Guide Note

A spatula is a flat kitchen utensil used for cooking. There are two types of spatulas: flexable spatulas and thin edge spatulas.

The flexible spatula has flexible sides so that it can cleanly scrape out the contents of a pan or bowl.

A thin edge spatula is a flat thin instrument, often metal or plastic, that can slide under food items, such as cookies or eggs, and lift them out or turn them over.

Fast Facts

1. Price range: $1 to over $100
2. Two types flexible and thin edge
3. Some are heat resistant
4. Some are non-stick
5. Caution: Don't use metal spatulas on non-stick pans

Flexible spatulas can be made of a variety of materials. The most common material being rubber. For heat resistance the best styles are made of silicone.

Silicone spatulas are flexible and heat resistant up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. These are great for cooking or scraping out hot pans. Be sure that you get one that is pure silicon. Sometimes silicone products are made with fillers. These fillers can burn and cause an unpleasant smell and taste. To check for fillers bend the silicone part of the spatula and look to see if there is a while line or cracks where you bent it. Pure silicone does not have any mark when bent.

There are many different sizes for flexible spatulas. The wider spatulas make quick work of cleaning out bowls of batter but don't fit into jars of mayonnaise. Its a good idea to get one of large and one small to cover nearly every spatula job.

Choosing a dark colored spatula will hide stains better.

Thin edge spatulas are thin at the edge to easily slide under food. They are usually metal or plastic. Some have a non-stick coating so that they can be used in non-stick pans without damaging them.