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Wooden spoons work well for a variety of cooking tasks in the kitchen. They are ideal for sautéing vegetables, breaking up ground meat as it browns, creaming together butter and sugar when making cookies, and so much more. Unlike metal spoons, wooden spoons don’t conduct heat and are safe to use with nonstick cookware and nonstick pans. Wooden spoons are also durable and won’t transfer flavors to foods as some other materials do.
Due to their popularity, there are a plethora of wooden spoons on the market. This guide is designed to walk you through the different criteria to consider when shopping for one (or more). Armed with this information, you’ll be able to find the best wooden spoons for your needs.
- BEST OVERALL: NAYAHOSE Kitchen Utensils Set, Wooden Cooking Set
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Neet Wooden Spoons 6 Piece Organic Bamboo Utensil Set
- BEST FOR SCRAPING: Le Creuset Revolution Scraping Spoon
- BEST FOR MIXING: OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Wooden Spoon Set
- BEST STYLISH: Scanwood Olive Wood Utensil Spatula Spoon Ladle Set
- BEST LONG HANDLE: Eddingtons Italian Olive Wood Cooking Spoon
- HONORABLE MENTION: AIUHI Wooden Cooking Utensils
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Wooden Spoons
When comparing the best wooden spoons, be sure to take certain options and features into consideration. These include the wood type, finish, handle and head designs, ease of cleaning, and whether an individual spoon or a kitchen utensil set is preferable.
Wood Type and Finish
Wooden spoons are made from a variety of wood types. The species of wood can affect the overall quality, durability, and price of the spoon. Pine wood is typically used to make less expensive wooden spoons, but they aren’t as durable as other options and can crack more easily. A pine spoon may also transfer a piney taste to foods during the first few uses.
Maple, cherry, olive, and beech hardwood spoons are very durable and less likely to crack than pine models. Spoons made from these materials are likely to last a long time. Bamboo is another durable material often used to make wooden spoons. In addition to being long lasting, bamboo spoons offer an environmentally friendly option since bamboo is a renewable resource.
As well as considering the type of wood used to make a wooden spoon, also keep in mind the spoon’s finish. Some wooden spoons are sanded down to make them very smooth, while others may have a rougher, more natural finish. Some manufacturers preseason their wooden spoons to make them smoother and increase their lifespan.
Handle
The design of a wooden spoon’s handle is also important. Finding a handle that’s comfortable to grip and reduces arm fatigue while mixing ingredients will ensure the spoon matches the user’s needs. One key item to look at is the length of the handle. A spoon with a longer handle may be the right choice to use with deep mixing bowls or while cooking over high heat.
The thickness and shape of the handle should also be considered, as these features will impact how firm a grip the user can get on the spoon and how comfortable it will be to hold. Some wooden spoons have a flatter handle, while others have a round handle; when shopping, consider which will feel the most comfortable.
Finally, determine whether a handle with hanging loops is desirable. This design feature will come in handy for hanging the wooden spoon on a hook rather than storing it in a drawer or kitchen tool holder.
Head Design
Next, consider the head design of each wooden spoon. The length, width, depth, and overall shape of a wooden spoon’s head will impact its performance in the kitchen; some designs are better suited to different tasks such as mixing, scraping, or scooping. Look for a wooden spoon with a thick-enough head to easily move ingredients around without being so thick that it makes it too hard to stir with the spoon.
The depth of the spoon will also impact whether it is able to hold liquids for pouring or tasting. Some wooden spoons have unique design features, such as an asymmetrical point on one end of the spoon. These spoons, often called corner spoons, are specifically made to reach the edge of the pan to ensure even mixing of all ingredients.
Individual vs. Set
Wooden spoons may be sold individually or as part of a wooden kitchen utensil set. A wooden utensil set may include wooden spoons of various sizes as well as other tools, like slotted spoons, spatulas, ladles, and scrapers. Choosing a wooden utensil set over an individual wooden spoon should depend on whether the different pieces of a set will meet the user’s cooking needs.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Finally, consider how easy it will be to clean and maintain each wooden spoon. Many manufacturers recommend hand-washing wooden spoons to maintain their finish and extend their lifespan, but some models may be dishwasher safe.
Oiling a wooden spoon with a food-safe oil is also important. This will create a barrier to protect the spoon from heat damage and stains. It also works to lock in moisture and keep the wood from getting too brittle. Unless the manufacturer offers different oiling instructions, aim to oil a wooden spoon once every few weeks.
Our Top Picks
With the features outlined above in mind, here are some of the best wooden spoons available on the market. These products offer a variety of design options and applications to help cooks find the best match for their cooking needs.
Best Overall
NAYAHOSE Kitchen Utensils Set, Wooden Cooking Set
The NAYAHOSE kitchen utensil set is handcrafted from high-quality, durable teak wood. Six pieces come in this set, including two wooden spoons, a slotted spoon, a rounded fork, and two spatulas. The utensils in the set feature a smooth finish with rounded handles for a comfortable grip. Each handle also has a hole at the end for hanging.
These utensils are safe to use on nonstick cookware and other nonstick surfaces; they won’t scratch or mark surfaces. They are also nontoxic and environmentally friendly, since teak wood is a renewable resource. The manufacturer recommends hand-washing the utensils using a mild detergent and letting them air-dry.
Best Bang For The Buck
Neet Wooden Spoons 6 Piece Organic Bamboo Utensil Set
This set from Neet includes five utensils and a cylindrical bamboo utensil holder. The pieces in the set are made from organic bamboo, making them more durable than many other wooden options. The bamboo material has a natural nonstick coating, which makes the utensils easy to clean. Bamboo also won’t absorb stains or odors, unlike some other materials.
A wooden spoon, slotted spoon, rounded fork, turner spatula, and slotted spatula are included in the set to meet a variety of cooking needs. Each piece offers a countered head and smooth, flat handles for comfort. The pieces in this set should be hand-washed with warm water and soap and allowed to air-dry for best results.
Best For Scraping
Le Creuset Revolution Scraping Spoon
Le Creuset’s Revolution Scraping Spoon is specially designed with a blunt end to scrape ingredients from the bottom of the pan when browning meats, sautéing vegetables, or making gravy. The scraping spoon is made from beechwood, a durable wood that’s also soft enough to use on nonstick pots and pans or other surfaces that scratch easily.
The spoon’s handle has an elliptical shape that makes it easy and comfortable to hold while also providing a nonslip grip. An eyelet is integrated into the design of the scraping spoon for hanging. The beechwood resists absorbing flavors and odors, and it can be easily cleaned by hand-washing.
Best For Mixing
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Wooden Spoon Set
This set of wooden spoons from OXO Good Grips is ideal for individuals looking for a mixing tool. The set includes three solid beechwood spoons in small, medium, and large sizes. Each spoon features a deep head and a long, rounded handle for comfortable and thorough mixing of ingredients.
This set features a natural oil finish for looks and lasting durability. The spoons are safe to use with nonstick cookware and have a hole at the end of the handle for hanging. Hand-wash the spoons in this set with soap and warm water.
Best Stylish
Scanwood Olive Wood Utensil Spatula Spoon Ladle Set
Individuals looking for both style and function should consider this three-piece olive wood utensil set from Scanwood. The set includes a wooden spoon, ladle, and spatula. Each piece is handcrafted in Denmark and has a warm golden-brown color with a natural grain pattern.
Use these wooden utensils for cooking, or take them to the table as fashionable serving pieces. The items in this set are sustainably sourced and have a zero carbon footprint. They are also made from a single piece of wood to ensure durability. The olive wood material is safe to use on nonstick surfaces without worrying about scratches.
Best Long Handle
Eddingtons Italian Olive Wood Cooking Spoon
This wooden spoon from Eddingtons features a long handle, making it an ideal choice for individuals planning to cook over high heat or mix ingredients in deep bowls. The handle is also rounded to ensure comfort and limit fatigue when mixing or sautéing.
The spoon is made from responsibly sourced Italian olive wood. This material makes it strong and durable while also keeping it lightweight for comfortable use. It will not scratch nonstick or other more delicate surfaces. The manufacturer recommends hand-washing this spoon to preserve its finish and increase its lifespan. They also suggest coating it with mineral oil to maintain the appearance of the olive wood.
Honorable Mention
AIUHI Wooden Cooking Utensils
The AIUHI cooking-utensil set includes five teak wood pieces to meet the cooking and serving needs of home chefs. A strainer spoon, soup ladle, spatula, wok spatula, and salad fork are included in the set, and each piece has a hanging hole at the end of the handle.
This set is crafted using 100 percent natural teak wood, making it an eco-friendly, BPA-free, and nontoxic choice. The teak wood material is safe to use on nonstick cookware. It is also easy to clean; simply hand-wash the utensils using a mild detergent and warm water, and let them air-dry.
FAQs About Wooden Spoons
The common questions and answers below share additional information about using and caring for new wooden spoons.
Q. Why do chefs use wooden spoons?
There are a few reasons many chefs prefer to use wooden spoons when cooking. Wooden spoons don’t scratch nonstick surfaces, are very strong and durable, and don’t conduct heat like metal utensils. Wooden spoons also are nonreactive, so they won’t leave a metallic taste in acidic foods or leave pieces of plastic behind in dishes the way plastic spoons can.
Q. How do I prevent staining of my wooden spoon?
Washing a wooden spoon right after use with warm soapy water can prevent many stains. If soap and water aren’t enough to get rid of stains, try scrubbing the spoon with salt and lemon juice.
Q. Do I have to oil my wooden spoon?
Consult with the manufacturer’s care instructions, but most wooden spoons should be oiled every few weeks. Oiling a wooden spoon helps to lock in moisture and creates a barrier to protect the spoon from becoming damaged or stained.
Q. How do I clean wooden spoons properly?
Wooden spoons should be hand-washed using warm, soapy water. After washing a wooden spoon, use a towel to dry it off or let it air-dry.