A good ladle is an unsung hero in the kitchen, a tool you reach for nearly every day to serve up comforting meals. Whether you’re dishing out a hearty stew, a delicate broth, or a rich sauce, the right ladle makes the task clean, easy, and efficient. It’s a simple tool, but the differences in material, handle comfort, and bowl design can significantly impact your cooking and serving experience.
From protecting your expensive non-stick pots to ensuring you can pour gravy without a drip, the ideal ladle combines functionality with durability. We’ve researched and selected a range of top-performing ladles to help you find the perfect match for your kitchen, whether you prioritize eco-friendly materials, commercial-grade strength, or versatile features for canning and serving.
The Best Kitchen Ladles for Soups, Sauces, and More
- OXO Good Grips Nylon Ladle, Black, One Size
- Totally Bamboo Soup and Sauce Ladle
- Black 4 Ounce Soup Ladle – Stainless Steel & Silicone
- Norpro Stainless Steel Canning Ladle
- RSVP International Endurance Stainless Steel Ladle
- Cuisinart Stainless Steel Ladle
- Tovolo Silicone Ladle – Charcoal
- Winco Stainless Steel Ladle, 8-Ounce
- meekoo 3 Pieces Stainless Steel Ladle Set
- OXO Good Grips Nylon Ladle
OXO Good Grips Nylon Ladle, Black, One Size
The OXO Good Grips Nylon Ladle is a favorite for home cooks who value comfort and practicality. Its sturdy nylon construction is completely safe for use with non-stick cookware, preventing scratches and damage to your pots and pans. The soft, comfortable grip ensures a secure hold, even with wet or greasy hands, making portioning and serving soups, stews, and chilis a simple task.
This ladle is designed for everyday use, balancing a durable head with the ergonomic handle OXO is known for. It’s a reliable, no-fuss tool that performs consistently, making it a great foundational piece for any kitchen utensil collection.
Totally Bamboo Soup and Sauce Ladle
For those seeking a natural and sustainable option, the Totally Bamboo Ladle is an excellent choice. Crafted from natural Moso bamboo, this “bootensil” is a beautiful and functional alternative to plastic. Its 14-inch length provides ample reach into deep pots and large serving bowls, allowing you to easily access the contents at the bottom.
Bamboo is naturally gentle on all types of cookware, including nonstick surfaces, and is a durable material that resists odors and stains. This ladle brings a touch of organic style to your kitchen while performing its core function with ease.
Black 4 Ounce Soup Ladle – Stainless Steel & Silicone
This ladle combines the strength of stainless steel with the practical benefits of silicone. The CoolGrip handle remains comfortable to hold, even when serving hot liquids, keeping your hands safe from heat. The Flexedge silicone bowl is designed to be gentle on your cookware, making it a safe option for non-stick pots and pans.
With a 4-ounce capacity, it’s a versatile size for everyday serving tasks. The combination of materials offers a modern solution that is both durable and considerate of your kitchen equipment, and its dishwasher-safe design makes for easy cleanup.
Norpro Stainless Steel Canning Ladle
The Norpro Stainless Steel Ladle is a specialist tool that excels at canning but is also fantastic for general serving. Its generous 7-ounce capacity and dual spouts are the key features, allowing you to pour liquids or gravy cleanly from either side of the bowl. This design takes the mess out of filling jars or serving gravy directly onto a plate.
Made from durable stainless steel, this ladle is built to last and is easy to clean. If you frequently preserve foods or simply appreciate a ladle that offers precise pouring control, this model is a standout option.
RSVP International Endurance Stainless Steel Ladle
For those who need a large-capacity ladle, the RSVP International Endurance is an excellent choice. With a full one-cup capacity, it is perfect for efficiently serving family-style meals or for use in larger pots. Like the Norpro model, it features dual spouts for clean, controlled pouring from either side.
The 13.5-inch length provides good reach and leverage. Constructed from high-quality 18/8 stainless steel, this ladle is resistant to rust and corrosion, promising long-term reliability in a busy kitchen.
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Ladle
The Cuisinart Stainless Steel Ladle offers a blend of elegant design and straightforward functionality. Made from durable stainless steel, it has a timeless look that is suitable for both cooking and serving directly at the table. The handle is designed to be easy to hold and comfortable to work with during extended meal preparation.
This is a versatile, all-purpose ladle that fits well in any kitchen aesthetic. Its robust construction ensures it will be a dependable tool for serving soups, sauces, and more for years to come.
Tovolo Silicone Ladle – Charcoal
The Tovolo Silicone Ladle features a smart combination of a flexible silicone bowl and a sturdy stainless steel handle. The BPA-free silicone head is exceptionally gentle on non-stick cookware and is heat resistant up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The deep bowl allows for controlled pouring and serving with minimal spillage.
The ergonomic stainless steel handle keeps your hands a safe distance from steam and hot liquids, providing control and comfort. This ladle is a fantastic modern kitchen tool that prioritizes safety, functionality, and the protection of your pots and pans.
Winco Stainless Steel Ladle, 8-Ounce
Built for heavy-duty use, the Winco Stainless Steel Ladle is a commercial-grade tool that excels in a home kitchen. Its precisely measured 8-ounce bowl is ideal for portion control, making it great for serving at buffets or for consistent meal plating. The ladle is made from 1mm thick stainless steel, ensuring it can withstand daily use without bending or warping.
The curved handle provides a sturdy grip and includes a hook for convenient hanging storage. If you need a ladle that is virtually indestructible and highly functional, this is a top contender.
meekoo 3 Pieces Stainless Steel Ladle Set
The meekoo 3-piece set offers excellent value and practicality. Each stainless steel ladle has a 2-ounce capacity, and the handle is clearly marked with this measurement, which is useful for portioning. The design includes a practical pouring rim and a bent hook on the handle, allowing the ladle to rest securely on the edge of a pot or bowl without slipping in.
This set is ideal for those who like to have multiple utensils on hand or need smaller ladles for sauces and gravies. The smooth, burr-free surface and handy hanging hole make these ladles both user-friendly and easy to store.
OXO Good Grips Nylon Ladle
Another variant of the popular OXO Good Grips line, this nylon ladle continues the brand’s tradition of user-friendly design. It features the signature soft, comfortable grip that provides control and reduces hand fatigue. The nylon head is engineered to be safe for all non-stick cookware, protecting your investment from scratches.
It’s a well-balanced and reliable tool for daily kitchen tasks, from serving soup to ladling pancake batter. The focus on ergonomics and cookware safety makes it a consistently smart choice for any home cook.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Everyday Ladle
I use a ladle almost every day in my kitchen, and I have learned that not all ladles are created equal. Picking the right one can make the difference between a messy, frustrating experience and a smooth, efficient one. If you are looking for the best ladles for everyday cooking, there are a few key things I always consider.
First, think about the material. Stainless steel is my go-to for its durability and ease of cleaning. It does not react with acidic foods like tomatoes, and it is dishwasher safe. Nylon or plastic ladles are great if you use non-stick cookware, as they will not scratch the delicate surface. Just make sure they are heat-resistant. Silicone is another fantastic option, especially if it is reinforced with a stainless steel core. It is flexible, heat-resistant, and also safe for non-stick pans. Wooden ladles have a classic feel and are gentle on pots, but they require a bit more care and cannot go in the dishwasher.
The shape and capacity of the bowl are next on my checklist. A deep, round bowl is perfect for serving soups and stews with lots of broth. A more shallow, oval-shaped bowl, sometimes called a sauce ladle, is better for gravies or skimming fat off the top of stocks. Consider what you cook most often. For a family, a ladle with a larger capacity, around 6-8 ounces, is practical. For smaller households or more precise tasks like serving sauce, a 4-ounce ladle might be better.
Do not forget about the handle. A comfortable, secure grip is non-negotiable. I look for a handle with a slight curve or ergonomic design that feels good in my hand. The length is also crucial; a handle that is too short puts your hand dangerously close to steam, while one that is too long can be awkward to store. A hook or notch on the end is a small feature that makes a big difference, allowing you to rest the ladle on the pot’s rim without it sliding in.
Finally, consider the little details. How does it balance in your hand? Is there a sharp edge on the pouring lip that could drip? Is it easy to clean, with no hidden crevices? By thinking about the material, shape, and handle, you can find a ladle that feels like an extension of your arm. Investing in the right tool makes all the difference in your daily cooking routine.
FAQ
What is the best ladle material for a non-stick pot?
For non-stick cookware, you absolutely want to avoid metal ladles that can scratch and damage the coating. My top recommendations are silicone, nylon, or hard plastic. Silicone is often the best choice because it is highly heat-resistant, flexible, and very easy to clean. Look for one with a sturdy core, as flimsy silicone can bend too much when you are scooping something thick.
How do I prevent my ladle from dripping?
A good pouring lip is the secret to a drip-free ladle. I look for models that have a clearly defined, rolled, or pointed edge on the bowl. This design helps to channel the liquid cleanly and prevents it from running down the side of the ladle and onto my stovetop or counter. Some ladles even have a small notch on the side specifically for this purpose.
What size ladle do I need for cooking for a family?
For family-sized meals, I find a ladle with a capacity of 6 to 8 fluid ounces (about ¾ to 1 cup) to be the most useful. This size is efficient for serving soups, stews, and chili into bowls without having to go back for multiple scoops per person. It strikes a good balance between being substantial enough for the job without being overly heavy or cumbersome to handle.
Can I put my wooden ladle in the dishwasher?
I do not recommend it. The intense heat and water in a dishwasher can cause wooden ladles to crack, warp, or splinter over time. They can also harbor bacteria if they do not dry completely. To keep your wooden ladle in good shape, just hand wash it with mild soap and warm water, and let it air dry thoroughly before storing it.
Why are some ladle handles so long?
Long handles serve a couple of important purposes, especially when you are working with large stock pots or Dutch ovens. The primary reason is safety; a long handle keeps your hand a safe distance from hot steam and bubbling liquids. It also gives you better leverage for scooping from the bottom of a deep pot. For everyday cooking in standard-sized saucepans, a medium-length handle is usually perfect.
Is a slotted ladle useful for everyday cooking?
While a solid ladle is my workhorse, a slotted ladle is a handy specialized tool. I use mine for fishing solid items out of liquid, like serving boiled eggs, poached fruits, or dumplings from a broth. It is also great for draining canned vegetables or fruits. For general soup and sauce serving, a solid ladle is one of the best ladles for everyday cooking, but having a slotted one in the drawer is very convenient.