There are several different types of spatulas, each designed for a specific purpose.
Spatulas are essential in any kitchen, used for various tasks, including flipping, spreading, and scraping.
Some of the most common types include rubber spatulas, turner spatulas, offset spatulas, tong spatulas, spatula ladles, and fish spatulas.
Originally used as a variety of cooking tools, spatulas have evolved into more specialized items over time, much like any other utensil in a more contemporary kitchen, such as spoons, forks, and bowls.
There are now many different types of spatulas on the market made of various materials you can use for various cooking tasks.
These variations go far beyond simple aesthetics. You can be very adaptable with your kitchen utensil sets, but you should immediately try to make a special meal for a large group to figure out how to use each one.
Below, we’ll discuss the different types of spatulas you can have at home and how to use them.
1. Baking Spatula
Baking spatulas are those kinds of spatulas that have flexible, thin stainless steel blades and narrow, long handles.
For that reason, you could also classify this as a metal spatula. This spatula is ideal for decorating cakes or pastries, as suggested by its name. Slices of bars, cakes, or pies can also be served using it.
2. Rubber Spatula
Rubber is a softer material that controls heat reasonably well. It can also be inexpensive without the risks associated with plastic.
These characteristics make this spatula excellent for spreading frosting and baking tasks.
On the other hand, since these spatulas are very easily stained, avoiding using them with dishes or curries containing tomatoes is a good idea. This is one of the different types of spatulas.
3. BBQ Spatula
As its name suggests, grilling is common for this kind of spatula. Oils and liquids can drain through the holes in its slotted design.
However, you are not required to use this spatula only for BBQs. Turning steaks, flipping hamburgers, or tossing vegetables is also simple.
4. Fish Spatula
The fish spatula is among the most well-liked varieties of slotted spatulas available for purchase. This one is one of the most important kitchen tools you can have on hand.
To increase their durability, these spatulas typically have metal or stainless steel in their design.
They are ideal for flipping fish filets or pancakes and draining the liquid or oil from the food before plating it because of their larger shape and slotted holes. This spatula is one of the different types of spatulas.
5. Frosting Spatula
This kind of spreader spatula is typical. It is specifically made to spread a substance, like frosting for cakes, across a flat surface.
This spatula works well for spreading large amounts of spread on sandwiches if you’re hosting a sandwich party for guests.
6. Grilling Spatula
The toughest tools you can buy are grilling spatulas, which are made to withstand the abuse that comes from being close to hot coals and using them outside.
The design of this spatula is very similar to that of a flipping one, but it lacks any slots or holes.
Instead, you receive a blade that is incredibly smooth and won’t trap any pieces of meat or other food inside of them while you’re cooking.
Additionally, some models might have a bent handle that will help keep your hand about an inch away from the hot surface.
Using this kind of spatula to flip and move food from the grill to your plate is very common.
To ensure that a piece of meat is thoroughly cooked, you can smash it with a heavier metal spatula while it is being cooked. This is one of the different types of spatulas.
7. Metal or Stainless Steel
A spatula made of metal or stainless steel is more resilient and long-lasting. It is a good material for a grilling or flipper spatula because it can readily withstand contact with extremely high temperatures.
Additionally, these spatulas may be cast with a very thin shape, making handling crumbly items easier.
Due to exposure to direct height, it is uncommon for this type of spatula to use the shape.
They typically have rounded corners, a square shape, and a beveled edge to prevent accidental hand-cutting.
To make it safer to use, the model you choose should have a thicker wooden handle.
Wood won’t heat up, whereas metal can go from barely warm to scalding hot in seconds.
If you’re not careful, this spatula can also harm the non-stick coating on pots or pans. This spatula is one of the different types of spatulas.
8. Icing Spatula
People may refer to the icing spatula, a spreading spatula, as a palette knife. It is primarily used to spread frosting, icing, or other substances on bread, cakes, and other items.
You can cut the cake with it, and it has a very thin shape that resembles a knife with a rounded tip.
9. Offset Spatula
An offset spatula is a shorter, narrower variation of the spreading spatula. Before the handle, they have a bend in them. As a result, you can cover a larger area without your wrist getting tired.
These spatulas are typically made of silicone or metal; plastic versions are extremely uncommon.
However, because of their limited range of motion and rarity, professional bakers frequently purchase only these spatulas. This spatula is one of the different types of spatulas.
10. Perforated Flipper Spatula
This kind of spatula, also known as a turner, has a long handle and a thin, wide trapezoid surface to hold the food.
This surface, also known as the blade, typically has holes that let you discard any liquid, such as sauce or grease.
Furthermore, use this kind of spatula to flip your items on a hot pan. Many of them are made of metal due to this use.
This enables you to use a thinner blade that can slide underneath the food without hurting it.
11. Plastic Spatula
Suppose you’re trying to set up your kitchen on a tight budget. In that case, plastic spatulas are typically very simple to find and inexpensive to purchase, and almost any type of spatula on the market will have a plastic version available.
They are simple to clean and durable enough to withstand dishwashers, heavy scrubbing, and dropped objects.
However, if you leave a plastic spatula on top of a hot skillet for any time, it will melt, lose its shape, and may leach chemicals into your food. This is one of the different types of spatulas.
12. Scraping Spatula
This type of spatula, typically made of plastic or rubber, is one of the most widely used and reasonably priced options available.
These are the same spatulas you enjoyed using as a child to assist your parents in the kitchen.
Typically, they have a rectangular blade with rounded edges that is extremely rough. They may have a rounded ridge on either or both sides of the blade.
Furthermore, this type of spatula can be used as a flipper and effectively scraps cookie dough from the bottom of the bowl.
If you’re not careful, scraping spatulas, typically a little thicker, can harm your more delicate food. They shouldn’t be near hot pans or open flames.
13. Silicone Spatula
These spatulas are marginally superior in terms of quality to rubber ones. They’re a nice alternative to a metal spatula if you use them with non-stick pans and cooking equipment.
Virtually any spatula design is available in silicone, but baking and confectionary making are their two biggest uses.
If you’re handling food with a strong aroma, like fried onions, it can easily transfer the scent into the spatula because it tends to hold stronger odors.
14. Slotted Spatula
The slotted varieties of spatulas share the perforated spatulas’ characteristics and shape.
Instead of a series of holes, they typically have slits along the blade, with each slot measuring about 14 inches wide.
The majority of the holes are larger than those on a perforated spatula. These spatulas have slits so the blade can slide under the food without shattering.
They’re a great choice if you’re making meatballs, crepes, or any other food that needs to hold a shape because of this. This is one of the different types of spatulas.
In addition to slicing food, you can also use this kind of spatula to flip it over and filter materials or food by leaving the solid portion on the blade and allowing the liquid to drain through the slots.
The slotted spatula family includes the turner, flipper, and fish spatula.
15. Spreading Spatula
Although much less common than flippers, you don’t fry with this spatula. Instead, you use them for plating your meals or in food décor, which is niche uses.
Spreading spatulas are useful for distributing thick frosting, gravy, or sauce on a flat surface.
They typically have a straight, long, thin, and unbroken design without holes or slits. The blade typically has dull, rounded edges and is made of plastic or metal.
Furthermore, you’ll use this spatula every time you want to spread cream cheese evenly on top of a big loaf of Pullman bread.
Spreading buttercream or icing on the sides of a sheet cake is also a breeze with silicone or rubber spreaders. This is one of the different types of spatulas.
16. Wood Spatula
The last kind of spatula on the list is made of wood, and they’re both affordable and environmentally friendly.
Anyone who wants to preserve their non-stick cooking pots or pans should use this material, which is very popular.
Additionally, they have a cool, comfortable grip that won’t burn your hand. This spatula can last for many years if properly cared for. After using it, you should wash it right away and thoroughly dry it.
Wood is an organic, porous material, providing a favorable environment for bacterial growth. However, if you wash it thoroughly after each use, you ought to be able to get rid of them.
This kind of spatula should also not be used when handling raw meat. This is one of the different types of spatulas.
17. Angled Spatula
This spatula has a slanted edge perfect for getting into tight spaces and corners. They are great for frosting cakes and cupcakes and reaching the bottom of jars.
In conclusion, spatulas are essential in every kitchen and come in various shapes, sizes, and materials.
Each type of spatula is designed for a specific task, so it’s important to have a variety of spatulas on hand to make cooking and baking easier and more efficient.
Whether you’re flipping pancakes, spreading frosting, or scraping bowls, there’s a spatula perfect for the job.
