If you are one of the many cast iron cookware lovers, you may be wondering what is the best spatula to use with cast iron. I have been cooking with cast iron for over 50 years and used every different type of spatula under the sun. This is what I’ve learned.
The 6 things you should consider when choosing a spatula to use with your cast iron cookware are:
- The material used to make the blade.
- The size of the spatula.
- The thickness of the beveled edge.
- The material used to make the handle.
- The weight of the spatula.
- Ease of cleaning.
1. The Material Used To Make The Blade
The options available when choosing the best material for the spatula to be used with cast iron cookware are:
Metal
The best spatula to use with cast iron is made of stainless steel. Now that may sound strange because you may think that stainless steel or any other type of metal would damage the surface of cast iron. And, stainless steel could damage the polymerized coating on cast iron if used incorrectly. But, if used properly, stainless steel is the best and most durable type of spatula that can be used.
The characteristics that make a stainless steel spatula the best kind to use with cast iron cookware are strength and durability. The spatula made from stainless steel is:
- Strong enough to handle any kind of food, no matter how big and heavy.
- Gentle on the surface of the pan when used correctly.
- Durable enough to flatten those fat, juicy hamburgers without bending.
- The beveled edge is thin enough to easily slide under everything from hamburgers to pancakes.
- Made to last.
Be Careful: Although stainless steel spatulas are perfect for cooking on cast iron cookware as long as you don’t dig into the surface with a corner of the spatula’s beveled edge, they can scratch and damage certain kinds of cookware like coated cast iron and teflon coated pans.
You certainly don’t want damage either the cooking surface or the non-stick coating on the cookware. However, as long as you use it correctly, there you are good to go.
Related How to Remove Rust and Restore Cast Iron Skillets.
Silicone
Silicone spatulas are also excellent to use with cast iron cookware as well as all other types of cookware. If you cook with more than one kind of cookware, silicone will do a great job with all of them. This way you only have to have one spatula.
The primary characteristics of a silicone spatula that bring them rave reviews are:
- Will not damage any kind of surface.
- Can be used over high heat without melting or burning.
- Is dishwasher safe.
Wood
If you are a wooden spoon lover, you will be happy to know that a wooden spatula is also good to use with cast iron cookware. Wooden spatulas are strong and sturdy and will not damage the cooking surface of cast iron.
But, there are several disadvantages that come with using wooden spatulas. They are:
- Not as flexible as other spatulas.
- The edge can become dull with use making it hard to slide under foods.
- Can pick up odors from food and transfer those odors to other foods.
Plastic Is Not Recommended for Cast Iron
The only type of spatula that is not recommended for use with cast iron is plastic. The high heat used for cooking with cast iron would melt the plastic spatula.
Plus, plastic may contain the chemical BPA which has been linked to certain health issues including cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. This report from the NRDC (National Resources Defense Council), an environmental protection group, states that BPA is a “manmade industrial chemical” that is harmful to human health.
2. Spatula Size
Spatulas come in various sizes, from the width of the blade to the length of the handle. The size of spatula that you choose for your cast iron cookware will depend on your cooking habits and the foods that you normally cook.
A wide blade is good for turning larger pieces of meat as well as pancakes and other larger types of food.
A shorter handle makes turning fried eggs easier, while a long handle lets you flip foods that are cooking on the grill without getting your hands too close to the heat.
So choosing the size of the spatula you buy is a personal choice that you alone should make.
3. The Thickness Of The Beveled Edge
The thickness of the beveled edge is especially important when choosing a spatula to use with cast iron or any type of cookware. If the beveled edge is too thick, it will be difficult to slide it under more delicate foods like fried eggs in order to turn or flip them over.
4. The Material Used To Make The Handle
The importance of choosing the right handle for the spatula you will use with cast iron cookware is due to these two primary factors:
- A handle that is a poor conductor of heat which will remain cool to the touch and will not burn your hands is needed while cooking in a hot skillet over high heat.
- A handle that is easy to grasp and will not slip from your fingers while turning food or applying pressure to those hamburgers will avoid accidents that could make a mess on your stovetop and burn your hands.
5. The Weight And Balance Of The Spatula
Another important factor in choosing a spatula to use with cast iron or any cookware is the weight and balance of the spatula. If either the blade or the handle of the spatula is heavier than the other, it will be much harder and more awkward to use than if the two ends are equally balanced.
6. Ease Of Cleaning
Be sure to check out the instructions for cleaning before you buy a spatula. Some may be dishwasher safe, while some may not. So check to see if the spatula fits your dishwashing routine before you invest in that perfect spatula to use with your cast iron cookware.
Related Cast Iron Skillet Care | 8 Things You Must Know.
Best Spatulas For Cast Iron Cookware
Taking the 6 factors mentioned above which make the best spatula for cast iron cookware into consideration, here are my picks for the 4 best spatulas for cast iron cookware which give you a variety from which to choose.
1. Klaqqed Stainless Steel Spatulas (Set of Two)
My pick for the best spatula to employ is actually a set of two, one with a slotted blade, and one with a metal blade. Here are the reasons I chose them:
- Made of high-grade food-safe stainless steel.
- Has a 3.5” blade which is not too narrow and not too wide, with a 12.5” handle that is perfect for kitchen cooking.
- Has a deeply beveled blade that is thin enough to easily slide under any kind of food for turning.
- Has a wooden handle that will stay cool to the touch and which is ergonomically designed to allow a good grip during use.
- Weighs only 12.3 ounces, and the weight is evenly distributed.
- It is not dishwasher safe.
The only disadvantage for some to owning this set of spatulas is that they are not dishwasher safe and must be hand washed.
2. Zulay Long Stainless Steel Spatula (Best for Grilling)
Here is another stainless steel spatula that is 14.8” long and perfect for using on the grill. Here is why I chose this spatula:
- Made of premium quality stainless steel.
- Has that extra length to keep your hands at a safe distance from the heat of the grill or pot of hot oil if deep frying.
- Is slotted and thin to slide easily under any food you are cooking.
- Has an easy-grip handle that stays cool during use.
- Can be hand washed, but is dishwasher safe.
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee.
3. Tovolo Silicone Spatula
My favorite silicone spatula is made by Tovolo, which comes with these features:
- Turner head is made of BPA-free silicone which is safe to use with any kind of cookware.
- Measures 2.75” wide and 14” long.
- Beveled edge is thin to allow ease of sliding under any food you are cooking.
- Has a stainless steel handle that is heat resistant.
- Turner head is heat resistant up to 600℉.
- Is dishwasher safe.
4. Faay Wooden Spatula
This wooden spatula handcrafted from sustainable Teak wood from Thailand, is eco-friendly and comes with these important features:
- Is durable and healthy to use with high moisture resistance.
- Can be used with any kind of cookware.
- Measures 2.5” wide and 11.5” long.
- Blade is flatter than most wooden spatulas for ease of sliding it under the food that is being prepared.
- Entire spatula is from a single piece of wood that is naturally heat resistant.
- Hand wash and hang to dry.
- Comes with 100% warranty.
- Can be ordered for right- or left-handed users.
I hope this article has helped you choose the best spatula for your needs.
Thanks for stoppin’ by!
Jelly Grandma
For more, don’t miss 5 Best Cast Iron Seasoning Oils (Advice From a 50-Year Chef).
Hi, I’m Anne but my grandchildren call me Jelly Grandma. I have over 50 years of experience as a Southern cook and am a retired librarian. I love sharing what I have learned. You can find me on YouTube as well! Just click the link at the bottom of your page.
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