Slotted Spoon
Slotted spoons are used for straining water or other liquids from food. Let buffet guests drain syrup from canned fruit using a small slotted spoon, or use a larger one to remove ingredients from boiling water in your kitchen.
Slotted Serving Spoons: What You Need to Know
Whether you're serving boiled vegetables in a cafeteria or helping salad bar visitors avoid unwanted liquids on their plates, slotted spoons are a viable solution for your foodservice operation. These spoons offer users a straining function that eliminates the need for a colander or mesh sieve in certain situations, making them ideal not only for serving food but for food prep use as well. Operators can use slotted spoons to transfer pasta directly to a sauce or easily remove small, deep-fried items, such as okra or pickles, from grease.
Common Questions About Slotted Spoons
What sizes and shapes are available?
These spoons are available in sizes between 10 and 21 inches. Slotted basting spoons have a wide, slightly curved head, and for salads and buffets, small slotted spoons with deep, narrow heads are also available. On 10-inch models, the heads can hold .75 ounces of product.
What materials are slotted spoons made of?
Nylon, plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel slotted spoons are available, with metal spoons sometimes including a nylon or plastic handle. Plastic slotted and perforated spoons may be designed for salad bars or buffets, while nylon and steel spoons are usually better suited for cooking applications.
How do perforated and slotted spoons differ in use?
Perforated spoons – which have small, round holes – are sufficient for separating food from water, broths, or sauces. Slotted spoons have longer holes useful for similar applications, as well as removing items from thick sauces. Choose a perforated spoon for small items, such as peas and corn, or in instances where you want to retain some of the liquid or sauce. If you need to quickly strain out liquid from larger vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, choose a spoon with slotted holes.
How do you clean a slotted serving spoon?
Commercial slotted spoons are dishmachine safe. To ensure removal of stuck-on food, soak spoons in soapy water and scrub them before washing.
Are slotted spoons heat resistant?
Polycarbonate plastic spoons may be heat resistant in temperatures greater than 200 degrees Fahrenheit, nylon is resistant to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and metal utensils are resistant to even higher temperatures.
How do I keep from burning my hands?
Nylon and plastic are heat insulators, so slotted spoons made of these materials will not transfer heat to the handle when you use them with high-temperature food. If you are worried about burning your hands while using a spoon made of metal, which conducts heat, consider buying one with a vinyl, plastic, or hollow metal handle.
How do I store my slotted spoon?
Slotted spoons may be stored in a drawer or hung on a rack using the hole usually located at the end of the handle. Hooked handles are also available.