5 Best Stainless Steel Mixing Spoons for Stew Stirring in 2026
For stirring thick stews, your best options in 2026 include spoons with at least 1.2mm to 1.5mm steel, ensuring durability and resistance to warping. The Winco 18-inch spoon with a solid bowl stands out thanks to its sturdy construction and smooth surface, while the 21-inch brewing spoon offers additional length for safety and leverage. An extra-long 36-inch paddle gives professional-grade strength, and the ergonomic OXO spoon provides comfort. Choosing one equipped with a heat-resistant handle and easy-clean design guarantees reliability during heavy-duty use—if you want to know more, stay tuned.
Winco Stainless Steel Basting Spoon, Solid, 18″, 1.5mm
- Solid Design – Specially designed bowl allows this basting spoon to hold juices and sauces perfect for buffets,...
- Heavy-Duty – Made from 1.2mm thick stainless steel designed to withstand daily use in commercial foodservice...
If you need a strong tool for stirring stews or serving sauces, the Winco Stainless Steel Basting Spoon is a good choice. It is 18 inches long, providing enough reach to work over hot pots safely. The bowl is made from 1.2mm thick stainless steel, which makes it solid and capable of holding liquids easily. The long handle gives better control and keeps your hands away from heat. It weighs 5.3 ounces, making it lightweight yet durable. The spoon has a built-in hanging hole for easy storage and is dishwasher safe for quick cleaning.
This spoon is ideal for chefs, catering staff, or buffet workers who serve sauces, liquids, or stews. It offers durability, safety, and easy maintenance.
Pros:
- Made with a 1.2mm thick stainless steel bowl for strength
- Long 18-inch handle increases safety and control
- Dishwasher safe and easy to store with a hanging hole
Cons:
- Slightly heavy for long use
- Suitable mainly for liquids and sauces, not solid foods
- Length may be too long for small or delicate tasks
This basting spoon provides sturdy performance for professional food service. Its long handle and durable construction help you work safely and efficiently.
Brewing SYNCHKG011311 Spoon, Stainless Steel, 21-Inch Spoon
- 21" stainless steel spoon
- Rugged spoon is great for stirring a mash
The Brewing SYNCHKG011311 Spoon is a 21-inch stainless steel stirring tool. It is built for homebrewers and professional brewers who make large batches. The spoon is made with a strong, corrugated design that resists bending during heavy use. It is made from chemical-free, BPA-free stainless steel, making it safe for contact with food ingredients. The narrow handle is only 1 inch wide, giving good control while stirring. Despite its size, the spoon weighs just 2.4 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to handle. It is ideal for stirring mash in big brewing vessels. The spoon is durable, but not dishwasher safe. It needs to be cleaned by hand.
Best For: Homebrew enthusiasts and professional brewers who need a sturdy stirring spoon for large batches.
Pros:
- Strong and durable, resists bending with heavy use
- Made from safe, BPA-free stainless steel
- Lightweight and easy to handle, reducing fatigue during stirring
Cons:
- Cannot be cleaned in a dishwasher, must be washed by hand
- Manufacturer has discontinued it, which may make it hard to find
- The corrugated surface can be harder to clean thoroughly compared to smooth spoons
Winco Stainless Steel Mixing Paddle, 36-Inch
- Winco products are made to meet the high demands of a kitchen
- Trusted and reliable
The Winco MPD-36 stainless steel mixing paddle is ideal for large kitchens. Its 36-inch length allows it to reach deep into big pots. Made from heavy-duty stainless steel, it handles daily use without bending or breaking. The reinforced handle stays sturdy even when stirring thick ingredients like stews. The countered blade gently scrapes the inside of pots to ensure even mixing. Despite its size, it weighs only 1.7 pounds, making it easy to handle while offering strength.
This paddle is best for professional kitchens and foodservice businesses. It is durable and designed for heavy-duty stirring. It is not dishwasher safe, so it requires manual cleaning. Its weight and size make it less suitable for home use.
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Spoon
- Sturdy stainless steel spoon stirs, scoops and serves
- Ideally sized for cooking large batches of soup, sauce, pasta and more
The OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Spoon is a useful tool for cooking and serving. It is made from stainless steel, which makes it strong and durable. The spoon can handle thick sauces and hearty stews easily. Its soft, non-slip grip keeps it comfortable and secure to hold, even when wet. The spoon measures 2.15 x 2.75 x 12.35 inches and weighs around 1 ounce, so it feels light in the hand. It has a high rating of 4.8 stars from many users, showing it is reliable and popular.
This spoon is ideal for home cooks and professional chefs. It works well for stirring, scooping, and serving thick ingredients. The stainless steel material ensures it lasts a long time. The soft grip adds comfort during use. Its lightweight design reduces hand fatigue for long cooking sessions.
Some drawbacks include its small size, which may require two spoonfuls for larger servings. The stainless steel can feel cold to the touch, especially in cold kitchens. It does not have a hole or loop for hanging, so storage options are limited.
Winco Stainless Steel Basting Spoon, Solid, 15″, 1.2mm
- Solid Design – Specially designed bowl allows this basting spoon to hold juices and sauces perfect for buffets,...
- Heavy-Duty – Made from 1.2mm thick stainless steel designed to withstand daily use in commercial foodservice...
If you need a durable basting spoon, the Winco Stainless Steel Basting Spoon is a good choice. It is 15 inches long, with a 1.2mm thick bowl. The spoon is made from solid stainless steel. Its sturdy construction handles daily use in busy kitchens. The deep bowl holds plenty of juices or sauces, making it easy to serve large amounts. The long handle keeps your hands safe from splatters. The spoon weighs 3.2 ounces, so it feels balanced and easy to control. It is dishwasher safe and built to last. This tool works well in high-volume settings like catering, buffet lines, or professional kitchens.
Best for professional chefs, caterers, and restaurant staff needing a dependable, high-capacity basting spoon.
Pros:
- Thick, sturdy stainless steel bowl for durability
- 15-inch handle for safe, comfortable use
- Dishwasher safe for quick cleaning
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than smaller utensils
- Solid bowl may be less ideal for shallow tasks
- Limited in style, mostly functional
This spoon offers strength and size for demanding kitchen tasks. It provides control and safety during cooking and serving. Its design supports fast cleaning and long-term use, making it a helpful tool in busy kitchens.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Stainless Steel Mixing Spoons for Stirring Thick Stews
When choosing a stainless steel mixing spoon for thick stews, you need to take into account several factors to get the best tool for the job. The material’s durability and strength matter, especially when stirring heavy ingredients, and a handle that’s long enough and comfortable helps avoid splatters. Don’t forget that bowl size, bending resistance, and easy cleaning also play essential roles in making a spoon both practical and long-lasting.
Material Durability and Strength
Choosing a stainless steel mixing spoon for stirring thick stews requires attention to durability and strength. The spoon should have at least 1.2mm thickness to handle heavy ingredients without bending or flexing. A solid, thick construction is better than hollow or thin-walled designs because it provides more resilience during vigorous stirring. The handle must be reinforced and shaped for comfort. It should resist warping and breaking under pressure. High-quality stainless steel prevents warping, corrosion, and bending even after repeated use. The weight and balance of the spoon also matter. A well-balanced spoon feels steady and easier to control. Avoid lightweight or unsteady spoons that can slip during stirring. By choosing a spoon with these features, you can stir even the thickest stews confidently and comfortably.
Handle Length and Comfort
A handle that is at least 15 inches long helps you stir heavy stews easily. The longer handle gives you better leverage to move through thick ingredients without effort. Choose a handle with a soft, non-slip grip like silicone or textured stainless steel. This grip stays secure even if your hands are sweaty. An ergonomic handle that fits comfortably in your hand reduces fatigue during long stirring tasks. Thick handles provide a firm grip, especially when stirring hot, sticky foods. A longer handle also keeps your hand away from the heat, helping prevent burns. The right handle makes stirring safer and more comfortable, making your cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Bowl Size and Depth
The size and depth of a mixing spoon’s bowl affect how well you can stir thick stews. A larger bowl allows you to hold more ingredients, reducing the need to use multiple spoons. A deeper bowl keeps ingredients inside, even when you stir strongly, which helps prevent splashes and messes. The width of the bowl helps break up chunky pieces and mix them evenly. If the bowl is too shallow, you may spill or have trouble mixing everything. If it’s too deep, it can be hard to control. The best spoon balances depth and width. It is deep enough to handle heavy ingredients but still easy to use. Find a spoon that feels comfortable in your hand and helps you stir hearty, stubborn stews smoothly.
Bending Resistance Features
When stirring thick stews, the bending resistance of a stainless steel mixing spoon is important. A strong spoon keeps its shape during heavy mixing. Thicker walls, about 1.2mm to 1.5mm thick, make the spoon more durable and less likely to bend or warp. Handles that are reinforced at stress points and blades designed to handle pressure add extra strength. Good stainless steel—free from brittle alloys and with high tensile strength—helps the spoon stay stiff under stress. A spoon with strong bending resistance remains straight and comfortable to use. It prevents frustrating flexing that can make stirring harder and less efficient.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning a spoon should be simple. Dishwasher-safe spoons dry your chores faster. Stainless steel surfaces are smooth and non-porous, so food does not stick. This makes cleaning easy. Pick spoons with thick, solid handles. They prevent residue buildup and are easier to wash by hand. Choose spoons with few crevices and simple designs. These features reduce dirt and make cleaning quicker. Washing with warm, soapy water helps keep the finish. Dishwasher-safe spoons make cleanup quick and hassle-free. A well-made spoon makes cleaning easier and lets you finish cooking faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Stainless Steel Spoons Dishwasher Safe?
Yes, stainless steel spoons are dishwasher safe. You can simply place them in the dishwasher, and they’ll come out clean and shiny. Just avoid harsh detergents or abrasive scrubbers that might scratch the surface.
How Do I Prevent Rust on Stainless Steel Spoons?
You prevent rust on stainless steel spoons by drying them thoroughly after washing, avoiding prolonged exposure to moisture, and periodically polishing with a stainless steel cleaner. Store them in a dry, ventilated area for ideal protection.
What Is the Ideal Spoon Thickness for Heavy Stews?
You should choose a stainless steel spoon with a thickness of about 1.5 to 2 millimeters for heavy stews. This thickness provides durability, efficient stirring, and prevents bending or warping during vigorous mixing.
Can Stainless Steel Spoons Be Used With Non-Stick Cookware?
Yes, stainless steel spoons can be used with non-stick cookware, but you should opt for thicker, more rounded spoons to prevent scratching. Always use gentle, careful stirring to protect your non-stick surfaces effectively.
How Do I Maintain the Shine of Stainless Steel Spoons?
To keep your stainless steel spoons shiny, regularly wash them with warm, soapy water, dry thoroughly, and occasionally polish with a mixture of baking soda and water. Avoid using harsh abrasives to prevent scratches.
Hi, I’m Liza Jensen, your culinary companion here at Recipe by Liza. 🍳🥗Cooking has always been my passion—I find joy in every whisk, every sizzle, and every aromatic spice. As a home cook and recipe developer, I’ve explored flavors from around the world, creating dishes that warm hearts and tantalize taste buds.Join me on this flavorful journey! Let’s swap kitchen stories, share tips, and celebrate the magic of food together.
