The moment the word “spoonula” entered my consciousness was similar to when I was a child and learned that jars containing peanut butter It is jelly, in fact, existed. “Why didn’t I think of this magical concept?” I wondered. After all, I’ve worked as a professional baker and experienced first-hand the limitations of spatulas and spoons – combining the two was just brilliant. (Not to mention that this invention would have come in handy during my Smucker’s Strawberry Goober– feeding days.)
I immediately bought myself the GIR spoon (Giada De Laurentiis is a fan of the brand), and while I’ll probably always regret not having come up with the idea first, I’ll be forever grateful that someone thought of it. Now I can stir and spoon without dirtying an extra utensil, and for just $13 on Amazon? I’m tempted to buy one in each color.
Amazon
It’s a spoon! It’s a spatula! It’s a very clever invention that, unfortunately, won’t pay-for-my-retirement-because-it-wasn’t-my-idea! That said, it quickly earned a permanent place in my kitchen arsenal.
- Thin and flexible enough to get into the corners of bowls
- It is shaped like a spoon
- Heat resistant and dishwasher safe
- Does not scratch pans
- The larger size is a little thick for cleaning beaters and beaters
- Some reviewers say it has a strange taste if you taste food directly from it.
When I’m making cake batter or cookie dough, I opt for a silicone spatula instead of a wooden spoon (it gets into the corners of the bowl better for more effective mixing). That said, I prefer a spoon when I’m stirring sauces and soups, as the nougat allows me to scoop a little to taste the seasoning.
What makes this to harvest so genius is that it works just as well as a spatula and a spoon. I admit I assumed he would get high marks in the spoon department, but I was less confident in his scraping skills as a spatula. Well, the folks who developed this product at GIR proved me wrong; the edges are thin and flexible enough to fit into the crevices of my bowls, but sturdy enough that the head doesn’t wobble while navigating thick mixtures. And because it’s shaped like a spoon, tasks like, say, filling cupcake liners are easier because I can simply scoop out the runny batter instead of precariously holding the bowl and scraping. (See it in action below.)
The only problem I encountered? When using my KitchenAid stand mixer, I have to scrape the beater and mixing attachments, and because the spoon is thicker than a regular spatula, it doesn’t get between the teeth either. That said, I own the larger size (11 inches) and I’m sure the 8-inch mini version would be able to get the job done like a champ. Better add it to my cart now…
Besides baking, I find the spoon to be useful when you want to take something out of a jar and spread it on a piece of bread. A stiff butter knife is only good for so much when you’re trying to get that last bit of jelly or peanut butter (apparently I’ve got PB&J on the brain), but the curved shape of the spoon allows you to clean the bottom of the jar. So satisfying.
Stirring on the stove was also delicious. Even if I forget and leave the spoon in the pan, it’s never too hot for me to hold and I don’t have to worry about it melting (it’s heat resistant up to 550°F). It’s also soft enough that I can use it on any pan I own without scratching it.
As important as functionality is, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how aesthetically pleasing this tool is. Comes in 20 colors (and three sizes/styles) – I opted for lavender, which I keep in a utensil holder on my counter to add a little shine. I’ve only had it for about a month, so while I can’t speak to how it will hold up long term, I will say that it’s exactly the same as day one: no smudges, no warping. No, I haven’t exposed it to saffron yet, but tomato sauces are no match for it so far. (I only washed it by hand, but it can go in the dishwasher.)
So far, I hope I’ve inspired you to join me on Team Spoonula, but if you’re still on the fence, maybe some of your Amazon admirers can convince you.
“I prefer this type of spatula because it is a solid piece of silicone,” explained one happy home cook. “There is no gap between the handle and the head of the spatula, where food can get stuck and harbor bacteria. These spatulas are dishwasher safe, but I’ve found that if I wash them myself with hot soapy water, they last longer. Tomato sauces don’t stain them either.
“Absolutely will not burn or char on the hottest pans!” raved other. “I’ve had this item for two years, and even though it’s used daily, it still looks new!”
“I never thought I’d be so excited about a spatula!” exclaimed one third. “I got a second one. It really has the right consistency…not too soft like some others. It doesn’t get hot if left in the pan while cooking – this is a first for me.”
According to a reviewer, you may not want to eat directly from the spoon. “It worked reasonably well when cooking and baking, but left a strange taste on the tongue when testing/sampling items,” they wrote.
“I wish they were an inch longer, it would be easier to hold them,” said one ultimate fan (about the longest size). That said, they added, “I have two of these… and I use them every day.”
Amazon
Once you realize how often you’re reaching for this little accessory, you’ll be asking for a new color every time your birthday rolls around.
Another must-have in my kitchen? This is the Cadillac of zesters, in my opinion.
Amazon
Box graters are, well, “grated” if you have a large piece of cheese to grate. But when it comes to zesting lemons, limes, and oranges or shaving some parmesan onto a plate of food, this portable gadget is the place to go. It gives me a lot more control, which in turn means I cut myself a lot less, and it’s a gentler tool, allowing me to remove the tasty citrus peel without the bitter pit showing.
Check out my full Microplane review for more information.
If you have Amazon Prime, you will get free shipping of course. Not a member yet? No problem. You can sign up for a 30-day free trial here. (And by the way, those without Better Plus get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)
The revisions cited above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
