What it is
A slotted spoon has a perforated head for lifting solid food from liquid and letting the liquid drain away. It differs from a solid spoon, which holds liquid; a mesh skimmer, often called a spider, is a related variant.
When to use it
Use it to lift pasta, vegetables or dumplings from water, stock or oil, allowing liquid to drain before serving. It can also help remove food during blanching or poaching. Some models, such as Avanti’s Multi-in-1, are also designed to skim fats and froth from soups and sauces.
How to use it
Slide the head beneath the food and lift so liquid can flow back into the vessel through the slots or holes. Let it drain before serving. If you want to serve food together with its liquid, use a solid spoon rather than a slotted one.
How to choose it
Choose the shape to suit the food and vessel. Perforated heads and wire baskets can lift and drain food. For nonstick cookware, choose a model expressly identified as safe for those surfaces.
Cleaning and storage
Care depends on the model. IKEA’s VARDAGEN with a beech handle requires hand washing and occasional treatment of the handle with food-approved oil. OXO’s Scoop & Strain, by contrast, is dishwasher-safe. Follow the instructions for your utensil.
Alternatives for each use
For serving food with its stock or sauce, a solid spoon holds liquid more effectively. A mesh skimmer, also called a spider, is a related variant commonly used for frying or for removing residue from the surface of stock.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse it with a solid spoon: its openings are intended to drain, so it will not hold a serving of soup or sauce well. Nor should you assume every slotted spoon suits every vessel or cleaning method; check the instructions for the specific model.
Safe use
Check cookware compatibility and the model’s heat limit. Some nylon skimmers, including those from Cuisinart and CRISTEL, are identified as suitable for nonstick surfaces; this does not establish compatibility for every skimmer.
Frequently asked questions
What is a slotted spoon used for?
It lifts solid food from water, stock or oil while allowing liquid to drain through its openings.
How is it different from a solid spoon?
A slotted spoon lets liquid pass through its openings; a solid spoon holds liquid and is more suitable when serving the liquid with the food.
Can I use one with a nonstick pan?
Choose a model expressly identified as safe for nonstick surfaces and follow the instructions for both the utensil and the cookware.
Sources and review
Sources consulted for this utensil’s documented uses, care and characteristics.
- Slotted Spoon Guide: Uses, Types Tips for Everyday Cooking – INOX Artisans inoxflatware.com/blogs/handcrafted-tales/what-is-a-slotted-spoon-used-for-the-complete-guide…
- Scoop And Strain Skimmer — OXO www.oxo.com/oxo-good-grips-scoop-and-strain-skimmer.html
- Nylon Skimmer CTG-07-SK — Cuisinart www.cuisinart.com/nylon-skimmer/CTG-07-SK.html
- Nylon skimmer POC TCAEN — CRISTEL www.cristel.com/en/products/nylon-skimmer
- VARDAGEN skimmer stainless steel/beech — IKEA www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vardagen-skimmer-stainless-steel-beech-90581513/
- Nylon Multi-In-1 Skimmer SKU15245 — Avanti avantihomewares.com/products/nylon-multi-in-1-skimmer
