Are Silicone Spatulas Better Than Wooden or Plastic Ones?

Wondering about the best spatula for your kitchen?

We can say, yes, silicone spatulas are better than wood and plastic ones if you require a spatula to work on moderate to high heat. But if you just want a spatula to work on less to moderate heat, then wood spatulas will be the best choice.

Finding the best spatula for functionality and safety purposes is essential. Where a good spatula can make your cooking easier, a poor spatula choice can cause you to face some serious circumstances. Of the famous materials wood, plastic, and silicone spatulas out there, each type offers unique qualities in terms of heat resistance, durability, and performance. Let’s find out which one is better than all.

• Silicone Spatula
• Wood Spatula
• Plastic Spatula
• Features comparison between Wood, Plastic and Silicone
• Which Spatula is Best for Different Cooking Techniques?
• FAQ’s

Let’s start with a short description of all types of spatulas.

Silicone Spatula

A silicone spatula has become very popular in recent years because of its versatility and durability. No matter what task either cooking or baking, silicone spatula performs well. These spatulas come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. These spatulas also come in a proper set for your ease. Although silicone is a synthetic material, it offers huge benefits for cooking. What people like the most about them is the advantages they offer.

Wood Spatula

Wood spatula nowadays seems stodgy but still, they are better because of their eco-friendly nature and natural look. Their quality determines their life span. Two different types of wood are made to prepare wooden spatulas. One soft and the other hardwood. They look the same, but their quality is different. Softwood spatulas are usually not as durable as hardwood spatulas.

Plastic spatula

Plastic spatulas are the most common ones famous for their affordability. People prefer plastic over wood and silicone because they are comparatively cheap. A lot of people out there use plastic spatulas in their houses because they are lightweight and easy to use. But let’s watch why you should replace all your plastic cookware.

Features comparison between Wood, Plastic and Silicone

Let’s have a look at the different features of spatula and their comparison with silicone, wood, and plastic.

Heat Resistance

Silicone: Silicone spatulas are highly heat-resistant spatulas. They can bear extreme temperatures in the range of -40°C to 260°C (or -40°F to 500°F) normally. You can use them while cooking, frying, or even in the oven or stovetop.

Wood: Wood can also bear high heat, but not that as silicone can. For extreme heat like frying or in an oven, wood spatulas can burn or warp if left on a hot pan. The temperature range of wood spatulas is 150°C to 180°C (or 300°F to 350°F).

Plastic: Plastic spatulas are not heat-resistant. When they are exposed to heat, they start melting or deforming. They can be used for normal work in the kitchen but with proper care. A kitchen-grade plastic can withstand temperatures in the range of 100°C to 200°C (or 212°F to 400°F).

Flexibility

Silicone: Silicone spatulas are flexible ones as flexibility is the main quality of silicone. The flexibility can differ in different spatulas, like, cooking spatulas are less flexible as compared to baking ones. Because baking requires more precise cooking.

Wood: Wood spatulas are not flexible. They are rigid and hard. In tasks like scrapping and shifting the batter from one bowl to another, these spatulas are not very helpful. But while heavy cooking, wood spatulas can be best.

Plastic: Plastic is also a stiff material, and the flexibility of the spatula depends on the thickness of the plastic. They are generally hard, and sometimes a little bit flexible, but their flexibility is much less than that of silicone. Thick plastic spatulas are stiff.

Durability

Silicone: Because of its flexibility, silicone material is hard to break, and it is long-lasting. So, silicone is a highly durable material. It can be roughly used at home without the fear of being damaged even under high temperatures.

Wood: Wood spatulas are also considered durable. However, these spatulas cannot handle as much heat as silicone can bear. So, there is the risk of burning or damaging these wood spatulas under high heat. But high-quality wood spatulas can last forever.

Plastic: Plastic spatulas have medium durability. They can not bear high heat, so can melt or break. The chances of harm to these plastic spatulas are more as compared to silicone or wood.  

Non-Stick Compatibility

Silicone: Silicone is itself a non-stick substance. Because of its flexibility and softness, it is gentle and is considered as best spatula for non-stick cookware. While scrapping they don’t damage your quality non-stick pans or bowls.

Wood: Wood spatulas are also considered safe on non-stick pans because their edges are smooth. So, they don’t scratch non-stick pans. This spatula is more for a natural look.

Plastic: Plastic spatula has sharp edges and while scraping, it can damage your non-stick cookware. Not only cookware but also the spatula itself. But if the plastic is a little soft, then it can be used for non-stick cookware.

Ease of Cleaning

Silicone: Silicone spatulas, because of their non-stick nature and smooth surface, are extremely easy to clean. They do not absorb any kind of odor/smell or food color. These spatulas are also dishwasher safe.

Wood: It’s safe to wash these wood spatulas by hand. These spatulas require some amount of care, you should avoid soaking them in water for long. Prolonged soaking can cause them to crack or warp. Also, wood can absorb food odors and smells.

Plastic: Plastic spatulas are also easy to clean and are dishwasher-safe mostly. But plastic normally retains odors and stains. Which is not that much hygienic as wood and silicone.

Eco-friendliness

Silicone: Silicone is not an eco-friendly material, but it is a long-lasting material and has no side effects. So, it can reduce environmental waste by being with you for a long time. It can reduce waste and is better than plastic spatulas.

Wood: Wood is completely eco-friendly and natural. It can decompose and help save the environment. As it is biodegradable and renewable. It is the best choice in this sense among all three.

Plastic: Plastic is totally non-biodegradable and is the least eco-friendly material. Because these spatulas are not recyclable and are made of petroleum-based substances. They end up in landfills which increases the eco waste.

Weight and Balance

Silicone: Silicone is a lightweight substance that makes it easy to handle and use for many cooking tasks. Some silicone spatulas have wood or stainless-steel handles for balance and enhanced weight.

Wood: Wooden spatulas are comparatively heavier, but they have a balanced feel that many people enjoy while cooking. The weight of wood spatulas makes them good when used in heavy mixtures.

Plastic: Plastic spatulas are also lightweight and easy to handle. But some cheaper plastic spatulas may feel too light to handle for some tasks.

 Safety

Silicone: Silicone material is non-toxic and safe to use in the kitchen. They don’t release any harmful chemicals even when exposed to high heat. They are much better replacements than plastic ones. However, some cheap silicone spatulas are not made of food-grade silicone. So, do check the safety of the one you want to buy.

Wood: Wood is a natural substance; it is also the safest of all materials. Still, the proper cleaning of wood is required to prevent bacteria from leaching into it. As you know, wood absorbs water and liquids in it, if it is not properly dried and cleaned, bacteria will start growing. Regular oiling of the wooden spatula is required to protect it from bacteria.

Plastic: Some lower-quality plastics may contain BPA or other chemicals that can leach into food. However, many plastic spatulas are now made BPA-free and are food-grade. But plastic when exposed to high heat, releases harmful chemicals that might hurt you.

Affordability

Silicone: Normally, silicone spatulas are reasonably priced. But some premium options are also available in the market.

Wood: The price of a wooden spatula depends on the quality of the wood used. They are also affordable and

Plastic: Plastic spatulas are generally the most affordable option of all. However, cheaper plastic spatulas may need to be replaced if you need your family's safety.

Which Spatula is Best for Different Cooking Techniques?

If you use non-stick cookware, it’s suitable to select a spatula that won’t scratch the surface of your pans. Silicone spatulas are considered the best option for non-stick surfaces because of their soft and non-stick nature.

For high-heat tasks such as frying, silicone spatulas are also best over plastic and even wooden spatulas. A heatproof spatula made from silicone can withstand high temperatures. For the best silicone spatula, visit Siliconemania, a premium brand of silicone products with all kitchenware products including silicone spatulas.

For baking, you can choose either wood or silicone. It’s on you. Silicone helps best with folding, and wood helps to mix heavy better.

Final Thoughts

Lastly, we can say, every type of spatula has its own pros and cons. Silicone is highly heat-resistant, flexible, and safe. Wooden spatulas are for a more natural, eco-friendly look. Plastic ones are affordable lightweight and suited for low-heat tasks.

Overall, silicone is considered the best all-around choice for your kitchen. The remaining is your choice, the best is one that suits you well.

FAQ’s

What is the Main Difference Between Silicone, Wooden, and Plastic Spatulas?

Each type of spatula has its unique qualities.

• Silicone spatulas are known for their heat resistance, flexibility, and non-scratch properties. They are also safe to use in the kitchen.
• Wooden spatula has an eco-friendly design and is gentle on cookware but lacks the flexibility and heat resistance as of silicone.
• Plastic spatulas are affordable and lightweight but can melt at high temperatures. Avoid using them in high-heat cooking.

Are Silicone Spatulas Safe for High-Heat Cooking?

Yes, silicone spatulas are safe for high-heat cooking. A heat-resistant spatula made from silicone can withstand high temperatures, normally up to 500°F or more.

Which Spatula is Best for Non-Stick Cookware?

The best spatula for nonstick cookware is generally a silicone spatula. Because silicone itself is non-stick, soft, and flexible. It won’t scratch or damage the surface of non-stick pans. This helps extend the lifespan of your pans.

How Do I Clean Silicone Spatulas?

Cleaning silicone spatulas is very simple because they are dishwasher-safe and stain-resistant. If you want to wash them by hand, use warm soapy water for safe cleaning. It is recommended to wash the silicone spatula set by hand if you want it for a long time.

Can Wooden Spatulas Be Used in Frying?

No, I don’t recommend using wooden spatulas for frying due to their lack of heat resistance. Wooden spatulas can be used for light frying tasks where the temperature is lower but avoid using them in very high heat. A fryer spatula made of heat-resistant materials like silicone is more appropriate.

What Makes Silicone Spatulas Heat Resistant?

Heat resistance is one of the properties of silicone material. A heat-resistant silicone spatula can bear temperatures up to 500°F or higher without breaking.  

Is a Plastic Spatula Safe to Use on Non-Stick Pans?

A plastic spatula for cooking is a little gentle on non-stick surfaces. But do remember, that not all plastic spatulas are safe for your pans. It depends on the nature and thickness of the plastic. Plastic spatulas with sharp edges can damage your non-stick pan.

What Are the Benefits of a Long Handle Spatula?

A long-handle spatula is safer to use and control, especially for cooking that needs high heat, such as frying. The long handle protects your hand while cooking. They are mostly used in large bowls and deep pans.

Which Spatula is Best for Baking?

Wooden and silicone spatulas are good for baking. But silicone spatulas are flexible and perfect for scraping bowls or folding ingredients. Wood spatulas are hard and sturdy, they are best for mixing thick batters. Both have their own advantages. Now it’s your choice.