Which is the Best Spatula For Cast Iron Skillet?
If you use cast iron skillets to bake or for other types of cooking, you probably fall into one of these two categories of cooks:
- You spend a lot of time meticulously seasoning your cast iron in the oven with layers of unrefined flax seed oil. Without a doubt, this is a lot of work. Therefore, you are usually concerned with protecting the layer of seasoning. This means you prefer to use soft implements like silicone or bamboo on your skillet.
- You may also believe that the best way of seasoning cast iron is using it frequently with different oils, a flat-edged stainless steel spatula and exposing it to high heat. For you, the best way of caring for a cast iron skillet is by using it a lot!
As a seasoned cook, I fall in the second category of cast iron skillet users.
What is the Best Spatula To Use on a Cast Iron Skillet?
One of the features of cast iron is that it is nearly indestructible. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to use implements meant for appliances made of Teflon.
Using a metal spatula on your cast iron skillet will improve its surface. You do not even need to strip or re-season the appliance. The best spatula for a cast iron skillet will help to reduce the high spots in the natural texture of the appliance. As a result, your pan’s cooking surface will be smoother and it won’t be making the rusty nail sound when you are scrapping it.
Here are some images that illustrate this point:
From the images, you may think that the bottom one has been zoomed into compared than the others. However, this is not the case.
These are three different skillets whose photographs were taken with the same settings, in the same light conditions and from the same distance.
In the beginning, the skillets had the same texture. However, the Wagner skillets ended up being rougher than the lodge ones. One thing that is clear is that the skillets that were frequently scrapped by a metal spatula looked way better!
Does the cast iron skillet still remain nonstick after frequent scratching? Definitely.
My 13.25 inch lodge has never been re-seasoned but its nonstick property is comparable to that of any cast iron skillet. That amazing surface can be attributed to using the right metal spatula.
Is it OK to Use a Metal on Cast Iron?
Some people think that the seasoning in cast iron skillets is delicate and can easily chip or flake out if you use metal. As a result, they recommend using nylon or wooden utensils. However, this is NOT true.
The reality is that cast iron skillet seasoning is quite resilient. This is not just material that has been stuck on the appliance like a tape. Rather, the material is chemically bonded to the metal. You can use a metal spatula to scrape away without the risk of chirping the seasoning.
Can You Use Steel on Cast Iron?
When it comes to cleaning your cast iron skillet, avoid using soap. Instead, put the appliance in a dishwasher or use steel wool. If you use soap, it will strip off the seasoning completely and make your cast iron skillet prone to rusting.
Rust is the surest factor that can ruin your cast iron skillet.
Which is the Best Spatula for Cast Iron Skillet?
If you are short on time, watch this video on best spatula for cast iron skillet.
Below are my top picks for the best spatula for cast iron skillet.
KENI Stainless Steel Spatula
The KENI Stainless Steel spatula is perfect for all kinds of grilling and baking activities. The spatula is made of heavy-gauge stainless steel and features a wooden handle that is securely riveted in place.
Measuring 25.5 cm in length and 6.5 cm at width of the blade, the spatula is just the right size for turning fish, pancake, chops, steaks and other foods. This accessory can be used not only at home, but also in food shops and restaurants.
The KENI stainless steel spatula is attractive without being flashy and is easy to clean. The spatula is well-built and the materials high quality while the price is very affordable.
MANNKITCHEN Stainless Steel Spatula
The MANNKITCHEN Stainless Steel spatula is made from hardened steel, which makes it perfect for leveling cast iron skillet surfaces. The spatula has a beveled straight edge for easy relief and is fitted with a hardwood handle that is comfortable to hold. The handle is heat-resistant and durable.
This MANNKITCHEN spatula for cast iron skillet stands out for its heavy duty build. The heavy gauge steel is stiff and prevents flex. The spatula is an excellent accessory for tough scraping tasks and smash burgers. The spatula’s beveled edge really enables you to get under the food on your pan or griddle. Moreover, its edge is great for scrapping stuck-on food off your pan.
This sturdy spatula feels good on the hand and also doubles as a scraper.
HIC Harold Pancake Turner
The HIC Harold Pancake Turner is made of high quality stainless steel working and a sturdy walnut handle that is fastened with 2 rivets. The appliance comes in three sizes:
- All Purpose Turner (5 inches)
- Mini Turner (2 x 2.5 inches)
- Pancake Turner (4 x 2.5 inches)
The cast iron spatula has smooth edges all the way around the blade. Its corners are rounded and the edge of the blade is slightly smoothed and beveled.
The Harold spatula blade is thin enough and can easily slide under eggs being cooked in a cast iron skillet rather than just pushing them around. Moreover, the end is not sharp but it has enough of an edge to cut a piece of chicken apart to check if it’s cooked all the way through.
The weight and solid build of the spatula make plastic spatulas seem like cheap toys.
Choosing the Best Spatula for Cast Iron
Here are the things to consider when choosing a cast iron skillet spatula:
Heavy Gauge Steel
The spatula should be made of heavy gauge steel to allow you to apply downward pressure to prevent flex and also get perfect smash burgers. The material should also be sturdy enough so that you can scrape without getting hot food out of the skillet.
Hardwood Handle
Check that the spatula has a hardwood handle so that you can rest it on the edge of the pan. You cannot do this with a plastic spatula.
Flat Scraping Edge
Get a metal spatula whose edge spreads force evenly to ensure maximum contact on the edge for excellent food release and even levelling of the skillet surface over time
Precision Beveled Edge
If your spatula has a blunt edge, it will leave most of your flavorful bits of smashed burger and seared steak behind. To prevent this, get a spatula with a precision beveled edge.
Hardened Stainless Steel
Get a spatula made of hardened stainless steel. If the spatula is made of unhardened steel, it will be chirping away as you scrape the cast iron skillet and mix with your food
