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Although most folks think of a spatula as a tool used to turn or flip things such as eggs or burgers, the term spatula actually applies to a broad range of non-sharpened flat-bladed tools of different shapes and materials, including metal, wood, plastic, rubber, or silicone.
Uses of Spatulas
Spatulas are used for different tasks depending on their shape, and the cook’s preference. Broader flat spatulas with an offset are used for flipping foods, scraping pans, and as a general stirring implement as desired.
More narrow-bladed flexible spatulas are used for spreading icings on cakes or fillings on sandwiches. Silicone or rubber spatulas are used to scrape foods in non-stick pans (or other pans), to fold ingredients, and to help remove cake and other batters from bowls, along with a myriad of other tasks as the cook sees fit.
Here is a further explanation of some general types of spatulas.
Offset Spatula
Recommended Product: Dexter-Russell All-Purpose Turner from HIC
The offset spatula, which comes in different sizes, is your basic turning spatula. The most useful type has a broad metal blade, offset near a wooden handle.
These can be used to turn anything but since they are so often used to flip pancakes they are sometimes called pancake turners. They are also used for eggs, meats, etc.
A basic offset spatula, the Dexter-Russell All-Purpose Turner from HIC, like the kind I use at home, is shown below.
For those who cook on the grill, a very large and long offset spatula, like this Stainless Steel Metal Griddle and BBQ Grill Spatula, may be needed. This helps keep your arms and hands away from the heat of the grill.
Silicone (Rubber) Spatula or Scraper
Recommended Product: Silicone Spatula 3-piece Set
Although these used to be made only from rubber, which could not withstand a lot of heat, they are now made from heat-resistant silicone, which can handle temperatures exceeding 400° F.
Keep in mind that silicone is often called silicone rubber, but it is actually a synthetic polymer made up of silicon, oxygen and other elements, most typically carbon and hydrogen. It is rubber-like but it is not rubber.
These flexible silicone scrapers spatulas are used to scrape bowls and pans and to fold whipped egg whites or whipped creams into other ingredients and as a basic mixing tool.
- Heat resistant up to 500 degrees F.
- Non-stick, Stain resistant and Odor resistant.
- Hygienic silicone scraper BPA-free.
- Solid steel core construction for a comfortable hold.
- High quality and Flexible one piece silicone head design.
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They can be used on the stove and are especially useful for nonstick pans, as they will not damage the nonstick surface. Use them when making omelets, for example, in a nonstick pan.
You don’t have to limit them to the jobs listed here. Use them however you would like. You’ll find it handy to have a couple of them on hand. The most popular type is shaped more for scraping and folding but can even be used for spreading. They also come in a basic turner/stirrer.
The Silicone Spatula 3-piece Set, above, is made with a solid steel inner core making them not only heat-resistant but durable.
Those described above are the basic spatulas that beginning cooks will want to own but there are many other types of spatulas.
A straight narrow-bladed spatula sometimes called a palette knife, as it resembles knives used in painting, is used to spread icing on cakes or for any other type of spreading job.
Examples are shown below, the LEGERM Straight Icing Spatula Set with 6, 8″ & 10″ Sizes. These types of spatulas also come in offset varieties.
Slotted Spatulas
Often called fish turners, slotted spatulas may be useful if you make a lot of whole fish or delicate fillets. These can also be more effective when turning fried eggs as the slotted design makes them easier to slide underneath the egg.
For more on this see How to Make the Perfect Over-Easy Eggs. The OXO Fish Turner Slotted Spatula is shown below.
