What is my ideal, you ask? I use mine for mainly stirring on the stovetop, and scraping food out of bowls, pots, and skillets. Spoonulas seem to do this better, for the most part. I want a spoonula or spatula to have the following characteristics:
- Head flexible enough to get around the curves of bowls and pans
- Handle rigid enough not to bend when I put pressure on it.
- Dishwasher safe
- Comfortable handle neither too long nor too short
- Heatproof
Right now, I use my Le Creuset spoonula and spatulas the most, because they have the most functional heads. But you either have to remove the wooden handle before putting the head in the dishwasher and then realize that water is going to stay trapped inside the slot, or put the whole thing in the dishwasher and accept that the handle will warp over time.
I have a Cuisinart spoonula, which is very good except that it is way too long.
I have a "Good Cook" spatula - too short.
I have a sort of weird Rubbermaid spoonula which has an extremely flexible "neck" - it just sort of gives way entirely under pressure. It is great for getting the last of the mayonnaise out of the jar, though - just happens to be just the right shape. But I really don't need a utensil specifically for this purpose.
I have Zyliss and Onieda spatulas that are too stiff to do a good scraping job (but the Zyliss has a perfect handle).
I have an unnamed Gawdawful spoonula that combines the worst features of several of the above. If you have any suggestions for solutions to my Quest, feel free to Post to the Forum!
