Spatula

Spatula - The spatula is a basic tool that is almost indispensable when it comes to grilling. A quality spatula will last for many grilling seasons.

A spatula (sometimes called a lifting spatula) is a simple, yet quite necessary, tool for outdoor grilling. There are a number of different styles of flippers ranging from slender cake spatulas to wide, sturdy slotted ones which are designed for grilling.

As the name suggests, lifting spatulas are intended to facilitate lifting. They are usually flat, so that cooks can slide it under the food in question, and they have reinforced handles so that cooks can lift food confidently or wedge the flipper into something without being concerned about breakage. Materials like metal and silicone are commonly used in lifting flippers since these materials are heat resistant; handles can be made from silicone, plastic, or wood so that they remain cool to the touch.

Handle variations may vary. In many cases, a lifting spatula will have an offset handle to provide more leverage. A flattened angle can work on large surfaces like grills, while angled handles are extremely useful in close quarters, like pans of lasagna and other baked foods. A good lifter will have a solid handle which is sturdily connected, as few things are as inconvenient as breaking a handle while serving food. There are even combination tools called Spatula Tongs that are quite handy.

The body of a lifting spatula can be wide, narrow, solid, or perforated. Obviously, the more narrow a flipper is, the less sturdy it will be, but slender blades can be used to serve small wedges of cake, or to slip into corners where a larger blade won't fit. A perforated blade can allow grease to drain while food is lifted, which is convenient when frying or grilling. In some cases a lifting spatula may be slotted, to facilitate even faster drainage. Solid lifters can be used in a variety of ways, from flipping pancakes to wedging a piece of sheet cake out of a pan.

You don't need to spend a lot of time picking out a lifting Spatula. Try to avoid the ones which are obviously poorly made and you may want to steer clear of flippers with plastic components which might melt if left on the grill. If you're looking at a lifter with a silicone body, flex the body; if white streaks appear, the silicone is of poor quality, and it may break down. Most lifting spatulas are safe for dishwasher use, although you may want to check for seams where food might collect.