Choosing the right cooking utensil for your non-stick pans is crucial for preserving their delicate surface. The wrong tool can lead to scratches, compromising the pan’s non-stick properties and shortening its lifespan. While metal utensils are a definite no-go, finding a spoon that is both gentle and effective is key to maintaining your cookware investment.
Wooden spoons have long been the preferred choice for chefs and home cooks alike, offering a perfect balance of durability and gentleness. They won’t scratch your pans, and they feel comfortable and natural in your hand. This roundup focuses on the best wooden and wood-alternative spoons that will keep your non-stick collection in perfect condition for years to come.
The Best Wooden Spoons for Your Kitchen
- Le Creuset Revolution Solid Spoon
- OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Wooden Spoon Set
- OXO Good Grips Wooden Corner Spoon & Scraper
- GIR: Get It Right Silicone Cooking Spoon
- John Boos Oil & Cream Applicator
- DI ORO Living Seamless Silicone Spatula Spoon
- Totally Bamboo 3-Piece Bamboo Spatula Set
- Larch Wood Canada Large Teak Spoon
Le Creuset Revolution Solid Spoon
Renowned for its high-quality cookware, Le Creuset brings the same standard of excellence to its wooden utensils. This solid spoon is crafted from durable beech wood, ensuring it is gentle on non-stick surfaces while being sturdy enough for everyday use. Its design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, making it a reliable tool for any kitchen.
A standout feature is the ergonomic elliptical grip, which provides exceptional comfort and control during stirring and sautéing. This thoughtful design minimizes hand fatigue, which is particularly useful during longer cooking sessions. To maintain its quality and longevity, hand washing is recommended for this piece.
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Wooden Spoon Set
For those seeking a comprehensive solution, the OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Set offers excellent value. Each spoon is made from solid beech wood and finished with a natural oil, which helps protect the wood and makes it safe for all your non-stick cookware. This set provides a variety of spoon shapes and sizes to handle different cooking tasks.
OXO’s commitment to user-friendly design is evident in the comfortable handles that provide a secure, non-slip grip. This set is ideal for building a foundation of reliable kitchen tools. Having multiple spoons on hand is perfect for preparing complex meals that require separate utensils for different ingredients.
OXO Good Grips Wooden Corner Spoon & Scraper
This specialized tool from OXO is designed to solve a common kitchen problem: efficiently scraping the corners of pots, pans, and bowls. Made from solid beechwood with a natural oil finish, it is completely safe for non-stick surfaces. Its unique flat, angled edge allows you to get into every corner without damaging your cookware.
The combination of a spoon and a scraper in one utensil makes it incredibly versatile. You can use it for stirring sauces, scraping batters from mixing bowls, or ensuring you get every bit of food from your pan. It’s a practical and space-saving tool that performs multiple functions with ease.
GIR: Get It Right Silicone Cooking Spoon
For a modern alternative to wood, the GIR silicone spoon is an outstanding option. It combines the functionality of a spatula, scoop, and mixing spoon into one seamless tool. Constructed from high-quality, heat-resistant silicone, it can withstand temperatures up to 425°F and is exceptionally gentle on non-stick coatings.
The hygienic one-piece design is a significant advantage, as it prevents food and odors from getting trapped in seams. This makes cleaning remarkably easy, and the spoon is both dishwasher-safe and stain-resistant. Its ergonomic grip ensures comfort, making it a versatile and reliable addition to any kitchen.
John Boos Oil & Cream Applicator
While not a cooking spoon, this tool is essential for maintaining the quality of your wooden utensils. The John Boos Oil & Cream Applicator is designed to provide a fast and professional way to apply conditioner to your cutting boards and wooden spoons. Proper maintenance keeps the wood from drying out, cracking, or absorbing odors.
The applicator is constructed from solid hardwood and includes a silver ion-treated sponge, which helps inhibit bacterial growth. Using this tool regularly will significantly extend the life of your wooden kitchen tools, ensuring they remain beautiful and functional for years to come. It’s an investment in the longevity of your entire collection.
DI ORO Living Seamless Series Silicone Spatula Spoon
Another excellent silicone alternative, the DI ORO Living Seamless Spatula Spoon, is designed with both durability and safety in mind. Its seamless construction ensures there are no crevices for food particles to hide, making it incredibly easy to clean and more hygienic than many traditional spoons. It is perfectly safe for use on all non-stick surfaces.
The flexible head acts as both a sturdy spoon for stirring and a effective spatula for scraping. This dual functionality makes it a versatile tool for everything from folding ingredients to serving portions. The comfortable, ergonomic handle provides a secure grip, giving you precise control while you cook.
Totally Bamboo 3-Piece Bamboo Spatula Spoon Set
Bamboo is a fantastic, sustainable material for kitchen utensils, and this set from Totally Bamboo offers great utility. Bamboo is naturally hard, making it very durable and resistant to moisture and odors. These spoons are an eco-friendly choice that is gentle on non-stick pans.
The set includes three different utensils, likely featuring a slotted spoon, a solid spoon, and a spatula, providing a good range for various cooking needs. Bamboo is also a lightweight material, which can reduce hand strain. This set is perfect for anyone looking to build an environmentally conscious kitchen.
Larch Wood Canada Large Teak Spoon
For a premium, handcrafted option, the Larch Wood Canada spoon is a beautiful choice. Made from teak wood, it is known for its natural oils and high density, making it exceptionally resistant to water, warping, and cracking. This spoon is built to last a lifetime and will develop a beautiful patina over time.
Each piece is individually crafted, ensuring a unique and high-quality utensil. The large size is ideal for cooking big batches in stock pots or Dutch ovens. Choosing this spoon means investing in a functional piece of artistry that is as gentle on your pans as it is pleasing to the eye.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Wooden Spoons for Non-Stick Pans
When I’m picking out a wooden spoon for my non-stick pans, I don’t just grab the first one I see. There are a few key things I always check for to make sure I’m getting a tool that will protect my cookware and last for years. The main goal is to find a spoon that is gentle on the delicate non-stick surface while still being functional and durable.
First, I look at the wood type. Hardwoods are my go-to because they are less porous and less likely to splinter. My top choices are maple, beech, and olive wood. These woods are dense, which means they won’t easily scratch the coating on my pans. I tend to avoid softer woods like bamboo for my non-stick collection. While bamboo is a great eco-friendly material, it contains a lot of natural silica, which can be harder than the non-stick coating and might lead to fine scratches over time. For my non-stick pans, I stick with traditional hardwoods for peace of mind.
Next, the finish and shape are super important. I always look for a spoon with a smooth, sanded finish. Any rough spots or seams can act like sandpaper against the pan’s surface. The shape of the head is a personal preference, but I find a slotted or perforated spoon is fantastic for draining liquids, while a solid, slightly curved head is perfect for stirring sauces and scraping the bottom of the pan without being too aggressive. The handle needs to feel comfortable in my hand. I give it a test grip, either in the store or by reading reviews online, to make sure it’s not too thick or too thin. A comfortable handle makes a big difference when I’m stirring a long-simmering pot of soup.
Finally, I consider the craftsmanship. A single piece of wood is generally stronger and more hygienic than a spoon made from glued-together pieces, as there are no seams for food and moisture to get trapped in. I also check how the manufacturer recommends I care for it. Proper maintenance is key to making my wooden spoons last. I never put them in the dishwasher, as the heat and water can cause the wood to warp and crack. Instead, I hand wash them quickly with mild soap and warm water, and I dry them immediately. Every few months, I treat them with a food-safe mineral oil to keep the wood from drying out. By choosing the right wooden spoons for non-stick pans and caring for them properly, I get a kitchen tool that is safe, effective, and built to last.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use a wooden spoon with my non-stick pan?
I use wooden spoons with my non-stick pans because they are much gentler than metal utensils. Metal can easily scratch and gouge the non-stick coating, which not only ruins the pan’s performance but can also introduce flakes of the coating into your food. Wood is soft enough that it glides over the surface without causing damage, preserving the life of my expensive cookware. Silicone is another safe option, but I often prefer the firmness and traditional feel of a good wooden spoon.
Is bamboo or wood better for non-stick pans?
This is a common question, and I have a clear preference. For my non-stick pans, I choose traditional hardwoods like maple or beech over bamboo. Bamboo is technically a grass and is incredibly hard and durable because it contains silica. This same hardness is what makes me cautious; it has more potential to gradually wear down the non-stick surface over many uses. Traditional hardwoods are still very durable but are slightly softer and more forgiving, making them the safer bet in my kitchen for protecting my pans.
How do I clean and care for my wooden spoons?
Caring for my wooden spoons is simple but important. I never, ever put them in the dishwasher. The intense heat and prolonged moisture can cause the wood to crack, warp, and lose its smooth finish. Instead, I wash them by hand with a little dish soap and warm water immediately after use. I make sure to dry them thoroughly with a towel right away instead of letting them air dry. To keep them from drying out and becoming brittle, I rub them with a food-safe mineral oil every few months. This keeps the wood conditioned and looking great.
Can wooden spoons harbor bacteria?
This is a myth I’m happy to debunk. When properly maintained, wooden spoons are very hygienic. The natural properties of wood actually inhibit the growth of bacteria. Studies have shown that bacteria placed on wood tend to die off, whereas they can survive on plastic surfaces. The key is to not let my spoons sit in water and to dry them completely after washing. I also avoid using a spoon with deep cracks or a fuzzy surface, as those can trap moisture and food particles. A smooth, well-cared-for wooden spoon is perfectly safe.
What is the best shape for a wooden spoon?
The “best” shape really depends on what I’m cooking. I like to have a few different shapes in my drawer. A spoon with a flat, straight edge is fantastic for getting into the corners of a square pan and for scraping up fond. A spoon with a round, bowl-shaped head is my favorite for stirring sauces and gravies. For lifting food out of liquids, like when I’m browning meat, a slotted wooden spoon is incredibly useful. So, I don’t think there’s one perfect shape; it’s about having the right tool for the job.
How long do wooden spoons typically last?
With good care, my wooden spoons can last for many years, often a decade or more. They are incredibly durable tools. The main reasons a wooden spoon might need replacing are if it develops a deep crack that can’t be sanded out, if it becomes excessively warped, or if the surface becomes rough and splintered. Regular oiling and proper hand-washing prevent these issues. I think of a good wooden spoon as a long-term investment for my kitchen, and my favorite ones have become well-worn, comfortable extensions of my hand while cooking.