Jonathan's Spoons Spootle Named Best Wooden Spoon
Jonathan's Spoons Spootle won tests for its angled cherrywood head. The FAAY Teak Spoon was the best budget pick.
Jonathan's Spoons Spootle is the best overall wooden spoon, according to a test of 11 models by Serious Eats. The FAAY Teak Cooking Spoon was selected as the best budget-friendly option.
The tests evaluated scraping, stirring, and serving performance across four practical cooking challenges. The utensils were also assessed for comfort, durability, and how they held up to washing.
Smaller Handles Offer More Control
Comfortable handles proved essential. The favorite tools had shorter, moderately slim handles measuring about eight to 10 inches long and three-quarters to one inch wide. These provided good control for scraping and serving. Thicker handles, like those on the OXO Good Grips models, felt awkward and clunky. While shorter handles were preferred for control, a long handle, like the one on the Sabatier model, offers more leverage for stirring large pots.
Head Shape Defines Function
The shape of the implement's head dictated its best use. Models with a flat edge, like the winning Jonathan's Spoons product, excelled at scraping food from pan bottoms and navigating tight corners. The Field Company utensil, with its rounded shape coming to a point, was also effective in corners. These hybrid spoon-spatula shapes were more versatile than standard designs. Traditional round or oval heads, like those on the Sabatier and FAAY products, were efficient for serving generous portions and stirring large quantities of sauce.
Material and Edge Impact Performance
A thin, tapered edge was critical for effective scraping and serving. The Jonathan's Spoons winner has a steeply tapered edge that acts as a ramp for food. In contrast, the Made In product's thick edge struggled to clear food when scooping. The material also affected durability. Cherrywood utensils from Jonathan's Spoons and Field Company held up well. The Field Company finish stayed smooth and shiny after multiple washes. Teak, used in the FAAY model, was highly water-resistant. Beechwood products from Made In, OXO Good Grips, and Le Creuset dried out quickly, becoming rough after a single wash.
Top Tested Wooden Spoons
The tests identified clear winners in different categories. The key specifications for the top picks are detailed below.
| Model | Role | Material | Total Length | Handle Length | Head Width | Head Shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan's Spoons Spootle | Best Overall | Cherrywood | 12.25 inches | 8.75 inches | 2.5 inches | Angled |
| Field Company Cherry Wood Spoons & Spatulas | Best Set | Cherrywood | 12 inches | 8.75 inches | 2.3 inches | Oval with pointed corner |
| FAAY Teak Cooking Spoon | Best Budget | Teak | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Oval |
What Makes a Great Wooden Spoon
The ideal wooden kitchen tool has a comfortable, rounded handle eight to 10 inches long and three-quarters to one inch wide. It should have a deep bowl for serving and a thin, tapered edge for scraping. A flat side or pointed corner is a bonus for reaching into tight spaces. The testers concluded that the right implement combines these features with a durable wood like cherry or teak.
