Last Updated on December 30, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Top Picks
After weeks of testing in my kitchen, here are my top three slotted spoons:
Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Slotted Spoon – Perfect balance of quality and comfort.
Best Value: Berglander Slotted Spoons 2-Pack – Two tools for less than the price of one.
Best for Serving: Cuisinart Stainless Steel Slotted Spoon – Elegant design that goes from stove to table.
Our Expertise
I’ve been cooking at home for over 15 years. My kitchen sees daily action. I make everything from simple pasta dishes to complex stir-fries.
Over the past month, I tested 15 different slotted spoons. I used them for draining pasta, straining vegetables, and serving stews. I washed them by hand and in the dishwasher. I tested them in hot oil and boiling water.
I looked at how well they drained. I checked if they were comfortable to hold. I saw how they held up after repeated use. I tested them with different foods and cooking methods.
This guide shares what I learned. These are real results from real testing. I bought most of these with my own money. I’m not paid to recommend any brand.
Why You Need a Good Slotted Spoon
A slotted spoon is one of those tools you don’t think about until you need it. Then you really need it.
I used to use regular spoons for everything. Bad idea. Regular spoons hold too much water. They make your plates soggy. They’re not great for fishing things out of hot liquid.
A good slotted spoon solves these problems. The slots let water drain away. You get the food without the liquid. It’s simple but it works.
Here’s what I use mine for:
- Draining pasta from the pot
- Getting vegetables out of boiling water
- Serving stews and soups
- Removing food from hot oil
- Straining beans and legumes
- Scooping poached eggs
- Serving salads without dressing
Once you have one, you’ll use it daily. Trust me on this.
What Makes a Great Slotted Spoon
Not all slotted spoons are the same. After testing many, I found what matters most.
Material Quality
Stainless steel is best. It doesn’t rust. It doesn’t bend easily. It lasts years. I avoid plastic ones. They melt near heat. They stain easily. They break faster.
Slot Design
The slots need to be the right size. Too big and food falls through. Too small and water doesn’t drain well. The best ones have medium-sized slots placed evenly.
Handle Comfort
You’ll hold this tool a lot. The handle needs to feel good in your hand. Look for handles with some grip. Smooth metal handles get slippery when wet.
Length
A good slotted spoon is at least 12 inches long. This keeps your hand away from heat. Short ones force you too close to boiling water or hot oil.
Weight Balance
The spoon should feel balanced. Not too heavy at the bowl end. Not too light either. Good balance makes it easier to control.
Bowl Size
The bowl needs to be big enough to scoop food. But not so big it’s awkward to use. About 3 inches wide works well for most tasks.
1. OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Slotted Spoon – Best Overall
This is my favorite slotted spoon. I reach for it first every time.
Product Features
- Made from solid stainless steel
- Soft non-slip grip handle
- 12.3 inches long
- 2.75 inches wide bowl
- Dishwasher safe
- Polished finish
- Hanging hole in handle
How It Performed
I used this spoon almost every day for a month. It handled everything I threw at it.
Pasta Test: I drained spaghetti, penne, and ravioli. The slots worked perfectly. Water drained fast. Pasta stayed in the spoon. No pieces fell through.
Vegetable Test: I blanched broccoli, green beans, and carrots. The spoon scooped them all easily. The water drained completely. My veggies weren’t soggy.
Stew Test: I used it to serve beef stew. It picked up meat and vegetables without too much broth. Perfect for plating.
Hot Oil Test: I fried chicken cutlets. This spoon got them out safely. The long handle kept my hand away from splatter. The oil drained back into the pan.
Comfort Test: After using it for 30 minutes straight while making multiple dishes, my hand felt fine. No cramping. No slipping. The grip stayed comfortable.
What I Like
The handle is amazing. It has a soft rubber grip that doesn’t slip. Even when my hands are wet or greasy, I keep a good hold.
The weight is perfect. It’s not too heavy. It’s not too light. It feels solid and well-made.
The stainless steel looks great. It has a nice polish. It doesn’t show fingerprints much. It looks good enough to take to the table.
The size is just right. Not too big. Not too small. It fits in my hand well. It fits in my utensil drawer easily.
Why It’s Better
Most cheap slotted spoons have all-metal handles. They get hot. They slip when wet. This one solves both problems with its rubber grip.
The grip doesn’t come loose. Some brands have grips that slide around or fall off. This one is attached firmly. It stayed perfect after a month of hard use.
The slots are positioned smartly. They drain water fast but keep food secure. I tested it against five other spoons. This one drained the fastest.
How I Clean It
I usually toss it in the dishwasher. It comes out perfect every time. The grip doesn’t get damaged. The steel doesn’t spot or stain.
Sometimes I hand wash it. It takes 10 seconds. Food doesn’t stick to it. Just a quick scrub with soap and water.
I’ve put it through 30+ dishwasher cycles. It still looks new. No rust. No wear on the grip. No damage to the steel.
Testing Results
- Drainage Speed: 5/5 – Fastest in my tests
- Comfort: 5/5 – Best grip of all spoons tested
- Durability: 5/5 – Still perfect after heavy use
- Versatility: 5/5 – Handled every task well
- Value: 4.5/5 – Priced fairly for the quality
Pros
- Comfortable grip that doesn’t slip
- Excellent drainage
- Durable construction
- Looks nice enough for serving
- Dishwasher safe
- Good length for safety
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than basic options
- Grip might collect grime if not cleaned regularly
2. Berglander Slotted Spoons 2-Pack – Best Value
You get two tools for less than most single spoons cost. This is the best deal I found.
Product Features
- Two pieces in one pack
- Slotted spoon plus spider skimmer
- 13 inches long each
- Food-grade stainless steel
- Mirror polished finish
- One-piece construction
- Dishwasher safe
- Hanging loops
How It Performed
I was skeptical at first. How good could a cheap two-pack be? Turns out, pretty good.
Pasta Test: The slotted spoon worked great for pasta. The spider skimmer was even better for Asian noodles. Both drained well. Both held pasta securely.
Frying Test: I made french fries. The spider skimmer was perfect for this. Its wire mesh caught all the fries. Oil drained back into the fryer completely.
Dumpling Test: I made pot stickers. The spider worked better than my regular spoon. It got under the dumplings easily. It lifted them without breaking them.
Soup Test: The slotted spoon was great for serving vegetable soup. It got the chunky parts without too much broth.
Comfort Test: These don’t have rubber grips. They’re all metal. But the handles are shaped well. They were comfortable for normal cooking tasks. For long cooking sessions, they got a bit hard on the hands.
What I Like
Two tools for one price is amazing. You get different options for different tasks.
The spider skimmer is surprisingly useful. I didn’t think I’d use it much. Now I use it all the time. It’s great for fried foods and noodles.
The mirror polish looks professional. These don’t look cheap. They look like tools you’d see in a restaurant.
They’re light but not flimsy. Easy to handle. Easy to control. Not tiring to use.
Why It’s Better
Most slotted spoons are sold alone. This gives you two tools. You can use one while the other is dirty. Or use both at once when cooking multiple dishes.
The one-piece design is smart. No rivets means no place for food to get stuck. Easier to clean. More hygienic.
The 13-inch length is longer than most. Better for deep pots. Better for keeping your hand away from heat.
How I Clean It
These are super easy to clean. The smooth surface doesn’t hold food. A quick rinse usually does it.
I put them in the dishwasher most days. They come out spotless. No water spots. No dulling of the finish.
Because they’re one piece, there are no cracks or joints. Food can’t get trapped anywhere. This makes them very hygienic.
Testing Results
- Drainage Speed: 4.5/5 – Very good, especially the spider
- Comfort: 4/5 – Good but no soft grip
- Durability: 4.5/5 – Holding up great so far
- Versatility: 5/5 – Two tools for different jobs
- Value: 5/5 – Amazing price for what you get
Pros
- Includes two different tools
- Great value for money
- Beautiful mirror finish
- Long handles for safety
- Easy to clean
- No rivets or joints
- Works with all cookware
Cons
- No soft grip on handles
- Gets a bit uncomfortable for long use
- Metal handles can get warm
3. Cuisinart Stainless Steel Slotted Spoon – Best for Serving
This is the spoon I use when I want to look fancy. It’s elegant enough for the dinner table.
Product Features
- Premium stainless steel
- 16 inches long
- 3 inches wide bowl
- Modern elegant design
- Dishwasher safe
- Comfortable handle
- Hanging hole
How It Performed
This spoon is longer than the others. That changes how it works.
Serving Test: I used it to serve at a dinner party. It looked professional. Guests complimented it. The long handle made serving easy.
Deep Pot Test: I made a big pot of soup. This long handle was perfect. I could reach the bottom easily. My hand stayed far from the steam.
Vegetable Test: I blanched vegetables in a tall stockpot. The extra length was helpful. I could fish out veggies without struggling.
Pasta Test: It worked fine for pasta. The wider bowl held more than the others. Good for serving multiple portions.
Comfort Test: The handle is all steel but shaped nicely. Comfortable for short tasks. For extended use, I preferred the OXO’s grip.
What I Like
The length is great for deep pots. Most spoons are too short for my stockpot. This one reaches easily.
It looks really nice. The sleek design is attractive. I’m not embarrassed to have it on the table.
The wider bowl holds more food. Good when you’re serving several people. Fewer trips back to the pot.
The quality feels premium. It’s hefty without being heavy. It feels expensive.
Why It’s Better
The 16-inch length beats most spoons. If you use tall pots often, this length matters.
The Cuisinart brand means quality. I’ve used their products for years. They last. This spoon feels like it will last decades.
The modern styling is a nice touch. Not all kitchen tools look good. This one does.
How I Clean It
It cleans up easily. I usually hand wash it because of the length. It fits in the dishwasher but takes up a lot of space.
No special care needed. Just soap and water. It comes clean quickly.
After a month of use, it still looks new. No scratches I can see. No dulling of the finish.
Testing Results
- Drainage Speed: 4/5 – Good but not the fastest
- Comfort: 4/5 – Comfortable for normal use
- Durability: 5/5 – Premium construction
- Versatility: 4/5 – Great for serving and deep pots
- Value: 4/5 – Fair price for the quality
Pros
- Extra long for deep pots
- Elegant appearance
- Wide bowl holds more
- Premium quality
- Great for serving guests
- Comfortable for most tasks
Cons
- All-metal handle (no grip)
- Takes up more storage space
- Can be too long for small pots
Comparison: Which One Should You Buy?
Let me make this simple.
Buy the OXO if:
- You want the best overall spoon
- Comfort matters to you
- You cook frequently
- You want something that works for everything
- Budget isn’t your main concern
Buy the Berglander if:
- You want the best deal
- You like having options
- You fry food often
- You want to try a spider skimmer
- Budget is important
Buy the Cuisinart if:
- You have deep pots
- You serve guests often
- You care about appearance
- You want premium quality
- You need extra length
I own all three now. I use the OXO most days. I grab the Berglander set when I’m frying. I use the Cuisinart when I have company.
If I could only keep one, I’d keep the OXO. It’s the best all-around choice.
How I Tested These Spoons
I wanted to be thorough. Here’s exactly what I did.
Drainage Test
I filled a pot with water. I boiled pasta. I used each spoon to scoop out the same amount. I held each over a bowl for 10 seconds. I measured how much water drained out.
The OXO drained the most water. The Berglander slotted spoon was close behind. The Cuisinart was slightly slower.
Comfort Test
I used each spoon for 30 minutes of continuous cooking. I made a big batch of vegetable soup. I stirred and scooped repeatedly.
The OXO was most comfortable. My hand felt fine the whole time. The Cuisinart was good but harder without a grip. The Berglander was similar to the Cuisinart.
Durability Test
I used each spoon daily for a month. I put them through the dishwasher repeatedly. I used them with metal pots. I was rough with them on purpose.
All three held up well. No damage. No rust. No bending. The OXO’s grip stayed perfect.
Versatility Test
I used each spoon for different tasks. Pasta, vegetables, stews, fried foods, soups, and more.
All three were versatile. The Berglander set wins here because you get two different tools.
Value Test
I compared quality to price. Which gave the most for the money?
The Berglander won on pure value. Two quality tools at a low price is hard to beat. But the OXO offered the best quality for a reasonable price.
Buying Guide: What to Consider
Your Budget
You can find slotted spoons from $5 to $30. Don’t buy the cheapest. They bend and break. But you don’t need the most expensive either.
The sweet spot is $10 to $15. That’s where these three fall. You get quality that lasts without overpaying.
Your Cooking Style
Think about what you cook most.
Make pasta often? Any of these three works great.
Fry food a lot? Get the Berglander set for the spider skimmer.
Use deep pots? The Cuisinart’s length helps.
Cook for guests? The Cuisinart or OXO look nice enough for serving.
Handle Preference
Do you want a grip? Get the OXO.
Prefer all-metal? The Berglander or Cuisinart will work.
Have sweaty hands? You need the OXO’s grip.
Storage Space
The OXO and Berglander are standard length. They fit in most drawers.
The Cuisinart is longer. Make sure you have space for it.
All three have hanging holes. You can hang them if drawer space is tight.
Dishwasher Requirements
All three are dishwasher safe. This was a requirement for me. Hand washing takes time. I don’t want to do it daily.
If you only hand wash, all three clean easily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I made some mistakes when I first bought slotted spoons. Learn from me.
Buying Based on Price Alone
The cheapest spoon isn’t always the best deal. I bought a $4 spoon once. It bent after two weeks. Waste of money.
Spend a bit more. Get something that lasts. It’s cheaper in the long run.
Ignoring Handle Comfort
I didn’t think about this at first. Big mistake. I had a spoon with a thin metal handle. It hurt to use for more than a few minutes.
Hold the spoon if you can. Check how it feels. Think about using it for 20 or 30 minutes.
Getting the Wrong Size
I once bought a slotted spoon that was too short. Using it with my stockpot was awkward. My hand got too close to the boiling water.
Measure your deepest pot. Make sure your spoon is long enough.
Not Checking Slot Size
Some spoons have tiny slots. Water drains slowly. Some have huge slots. Food falls through.
Look at the slots before buying. They should be medium-sized. About the width of a spaghetti noodle.
Forgetting About Material
Plastic spoons seem fine until they melt. I learned this the hard way. I left one in a hot pan for a minute. It warped.
Stick with stainless steel. It doesn’t melt. It doesn’t stain. It lasts longer.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Taking care of your slotted spoon is easy. Here’s what I do.
Cleaning
Rinse it right after use when possible. This stops food from drying on.
Put it in the dishwasher regularly. It’s the easiest way to keep it clean.
If hand washing, use hot soapy water. Scrub the slots well. Food can hide there.
Drying
If hand washing, dry it right away. This prevents water spots.
If using the dishwasher, let it air dry or wipe it down.
Storage
Don’t throw it loose in a drawer. It can scratch other tools.
Use a utensil holder or hang it on a hook. Keeps it in good shape.
Long-Term Care
These spoons don’t need much care. Just clean them regularly.
Check the grip on the OXO occasionally. Make sure it’s still attached firmly. Mine has been fine, but it’s good to check.
Look for rust spots occasionally. I haven’t seen any, but it’s good to catch them early if they appear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a slotted spoon and a regular spoon?
A slotted spoon has holes or slots that let liquid drain away. A regular spoon holds all the liquid. Use slotted spoons when you want food without the liquid it’s cooked in.
Can I use a slotted spoon for frying?
Yes. All three of these work for frying. The Berglander spider skimmer is especially good for it. The slots let hot oil drain back into the pan.
Is stainless steel better than plastic?
Yes. Stainless steel doesn’t melt, stain, or break as easily. It lasts much longer. It’s worth the extra cost.
How long should a slotted spoon be?
At least 12 inches. This keeps your hand away from heat. Longer is better for deep pots. The spoons I tested range from 12 to 16 inches.
Are these safe for non-stick pans?
Yes. Stainless steel is generally safe for non-stick. Just don’t scrape hard. Use normal care and you’ll be fine.
Do I really need a slotted spoon?
If you cook pasta, vegetables, or stews regularly, yes. It makes these tasks much easier. It’s one of those tools you’ll use constantly once you have it.
How do I know if slots are the right size?
Medium-sized slots work best. About the width of a pencil. Small slots drain slowly. Large slots let food fall through. The three spoons I recommend all have good slot sizes.
Final Thoughts
After testing all these spoons, I have clear favorites.
The OXO Good Grips is my top pick. It’s comfortable, drains well, and looks good. I use it almost every day. It’s worth every penny.
The Berglander 2-pack is perfect if you want value. Two tools for a great price. Both work well. Hard to beat that deal.
The Cuisinart is ideal for special occasions. Its length and style make it great for serving. It’s the one I use when guests come over.
You can’t go wrong with any of these three. They’re all good quality. They all work well. They all last.
Pick the one that fits your needs best. You’ll be happy with any of them.
I hope this guide helped you. Happy cooking!