The right barbecue turner is more than just a flipping tool—it’s an extension of the griller’s skill. A quality spatula provides the leverage, precision, and durability needed to handle everything from delicate fish fillets to hefty burgers without falling apart. The wrong one can lead to frustration and ruined meals.
Choosing the perfect turner depends on your grilling style. Are you working with a flat top griddle, a traditional grate grill, or need a multi-functional tool? Factors like handle comfort, blade flexibility, and overall construction are critical. This roundup breaks down the best options available to help you find the ideal tool for your next barbecue.
The Best Barbecue Turners for Your Grill
- MANNKITCHEN Professional Grade Stainless Steel Spatula
- Mercer Culinary Hell’s Handle Heavy Duty Turner
- New Star Foodservice Wood Handle Flexible Grill Turner
- GrillPro Stainless Steel Tong/Turner Combination
- Stainless Steel Metal Griddle Spatula
- Winco Stainless Steel Turner with Wood Handle
- OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Turner
- Weber Style Stainless Steel Slotted Turner
MANNKITCHEN Professional Grade Stainless Steel Spatula
For those who frequently use cast iron skillets or flat top grills, the MANNKITCHEN spatula is a top-tier choice. Its hardened stainless steel construction is designed for effective surface leveling and scraping on even the toughest cooking surfaces. The precision beveled straight edge ensures optimal food release, making it simple to slide under foods without tearing them apart.
Comfort is a key feature with the single-piece hardwood handle, which is naturally heat resistant. This one-piece design also eliminates weak points where handles typically break, promising long-term reliability. It’s a robust tool built for serious, repetitive use in a home kitchen or outdoor cooking station.
Mercer Culinary Hell’s Handle Heavy Duty Turner
The Mercer Culinary Hell’s Handle turner is engineered for high-heat environments, making it a favorite for commercial kitchens and intense grilling sessions. Its blade is precision ground from stainless steel, offering a perfect balance of flexibility and stiffness for getting under food with ease. This tool is built to perform under pressure and resist warping.
True to its name, the handle is designed to withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit without melting. The dual-textured finish provides an exceptional grip, even with wet or greasy hands. For a tool that guarantees performance and safety near high heat, this is a standout option.
New Star Foodservice Wood Handle Flexible Grill Turner
If you need a long-reach turner for a large grill or to keep a safe distance from the heat, the New Star Foodservice model is an excellent pick. At 21 inches, it provides ample reach while maintaining control. The stainless steel blade is both solid and perforated, allowing excess grease to drain away from your food.
This turner features a classic and reliable design with a wooden handle that is securely riveted to the blade. Its commercial quality construction means it can handle the demands of a busy home cook or a professional food service setting. It’s a straightforward, effective tool that gets the job done.
GrillPro Stainless Steel Tong/Turner Combination
The GrillPro combination tool is a space-saving innovation for grillers who appreciate versatility. This unique tool functions as a turner, a pair of tongs, or both at once, eliminating the need to switch between utensils mid-cook. The red soft-grip rubber inserts ensure a secure and comfortable hold.
When it’s time to clean up, the tool features a manual lock that folds it into a compact shape for easy storage. It’s an ideal solution for grilling kits, camping trips, or anyone with limited drawer space who still wants a full set of grilling tools at their fingertips.
Stainless Steel Metal Griddle Spatula
This heavy-duty griddle spatula is built for large-scale cooking tasks on flat surfaces. With a generous 4×8 inch surface, it’s perfect for flipping multiple pancakes, burgers, or scraping down a griddle. The professional-grade stainless steel is non-reactive, hygienic, and designed to last.
The blade’s substantial thickness makes it a durable tool that won’t bend under pressure. Whether you’re running a breakfast shift or hosting a big backyard barbecue, this spatula provides the sturdy, reliable performance needed to manage large quantities of food efficiently.
Winco Stainless Steel Turner with Wood Handle
The Winco turner combines a classic aesthetic with practical functionality. It features a slotted, ergonomic blade that makes flipping food and draining grease a simple process. The brushed stainless steel is easy to clean and maintains its appearance over time.
A unique feature of this turner is its edged-end, which can function as a cutting tool during grilling. This allows you to test the doneness of meats or make quick cuts without needing a separate knife. The smooth wooden handle is securely riveted for a solid feel and comfortable grip.
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Turner
OXO is renowned for its user-friendly kitchen tools, and their stainless steel turner is no exception. It is designed with a focus on comfort, featuring the iconic Good Grips handle that is soft, non-slip, and comfortable to hold for extended periods. This makes it a great choice for those with hand fatigue or arthritis.
The blade is thin and flexible enough to slide effortlessly under delicate foods like cookies, fish, or eggs without damaging them. Despite its flexibility, it is strong and durable for everyday use. It’s a thoughtfully designed tool that prioritizes the user’s experience.
Weber Style Stainless Steel Slotted Turner
Weber is a trusted name in grilling, and their slotted turner lives up to the brand’s reputation for quality. Crafted from durable stainless steel, this turner is built to resist rust and withstand the elements, making it a reliable part of your outdoor cooking arsenal season after season.
The slotted design allows for easy draining of fats and oils while flipping burgers, steaks, or vegetables. The handle is designed for a secure grip and a comfortable feel. As part of the Weber Style line, it’s designed to work seamlessly with their grills and other accessories.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Barbecue Turner
Choosing a barbecue turner feels simple, but the wrong one can make your grilling session frustrating. I’ve flipped my share of burgers and learned that a good turner is an extension of your arm. It needs to feel right and work even better. Here’s what I look for when I’m picking out one of the best barbecue turners for grilling.
First, let’s talk about the head. The shape and size matter more than you think. A wide, slotted head is my go-to. The width gives you stability when you’re flipping a large, delicate fish filet or a hefty burger, preventing it from breaking apart. The slots, or perforations, are crucial because they allow excess grease and juices to drain away. This means you get a better sear instead of your food steaming in its own fat. For really delicate tasks, like fish, a thin, flexible head can slide right under the skin without causing a disaster.
Next up is the handle. This is your point of contact, so comfort and safety are non-negotiable. I always look for a long handle to keep my hands a safe distance from the heat. A good grip is essential, especially when your hands are greasy. Materials like silicone or textured rubber provide a secure hold. Also, check if the handle stays cool. Some are designed with heat-resistant materials, which is a feature I now consider a must-have after a few close calls with hot metal.
The material of the turner itself dictates its durability and performance. Stainless steel is a classic for a reason—it’s strong, rust-resistant, and easy to clean. It’s my top choice for a workhorse tool that will last for years. You’ll also find turners made from nylon or other polymers. These are great because they won’t scratch your expensive grill grates or non-stick pans, but you need to make sure they’re rated for high heat so they don’t melt on your grill.
Finally, think about the little extras. A built-in bottle opener might seem like a gimmick, but when you’re at the grill, it’s surprisingly handy. Some turners have a sharpened edge for cutting or scoring meat right on the grill. Others come with a hanging hole for easy storage. While these features aren’t deal-breakers, they can add a lot of convenience to your overall grilling experience. By considering the head, handle, material, and extra features, you can find a turner that feels like it was made just for you and your grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for a barbecue turner?
For most people, a high-quality stainless steel turner is the best bet. It’s incredibly durable, resists rust, and can handle high grill temperatures without any issues. It’s also easy to clean and is a real workhorse. If you’re worried about scratching ceramic or non-stick grill grates, a heat-resistant nylon turner is a great alternative. Just double-check the manufacturer’s maximum heat rating to ensure it’s safe for your grill.
Why do some turners have slots or holes in them?
Those slots are a key design feature. Their main job is to allow excess fat, oil, and juices to drain away from the food as you flip it. This helps prevent flare-ups from dripping grease and promotes a better, crisper sear on your meat instead of it boiling in its own juices. A slotted turner is generally more versatile than a solid one.
How long should a good barbecue turner be?
I prefer a turner with a handle that’s at least 12 to 16 inches long. This length gives you plenty of reach, keeping your hands and forearms safely away from the intense heat of the grill. A longer handle also provides better leverage, making it easier to slide under heavy items like a full rack of ribs or a large portobello mushroom without struggling.
Can I use a regular kitchen spatula on the grill?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it for regular use. Most kitchen spatulas have shorter handles and plastic or wood components that aren’t designed to withstand the direct, high heat of a barbecue. They can melt, warp, or even burn, becoming a safety hazard. It’s much safer and more effective to use a tool specifically designed for grilling, like one of the dedicated best barbecue turners for grilling.
What’s the benefit of an angled turner?
An angled head, often called a fish turner, is a game-changer for delicate foods. The thin, beveled edge allows you to slide the turner effortlessly under foods with a fragile crust or skin, like fish fillets, pancakes, or eggs. It provides a lot more precision than a thick, straight-edged turner, significantly reducing the chance of your food falling apart during the flip.
How do I clean my barbecue turner?
The best method depends on the material. For stainless steel, I usually just toss it in the dishwasher for a thorough, sanitized clean. If you need to hand-wash it, warm soapy water and a scrub brush work perfectly. For nylon turners, hand-washing is typically recommended to preserve the material. Always check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to be sure, and make sure your turner is completely dry before storing it to prevent any rust or mildew.