non-slip grip that adds comfort to its sleek design. The rubber grip is built to be very inconspicuous yet still runs 5 inches of the handle to accommodate the width of your hand when using the spatula. Adding the brushed stainless steel brings an aesthetic appeal, but also goes way beyond how the spatula looks to make this product a top choice for your kitchen.

The stainless steel brings stability and weight to the OXO turner to ensure that you have great control of the food you are cooking. While obviously an excellent turner, it is also useful for many other everyday cooking chores like sautéing, mixing, and serving. It can be rested against the edges of your pot or pan without worry that it will melt or be damaged. Not to mention that it can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand and it has a hole in the handle which can be used for hanging the spatula to show off the beautiful design.

When you first pick up the OXO turner, you can feel the quality difference. Measuring nearly 14 inches long and weighing 6.4 oz, it is perfectly balanced for use. One customer review said it is so well proportioned that, unlike many other brands, when it is rested on the edge of the pan, it stays put and will not end up tipping out and making a mess in your kitchen.

This spatula earned 4.5 stars out of 5 with Amazon reviewers, all of which had many great things to say about it. The turner’s weight and balance were at the top of the list of positive things mentioned regarding this spatula. Also, a notable feature is the durability that stood the test of time. One reviewer had owned the OXO turner for 2 years and said it looked as good and worked as well as the day it had arrived, even with frequent use. Another satisfied spatula owner pointed out that the length of the handle kept her hand far enough away from the heat to keep from getting burned, but was still solid enough that it did not flex under heavier food items or feel awkward to maneuver.

While the rubber grip adds plenty of comfort when holding the OXO turner, some reviewers mentioned that the gap between the rubber and metal can prove difficult to clean thoroughly. Others said that they wished the rubber extended further on the handle to add comfort when needing to “choke up” and get a better grip for heavier lifting. However, if you add more length to the rubber, you will risk the rubber melting when rested against the pan, so there are opposing positive considerations on this negative point.

Regardless, you can feel certain that you will be happy when you purchase the OXO Good Grips Brushed Stainless Steel Turner, because, OXO backs all of their products with a satisfaction guaranteed warranty. They have faith in their products, in turn, making it easier for you to have faith in them, as well.

The KitchenAid Nylon Short Turner is a multi-functional and durable spatula. This budget conscious choice is constructed of long-lasting nylon with stainless steel detailing. KitchenAid is known for producing quality, everyday kitchenware without the high price tag. This turner is a shining example of their commitment to providing everyone with the right tools for their culinary endeavors.

The spatula is classified as a short turner, measuring less than 12 inches, which means more control in cooking and flipping your food. Weighing only 4 ounces, it is easy to manipulate while maintaining the strength that is necessary to handle heavier kitchen tasks. The durable nylon is safe on all cookware surfaces, including non-stick pots and pans, and is heat resistant up to 450 degrees. This choice in material also allows foods to easily slide off, leaving nothing behind on the spatula. It is simple to clean, whether you prefer to clean by hand or use the dishwasher, making it fairly low maintenance all around.

KitchenAid made this short turner as a daily use tool for skills ranging from novice to expert in the kitchen. Many customers agree, and were very pleased, with the overall performance and function of this spatula. One customer review said it was, “great for pancakes, burgers, and fried eggs,” showcasing the versatility of the turner. It was said that it works well in small pans, and, because of the compact design, it is able to pick up and move food that is usually close to other items in the pan, such as eggs or cookies, without disturbing nearby food. And a few different customers mentioned that the spatula had a surprisingly sharp edge, which helped them get under or around delicate foods without crumbling them or causing damage to them.

The overall rating was 4.3 stars out of 5 from the Amazon customer reviews and many people spoke highly the many qualities this spatula possesses. The very rare negative comment was, as expected, about the ability of the spatula to stand up to heat when exposed for longer periods of time. While it is rated up to 450 degrees, it cannot maintain that level of heat for long periods of time without damage to the nylon. Generally, prolonged heat exposure can be avoided in daily cooking and the integrity of the spatula is easily preserved with the extra attention to that detail. KitchenAid did a wonderful job at combining quality and affordability into this short turner, making it a wonderful purchase when you are cooking on a budget.

Pre-purchase considerations

When buying any spatula, there are a few different features that can help you choose the right one for use in your kitchen. Before you purchase, you should take the following ideas into consideration; these guidelines will help you find a spatula you will love and use often.

The Leading Edge

There is nothing more frustrating than crumbling or tearing the edge of your perfect fried eggs or pancakes. If you are looking for a spatula that can handle your most delicate foods, you will need a sharp and thin leading edge. Metal spatulas will tend to have the sharpest and thinnest leading edges. However, you can find wonderful choices among plastic, silicone, or nylon turners, as well. Finding one with a beveled or tapered edge will make a huge difference in the ability to easily glide under your food. Thicker leading edges are better used for your heavier meats and for stirring larger recipes. The combination of a thicker head on the spatula and a beveled edge will make for a wonderful multi-purpose turner for everyday use in your kitchen.

Materials

Knowing whether to buy metal or plastic can have a few different ramifications in your cooking. If you have non-stick cookware you must stick with nylons, synthetics, or plastics, in order to preserve your pots and pans. Scratching the non-stick surfaces with metal spatulas can result in damage and releasing the toxic coating into your food. However, if you have cast iron, stainless steel, stoneware, or copper pots and pans that you frequently cook with, a metal spatula is more likely the best choice for you. If you use a material other than metals on these surfaces, the leading edges of those turners might begin to melt and fray. At that point, you might have to dispose of the spatulas or risk having bits of those materials in your food. They also become much more difficult to clean after they have sustained damage.

Handle Length

Handle length can determine the amount of control you have when turning your food. The shorter the handle, the more precisely you can flip the food, keeping it from contacting other foods in the pan. Short handles make work go a little more efficient, as well. A longer handle, however, provides more distance from the hot cooking surfaces and can keep your hands from being burned. This is important in high heat cooking like sautéing or grilling. The longer handle can also help balance wider or longer spatula heads, ensuring a feeling of control while cooking the types of food that would require wider heads.

Width of Head

When you need to be able to move and stir food in your pans, you will want to use a broader spatula head to make the process go more smoothly. Stir-fry and heavy meats are some examples of foods that it would be ideal to have a wider blade when making. If you need a spatula for turning fish fillets, a medium width blade, capable of handling delicate foods, would be more appropriate. And, of course, if you are using the spatula to serve small portions of cake, pie, or a casserole, you will want to take advantage of a smaller head that can separate out the piece you want without disturbing the food next to it.

Conclusion (Wrapping it up)

You now have top choices and pre-purchase considerations for buying your next spatula. Keep in mind that you will likely need more than one spatula to accommodate all of your cooking needs. Each different style and material carries benefits for different recipes and uses in the kitchen. Whether you need an everyday spatula or one for specific use in a recipe, you can be confident that this information will help you come to the right conclusion and choose the best spatula for you.