Spoons

A spoon is one of the cook's most handy tools; it can be used for mixing, stirring, beating, folding, lifting and tasting. Available in both wood and metal, each material is ideal for a particular set of kitchen tasks.

Wooden Spoons

The ubiquitous wooden spoon is one of the most useful tools in the kitchen and invaluable for beating, mixing and stirring. It will not scratch or damage non-stick surfaces, and as wood is a poor conductor of heat, it will never become too hot to hold.

Choose a spoon with a bowl that has a fairly thin edge so that you will be able to reach right into the corners of your pans; alternatively, some spoons have an angled side specially designed to help you do this. Spoons made from a close-grained wood such as beech or box will be less likely to split than other woods.

Metal Spoons

Whilst wooden spoons are ideal for stirring and beating, metal spoons perform quite a different function. They are perfect for gently folding delicate mixtures together or for transferring food from pan to dish. Slotted spoons are good for serving pieces of food cooked in liquid; the excess liquid drains through the holes, keeping the food whole and relatively dry. Metal spoons should also be used for tasting, as wood can hold flavour from its last use.