Ekco Spatulas

Jessica Zernike | Feb 01, 2021

Kitchen & Tabletop

Ekco is a historic brand that got its name in 1945 and was responsible for a significant portion of all kitchen utensils manufactured in the 1950s. Today, Ekco is a division of Corelle, and many of their original kitchen products are considered to be vintage. There's a high probability if you've been cooking since the '70s that you have some sort of Ekco product in your kitchen. Ekco spatulas come in many forms, from nylon plastic to rubber and stainless steel.

Ekco is a well-respected brand that has produced thousands of reliable spatulas still functioning in kitchen's across North America today. Spatulas come in all shapes and sizes, but a few qualities make some models superior to others.

Selecting a high-quality spatula depends primarily on the materials used. Nylon, silicone, wood, and stainless steel are common. While nylon is often most affordable, it will melt at around 400°F, whereas silicone has greater heat resistance. Silicone spatulas can resist heat up to 600°F, but this ranges by product. Silicone also has less rigidity and won't scratch your pots and pans.

For handling heavier pieces of food like a hamburger, stainless steel spatulas are the sturdiest option. They are also handy for turning raw meat because they're easier to clean and don't stain as wooden utensils do. However, stainless steel spatulas are often more expensive than other options, and they can scratch pots and pans.

In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, wooden spatulas are a great option because they don't conduct heat, so you can leave them resting against your frying pan without burning your hand when you go to pick it up. They can be challenging to clean and sterilize, especially if you don't rinse them immediately after use.

Choosing the right spatula for your kitchen depends on the kind of cooking you usually do and your aesthetic. Meat lovers who grill often need heavy-duty stainless steel or cast-iron utensils, while vegans or vegetarians have more flexibility to choose a lightweight material. If you have a rustic kitchen, a wooden spatula might fit your aesthetic best, but silicone is a safe choice for practical, everyday use.

This beautiful spatula is made of solid walnut wood and looks fantastic in modern and rustic kitchens. It’s a practical option that doesn’t conduct heat, so you don’t need to worry about the handle becoming warm. It’s also BPA-free for healthier cooking. To maintain it, you must gently handwash the spatula and always lightly oil it before using it.

KitchenAid Classic Slotted Turner, One Size, Black 2

Measuring 8.73” x 3.38” the large head of this classic slotted spatula makes it easy to maneuver large food items while cooking. It’s made from nylon and is heat resistant up to 450°F. To make clean up easy, you can simply pop this product in the dishwasher, hassle-free. This spatula also comes with a 1-year warranty so that you can feel confident in your purchase.

KSENDALO Nonstick Spatula Turner, Thin Slotted Spatula, Wide Nylon Blade Lightweight but Sturdy Kitchen Fish Spatula, Desgin for Non-Stick Pan, Black(Option 1)

Featuring a European LFGB-grade slotted turner and a stainless steel handle, this product is safe and easy to use, conveniently filtering out oil when you’re flipping food in your frying pan. It’s heat resistant up to 410°F, so while it can be used with a non-stick pan, it is not safe for use on a stainless steel or iron pan that will heat up to higher temperatures.

MOACC Silicone Spatula Heat Resistant Non-Stick Flexible Rubber With Solid Stainless Steel Kitchen Essential Gadget Small Premium Scraper Spoon Set of 5 (Random Color)

These colorful spatulas are made from FDA-grade and BPA-free silicone. They feature a stainless steel core in the handle for strength and a comfortable grip. A hole in the handle allows you to hang them up to dry after washing or display them on a hanging rack in your kitchen for a splash of color.

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Cold Temperature Scraper Spatula, 9.5 Inch, Clean-Rest Design (FG1901000000)

This scraper spatula features a seamless design that prevents bacteria and dirt buildup. The handle and blade are a neutral white tone to match most modern kitchens and feature permanent bonding for extra strength. The cold temperature spatula is ideal for icing cakes, mixing cookie dough, and other baking endeavors. It is NSF-certified for food safety.

OXO Good Grips Brushed Stainless Steel Turner

For flipping, sauteing, and stirring this stainless steel spatula is an attractive option. The sturdy, durable steel is complemented by the soft cushioning on the handle to make it easy to grip and prevent you from touching hot metal. The curved end looks sleek, and a convenient hanging hole lets you add this piece to your rack of kitchen utensils for easy access.

DI ORO - Large Silicone Spatula - 600ºF Heat-Resistant Spatula - Seamless Design - Pro-Grade Non-Stick Silicone Rubber with Reinforced Stainless Steel S-Core Technology (RED)

This vibrant red spatula is food-grade, BPA-free, and is safe to use on coated and non-stick cookware. It features a pro-grade handle that is heat resistant up to 600°F, so you don’t need to worry about it melting while you’re cooking. The seamless design is ultra-hygienic, providing no crevices for food or bacteria to hide.

Eddington Italian Olive Wood Wide Pierced Spatula, Handcrafted in Europe, 12.5-Inches

This elegant wooden spatula is made in Europe and is lightweight but sturdy. Featuring holes for draining your food before serving, it’s also great for mixing, stirring, and flipping. Handcrafted with wood sourced from groves in the south of Italy, this gorgeous piece is worth displaying on your countertop. It should occasionally be coated with oil for maintenance.

Helen’s Asian Kitchen Stir Fry Spatula, Natural Bamboo, 13-Inch

This 13” spatula is made from 100% natural bamboo and is lightweight but strong. Less absorbent than other wood spatulas, it’s easier to keep clean and requires gentle hand washing. It will not scratch surfaces and can be used on coated and non-stick pots and pans, so it’s ideal for cooking in a wok or frying pan. This spatula is a long-lasting, sustainable choice.

Matfer Bourgeat Exoglass Pelton Spatula Gray

This durable product is made in France and meets high-performance standards. Made from one piece of Exoglass®, it’s hygienic and easy to clean, providing no areas for food or bacteria to gather. It’s also dishwasher safe, so there’s minimal cleanup after cooking, and you can use it confidently knowing it’s toxin-free with no PTFE or PFOA. This spatula comes in five different colors to match your kitchen decor.