Wooden spoons and wooden utensils are versatile, durable and affordable, so it’s no wonder they can be found in most home chefs’ kitchens. However, proper care is essential to ensure the longevity of wooden utensils. With a few key items and easy-care steps, your wooden spoons, wooden utensils and wooden cutting boards will last through many years of use.
In this article: Woodenhouse Acacia Wood Cutting Board Set of 3, Woodenhouse Bamboo Storage Bag Organizer and Le Creuset Signature Wooden Tools Set, 3-piece
Kitchen utensils for cooking are made of various materials, but few offer the benefits of wooden spoons. The natural material doesn’t contain harsh chemicals and won’t react with foods that have a high acid content. Wood won’t damage cookware or nonstick surfaces, yet it can withstand high cooking temperatures. It’s also durable and long-lasting with the right care.
Wooden spoons and wooden utensils for cooking are made from various types of hardwood, including maple, cherry, walnut and poplar. Because of its durability, beechwood is one of the most common types of spoon wood. Bamboo spoons are also available. While they stand out in terms of sustainability, this type of wood tends to splinter and wear prematurely.
While wooden utensils require specific care, there are various easy storing and cleaning hacks.
Because wood is porous, bacteria can grow on it. This is more likely to occur when the material is damp. Providing ventilation when storing a wooden cooking utensil will inhibit bacterial growth. Ideally, they should be placed in a utensil storage container with an open or vented design. Another option is to hang them on hooks on a utensil rack.
Wooden spoons are not dishwasher-safe. Additionally, you should air-dry them, not leave them to soak in water. Instead, a hand wash using mild liquid dish soap keeps them clean without damaging the wood. Once washed, wooden spoons should be dried immediately using a dish towel or paper towels.
Conditioning wooden spoons with food-grade mineral oil keeps the wood from splintering or cracking. This should be done once or twice a year or whenever your wooden spoons seem especially dry.
A. Dishwashers work with high temperatures to clean, sanitize and dry dishes. Over time, these hot water cycles can damage wooden spoons by causing them to expand, dry out and splinter.
A. No, since boiling wooden spoons would cause damage similar to a dishwasher.
A. When used, stored and cleaned with care, wooden spoons can last a lifetime. However, if they begin to splinter, crack or develop rough spots, it’s time to discard them and purchase new spoons.
Woodenhouse Wooden Utensil Set, 8 Pcs
This set of eight utensils is made of teak and is nontoxic and won't crack or splinter. With proper care, they can last up to 10 years and are safe for all cooking surfaces. The set includes a spatula, turner, ladle, skimmer, spoon rest, utensil holder and a set of hooks if you'd prefer to hang them up.
Woodenhouse Acacia Wood Cutting Board Set of 3
This set of cutting boards features three sizes and all of the boards have juice grooves and handles for easy use. They resist odors, staining and bacteria and shouldn't warp or crack with proper care. The set comes with a holder so you can keep them handy when you need them.
Woodenhouse Wooden Salad Bowl Set of 3
These wooden bowls come in three sizes and are perfect for serving salads, popcorn, fruit or even using as decor. They are made of acacia wood and each bowl features a unique design. They can stack inside each other for easy storage and are simple to keep clean.
Woodenhouse Bamboo Storage Bag Organizer
Keep your storage bags within easy reach with this bamboo storage bag organizer that fits inside a drawer. It's made of four separate blocks, so you can arrange it however it fits best in your kitchen. The set comes with labels so you can be sure to grab the right bag.
Sonder Los Angeles Winsome Acacia Wood Cutting Board
Elevate your prep process and charcuterie display with this stunning acacia wood cutting board. It features juice grooves, as well as handles for easy carrying and moving. It also has a cracker well to keep your charcuterie looking as good as it tastes.
Le Creuset Signature Wooden Tools Set, 3-piece
Le Creuset's three-piece wooden tool set is designed with your cooking ease in mind. The ergonomic handles have flat edges, making them easy to set on a spoon rest or the handle of your Dutch oven. Each utensil has an opening in case you want to hang them on hooks.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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