In the kitchen world, there are various types of spatulas, each with its specific use and purpose. So, if you’ve been using the same old spatula for all the cooking, it’s time to upgrade your kitchenware with the best and specific products made for that purpose.
Spatulas have become a must-have tool in kitchenware due to their widespread use. If you don’t have the right kitchen spatulas for stirring, spreading, and mixing, how can you even cook properly?
However, with so many different types of spatulas available, it might be difficult to understand which one will suit your requirements. So, let’s check out the different types of spatulas and their functions, so you can decide which is the best spatula for you!
1. Offset Spatula
If you’re a fan of decorating cakes with frosting, the offset spatula is an essential tool to help you get those smooth cake frostings.
This baking spatula has a smooth shape, which prevents the spatula from jabbing into the cake. Also, it doesn’t have a sharp blade because it isn’t used for cutting things.
The blade is also bent nearest to the handle. This small yet unique feature prevents you from spoiling the frosting with your hands as you spread it on the cake.
Use
The offset spatula is a pretty handy tool because it performs many functions.
Apart from applying frosting on the cake, you can use this spatula to spread peanut butter on the bread and spread it on sandwiches. It comes into use when dealing with a large number of sandwiches and makes the process much easier.
You can also use the offset spatula to move cookies from the tray and flip the pancakes while cooking.
2. Flat Frosting Spatula
The flat frosting spatula is quite similar to the offset spatula because both serve the same purpose.
However, a slight difference comes in the shape of the spatula. Unlike the offset spatula, the flat frosting spatula doesn’t have the blade bent where it joins the handle.
It also has a thin and flat surface to make it easier to spread things while making dishes.
Use
The main difference that sets it apart from the offset spatula is that the flat frosting spatula is used for spreading the frosting on the larger and flatter parts of the cake. Apart from that, you can also use it for applying spreads on sandwiches.
3. Stainless Steel Spatula
While coming in different shapes and sizes, the primary quality of these spatulas is that they have stainless steel. Depending on the type and shape of the stainless steel spatula, you can use it for different purposes.
Stainless steel is durable and can last for a long time. However, it also has the ability to bend easily.
So, you might need to be careful while using this metal spatula.
Use
Stainless steel spatulas can be used for a variety of purposes like cooking, stirring, mixing, etc. however, it’s better to avoid using it with non-stick Teflon because stainless steel metal spatulas are more likely to leave scratches on them.
4. Wooden Spatula
As the name suggests, the wooden spatula is basically made of wood.
People often prefer wooden spatulas over stainless steel spatulas because wood doesn’t easily bend or break. Thus, you can expect your wooden spatula to last for several years.
Thus, the durability of the wooden spatula makes it your favorite cooking companion for years to come. Many people prefer wooden spatulas because they are non-toxic and durable.
However, apart from the number of advantages the wooden spatula offers, you’ll need to be very careful with it. The spatula is made from wood, so it can easily get moisture and moldy.
So, it’s always better to store a wooden spatula in open places where it gets plenty of air.
Use
Wooden spatulas are best used with non-stick Teflon because they don’t scratch Teflon. Apart from that, the primary purpose of wooden spatulas is to stir and cook food that comes in large amounts.
But, as the wooden spatulas also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, you can also use them for mixing, scraping, and flipping ingredients.
However, stainless steel spatulas are more commonly used for flipping and grilling.
5. Plastic Spatulas
Just like stainless steel and wooden spatulas, plastic spatulas come in various shapes and sizes. The only thing that makes them different is that they’re made of plastic.
While plastic spatulas are inexpensive and easily available, we don’t always recommend them. It is because plastic isn’t the best material when it comes to cooking.
It has chemicals, and if you leave the plastic spatula on top of the skillet, it might melt. So, it’s better to avoid using it when you need to put it near direct heat.
Use
Like the other spatulas, you can use plastic spatulas for various purposes, depending on the shape and size.
6. Scraping Spatula
The scraping spatula is the most common type of spatula used. This type of spatula is made of rubber, and therefore, you need to keep it away from heat to prevent the rubber from melting.
Like the wooden spatula, you can also use the scraping spatula on non-stick Teflon because it doesn’t leave any scratches. This type of spatula is also thick and comes with a rounded ridge on one or both sides of the spatula.
The scraping spatula isn’t expensive either and is fun to use.
Use
The scraping spatula is best used in scraping the dough off the bowl and mixing the dough as well. People also prefer to use it in baking because the rubber material should not be exposed to heat.
7. BBQ Spatula
The BBQ spatula is most commonly used in BBQ. So, if you’re a fan of BBQs, you’ll probably have one of these in your kitchen!
It is also called a grill spatula because of its function. It is often made of metal or stainless steel because it has to face constant heat while grilling.
The spatula also has holes inside to allow oil and liquid to drain through. Apart from that, the edges of the grill spatula can also be used to cut the meat or separate hot items while grilling them.
Grilling spatulas are also often bent from near to the handle to keep your hands away from the heat.
Use
The BBQ spatula is used to flip, adjust, and place the meat on the grill. You can also use the edges to cut the meat when it’s hot.
Some grill spatulas might come with additional features that can serve other purposes.
8. Perforated Flipper Spatula
As the name suggests, the perforated flipper spatula is used to flip things. It is quite similar to the other spatulas, with the main difference being that it has holes in it.
Perforated spatulas also have a long handle and a thin surface. This thin surface helps you slide below the items to flip them easily without damaging them.
The flipper spatulas mostly come in metal or stainless steel because they usually have direct contact with heat. Some of them might be bent from the handle to keep your hands away from the heat.
If it doesn’t, your perforated spatula might have a longer handle to protect your hands.
Use
The primary function of the perforate flipper spatula is to flip items. It can be anything from pancakes to burgers.
As these spatulas have holes in them, they are best suited for grilled items like greasy burgers.
This is better used on cast iron or stainless steel, not nonstick as it can scratch the coating.
9. Spreading Spatula
Spreading spatulas aren’t much famous, but they can serve purposes beyond your expectations. The spreading spatulas cannot be used for frying or cooking because they aren’t meant to come near heat.
Apart from that, you can use it to spread anything, be it the spread for sandwiches or butter on the bread for your breakfast.
The spreading spatula is usually very thin and narrow to make it easier to spread things. The shape of the spatula might also vary with this important kitchen utensil.
Use
As mentioned before, the spreading spatula is used to spread things on a flat surface, like bread. You can use it to spread butter, sauces, and gravy.
Also, you can use the spreading spatula to spread the frosting on the cake.
10. Fish Spatula
A fish spatula is common and a handy kitchen tool when cooking. It is usually very thin and long, and that’s where its name comes from.
Like the perforates flipper spatulas and fish spatulas also have holes in their flat blade. However, the blade is larger and longer, and the holes are also longer.
The fish spatula is also made from stainless steel or metal to make it suitable for heat. You might also see a bent handle; whose function is to protect your hands from heat.
Use
The fish spatula can also serve all the purposes of a grill spatula because the thin blade makes it easier to slide down on things and the holes let the oil drain through. Apart from that, the fish spatula can be used while cooking fish and turning and flipping pancakes.
11. Teppan Spatula
While the name might seem unfamiliar, the teppan spatula can serve multiple purposes. This spatula comes with a simple design. The blade is bent, and the spatula is thin and narrow while being a bit wider at the end.
However, it’s better to avoid using a teppan spatula with non-stick Teflon because it might cause scratches.
Use
Primarily, the teppan spatula is widely used in Japan for making the dish teppanyaki.
Therefore, you can use it to chop, flip, turn, and even move the items you’re cooking from one place to the other.
12. Silicone Spatula
The silicone spatula is much similar to the rubber spatula. However, it is a better alternative to the rubber spatula.
The silicone spatulas also come in various shapes and sizes, and you can choose the one that fits your needs. However, it’s better not to use the silicone spatula with items that can transmit odor, like fried onions, because this material can hold strong odors for a long time.
Apart from that, silicone spatulas are great to use with non-stick Teflon because they won’t leave scratches.
Use
The silicone spatula will serve many purposes, depending on the type of the spatula. Silicone spatulas are most widely used in baking.
You can also use them to stir the dishes or move the items from the frying pan.
This utensil works best on nonstick cookware or on a nonstick pan.
Final Words
If you did not know that so many different types of spatulas existed, it’s time to upgrade your kitchenware with the best one. All types of spatulas are perfectly manufactured to fulfill specific requirements, and therefore, it’s necessary to have the one that fits your needs.
We hope you’ve got the right information you needed about each type of spatula. So, make sure you make the most use of this information as well!
Adeena is a freelance content writer and cooking enthusiast from Pakistan. She is currently a business student, and when she wants a break from her studies, writing on her favorite topics and cooking yummy dishes are her favorite things to do.