Utensil materials - plastic, metal or wooden?

Utensil materials - plastic, metal or wooden? - High angle of metal pan and wooden spatula placed on plastic plate on table

I'm just starting to cook for myself in college, and I'm curious what the best material of cooking tools are for pasta in a metal pan and stir fry in a non-stick wok. To make this question more general, when should you use plastic, metal or wooden cooking tools?

Are there reasons not to use a certain type sometimes? For example, is it unsafe to use wooden tools with raw meat in stir fry?



Best Answer

Metal
Advantages: durable, no risk of absorbing flavours
Disadvantages: may scratch certain cookware

Wood
Advantages: doesn't scratch, looks nice
Disadvantages: can wear down over time, can sometimes absorb flavours

Plastic
Doesn't find a place in my kitchen other than a rubber spatula for baking.

Silicone
You didn't mention this, but I like it, because it works like rubber but can withstand high temps (brushes, spatulas)

I think the answer really depends on what you cook. A good basic set might consist of a wooden spoon, a spatula that can handle heat, a good ladle, and maybe a set of tongs or chopsticks. You'll quickly learn what you wish you had to make it a little easier.




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Utensil materials - plastic, metal or wooden? - Top view of composition of round wooden plate with smooth surface and similar black metal spoons on beige surface
Utensil materials - plastic, metal or wooden? - Little girl collect raw pasta with metal spoon in plastic container
Utensil materials - plastic, metal or wooden? - Set of dental tools and cutlery near glass bottle



What material is used for utensils?

Copper, brass and steel are preferred to make cooking utensils. Tin is used to cover the copper, brass or steel surface so that corrosion can be prevented. Note: Most of the non-metals are bad conductors of heat and electricity.

What type of material is best for kitchen utensils?

The safest materials for cooking utensils are: Stainless steel. Silicone....
  • Made from natural, non-toxic materials.
  • Soft and flexible (won't scratch your cookware)
  • Non-stick and easy cleaning.
  • Inert during extreme temperature exposure.
  • Stays cool to the touch.
  • Dishwasher-safe (save time)
  • Recyclable.


Is utensils made of metal?

All the metals are good conductors of heat and electricity. This allow the heat to pass through them easily. Hence, cooking utensils and irons are made up of metals as they are good conductors of heat.

What are the 5 kinds of material of utensils?

Common materials used in cookware and utensils are:
  • Aluminum.
  • Copper.
  • Iron.
  • Lead.
  • Stainless steel.
  • Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene)




Materials 1 wood plastic paper metal glass




More answers regarding utensil materials - plastic, metal or wooden?

Answer 2

If you do decide to go with wooden spoons (they are cheap after all), you should get at least 2. Write "sweet" or something else on the handle of one so you're less tempted to use the same spoon for cakes as you are for a heavy garlicky curry!

Answer 3

The main rule here is to not use metal tools on nonstick cookware. Even nonstick cookware labeled "metal safe" can be scratched by using metal tools.

Clean your wooden tools with very hot, soapy water (but don't leave them soaking in water), and they'll be fine.

Answer 4

Plastic/silicone & wooden: on NON-Stick metal surfaces

Metal/stainless steel & wooden: on metal/cast iron surfaces

I do not recommend using plastic for cast iron cooking. Reason being that most of the time the temperatures are higher (i.e deep frying) which may melt the plastic.

Answer 5

I have non-stick safe utensils made from a hard nylon, I believe that may be more common for harder, non-bendy utensils like sturdy stirring spoons, and flat pancake turner type tools that you want to be strong and not terribly flexible as some softer plastics are.

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