When you cook, you use a spatula to stir, flip, and turn food without scratching your favourite cookware and to ensure the greatest possible results.
Whomever you ask this question, you might get a different answer. Many home chefs will interchange the two terms when referring to two different kinds of kitchen tools. Traditionally, a spatula is thought of as a long-handled cooking tool with flexible sides for blending and scraping items in a bowl or the interior of a pot or pan.
The culinary tool with a long handle and flat, stiff end that is used for flipping food in a frying pan as it cooks is more commonly thought of as a turner. Therefore, if you're in someone else's kitchen and they pass you a turner instead of a spatula or a spatula instead of a turner, don't be surprised. Even many of the listings on your favourite internet retailer will occasionally list these two kitchen tools interchangeably.
You might believe there are only two different types of spatulas if you're a novice cook or don't spend much time in the kitchen. Let me tell you that when you realise the variety of options available, you will be amazed. These are the most typical types: flippers (turners), spreaders and scrapers.
Flippers are a long-handled alternative with a wide flat bottom that works well for reaching under wide foods on a skillet, such as pancakes, omelettes, or hamburgers. They frequently have a robust, wide surface that can be used to turn food without damaging its shape.
Spreaders are long, narrow spatulas that serve the purpose their name would suggest. One of these will probably be used to spread softer materials onto another food surface. Consider frosting a cake or spreading your favourite sandwich spread on some spongy bread.
Long-handled kitchenware with flexible silicone or rubber ends is called scrapers. They are used to make the perfect scrambled eggs without leaving charred pieces inside your pan, to remove the last bit of batter from a bowl, the last small drop of mayonnaise from a jar, etc.
After choosing your preferred shape, you can also buy your spatula based on the material that it’s made of. There are basically four different materials that are often used to make a spatula namely silicone, metal, wood and plastic.
Due to their wide range of uses, silicone spatulas are excellent for your kitchen. They can be cooked in your preferred frying pan at high heat because they are heat resistant. Additionally, they work well for scraping the inside of a condiment jar or mixing dish. They also work well with a non-stick pan or wok because they won’t scratch, making silicone spatulas the most versatile ones out there.
When you need to undertake heavy-duty work in the kitchen, such as cooking for a large catering order, metal spatulas are ideal. They work well for flipping cast iron pancakes as well as turning burgers and steaks. You should be careful while using a metal spatula on non-stick cookware. The non-stick coating may then be removed as a result of this.
Are you the kind of person who prefers to barbecue all year long? Metal spatulas are ideal for this because they can withstand heat and are tough. In addition, the majority of metal spatulas feature a sharp or serrated edge to allow you to examine your meat while it cooks.
A fish spatula is another common design of a metal spatula. These are sturdy metal spatulas that are long and flexible and are perfect for rotating fish without tearing its delicate flesh.
Cooks who are concerned about using unidentified plastics or silicone materials at high temperatures while cooking food for their families can use wooden spatulas. They can withstand heat and are extremely safe for non-stick pans.
The aesthetic appeal of wooden spatulas is another benefit. Many come with carved designs and lovely hues to make them more than just a practical implementation in your kitchen.
Of all the available spatula options, plastic ones will be the most economical. Because they are so strong and have sides that are thin enough to glide beneath whatever you're cooking, they can be excellent for cooking delicate foods. Nonetheless, when using plastic spatulas, exercise caution because they cannot withstand high temperatures and may burn or melt inside your pan.
For simple everyday cooking, such as stir-frying vegetables, frying eggs or deep-frying fish or chicken, your best bet would be to invest in ourFood Grade Silicone Cooking Spatula orFood Grade Silicone Turner. Heat-resistant and suitable to be used on a non-stick wok or pan, these silicone spatula and turners are versatile for any sort of cooking that you plan to do. They also come in many fun colours that can help add excitement to the kitchen.
Need more info on our kitchen utensils?Get in touch with us with your inquiries and our personnel will be happy to assist you.