In the heart of every kitchen that buzzes with the aroma of home-cooked meals and the warmth of homemade preserves, lies a tool so ordinary yet so useful – the wooden spoon. With its gentle touch on delicate surfaces, preventing scratches on your cherished pots and pans, the wooden spoon is often a forgotten player in cooking activities.
Among a wide range of designs, the long-handled wooden spoon version stands out, especially when the season of jams, chutneys, and preserves rolls around. It’s not just about stirring and not scratching your pan; it’s also about keeping your hands some distance away from the bubbling, molten magic.
The market is brimming with options each with its own charm. Through this review, I aim give you some idea about the choices, highlighting the pros and cons of each.
REVIEWS
Beech Wooden Spoon
PRICE: £1.49**
LENGTH: 30cm
FEATURES:
- Made from high-quality beechwood.
- Long handle for more reach and control.
- Good grip for wide range of uses.
PROS:
- Traditional construction and a great price.
- The long handle makes it ideal for stirring pots of hot preserves.
- Comfortable grip makes it a pleasure to use.
CONS:
- May have a smaller than expected bowl relative to the handle length.
- Some users found that the spoon could be rough in places.
- Requires some care to maintain the wood’s condition.
Lakeland Beech Wood Solid Spoon
PRICE: £3.99**
LENGTH: 30cm
FEATURES:
- Crafted from solid beechwood for strength and durability.
- Wider bowl than some spoons.
- Long handles provide excellent reach and control.
PROS:
- Attractive looking spoon.
- Other matching wooden kitchen utensils are available.
- Comes with a Lakeland 3-year guarantee.
CONS:
- The larger bowl may make it difficult to stir in smaller bowls/pans.
- Some splintering may occur if the spoon is subject to heated liquids for long periods of time.
- Requires handwashing to maintain the wood’s condition.
Chef Aid Wooden Spoon
PRICE: £3.98**
LENGTH: 30.5cm
FEATURES:
- Sustainably sourced beechwood construction.
- Long handle for comfortable grip and control.
- Smooth finish for easy cleaning and maintenance.
PROS:
- Affordable.
- Does not damage non-stick surfaces.
- Long handle to allow for safer stirring of hot liquids/foods.
CONS:
- Could be a bit awkward to manoeuvre given the handle length.
- Some users found the wood rough and splintery in parts; and resorted to sanding the item.
- Handwashing is strongly recommended and well as hand-drying to preserve the wood’s finish.
Long-Handle Wooden Spoon – Set of 2
PRICE: £6.95**
LENGTH: 33cm
FEATURES:
- Natural wood construction with hole on handle for storing on a hook.
- Long handle.
- Smooth finish prevents splinters and encourages easy cleaning.
PROS:
- Affordable price: and you get two of the spoons.
- Long handle offers a good range of reach for stirring deep pots and pans.
- Lightweight, with a comfortable grip.
CONS:
- Basic design that lacks additional features.
- Some users found the spoon to be too lightweight.
- Requires occasional oiling to maintain the wood’s condition, and limit chipping.
A good spoon can transform your cooking experience, offering not just functionality but also injecting a sense of tradition and craftsmanship into every dish you create. Whether you’re simmering a pot of your grandmother’s secret recipe, crafting a batch of preserves that taste like summer in a jar, or simply sautéing vegetables for a weeknight dinner, a long-handled wooden spoon can become a faithful and favourite companion.
Remember, to consider factors such as construction quality, usability, versatility, and ease of cleaning to select a spoon that doesn’t just meet your needs but exceeds your expectations.
Investing in one (or perhaps, a couple) supports your adventures in cooking and preserving but also adds a note of traditional craftsmanship to your kitchen tool collection.
**Note:
The prices listed here were correct at the time of this review was written. For up-to-date prices, please visit the relevant retailer’s website.