What Is A Straight Edge Spatula?
There’s a whole range of different spatulas out there but perhaps the most useful of them all to bakers is the straight-edge spatula.
You might have seen this particular spatula in different scenarios. That is because it has multiple uses and can be extremely useful for many reasons. Spatulas are designed to level, scrape and shape food from hot or cool surfaces.
Naturally, you would want a different shaped spatula for various purposes but the straight edge has, well, a bit of an edge (pun intended) when it comes to preparing and decorating food.
What is a straight edge spatula? It’s a long, flat, and usually narrow blade that is attached to a comfortable handle. It comes in handy when leveling, flipping, and lifting food from surfaces. It’s extremely important in various cuisines and plays a huge role in baking.
So, what makes this spatula so different and important, and what are the best ones to buy right now? Read on to find out more!
The Straight Edge Spatula
Straight edge spatulas are designed to be versatile and because of their ability to lift, compress and level food and ingredients they have become an indispensable part of any chefs’ arsenal.
These tools come in handy whether you are measuring ingredients and leveling them or shaping frosting on a cake.
Spatulas were initially designed to scrape off food from surfaces. The design of this tool is such that it is also used in other fields like medicine and has multiple industrial uses as well.
The straight edge spatula features a long, flat and narrow blade that is attached to a handle or grip.
A good example of how its elongated shape comes in handy would be in the context of baking. Most bakers use a straight edge spatula to level frosting on a cake and make it appear smoother.
Sure, you can do the same with a knife but because a knife has a slanted design to create a sharp edge, you would probably end up with an uneven leveling tool.
A spatula, on the other hand, is equal on all sides and is made of strong stainless-steel metal, and comes in several varieties.
For example, you can find some that are slightly angled. This makes them easier to get under hot food like burger patties etc. Straight edge spatulas can also be used to smash or compress food but are mostly used to shape soft surfaces.
For example, an extra width straight edge spatula can be used to smash round beef balls to form burger patties by pushing the straight edge spatula with an angled spatula .
A narrower straight edge spatula can then be used to scrape the corners and flip them over.
If you are looking to buy a straight-edge spatula for your kitchen then we have the perfect buyers guide for you!
Buyer’s Guide For Straight Edge Spatulas
Although the general design of the spatula will remain the same, there are, however, a lot of different things that you must keep in mind before purchasing one for yourself.
This buyer’s guide will discuss a few of these important aspects in detail. Some of the parameters are:
- Material
- Size
- Weight
- Flexibility
Material
When buying a spatula, always go for one that is made of stainless steel.
This will guarantee longevity and will also prove to be extremely useful in different use cases. For example, an inferior spatula may bend out of shape or be difficult to work with, especially when precision is required.
Of course, this can spell disaster for you and your recipe. You need a straight edge spatula that can shape or slide in one quick motion.
It should go in clean and should be able to scrape off or level the food evenly. For this reason, having a strong, stainless-steel spatula is extremely important.
An exception to this is silicone-based heat-resistant spatulas that can be used on cakes or for leveling in general.
These are versatile, easy to use and store and come in different colors. If you are someone who enjoys eye-catching utensils then these would be a good addition to your arsenal.
Also, you are free to choose any type of grip. Whatever feels good and comfortable should be the best option for any type of spatula.
Ideally, most people go with either plastic, wooden, or rubber handles for an ergonomic and even grip.
Size
Most straight edge spatulas are available in different widths and lengths. The typical dimensions of a straight edge spatula are 6-14 inches long and 2-4 inches wide.
These spatulas are available in all types of sizes so make sure you buy one that best fits your use.
For example, some bakers would go for a typical 12-inch-long spatula for leveling frosting on a cake. This allows them control over the surface and can also level off the cake on every side with ease.
A smaller straight edge spatula can also be used for fine-tuning or leveling off ingredients in a measuring cup. Precision is key in baking so you would need to be very precise about how many ingredients you add to your recipe.
Weight
Always go for a spatula that feels firm but is lightweight. Remember, you have to use a very light hand when leveling or using the spatula to avoid unwanted changes.
This is why we suggest that you go with a spatula that feels natural in your hand.
If it is heavy then you won’t be able to control it very well, especially when it comes to fine-tuning surfaces. Go with a lightweight spatula that has an adequately weighted front (blade) and a light back (handle).
You can opt for heavier spatulas if you want to use them for other uncommon purposes. For example, to smash and to shape meat, etc. As mentioned, pick a spatula that speaks to your needs and you will get the most out of it.
Flexibility
The thickness of a spatula will usually determine how flexible it is.
A spatula that can bend has its uses but ideally, we would suggest that you go with a sturdy and fixed spatula as it will save you a lot of time when it comes to leveling ingredients.
You don’t want a spatula that is all over the place simply because it may ruin the look or create an uneven surface.
Firmness is key in this regard so make sure you buy a spatula that fits your specific use case. If the job requires a bit of flexibility, then opt for a slightly flexible straight-edge spatula.
The 5 Straight Edge Spatulas To Buy
Now that you know the basics of what to look for in a spatula, it’s time we look at 5 amazing options that you can buy right now!
| Rank | Product | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Fat Daddio's Straight Spatula | Professional-grade spatula. |
| 2. | New Star Foodservice Straight Icing Spatula | High-quality spatula with a comfortable grip. |
| 3. | WOIWO 10 Inch Straight Spatula Stainless Steel | Rounded corners, stainless steel spatula great for all types of icing. |
| 4. | LEGERM Straight Spatula | Beautiful, high-quality spatula with comfortable wooden grip. |
| 5. | 4pcs Silicone Heat Resistant Spatula Set | 4 durable and heat-resistant silicone-based spatulas, perfect for icing and leveling ingredients. |
1. Fat Daddio’s Straight Spatula
This silver-colored spatula is created for professionals and novices.
It’s a great starting point for anyone who wants a traditional tool to manage cake icing or for other uses.
This spatula comes in varying lengths starting from 6 inches all the way to 14 inches.
You can use this straight edge spatula to level icing on cakes, cupcakes, and other surfaces. It can also be used to level ingredients when measuring.
The blade is thick enough to discourage flexibility and is made from durable stainless steel that is guaranteed to last a long time. This spatula is easy to clean, lightweight, and also features a comfortable plastic grip.
The grip is impact-resistant so you don’t have to worry about breaking the handle in the case of an accidental fall. This spatula is also dishwasher safe so you don’t have to clean it separately too.
2. New Star Foodservice Straight Icing Spatula
If you are looking for a commercial-grade, flexible straight edge spatula then this is going to be perfect for any type of use.
This spatula comes in varying sizes ranging from 6 inches all the way to 14 inches. The blade is made from durable stainless steel that is designed to be slightly flexible.
The spatula is guaranteed to glide over icing and surfaces with ease. You also get a highly durable and comfortable grip at the other end.
The grip is designed to be slip-resistant so you can focus on your icing without worrying about unwanted movements.
This spatula is dishwasher safe and can be thrown in with other utensils without worry. It’s built for commercial use so you can be a little rough with it!
3. WOIWO 10 Inch Straight Spatula Stainless Steel
This straight edge spatula has rounded corners which means that you don’t have to deal with uneven edges like with most sharp-edged spatulas.
It’s designed to be long-lasting as it features a durable stainless-steel blade.
The grip is made from durable and heat-resistant plastic that can provide both grip and comfort, even if you decorate for hours.
It comes in a 10-inch size and the thing that we love the most about it is that it features a cute green grip that would look very chic in any modern kitchen.
4. LEGERM Straight Spatula
This straight edge spatula has class, comfort and provides superior control over other similar utensils.
Made from highly durable and long-lasting stainless steel, this spatula is perfect for all your baking or leveling needs.
It features a beautiful wooden handle at the end that provides extra comfort and grip.
Now you don’t have to worry about tiring yourself when icing a large cake or multiple cakes, for that matter. Despite all of this, the spatula doesn’t weigh more than regular straight edge spatulas.
It’s perfect to keep your fingers away from the icing and can help you level hard-to-reach spaces. It comes in a beautiful silver color without impacted or raised inlays so that it doesn’t affect your food when you use the utensil.
5. 4pcs Silicone Heat Resistant Spatula Set
What makes this one of the most versatile options on our list is the fact that this spatula is made from silicon.
Of course, you won’t be able to use it with heat even though this product is rated to be highly heat resistant, it will still prove its worth in multiple scenarios.
It can be used as a tool to level icing and measuring cups and can also be used to scrape off batter from any bowl or surface.
They come in multiple cute colors that can uplift the décor of your kitchen and if you are a Youtuber who runs a cooking channel, this is a must-have for you.
Regardless of this, we think that this set of 4 straight edge spatulas will do the job equally well.
Since it’s made from soft silicon it provides an ergonomic, smooth, and soft grip at the handle-end and a firm yet slightly flexible spatula blade at the other end.
Conclusion
We hope that you now know when and how to use a straight-edge spatula. These spatulas are great for a range of cooking scenarios but are most often used in the world of baking.
They can come in handy while leveling frosting and with other surface work.
Having multiple-sized straight edge spatulas will come in handy in various scenarios so it is better to buy at least 2 different sizes if you want to future-proof yourself.
Whether you like a more traditional spatula or a chic and colored one, our listed spatulas are guaranteed to get the job done.
Related Questions
Now that we’ve gone over what straight edge spatulas are and which ones are the best, let’s take a look at a few related questions on the subject!
How is a straight edge spatula used to measure ingredients?
A straight edge spatula can help in precisely measuring dry ingredients in any measuring cup or bowl. For example, you can take out a cup of flour and shave off the excess using the straight-edge spatula.
The spatula will level off the ingredients and create an even surface, thus allowing you to add exactly one full cup of any dry ingredient.
Does a straight edge spatula have sharp edges?
Depending on the type of spatula that you use, you can either find one that has rounded edges or a spatula that purposefully has sharp edges.
These can come in multiple uses but in the world of baking, most people prefer to use a rounded-edge spatula.
Interestingly, some people will also refer to straight edge spatulas as icing knives.
Can you flip food using a straight edge spatula?
A spatula with a flat blade can come in multiple uses. While not popularly used, you can still use a straight edge spatula for taking care of hot food.
You can use the spatula to either scrape, move, or flip the food from a hot surface. Just make sure that you use a metal blade spatula instead of silicon or a plastic spatula.
Most straight edge spatulas are made of high-grade and durable stainless steel to ensure control and longevity.
Are straight edge spatulas easy to store?
Most spatulas can be stored easily in a large drawer but if are tight on space then we recommend that you either get a spatula holder or a hanger.
Some brands will provide a small hole at the end of the handle to make hanging easier. The length of the spatula will usually determine how best to store it.
Ideally, if you have a long spatula, we recommend that you hang it on your kitchen wall so that it can be used instantly and can also be washed and kept away without a problem.
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