What spatulas are best for your kitchen?

The right spatulas are one of the most important pieces of equipment for a restaurant's kitchen.

The long-handled utensils are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. Sit down with your chef, and go through your menu to determine what you will be using the spatula for. You will be turning thin fish fillets or flipping burgers over a grill. You can use a spatula to scrape batter into cake pans and lift delicate cookies off parchment paper. You can use a spatula to do just about anything!

Some spatulas can be used in a variety of ways, which will save you money and space.

A spatula, like any other kitchen tool, should fit the task and feel comfortable in your hands. Quantity is not as important as quality.

Let's take a look at some of the most popular styles to help you make a decision.

Spatulas to Flip and Turn a.k.a. Flippers and Turners

The original spatula for the kitchen, which is also known as a turner or flipper , has a long handle with a wide-angled knife. The spatula is used to constantly flip and turn food in a hot skillet, then transfer it to a serving plate.

A turner's blade is thin and tapered, so it can slide under food easily without damaging the product. The best turners are both strong and easy to use. Blades are described as flexible or rigid for flippers and turners, depending on their ability to maintain its shape while in use.

If you want to flip heavy steaks or grilled-cheese sandwiches, portion lasagna, or smash burgers you will need a metal blade with bevelled edge that is attached to a strong wooden handle.

perforated turns are also a good choice for heavy duty cooking. They have a long blade with small holes to drain grease or liquid. Some cooks think it's the best spatula to turn burgers.

To keep your hands safe when near a barbecue or grill, choose an extra long handle.

Slotted spatulas come in handy when you need to turn delicate foods or if you want a tool that can do multiple tasks. The long, graceful slots are designed to allow the blade to slide under food without damaging it. The slits allow liquids drain, just like the perforated turner. Even in the bakeries, slotted spatulas are used to flip layers of cake.

The long, sweeping Fish spatula is by far the most popular and versatile of all stainless steel spatula . The thin, flexible edge and sharp blade are perfect for delicate fish. They can also be used to break up meat, flip pancakes, and toss roasted veggies. Use your fish turner to fry if you don't happen to have a slotted teaspoon. Even the cast-iron pan or sheet pan can be scraped clean with this tool. It is sharp and durable.

Most cooks use a wooden flat-headed spatula to quickly stir fried rice and other foods in a wok.

Check out these giant spatulas if you are planning to make homemade pizza. If the handle is long, they can also be used as a bread paddle.

Flippers and Turners are not just for the Kitchen. Many are intended for use in the back of the house where customers will not see them. There are many serving turners that can be used to gently place menu items onto plates and serve guests. They have a bit more style than Browne's eclipse Serving Turner.

Scraping Spatulas

A Scraping Spatula can be used to mix, spread and scrape food from a bowl or jar.

Choose from a variety of models in silicone, rubber or plastic. Choose between rubber or plastic in various lengths and sizes.

Make sure the scraper is made from high-quality silicone if you plan to use it near a stove. This will prevent it from melting if it touches a hot pot or pan. This includes both the handle and blade. You can use your favorite rubber spatula to stir, fold and scrape cold, wet ingredients into a mixing dish. It may stain or melt easily in heat.

These scrapers can be found in a variety of colours and are dishwasher safe. These scrapers come in an array of colours.

A scraper has become popular among bakers because it is versatile and can be used to scrape, spread or spoon. This spatula is also known as a spoonula. It uses the same materials to make the blade of a scraper, but the shape and flexibility are maintained.

Spatulas to Spread Food

The rubber spatula is great for mixing cookie batter and folding in the egg whites. But for serious baking, you need an offset spatula. It's designed to spread frosting over cakes and push batter into a cake pan in an even layer. The metal blade of this spatula is flexible and bent at the base to make it easier to use. It also keeps your fingers out of the icing.

The mini version with its shorter blade is perfect for frosting cupcakes or removing items from an crowded cookie tray or spreading mayo and mustard evenly on sandwiches.

The straight spatula or palette knife is the cousin of the offset. The long, flexible metal blade is ideal for frost the sides of cakes and create a level, smooth finish.

Straight and offset spatulas are both useful for serving cake slices and pies, and even flipping pancakes. The rounded end of the spatula is perfect for scooping out just the right amount of cream or puree to be placed under a main dish. Use them to loosen edges on cooked pies and cakes before turning them over and to move delicate cookies and bars between baking sheets and cooking racks.

The majority of spreader-style icing spatulas, including those made from stainless steel, are made out of metal. However, there are also rubber and plastic versions.

The specialized spatula in this category is known as a spreader or sandwich spatula. This spatula is stubby and rounded, unlike its cousins that have long thin blades. Usually one side of the blade is serrated. Spread butter, mayonnaise, or other condiments onto bread or sandwich filling. To cut sandwiches, quickly flip the serrated edge.

These spatulas are also used to decorate pastry. Blades with unique shapes allow for precise manipulation of doughs, icings, and sugar paste. These spatulas are typically designed with metal blades that are offset from the handle in order to keep your fingers away from the product.