The kitchen is probably the part of the house with the most items, ranging from big electrical appliances to the smallest tools. When buying things for our kitchen, we always give careful consideration on the brands we choose for equipment and gadgets but often forget to consider the quality of the kitchen utensils. But, come to think of it – kitchen utensils are actually the most used items in our kitchen and they come in direct contact with our food. That is why the right material for our kitchen utensils is worth considering.
The type of material used for kitchen utensils can make or break a culinary experience. Whether you are a home cook or professional chef, knowing the different types of kitchen utensils and their materials is essential as it directly impacts the food quality and the cooking process. In this comprehensive guide, we are going to explore the pros and cons of the three most common materials for kitchen utensils – wood, plastic and stainless steel. This guide aims to help you make an informed decision when choosing the best tools for your culinary needs.
Wooden Utensils
Why Choose Wood?
Wood is one of the most versatile materials in the planet, out of which different tools and kitchen utensils can be crafted. If you are into an eco-friendly lifestyle, wooden utensils would be your better option. Wood is a renewable material and it helps reduce the number of non-biodegradable waste. Aside from being eco-friendly, wooden utensils also give off aesthetic appeal and classic look to the kitchen. It is also important to note that wooden utensils are gentler on non-stick cookware and will less likely scratch the bottoms and sides of your prized pots and pans.
Pros
- Durable and Strong – Wood is a naturally strong material. Some cooking processes require rigorous stirring, flipping, and scraping. Wooden utensils provide a sturdy handle which eases the burden of stirring without any fear of the handle breaking.
- Naturally Antimicrobial Properties – Wooden utensils, being porous in nature, have the ability to absorb and trap bacteria within its pores. These bacteria are unable to resurface and so they will naturally die off within a few hours. This, paired with proper cleaning and sanitation, you can be sure that your wooden utensil is safer to use.
- Natural Insulator – One of the advantages of wooden utensils is its ability to resist heat. While stainless steel could get really hot when introduced to high temperature, and plastic spoons have the tendency to melt, a wooden utensil is the most excellent option as it does not conduct heat and sturdy enough to last for long periods of being under high heat.
Cons
- Requires Regular Maintenance – Wood has the tendency to dry up so regular oiling is necessary to prevent this from happening.
- Hard to Clean – Due to the wood’s porous nature, food particles tend to stick to the utensil’s surface. Additionally, wooden utensils are not dishwasher-friendly and should not be soaked in water for a long time as this can lead to warping.
- May Absorb Flavor and Odors – Wooden utensils tend to absorb flavors and odors of the food that it comes in contact with. This may affect the taste of the next dishes you’d be cooking the wooden utensils with.
Ideal Uses
Wooden utensils are best used with non-stick cookware. Additionally, they are best for stirring, mixing, and serving dishes.
Plastic Utensils
Why Choose Plastic?
Some people may raise their eyebrows with the idea of using plastic utensils. There is indeed a growing concern for the environment and the use of plastics, but surprisingly the use of plastic utensils still holds a lot of advantages. One of which is its affordability. Among the three types of utensils that were mentioned, plastic utensils are the most affordable and widely available. It also offers a variety of colors and designs, which may be limited for wooden and stainless steel utensils.
Pros
- Lightweight And Often Dishwasher Safe – Plastic is made of lightweight material which makes it ideal for travelling or camping trips. And while some plastics are disposable, there are those that can be used repeatedly and they work well with dishwashers.
- Cost-effective – For people who love to throw parties or have guests often, disposable plastic utensils offer a more cost-effective solution than buying glasses or metal cutlery.
- Wide Variety – Plastic utensils come in a wide range of options and designs. It provides more options for events that require a specific theme or motif.
Cons
- Can Warp or Melt Under High Heat – Unfortunately, plastic utensils are not the ideal choice for cooking as it can warp or melt when exposed to high temperature. When heated, it can seep toxic substances which can pose serious health risks.
- Less Environmentally Friendly Due to Disposability – One of the biggest contributors of waste landfills is plastic. Plastic pollution has been a prevailing problem all over the world, and the use of single-use, disposable plastic utensils is one of the reasons. However, this can be reduced by reusing or recycling. Moreover, many disposable plastic utensils nowadays are made with biodegradable materials. These measures are taken to reduce the plastic’s long-term environmental impact.
Ideal Uses
Plastic utensils are good for use with non-stick and coated cookware. They are also the most popular choice for parties and fast-food restaurants.
Stainless Steel Utensils
Why Choose Stainless Steel?
Modern Look and High Durability – The sleek and shiny appearance of stainless steel utensils give any kitchen a modern and elegant vibe. And to complement its aesthetic appeal, stainless steels are also known for being highly durable and long-lasting. These two attributes make stainless steel utensils a more practical choice than other types of utensils.
Rust-resistant and No Chemical Coatings – A stainless steel’s chemical property makes it highly resistant to rust and corrosion. It is also highly recommended as a non-toxic cookware as it does not have any harmful chemical coatings like nonstick pans do. Because of this, you can use any type of utensils without having to worry about damaging the coating.
Pros
- Long-lasting – With proper care and maintenance, stainless steels can be a family heirloom that can be passed down to generations. It is highly durable that it can last for decades. This also makes stainless steel utensils more cost-effective and sustainable as you don’t need to replace them every few years.
- Non-reactive and non-porous – Unlike wooden utensils, stainless steels don’t absorb flavors and odors. This non-reactive quality of stainless steels can be attributed to the presence of chromium in the material, ensuring that the steel won’t react chemically with the ingredients, no matter how acidic they are.
- Dishwasher Safe and Easy to Clean – Stainless steel utensils are very low maintenance when it comes to washing or cleaning. You can simply rinse and pop them in the dishwasher.
Cons
- High Price Tag – Stainless steels are generally more expensive than plastic. However, its quality and durability compensate for its price, so most people consider this as an investment.
- May Feel Heavier and Less Comfortable to Use – Because of its chemical property, stainless steel is often heavier than other materials such as wood or plastic.
- Can Scratch Non-Stick Cookware – Using stainless steel utensils against non-stick cookware can cause scratching leading to their shorter lifespan.
Ideal Uses
Stainless steel utensils are suitable for heavy duty tasks such as cooking and grilling. Also, they are great for utensils that need to withstand high heat and rigorous use.
Comparing the Materials
Durability and Longevity
When it comes to durability and longevity, stainless steel utensil reigns supreme over wooden and plastic utensils. The type of material used for stainless steels are stronger than that of wood and plastic. However, with proper care and maintenance, wooden utensils may also provide long-lasting use.
Maintenance and Care
Wooden utensils should be washed in warm water with mild soap immediately after use. Remember not to soak the wooden utensils for too long in the water or put them in the dishwasher.
Plastic utensils should also be washed immediately after use to prevent food residue from sticking on the surface. They are dishwasher-friendly so feel free to pop them in.
Stainless steel utensils, just like plastics, are safe to put in the dishwasher. Remember to use mild soap and water when washing. Avoid using chlorine and abrasives to prevent scratching the surface.
Cost and Investment
It comes with no surprise that stainless steel utensils are more expensive than wooden and plastic utensils. However, if we look at it in the perspective of initial cost vs. long-term value, stainless steel is still superior among the other two. The better quality, the more expensive it becomes. However, as a consumer, I won’t mind spending more for something that I know can be used for a long time.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right kitchen utensils can greatly impact your cooking experience. Consider these factors when choosing among these three types:
- Your Cooking Style – Different materials suit different types of cooking. If you are more into baking, you may opt for wooden utensils for mixing batters and scraping bowls without worrying about scratching your bakeware. You may also opt for stainless steel measuring spoons and cups as they are more durable and accurate. If your cooking involves different techniques such as grilling and sauteing, stainless steel utensils offer more versatility compared to the other two. Wooden spoons, however, are perfect for delicate sauces.
- Personal Preferences – Whether you value aesthetic appeal or functionality, is something you need to consider when choosing the right kitchen utensils.
- Kitchen Needs – Consider asking yourself this question, “What utensils are essential for my kitchen?” Your answer to that will help you decide on which type of utensils to buy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right kitchen utensils involve different factors, including your cooking style, budget, and maintenance preferences. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision as to which type suits your personal style, meets your functional requirements, and overall, enhances your cooking experience. Whether it is wooden, plastic or stainless steel, your choice of kitchen utensils will help you create delicious meals and enjoy your time in the kitchen.