Rose Stark
13 min readApr 19, 2024

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a budding chef, you know the importance of having a well-designed and versatile ladle in your kitchen. In this article, we’re going to round up some of the top ladles on the market, each with its unique features and benefits. Get ready to delve into the world of ladles and find the perfect one for your culinary adventures!

The Top 10 Best Ladles

  1. BPA-Free Turquoise Silicone Ladle for Servers — Enjoy hassle-free serving with the RSVP Ela’s Silicone Ladle, featuring a BPA-free silicone design that’s safe for both you and your cookware, and a practical capacity of 2 oz.
  2. Stylish Chef Craft Red Nylon Ladle — Experience convenience and durability with the Chef Craft Red Nylon Ladle, ideal for serving soups, perfectly heat-resistant to 450°F, and gentle on non-stick cookware, while providing a comfortable and sturdy grip for longer life.
  3. Truecraftware Long-Handled Stainless Steel Ladle for Soups and Salads — The versatile Truecraftware Stainless Steel Ladle is perfect for measuring and scooping, featuring a convenient 24 oz. size and a durable, rust-resistant design.
  4. Tenta Pro Large Ladle: Stainless Steel and Wooden Handle Soup Spoon for School and Home Use — Introducing Tenta Kitchen’s professional-grade, stainless steel soup ladle — a reliable, ergonomic, and safe choice for large kitchens like schools, hotels, and restaurants, backed by its eco-friendly, healthy, and long-lasting material.
  5. Vibrant Red Omcan 13" Ladle for Precise Serving — The Omcan 13" One-Piece Ladle in Red delivers precise portioning and durability for commercial kitchens, perfect for serving soups, sauces, and stews.
  6. Town Commercial Stainless Steel Wok Ladle for Restaurant Use — Experience the durability and ease of use with the Town 34971 Large 8 oz. Machine Made Stainless Steel Wok Ladle, featuring a reinforced wood handle for ultimate performance in commercial kitchens.
  7. CAC China 6in. Handle Ladle — Scout, scoop and serve your favorite dishes effortlessly with CAC China’s sleek, one-piece SLD6–20 Ladle, featuring a robust 6in. stainless steel handle.
  8. Server 82977 Ladle for Serving Delicious Dishes — Experience effortless serving with the durable 1 oz stainless steel Slim Fountain Jar Ladle from Server Products, perfect for handling dry or challenging ingredients.
  9. Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel One-Piece 12 oz Ladle — The CAC China SSLD-120RD One-Piece Ladle with Red Handle offers a 12 oz. capacity, hooked handle for easy use, and is made from durable, satin-finish heavy gauge stainless steel.
  10. Nonoji Stainless Steel Ladle for Cooking and Serving — Experience effortless cooking with Nonoji’s sleek, stainless steel Ladle — the perfect tool for all your culinary needs at an affordable price.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reviews

BPA-Free Turquoise Silicone Ladle for Servers

rsvp-elas-silicone-ladle-turquoise-1

The RSVP Ela’s Silicone Ladle has proven to be a sturdy and reliable addition to my kitchen routine. Its BPA-free design and durable silicone material make it ideal for both hot and cold dishes, with no worries about odors or bacteria. The long handle and wide bowl make it perfect for serving from deep pots, while the unique whole for hanging makes it an easy piece to store away.

However, in my experience, I have found that the 2-ounce capacity can sometimes be too much for certain dishes that don’t require a ladle with such a size. Although it’s easy to clean — even in the dishwasher — the 11-inch length can sometimes feel a bit cumbersome when handling smaller pots. Overall, the RSVP Ela’s Silicone Ladle still stands out as a valuable kitchen tool that has quickly become a household favorite.

Stylish Chef Craft Red Nylon Ladle

chef-craft-red-nylon-ladle-1

Experience the ultimate convenience while serving soups and stews with Chef Craft’s Red Nylon Ladle. Its special heat-resistant nylon design ensures a gentle touch on your gourmet non-stick cookware, and the ergonomic handle promises a comfortable grip.

This ladle is not only dishwasher-safe but also durable, offering a longer life. While it may be a bit heavier than others, its sturdiness ensures a top-quality performance. With a 5.0 rating and numerous positive reviews praising its quality and versatility, the Chef Craft Red Nylon Ladle is a must-have in any kitchen.

Truecraftware Long-Handled Stainless Steel Ladle for Soups and Salads

truecraftware-24-oz-stainless-steel-ladle-with-long-hooked-handle-for-soup-chili-gravy-salad-dressin-1

This Truecraftware 24 oz. Stainless Steel Ladle is a versatile and practical addition to any busy kitchen.

With its long-hooked handle and size clearly indicated on the handle, it offers quick and efficient measuring and portioning for your recipes. The durable stainless steel construction ensures it won’t rust or bend, making it easy to clean and perfect for use with various dishes, from soup and chili to salad dressings and pancake batter.

Its two-piece design provides both convenience and long-term durability, making it a great economical choice for your kitchen.

Tenta Pro Large Ladle: Stainless Steel and Wooden Handle Soup Spoon for School and Home Use

tenta-kitchen-stainless-steel-long-pot-soup-spoon-ladle-professional-large-serving-ladle-chef-spoon--1

I recently bought a Tenta Kitchen Stainless Steel Long Soup Ladle for my school cafeteria and have been using it ever since for serving soup to my fellow students. The ladle is quite sturdy and durable, thanks to its high-quality stainless steel construction. It’s easy to hold and gives a good grip, even when my hands are wet from washing dishes. The size of the handle also makes it comfortable to use.

One thing that stood out to me was the ladle’s heavy-duty nature. It can hold a lot of food without bending or breaking, making it a reliable choice for busy kitchens like the one at my school. However, I must mention that I found the cleaning process to be a bit more challenging compared to other ladles I’ve used in the past. Nonetheless, the Tenta Kitchen Stainless Steel Long Soup Ladle has been a great addition to our cafeteria’s kitchenware.

Vibrant Red Omcan 13" Ladle for Precise Serving

omcan-13-one-piece-ladle-red-1

The Omcan 13" One-Piece Ladle in Red is a high-quality kitchen tool designed to provide precise portioning in any setting. Made of durable polycarbonate construction, this one-piece ladle ensures longevity and ease of use. Its vibrant red color adds style to any kitchen, while its 13-inch length makes it perfect for serving soups, sauces, and stews.

Ideal for both professional chefs and home cooks, this one-piece ladle boasts a generous 1 oz. size, perfect for portioning out the ideal amount.

With its sturdy construction and practical length, the Omcan 13" One-Piece Ladle is an essential tool for any kitchen.

Town Commercial Stainless Steel Wok Ladle for Restaurant Use

town-34971-large-8-oz-machine-made-stainless-steel-wok-ladle-with-wood-handle-commercial-restaurant--1

If you’re in the market for a commercial-grade ladle, the 8 oz. Machine Made Stainless Steel Wok Ladle with Wood Handle by Town Food Service is worth considering. With a two-piece construction, this ladle is designed to withstand heavy use and features a reinforced pressure point for added durability.

The wood handle provides a comfortable grip and gives the ladle a classic touch. Before using, it’s recommended to soak the handle in water once, allowing it to draw in moisture and expand inside the handle for a better fit.

Measuring 19.75" in length, this ladle is perfect for reaching deep into the wok or pot, and its bowl dimensions of 4.5" x 5" make it versatile for various tasks. Model number 34971, this stylish and practical tool is a must-have for any restaurant or culinary establishment, providing both convenience and durability. However, it should be noted that this Wok Ladle is not energy-efficient and may cause splashing during use.

CAC China 6in. Handle Ladle

cac-china-sld6-20-one-piece-ladle-with-6in-handle-2-oz-1

Experience convenience with this CAC China SLD6–20 One-Piece Ladle. Crafted to withstand your everyday cooking needs, this ladle features a 6-inch handle, ensuring comfort while scooping up your favorite dishes. Made from high-quality materials, it is perfect for handling those tasty salad dressings, mouthwatering side dishes, and even your signature award-winning sauces.

One of the standout features of this ladle is its one-piece design, which means there are no crevices between the welded pieces. This design not only makes the ladle incredibly easy to clean but also ensures that it lasts longer. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a versatile ladle that can handle both hearty side dishes and light sauces, this CAC China SLD6–20 One-Piece Ladle is a great choice.

Server 82977 Ladle for Serving Delicious Dishes

server-82977-ladle-serving-1

This sleek, stainless steel ladle from Server Products is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its slim fountain jar design makes it perfect for serving dry or difficult-to-pump ingredients.

Crafted with a 7-inch handle and a 1-ounce capacity, it offers a comfortable grip and the perfect amount for your favorite dishes. Additionally, the 2-year limited warranty ensures that you can enjoy your ladle with confidence.

Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel One-Piece 12 oz Ladle

cac-china-ssld-120rd-one-piece-ladle-with-red-handle-12-oz-1

A couple of weeks ago, I finally decided to ditch my old wooden ladle that had seen better days and opted to try out the CAC China SSLD-120RD One-Piece Ladle with a Red Handle. As someone who spends a significant amount of time cooking, it was about time I invested in a sturdy and durable kitchen utensil that would last longer.

When I first held the product in my hand, I couldn’t help but be impressed by its sleek and well-designed appearance. The red handle added a touch of class to my otherwise monotonous kitchenware, while the smooth, satin finish of the heavy-gauge stainless steel provided a nice contrast to the rustic wooden ladles I’ve been used to.

What I truly appreciated about this one-piece ladle was its ability to scoop out an exact 12-ounce quantity of liquid without any spillage, thanks to its cleverly designed hooked handle that prevents it from slipping into a bowl or pot during use.

That being said, I encountered a few minor drawbacks to the product. Despite being made of high-quality stainless steel, the product does seem to be on the heavier side, making it less comfortable to use for more petite hands. Additionally, the red handle, though visually appealing, can become slightly slippery when wet, which could be a safety concern.

Overall, while I do appreciate the durability and design of the CAC China SSLD-120RD One-Piece Ladle with a Red Handle, I believe that the product may not be the best option for those with smaller hands or who prefer lighter utensils in the kitchen.

Nonoji Stainless Steel Ladle for Cooking and Serving

nonoji-stainless-steel-ladle-1

As a daily cook, I found myself constantly in need of a reliable ladle to handle various tasks in the kitchen. The Nonoji Stainless Steel Ladle quickly became my go-to choice. Its sleek satin finish not only adds an elegant touch but also makes it a breeze to clean. The seamless design ensures that no food particles get trapped, making it a hygienic option.

The ladle’s size is perfect for scooping up soups, pouring rice, and even stir-frying. However, my favorite feature is the “Geek” combination of ladle and rice balls, which takes convenience to a whole new level. Despite being made in China, the quality of this product is on par with more expensive options.

While the weight of the ladle might be perceived as heavier by some, I found it to be sturdy and well-balanced, making it easier to maneuver without causing strain on my wrist. Overall, the Nonoji Stainless Steel Ladle is a reliable and versatile kitchen tool that has become an essential part of my culinary journey.

Buyer’s Guide

Discovering the perfect ladle to perfectly measure and pour can be quite the task, but with our comprehensive buyer’s guide, you’ll be well prepared to make an informed purchase. From materials to handle styles, our guide will highlight the essential features and provide helpful advice when choosing a ladle suited to your specific needs.

Important Features

  1. Material: High quality materials are essential for the durability and performance of the ladle. Some common materials include stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and silicone. Stainless steel ladles are rust-resistant and corrosion-resistant; aluminum and copper ladles are lightweight but tend to retain heat quickly, while silicone ladles are heat-resistant and perfect for baking.

Considerations

  1. Size: Consider the volume of liquids you need to measure or pour. Smaller ladles (cup capacity) are suitable for smaller tasks while larger ladles (quart capacity) are more suitable for heavier jobs like cookware with deep sides or larger vats of liquid food products. Ensure the handle length for comfortable use.

Handle Styles

  1. Traditional Wooden Handle: These ladles have a natural look and feel. However, they may absorb moisture and could potentially warp if not dried quickly after use. Some have metal or plastic reinforcing to prevent warping or splintering. Use paraffin or beeswax to condition wooden handles and prevent cracking.

General Advice

  1. Choose a ladle with a flared lip or spout to control the flow of liquid while pouring. Non-stick coatings can also help reduce food sticking to your ladle, making cleanup easier. Ensure the ladle is lightweight to avoid strain when using it for extended periods. Take note of the specific features of each ladle type to ensure you’re choosing the best one for your needs.

FAQ

What is a ladle?

A ladle is a kitchen utensil used for scooping, stirring, and pouring liquids, soups, and sauces. It comes in various sizes and materials, including stainless steel, silicone, and even wooden options. They are essential in the kitchen for tasks such as making soups, stews, and sauces, and can also be used for serving and stirring food during cooking.

The design of a ladle usually includes a long handle, a large scoop or head, and sometimes a pouring spout at the end. Ladles can have different shapes and sizes, depending on the purpose for which they are intended. For example, stirring ladles may have a flat bottom, while measuring ladles may have markings on the side.

What are the different materials used to make ladles?

Common materials used to make ladles include stainless steel, silicone, and wood. Stainless steel ladles are durable, heat resistant, and non-reactive to food. They are easy to clean and can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks. However, they may conduct heat, which can be uncomfortable for some users.

Silicone ladles are a popular choice for those concerned about heat transfer because they are heat-resistant and insulated. They also come in various bright colors, making them easy to spot in a messy kitchen. Additionally, silicone ladles are flexible and can be easily folded for storage, making them convenient for smaller kitchens.

How do I choose the right size ladle?

When choosing the right size ladle, consider the main purpose for which you will be using it. If you are cooking in large quantities or need a measuring ladle, a larger size ladle would be appropriate. Conversely, if you are only making small portions or stirring food in a shallow pan, a smaller ladle would be more suitable.

Additionally, consider your own comfort and ease of use. A handle that is too long or too short may be uncomfortable to hold, so make sure the size of the ladle fits your hand comfortably. It is also essential to ensure the ladle’s scoop or head size is appropriate for the task at hand — for example, a smaller scoop may be necessary for serving sauces.

How do I care and maintain my ladle?

To maintain the quality and longevity of your ladle, always clean it after use. If your ladle is dishwasher safe, simply place it in the dishwasher with the other dishes. If not, hand wash it with soap and warm water. Avoid soaking your ladle in water or placing it in direct contact with a hot burner.

If your ladle is made of stainless steel or silicone, it should be fine to place it in hot water. However, if you have a wooden ladle, avoid soaking it in water, as it may absorb moisture and become damaged or moldy. Instead, gently scrub it with a soft brush or sponge and let it air dry. It is also essential to dry your ladle thoroughly before storing to prevent any water buildup or the growth of bacteria.

What are some popular ladle designs?

Popular ladle designs include the traditional soup ladle, which has a large scoop at the end and a long handle, making it ideal for serving and stirring soups and stews. There are also measuring ladles, which have markings on the side, allowing you to measure the correct amount of liquid. Some ladles also have a pouring spout at the end, which makes it easy to transfer liquids without spilling.

Other popular designs include silicone ladles, which are heat-resistant and insulated, making them a comfortable option for cooking tasks that involve heat transfer. Additionally, some ladles have a flat bottom to ensure easy use, while others have different handle lengths for optimal comfort and ease of use.

Are there any eco-friendly ladle options?

Yes, there are eco-friendly ladle options available, such as those made from bamboo or other sustainable materials. Bamboo ladles are biodegradable and compostable, making them an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. They are also heat-resistant and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for everyday use.

Additionally, opting for a reusable silicone or stainless steel ladle can help reduce waste, as you can use it repeatedly instead of disposing of a single-use item after each use. When purchasing an eco-friendly ladle, look for one that is durable, heat-resistant, and has a comfortable handle for ease of use.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.