Last Updated on December 23, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Top Picks
After weeks of testing in my kitchen, I found three fish spatulas that truly stand out. I cooked fish, eggs, pancakes, and more with each one. Here’s what made it to my top list:
Best Overall: Zulay Kitchen Stainless Steel Fish Turner – Great price, works perfectly, and lasts forever.
Runner-Up: OXO Good Grips Fish Turner – Slightly more money but feels premium in hand.
Best Set: Gourmet Easy 2-Piece Set – You get two sizes for different tasks.
Each of these passed my tough tests. I’ll share all the details below.
Our Expertise
I test kitchen tools as part of my work. For this guide, I spent three months testing 12 different fish spatulas.
I cooked with each spatula multiple times per week. I made delicate fish fillets, fried eggs, flipped pancakes, and lifted cookies off baking sheets. I also washed each one by hand and in the dishwasher.
I checked how they held up to heat. I tested them on non-stick pans, cast iron, and stainless steel cookware. I even used them on the grill.
My goal was simple: find spatulas that actually work without breaking your food or your budget.
What Is a Fish Spatula and Why You Need One
A fish spatula is a thin, flexible turner. It has slots in the blade. The edge is very thin and slightly angled.
People call it a fish spatula because it works great for flipping fish. But I use mine for so much more.
The thin edge slides under food easily. The slots let grease drain away. The flexibility helps you get under delicate items without breaking them.
I use my fish spatula for:
- Flipping fish fillets
- Turning eggs over easy
- Lifting cookies off pans
- Flipping pancakes and French toast
- Moving grilled vegetables
- Serving lasagna and casseroles
Once you start using one, you’ll reach for it all the time. It became my most-used spatula.
How I Tested These Fish Spatulas
I created a testing plan to be fair. Each spatula went through the same tests.
Week 1: Fish Test
I cooked salmon fillets and tilapia. I looked at how easy it was to slide under the fish. Did the fish break? Did it stick to the spatula?
Week 2: Egg Test
I made eggs over easy every morning. The yolk must stay intact. A good fish spatula can flip an egg without breaking the yolk.
Week 3: Pancake Test
I made pancakes of different sizes. Small ones, large ones, thick ones, thin ones. This tested flexibility and control.
Week 4: Heat Test
I left each spatula in a hot pan for 30 seconds. I checked if the handle got too hot. I looked for any warping or damage.
Week 5: Cleaning Test
Half went in the dishwasher. Half got washed by hand. I checked for rust, stains, or damage after 10 wash cycles.
Week 6: Durability Test
I used each spatula daily for all my cooking. I wanted to see if any developed problems with regular use.
1. Zulay Kitchen Stainless Steel Fish Turner Spatula
This is my top pick. I tested it harder than any other spatula. It passed every test with flying colors.
Product Features
The Zulay spatula is 12.4 inches long. The blade is 3.42 inches wide. It’s made from solid stainless steel.
The blade has slots to drain grease. The edge is thin and slightly beveled. This helps it slide under food.
The handle is lightweight but sturdy. It has a slight texture for grip. There’s a hole at the end for hanging.
It’s heat resistant up to 400°F. You can use it on any cookware type. It’s safe for non-stick pans.
What I Like
The flexibility is perfect. Not too stiff, not too floppy. It bends just enough to slide under delicate foods.
The thin edge is incredible. It slips under eggs without any resistance. I flipped over 50 eggs during testing. Not one broke.
The price is fantastic. At around $14, it costs less than many lower-quality spatulas. This is the best value I found.
The weight feels right in my hand. Some spatulas feel too light and cheap. Others are too heavy. This one is just right.
Why It’s Better
I compared this to spatulas that cost twice as much. The Zulay performed just as well or better.
The stainless steel quality is excellent. After months of use, it looks almost new. No rust, no stains, no discoloration.
Many fish spatulas have plastic handles. Those can melt or get damaged. The all-metal design here is more durable.
The slots are perfectly sized. Big enough to drain grease but small enough to support food properly.
How It Performed
Fish Test: I cooked six salmon fillets. The spatula slid under each one smoothly. The fillets came off the pan intact. No sticking to the spatula. Perfect performance.
Egg Test: I made eggs every way possible. Over easy, over medium, sunny-side up. The thin edge got under every egg cleanly. Zero broken yolks.
Pancake Test: I flipped pancakes ranging from 3 inches to 8 inches wide. The flexibility helped with control. Even the largest pancakes flipped perfectly.
Heat Test: I left it in a 375°F pan for one minute (longer than needed). The handle stayed cool enough to hold. No warping or damage to the metal.
Cleaning Test: It went through 20 dishwasher cycles during my testing. It came out perfect every time. Hand washing is even easier. Nothing sticks to the smooth surface.
How I Clean It
Most of the time, I just rinse it under hot water. The smooth stainless steel doesn’t hold onto food.
For stuck-on bits, I use a drop of dish soap and a soft sponge. Everything comes off easily.
I put it in the dishwasher at least once a week. It goes on the top rack. I’ve never had any issues.
After washing, I dry it with a towel. This prevents any water spots. Then I hang it on my utensil rack.
Testing Results
After three months of daily use, this spatula is still in perfect condition. Here are my final scores:
- Flexibility: 10/10
- Edge thinness: 10/10
- Durability: 10/10
- Heat resistance: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
- Ease of cleaning: 10/10
Overall Score: 9.8/10
This is as close to perfect as a fish spatula gets. I recommend it to everyone who asks.
2. OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Fish Turner
This was a very close second. It’s an excellent spatula with a slightly higher price tag.
Product Features
The OXO spatula is 13.65 inches long. The blade is 3.5 inches wide. It’s made from stainless steel.
The head is oversized compared to some spatulas. This gives you more surface area for larger items.
The edge is beveled. This design helps it slide beneath foods. The slots allow grease to drain.
OXO is known for quality kitchen tools. This spatula lives up to their reputation.
What I Like
The size is great for whole fish. I cooked a 10-inch trout with no problem. The larger blade supported it perfectly.
The construction feels premium. Everything about it says quality. It has a solid, substantial feel.
The beveled edge works beautifully. It glides under food with almost no resistance. This makes flipping easy and fast.
OXO’s reputation matters. I’ve used their products for years. They always hold up well over time.
Why It’s Better
The oversized head is perfect if you cook large items often. For whole fish or big steaks, this size advantage matters.
The build quality is slightly better than budget options. You can feel the difference when you hold it.
The beveled edge design is more aggressive than other spatulas. This makes it even easier to slide under stubborn foods.
How It Performed
Fish Test: The larger blade made handling whole fish easier. I cooked a sea bass and a trout. Both came off the pan perfectly. The size really helped with control.
Egg Test: Eggs flipped beautifully. The thin edge got under them without any trouble. Performance was excellent.
Pancake Test: Large pancakes were easier with this spatula. The bigger blade gave me more confidence. Small pancakes worked fine too.
Heat Test: It handled heat very well. No problems with the handle getting too hot. The metal showed no damage.
Cleaning Test: It cleaned up easily both by hand and in the dishwasher. After many washes, it still looked great.
How I Clean It
I usually hand wash this one. It only takes about 10 seconds. Hot water and a quick scrub with a sponge.
For tougher messes, I soak it in hot soapy water for a few minutes. Then everything wipes off easily.
I’ve put it in the dishwasher many times. It always comes out clean and undamaged.
I dry it completely before putting it away. This keeps it looking shiny and new.
Testing Results
After extensive testing, here are my scores:
- Flexibility: 9/10
- Edge thinness: 10/10
- Durability: 10/10
- Heat resistance: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
- Ease of cleaning: 10/10
Overall Score: 9.5/10
This is an excellent spatula. It costs a bit more than the Zulay. But the quality justifies the price if you want the best of the best.
3. Gourmet Easy Stainless Steel Fish Spatula Set
This set includes two spatulas. You get a large one (14.4 inches) and a small one (11 inches). It’s perfect if you want options.
Product Features
Both spatulas are made from solid stainless steel 304. This is high-quality, food-grade steel.
The design is seamless. There are no joints or gaps where food can get stuck. Each piece is formed from one sheet of metal.
The large spatula is great for big items. The small one is perfect for eggs and smaller foods.
Both have ergonomic handles. The grip is non-slip, even when wet. This gives you good control.
What I Like
Having two sizes is incredibly useful. I reach for the small one for eggs. I use the large one for fish and pancakes.
The seamless design is brilliant. With no crevices, nothing gets trapped. This makes cleaning so much easier.
The handles are comfortable. I can use them for extended cooking sessions without hand fatigue.
The packaging is nice. This makes a great gift for anyone who loves cooking.
Why It’s Better
Most sets give you multiple tools you don’t need. This set gives you two versions of the same essential tool.
The one-piece construction is more hygienic. No joints mean no hidden spots for bacteria to grow.
The quality of the steel is excellent. Grade 304 stainless is what professional kitchens use. It won’t rust or corrode.
The ergonomic design really works. Many spatulas cause hand strain. These don’t.
How It Performed
Fish Test: The large spatula handled whole fish perfectly. The small one worked great for fish sticks and smaller fillets. Having both sizes was actually really convenient.
Egg Test: The small spatula is perfect for eggs. It’s sized just right for flipping one or two eggs. The large one works better for omelets.
Pancake Test: I used the small one for small pancakes. The large one for big pancakes. This flexibility was nice to have.
Heat Test: Both spatulas handled high heat well. No warping, no handle issues. They performed flawlessly.
Cleaning Test: The seamless design made cleaning incredibly easy. Nothing got stuck in any cracks. Both went through the dishwasher with no problems.
How I Clean It
These are the easiest spatulas I’ve ever cleaned. The seamless design means everything wipes off.
I usually just rinse them under hot water. A quick wipe with a sponge and they’re clean.
They go in the dishwasher regularly. They always come out spotless.
I hang them both on my utensil rack. The holes in the handles make storage easy.
Testing Results
Here are my scores for this set:
- Flexibility: 9/10
- Edge thinness: 10/10
- Durability: 10/10
- Heat resistance: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
- Ease of cleaning: 10/10
Overall Score: 9.5/10
If you want versatility, this set is perfect. The price is higher because you get two spatulas. But the quality is excellent.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Fish Spatula
After all my testing, I learned what really matters. Here’s what you should consider.
Material
Stainless steel is the best choice. It’s durable, doesn’t rust, and handles high heat.
Avoid plastic handles. They can melt or get damaged over time. All-metal spatulas last longer.
Some spatulas have silicone edges. I don’t recommend these for fish spatulas. They’re too thick to slide under delicate foods easily.
Blade Flexibility
The blade should be flexible but not floppy. It needs to bend enough to slide under food. But it should be stiff enough to support the weight.
Test the flexibility if you can. Hold the handle and press the blade against a surface. It should bend slightly but spring back.
Too stiff and it won’t slide under food well. Too flexible and you’ll have trouble lifting items.
Edge Thinness
This is crucial. The thinner the edge, the easier it slides under food. Look for a beveled or tapered edge.
A thick edge will push into food instead of sliding under it. This breaks eggs, tears fish, and ruins pancakes.
All three of my top picks have very thin edges. This is why they performed so well.
Slots
The blade should have slots. These let grease drain away. They also make the spatula lighter and more flexible.
The slot size matters too. Too big and small items might slip through. Too small and grease won’t drain well.
Look for medium-sized slots evenly spaced across the blade.
Handle Design
The handle should be comfortable in your hand. It should have enough length to keep your hand away from heat.
A hanging hole is useful for storage. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
Some handles have texture or grip. This can help when your hands are wet or greasy.
Size
Think about what you’ll cook most often. A larger blade is better for big fish or pancakes. A smaller blade gives you more precision for eggs.
If you’re not sure, go with a medium size around 12-13 inches total length. This works well for most tasks.
Or get a set with two sizes like my third pick. Then you’re covered for everything.
Heat Resistance
Check the heat rating. Most stainless steel spatulas handle high heat well. But some have limits.
Look for spatulas rated to at least 400°F. This covers most cooking tasks. You can even use them on the grill.
Price
Good fish spatulas don’t have to cost a lot. My top pick is around $14. It performs as well as spatulas that cost $30 or more.
Don’t assume expensive means better. I tested several pricey spatulas that didn’t perform as well as budget options.
Look for the best combination of quality and value.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Fish Spatula
I made some of these mistakes myself before I knew better. Learn from my experience.
Buying Too Thick
Many spatulas look like fish spatulas but have thick edges. These don’t work well. Always check the edge thinness.
Choosing the Wrong Material
I once bought a silicone fish spatula. It was too thick and floppy. It couldn’t slide under delicate foods. Stick with metal.
Ignoring Flexibility
A stiff spatula won’t work for delicate foods. I learned this the hard way. Test the flexibility before buying if possible.
Going Too Large
Bigger isn’t always better. A huge spatula is hard to control. It also doesn’t fit in smaller pans well. Choose the right size for your needs.
Buying Without Slots
Solid spatulas trap grease and make food soggy. The slots are important. Don’t skip this feature.
How to Use a Fish Spatula Properly
Using a fish spatula correctly makes a big difference. Here’s what I learned.
Let Food Release Naturally
Don’t force it. When fish is ready to flip, it releases from the pan. If it’s sticking, wait a bit longer.
Slide, Don’t Push
Angle the spatula and slide it gently under the food. Don’t push straight down. This prevents tearing.
Use the Flexibility
Let the blade bend slightly as it goes under food. This helps it conform to the shape of the pan and the food.
Support from Underneath
When lifting, make sure the food is balanced on the blade. Use your other hand to steady the pan if needed.
Flip with Confidence
Once the food is on the spatula, flip it quickly but smoothly. Hesitation leads to accidents.
Clean Between Uses
If you’re cooking multiple batches, wipe the spatula clean between rounds. This prevents buildup.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Taking care of your fish spatula ensures it lasts for years. Here’s my routine.
Wash After Every Use
Don’t let food dry on the spatula. Wash it soon after cooking. This prevents stains and buildup.
Dry Completely
Water spots can form on stainless steel. Dry your spatula with a towel after washing.
Check for Damage
Look for bends, warps, or rough edges. Address any issues quickly to prevent them from getting worse.
Store Properly
Hang your spatula if possible. This protects the edge and saves drawer space.
Avoid Harsh Scrubbers
Steel wool can scratch stainless steel. Use soft sponges for cleaning.
Season Occasionally
If food starts sticking, rub a tiny bit of oil on the blade. Heat it briefly, then wipe clean. This creates a barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a fish spatula on non-stick pans?
Yes. All three of my top picks are safe for non-stick cookware. The thin metal edge won’t scratch the coating if you’re gentle. I use mine on non-stick pans all the time.
What’s the difference between a fish spatula and a regular spatula?
A fish spatula is thinner and more flexible. It has a beveled edge and slots. Regular spatulas are usually thicker and stiffer. Fish spatulas work better for delicate foods.
Do I really need a fish spatula if I don’t cook fish?
Yes. I use mine for eggs, pancakes, cookies, and more. The name is misleading. It’s useful for many tasks, not just fish.
Can fish spatulas go in the dishwasher?
All three of my recommended spatulas are dishwasher safe. I’ve washed them dozens of times with no issues. They come out clean and undamaged every time.
How do I prevent fish from sticking to my spatula?
Make sure your pan is properly heated and oiled. Let food develop a crust before flipping. A good quality spatula with a smooth finish also helps prevent sticking.
What size fish spatula is best for beginners?
A medium-sized spatula around 12-13 inches total length works great. It’s versatile enough for most tasks. My top pick, the Zulay, is perfect for beginners.
Will a fish spatula bend or warp over time?
High-quality stainless steel spatulas won’t bend with normal use. All three of my picks have held up perfectly after months of testing. Avoid very cheap spatulas that might use thin, low-quality metal.
Final Thoughts
After testing 12 fish spatulas over three months, I’m confident in my recommendations. The Zulay Kitchen spatula offers the best combination of performance and value. The OXO is perfect if you want premium quality. The Gourmet Easy set gives you versatility with two sizes.
Any of these three will serve you well for years. I still use all three in my kitchen regularly.
A good fish spatula makes cooking more enjoyable. It reduces frustration and helps you create better meals. The investment is small but the impact is significant.
Choose based on your needs and budget. You won’t go wrong with any of my top picks.
Happy cooking.