Wooden Spoon
Purpose
A gentle, heat-resistant stirring tool that won't scratch non-stick coatings or react with acidic foods. The wooden surface provides good grip on food and comfortable handling even during long cooking sessions.
Usage
Use for stirring sauces, scraping fond from pan bottoms (softer than metal, won't damage the pan), and tasting by placing a small amount on the back. A flat-edged wooden spoon is particularly good for scraping flat surfaces. Keep multiple sizes for different tasks.
Buying Guide
Choose hardwood — olive wood, beech, or maple. Avoid softwoods like bamboo if you need to scrape aggressively. One-piece construction is more hygienic than glued. A flat edge and a rounded edge gives versatility. Get 3-4 in various sizes. Artisan options are beautiful but any hardwood spoon works.
Materials
Best For
- stirring
- scraping
- tasting
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only. Never soak or put in dishwasher — wood will crack and warp. Oil periodically with food-safe mineral oil to prevent drying.