Spatulas are some of the busiest kitchen tools and are used for a wide range of functions involving very high temperatures. When choosing a spatula, you want one that's versatile enough to serve all of the tasks you need and one that can handle high heat without melting. This is where silicone spatulas come in: the best silicone spatulas are temperature resistant, suitable for use with your delicate non-stick pots and pans, and are sturdy yet flexible enough to complete any task.
What are Silicone Spatulas?
A spatula is a hand-held kitchen utensil with a broad, flat, blunt, and somewhat flexible blade used for lifting, flipping, or spreading. Spatulas come in different shapes and sizes, each designed with a particular function in mind. Generally, spatulas are classified as flippers (turners), spreaders, and scrapers. Spatulas are typically made of plastic, metal, wood, nylon, or silicone, with each material offering different characteristics. A spatula is an integral part of cooking and is especially necessary when frying foods that need flipping. Silicone spatulas tend to be the most popular option as they are durable, efficient, and safe to use on a variety of surfaces.
Why Should I Choose a Silicone Spatula?
Here are some features of silicone spatulas that set them apart from alternatives:
- Silicone spatulas are well suited for use with non-stick cookware.
- Silicone spatulas are sturdy yet flexible, making them remarkably easy to handle and use.
- The best silicone spatulas are heat resistant, usually up to about 600°F, rendering them suitable for any high heat applications.
- A silicone spatula does not conduct heat, keeping your hands safe from burns while you handle hot food.
- Silicone spatulas do not absorb moisture or darken over time as wood spatulas do.
- The best silicone spatulas are made from food-grade silicone and are safe to use with all food.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Silicone Spatula?
Now that we've shown you the advantages of silicone over other materials, we'll now show you exactly how to make the best choice while spatula shopping. Although silicone offers amazing benefits, not all silicone spatulas are built equal; differences abound where size, durability, flexibility, heat resistance, shape, and other factors are concerned. To help you make an informed choice, we are providing you with a guide— one that explores the features necessary for consideration— in addition to the list of the best silicone spatulas we have provided to you.
Heads and Handles
This is one of the most important considerations when selecting a spatula. The head is the part of the spatula that makes contact with the food, while the handle is the part of the utensil you grip that lets you control the spatula. Spatula heads come in different configurations— the larger heads are more efficient and easier to use but are not suitable for small containers. To choose what sort of spatula head you want, you should consider what functions you need it to serve. Mid-sized spatula heads are a good compromise as they can be the most versatile.
With spatula handles, you want something that's long enough to keep your hands away from heat. You don't want a handle too narrow or bulky, as this could present problems with handling the food efficiently. Generally, you want a spatula with an ergonomic, non-slip handle for ease of operation and better control. For an added bonus, some handles even have a hole on the end to hang up to dry after washing.
Shape
Aside from the size, the shape of your spatula is also essential to your cooking experience. There is no hard or fast rule to this as each shape offers its own unique advantages. Some heads slightly taper with rounded corners, some have a two-in-one design with a straight edge and a curved edge, and some are flatter than others. All that matters is you choose something well-suited to your particular needs.
Texture
The texture of a spatula is a very important consideration. The best spatulas are sturdy enough to handle weight and pressure without breaking but are still flexible enough to reach the pot's edges. The trick here is to find something that balances both of these to the degree you require. Silicone spatulas also boast a smooth surface that wipes clean easily, so be sure to get a spatula with a smooth, even texture to avoid food getting stuck on it.
Temperature Resistance
One of the major advantages silicone spatulas offer is their resistance to high heat. Naturally, it should be one of your top considerations when choosing a silicone spatula. Typically, these pieces of equipment offer a temperature resistance of up to 600°F. You should pay attention to what range of temperatures the spatula you're interested in can work with without getting denatured or bleached.
Odor Resistance
Another reason we prefer silicone spatulas is that they generally don't absorb moisture like wooden ones, so they do not hold on to smells. But as with all functions, the degree to which this is true depends on your particular model. Before making a choice, it may be helpful to look at customer reviews, as these offer information on how well the model functions in real-world conditions.
Ease of Cleaning
Because spatulas are cooking utensils, cleanliness is an important consideration. You don't want a spatula that holds on to food particles or one that has crevices where they can hide. The best silicone spatulas have a smooth, non-stick surface, making them easy to clean. They also use a single seamless piece of silicone for both the head and handle, ensuring there are no crevices for food particles to get caught in. Spatulas that are dishwasher safe are a good choice as well.
Color
Aesthetics are always a factor to consider. Thankfully, silicone spatulas come in a variety of colors for you to choose from. Choose whatever appeals to you— there is no right or wrong choice here.
How Much Does a Silicone Spatula Cost?
Silicone spatulas usually come in sets that can cost as little as $7 or as much as $200 if you buy in bulk. This figure depends on the number of pieces per set, heat resistance, flexibility, brand, and other factors.
Silicone Spatula FAQ
Q: Are silicone spatulas safe for use?
A: Yes, the best silicone spatulas are made from food-grade silicone and are safe to use with food items.
Q: Are all silicone spatulas heat-resistant?
A: Not all silicone spatulas are built equal. Silicone spatulas typically offer some sort of heat resistance, but the extent of this depends on the particular unit and its quality. They can range from resistance from 400°F up to as much as 600°F.
Q: Is silicone the best build material for spatulas?
A: While silicone offers a range of advantages over its competition, at the end of the day, it really depends on your preference. Silicone spatulas are typically heat-resistant, sturdy yet flexible, odor-resistant, easy to clean, and suitable for use with non-stick cookware. They effortlessly scrape surfaces clean, ensuring that you get every last bit of food, and are built to last.