They say that the best way to judge a restaurant is to see how many customers are eating there. The same can be said for buying fish spatulas. If you’re not sure which one to buy, here are 10 of them worth considering before making your final decision!
But before we get into it, let’s talk about the factors you need to consider to make sure you’re making the right choice.
What Is a Fish Spatula?
A fish spatula is a kitchen tool made to assist in handling fish while cooking. It is a long and wide metal spatula with slots that help drain away any excess liquids (i.e., when poaching fish like salmon, you can use the slots to squeeze lemon juice over the fillets).
Although it is called a fish spatula, it’s not just for cooking fish. You can also use it to turn other types of food such as burgers or even pancakes if they’re roughly shaped like a fish! But since we’re talking about using these spatulas mainly on fish in this article, let’s get into the details so you’ll know which ones are worth buying later on.
Even if you don’t particularly eat a lot of fish, who doesn’t love fish cooked in lemon and dill sauce? Or grilled fish with a savory rub? The possibilities are endless once you learn how to cook fish. And now, using the right spatula will also be part of that experience!
Factors to Consider Before Buying Fish Spatulas
Material
Most fish spatulas are made out of metal, but there are also wooden and silicone ones available. A good fish spatula is made out of a strong material that will not bend or break easily – you don’t want them breaking apart when you’re trying to turn over the perfect filet mignon!
The most common materials used for fish spatulas include stainless steel, copper, plastic, wood (such as oak), and silicon-coated metal. Although we can talk about the benefits of each in another article, let’s get into what makes a good one from the three most popular types: stainless steel, copper, and silicon-coated metal.
Stainless Steel
There are several advantages to using stainless steel fish spatulas. The first advantage is its durability – stainless steel is used in the production of high-quality kitchen utensils because it doesn’t break apart easily even while under heavy pressure. The second advantage is that it does not rust due to its corrosion resistance (although this can also be a problem if you happen to scratch the spatula, as scratches are more vulnerable to rusting).
Steel fish spatulas are especially recommended for people who have a harder time gripping them, such as those with arthritis or other forms of hand pain. Furthermore, this material is relatively light which allows for greater ease in turning over your food. This makes stainless steel one of the most popular choices among fish spatulas!
Copper
Although copper isn’t particularly resistant to corrosion and has a higher risk of being scratched, your fish spatula will look good for years with little maintenance. This is because copper naturally acquires a dark patina in time!
Currently, the most important advantage over stainless steel is that copper can be heated to a higher temperature than it can handle itself before melting! This makes cooking fish easier as the metal won’t break apart or oxidize when reaching high temperatures.
Another reason you may want to consider using a copper spatula for cooking fish is its ability to withstand acid well – as we all know, lemon juice plays an important role in poaching salmon or other types of white fish, and since copper does not react with acids very much (or at all), your spatula will not be affected by the acidity of these liquids.
Additionally, copper can also prevent bacteria from growing, so these types of spatulas are recommended for people with weak immune systems! However, there’s one significant disadvantage of using a copper spatula – they are very expensive!
So, although they’ll last you forever and make your cooking experience better overall, if budgeting is an issue for you then we recommend considering a different material instead (such as stainless steel). It all boils down to what works best for you depending on your needs!
Silicone-coated metal
This type of fish spatula is made out of an aluminum alloy or stainless steel that has been coated with silicon. Overall, these spatulas are very easy to clean and completely non-reactive – this means no browning when cooking food!
As it is a type of metal, silicone-coated metal fish spatulas can be used at higher temperatures without breaking apart or melting. However, unlike stainless steel, it won’t naturally oxidize over time which makes cleaning much easier! The downside is that they can neither resist corrosion nor prevent bacteria from growing as copper fish spatulas do.
The grip on these types of spatulas is a bit different than the other two because silicone makes them more malleable – you can squeeze the handle slightly if needed in order to get a stronger grip, which is why silicone-coated metal spatulas are recommended for people who have larger hands.
However, since these types of spatulas are still quite thin compared to other kitchen utensils, they will not last you as long – you may want to consider stainless steel or copper instead if durability is your top priority! Generally, silicone-coated metal fish spatulas are an excellent choice if you’re just beginning cooking and need something affordable that can withstand a few years’ worth of heavy use without breaking apart.
Shape
It is important that you buy a fish spatula that angles upward towards the opposite end of the handle. The upside-down angle that these types of spatulas have allows for a wider variety in terms of cooking techniques! For example, you can use it to lift fish fillets from liquids or even slide underneath them to get an all-over browning if you so choose – this is especially handy when making fried fish!
As mentioned previously, be sure to pick one that has flexibility and strength. As long as they’re made out of aluminum or stainless steel (as opposed to copper), most models should work well in both cases! Finally, make sure to consider the size as well – it’s important that it fits well with your needs.
Based on the criteria above, here’s the top 10 fish spatula’s that I think will work perfectly for you.
1. Victorinox Wood Slotted Fish Turner
The Victorinox fish spatula is the best all-rounder spatula because it satisfies all of the criteria we mentioned above. Made out of high-quality aluminum (which has been anodized to create a smoother surface), this fish spatula will last you forever – I’ve personally had mine for 8 years so far and there are no visible signs of wear and tear or rust at all! The flipper is also very strong, able to lift even the heaviest filets and burgers without bending! Additionally, it doesn’t have too much curve like other models, nor does it stick to your food or scratch it when being used -this makes its durability stand out even more!
The curved handle is comfortable to grip as well. It has just the right amount of flexibility that allows you to squeeze it if needed in order to get a better purchase.
The only downside of this model is that it’s not dishwasher-safe – if you’re someone who loves to hand-wash your kitchenware, this isn’t an issue, but if you have concerns about hygiene then you may want to consider another type of spatula instead! Fortunately, the Victorinox fish spatula is still very affordable for its quality – less than $25 on Amazon – especially considering how long it will last! Overall, I highly recommend this product for anybody looking for an excellent all-rounder with durability and strength in mind. It should take care of everything from flipping pancakes to flipping fish fillets.
2. Wüsthof Pro 6.5inch Slotted Fish Spatula
If you don’t like washing dishes by hand, then the Wüsthof Pro Slotted fish spatula is a good choice for you. Unlike most other spatulas, it’s made of polycarbonate and has a non-stick-coated surface that is extremely easy to clean! With careful use, I suspect this spatula should last you at least 5 years.
This particular model has slightly better flexibility than both stainless steel and aluminum models but sacrifices some durability as well.
Unfortunately, the handle is not as ergonomic, but it’s definitely thicker and more sturdy than most traditionally shaped fish spatulas.
One feature that sets this model apart from similar products is the fact that the flipper of the Wüsthof Pro is slightly wider than any other fish spatula. This means you can flip larger pieces of food with ease – if you’re cooking for a bigger family then this may be very important to you!
Another good thing about this model is that it’s reasonably priced – about $15 on Amazon. Of course, from this perspective, the Victorinox Fish spatula seems like a luxury spatula, but the Victorinox is in a league of itself.
Overall I would recommend this model to anyone looking for an easy-to-clean fish spatula with small disadvantages in terms of quality and performance.
3. Lamson Sharp Chef’s Slotted Turner
The LamsonSharp fish spatula is the only spatula with a left-handed version on Amazon, which is important for all the lefties out there! The flipper is made out of stainless steel and has just the right amount of flexibility to make it comfortable to use. In fact, this model comes in (for now) two versions -one for each hand.
It is similar to the Victorinox spatula, but just a tad bit shorter and narrower. This makes it more comfortable to use when flipping smaller pieces of food – if you’re cooking for your family then this might be the best option for you!
It is well-balanced and flexible enough. While at the same time it is strong enough to handle the weight of a burger or a heavy filet.
The handle is also made out of stainless steel, which means you cannot put it in a dishwasher – you’ll have to wash it by hand. Again, this could be an issue if you don’t like handwashing dishes – however, I would still consider this product as my personal favorite because of how well-thought-out and ergonomic it feels in my hands. Additionally, the fact that lefties have a chance to buy this product makes it very unique in itself.
4. OXO Fish Turner
This fish spatula is best for people who love to cook. It is easy to use, safe and sturdy. This tool allows you to easily lift up to three fish fillets on one go due to its wide flipper. The material used in this product is heat-resistant and can withstand even high temperatures of about 500° F without any damages.
Like most OXO kitchen tools, this spatula has a soft comfortable handle that provides extra protection against hot surfaces as well as slips from your hand while cooking food. Its size also makes it ideal for serving purposes since they come in different measurements and shapes depending on your needs.
The best part about cooking with this spatula is that it allows you to cook without having to worry about grease or juices from your fish being spilled on the countertop, thanks to the wide slots it has in its flipper. This makes it easier for you to clean up after frying fish in a pan as there are no stains left on your tabletop.
5. Rachael Ray Nylon Spatula Set
This spatula set from Rachael Ray is a large and medium fish spatula ideal for non-stick pans and other types of cookware.
We all know that stainless tell fish spatulas almost always end up scratching the coating on your non-stick pans. And because of that specific reason, the nylon spatulas were made. And so, if you plan on frying your fish in a non-stick pan, I recommend going for a nylon spatula. This one specifically.
The material can endure even up to 400 Fahrenheit temperatures, so you don’t have to worry when using it for frying.
This spatula also boasts a lightweight design that makes it easy to lift food from your frying pan. It has narrow-grip handles that provide additional comfort, allowing you to hold them without hurting your hands or wrists.
6. Newness Focus On Stainless Steel Fish Spatula
The Newness Focus On Stainless Steel Fish Spatula has a uniquely designed slotted flipper that lets you lift the food out of your frying pan with ease. The spatula’s wide flipper can easily lift a large amount of food, making it ideal for feeding the entire family or party guests. The material used to make this fish spatula and its flipper is food-grade stainless steel, which is durable, rustproof, safe to use in the kitchen, and long-lasting.
It also features comfortable handle grips that make it easy to hold while you’re cooking.
Its flipper measures about 8 inches and 3 ½ inches wide, making it large enough for lifting a large amount of food in your frying pan.
7. Tenta Kitchen Fish Turner Spatula
The Tenta Kitchen Fish Turner Spatula has a nylon slotted blade that’s heat resistant up to 210 degrees Celsius, allowing you to use it for frying or sautéing your favorite dishes safely without worrying about damaging your pans. Not only that, but this spatula is also dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean.
The handle is made from stainless steel so it can withstand up to 210 degrees Celsius of heat. It also has wide slots to help you drain excess oil from your food.
8. Winco Nylon Fish Spatula
Winco is among the most reliable and trusted companies when meeting the demands of a kitchen. This spatula from them is probably one of the most well-known spatulas in the foodservice industry. Because almost every restaurant you go to, chances are they are using a spatula from Winco.
This spatula comes with a lightweight and non-stick pan-friendly flipper.
Surely, not all fish spatulas are created equal: some are heavier than the others; some have flippers that don’t withstand much pressure while cooking; some fish spatulas are too rigid which makes it hard to flip food especially when working with cakes, pancakes, or omelets. Winco’s Fish Spatula has been designed with professional chefs in mind to take care of those issues. It’s definitely a great addition if you’re looking for one versatile tool that will help you cook better and faster.
9. Kuhn Rikon Spatula
If you can find Kuhn Rikon Spatula in stores near you, then this is definitely a must-have fish spatula. It has a simple yet functional design to help you cook efficiently and fast without compromising the taste of your food.
The silicone used for the flipper doesn’t scratch or damage any kind of pan, so if you have valuable pots and skillets at home, do not worry about scratching them while cooking with this spatula.
You can also use it for cooking other dishes aside from fish such as meats and vegetables since the blade is heat resistant up to 500° F / 260° C. The handle on this product is made of bamboo wood which makes it easy to grip while using but still lightweight enough for a comfortable cooking experience.
10. KitchenAid Nylon Flex Turner
The KitchenAid Nylon Flex Turner has an ergonomic handle that’s built for maximum comfort when using. It comes with a red nylon flipper and the nylon head is dishwasher safe which makes its cleaning process a breeze.
You can use this spatula not only for cooking fish but also for flipping steaks, burgers, pork roast, potatoes, and more! It’s also ideal to use as a serving utensil or as an all-around utensil because its heat resistant up to 450° F / 232° C so you can use it on your non-stick pans.
It comes with a hole in its handle which makes it easy to store if you don’t have enough space on your kitchen countertop or storage area but you still want to keep it near until next time use. This can be hung on hooks or nails from anywhere around your kitchen such as above your sink so it’s always within reach when you need it next time.
Summing Up
Keep in mind that flexibility, strength, and durability are key features for your cooking experience. If you’ve considered all of these characteristics before making your purchase decision and have found the perfect fit, congratulations! You should be able to enjoy an easy cooking process with minimal frustration thanks to your new kitchen tool.
To recap our points so far: pick out a flexible spatula that is strong enough to withstand tough cuts or delicate fillets; make sure it’s durable enough not only for everyday use but also through years of dishwashing cycles; avoid wood handles if you don’t want to hand wash yours after each use.