Best slotted spoons for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The OXO Good Grips Slotted Spoon is our top pick for 2026 because it balances comfort, balance, and everyday usefulness better than any spoon we’ve researched.
The Cuisipro Slotted Spoon is a great runner-up for cooks who prefer a sleek all-metal feel, while budget shoppers will do well with the simple GoodCook Slotted Spoon.
A slotted spoon is one of those quiet kitchen heroes: it drains, skims, and serves without dragging extra liquid onto your plate or into your pan. Whether you’re lifting vegetables out of boiling water, skimming foam from stock, or serving saucy dishes, the right spoon makes the motion feel automatic. The best ones have a comfortable handle, a bowl deep enough to hold food securely, and slots that drain quickly without letting small bits slip through. Choosing a slotted spoon comes down to a few trade-offs. Metal spoons are sturdy and heat-safe but can scratch nonstick cookware. Nylon and silicone spoons are gentler, though some bend under heavy use. Handle length and grip matter more than most people expect, especially if you cook in deep pots. And the slot pattern affects how well the spoon drains and how much food it can carry. We dug through owner feedback and expert reviews to find the spoons that get the details right, the ones you’ll reach for daily without thinking twice.
Best Overall Slotted Spoon
the do-it-all default
4.9out of 5The OXO Good Grips Slotted Spoon is the spoon we’d put in any kitchen without hesitation. The soft, non-slip handle is comfortable for long cooking sessions, the stainless head is sturdy, and the slightly angled bowl lifts food cleanly. It’s not flashy, but it does everything well.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →Runner-Up Slotted Spoon
the sleek all-metal workhorse
4.7out of 5The Cuisipro Slotted Spoon earns its runner-up spot with a polished stainless steel build and a comfortable, slightly weighted handle. It’s a touch more refined than the OXO, and its narrow slots are great for serving vegetables or pasta while leaving watery liquid behind. A strong choice if you prefer a classic metal look.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Best Budget Slotted Spoon
the no-nonsense pick
4.2out of 5The GoodCook Slotted Spoon is the answer for anyone who just needs a solid, functional spoon at a very friendly price. It’s lightweight, heats up quickly, and has a simple design that gets the job done. It won’t wow you, but it also won’t let you down.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Best Overall Slotted Spoon | 4.9 / 5 | $ | Anyone who wants one reliable everyday slotted spoon that works for skimming, draining, an | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Runner-Up Slotted Spoon | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Home cooks who want a polished, long-lasting metal spoon that looks good hanging on a pot | Check price → |
| Best value | Best Budget Slotted Spoon | 4.2 / 5 | $ | Students, first apartments, or anyone stocking a kitchen on a tight budget who still wants | Check price → |
| Best premium | Best Premium Slotted Spoon | 4.6 / 5 | $$$ | Enthusiastic home cooks who want a professional-grade tool and appreciate the heft and pre | Check price → |
| Honorable mention | Honorable Mention Slotted Spoon | 4.3 / 5 | $ | Daily cooks who rely on nonstick pans and want a slotted spoon that won’t scratch the surf | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Best Overall Slotted Spoon: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe OXO Good Grips Slotted Spoon is the spoon we’d put in any kitchen without hesitation. The soft, non-slip handle is comfortable for long cooking sessions, the stainless head is sturdy, and the slightly angled bowl lifts food cleanly. It’s not flashy, but it does everything well.
Pros
- Cushioned, non-slip handle stays comfortable even when wet
- Stainless steel head resists rust and cleans up easily
- Deep, well-spaced slots drain quickly while holding larger pieces
- Balanced weight that feels solid without being heavy
Cons
- Metal head can scratch nonstick pans if you’re careless
- Not the longest handle for very deep stockpots
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants one reliable everyday slotted spoon that works for skimming, draining, and serving without fuss.Who should skip it
You cook almost exclusively in nonstick pans and want something fully scratch-proof.2. Runner-Up Slotted Spoon: the sleek all-metal workhorse
Runner-upThe Cuisipro Slotted Spoon earns its runner-up spot with a polished stainless steel build and a comfortable, slightly weighted handle. It’s a touch more refined than the OXO, and its narrow slots are great for serving vegetables or pasta while leaving watery liquid behind. A strong choice if you prefer a classic metal look.
Pros
- One-piece stainless steel construction feels durable and premium
- Narrow slots keep small foods from slipping through
- Generous handle length keeps your hand away from steam and heat
Cons
- Smooth handle can get slippery when your hands are oily
- Pricier than the best overall pick without a huge performance jump
Who it’s for
Home cooks who want a polished, long-lasting metal spoon that looks good hanging on a pot rack and performs day after day.Who should skip it
You have arthritis or grip issues and need a cushioned, non-slip handle.3. Best Budget Slotted Spoon: the no-nonsense pick
Best valueThe GoodCook Slotted Spoon is the answer for anyone who just needs a solid, functional spoon at a very friendly price. It’s lightweight, heats up quickly, and has a simple design that gets the job done. It won’t wow you, but it also won’t let you down.
Pros
- Very affordable, so you can buy two without guilt
- Lightweight and easy to handle for quick tasks
- Slots are big enough to drain well but not so big that peas escape
Cons
- Handle can get hot if left resting against a pot rim
- Thinner metal may bend under heavy pressure
Who it’s for
Students, first apartments, or anyone stocking a kitchen on a tight budget who still wants a dependable slotted spoon.Who should skip it
You do a lot of heavy-duty lifting in deep pots and need a thicker, more rigid spoon.5. Honorable Mention Slotted Spoon: the gentle nonstick-friendly option
Honorable mentionThe OXO Good Grips Nylon Slotted Spoon is the pick for nonstick cookware owners. The nylon head won’t scratch delicate surfaces, while the same cushioned handle that makes the best overall pick so comfortable carries over here. It’s a touch less rigid than metal, but it’s a smart, affordable safety net.
Pros
- Nylon head is safe for nonstick and enameled pans
- Same comfortable, non-slip handle as the OXO best overall
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Cons
- Can flex or soften if left in a hot pan for too long
- Not ideal for heavy lifting like turning thick stews
Who it’s for
Daily cooks who rely on nonstick pans and want a slotted spoon that won’t scratch the surface or your nerves.Who should skip it
You mostly cook with stainless steel or cast iron and want a sturdier metal spoon.Best for specific needs
Best for nonstick pans
If your go-to skillet is nonstick, the OXO Good Grips Nylon Slotted Spoon is the clear choice. The nylon head glides gently across fragile coatings, so you can flip, stir, and serve without worrying about scratches. It also keeps the cushioned handle that makes it easy to grip, even when your hands are wet or messy. Our pick: OXO Good Grips Nylon Slotted Spoon.
Best for heavy daily use
For cooks who are always skimming stock, lifting pasta, or turning braised meats, the Cuisipro Slotted Spoon is the quiet workhorse you want in your drawer. The all-metal construction holds up to constant use, and the long handle keeps your hand away from steam and spatters. It’s a spoon that feels like it belongs to a serious kitchen. Our pick: Cuisipro Slotted Spoon.
Best for delicate foods
When you’re lifting poached eggs, fish fillets, or stuffed vegetables, the Wüsthof Slotted Spoon shines. Its wide, shallow bowl supports fragile items without letting them sag or break, and the smooth edges won’t tear or crush what you’re serving. This is the spoon you’ll pull out for dishes that need a gentle touch. Our pick: Wüsthof Slotted Spoon.
Our verdict
At the end of the day, the best slotted spoon is the one that feels natural in your hand and matches how you actually cook. The OXO Good Grips Slotted Spoon is our top pick for most kitchens because it nails the basics with a comfortable grip and a sturdy head at a reasonable price. If you want a sleeker all-metal feel, the Cuisipro is a worthy upgrade, and budget shoppers won’t be disappointed by the GoodCook. Choose based on your pans, your grip, and the dishes you make most, you really can’t go wrong with any of these.