Commercial Spatulas Buying Guide

What spatulas are best for your kitchen?

Use this guide to choose the right commercial spatulas—turners (flippers), scraper spatulas, and icing/spreading spatulas—based on your menu, cookware, and workflow. Each section includes practical selection tips and SKU-level examples you can buy from Russell Hendrix.

Types and uses of commercial kitchen spatulas: turners, scrapers, and spreaders
At a glance: the most common spatula types and what they’re used for.
Start with (1) a strong metal turner for the grill, (2) a heat-safe silicone scraper for sauce + batter, and (3) an offset/straight icing spatula for baking and finishing. Add a fish turner if you handle delicate proteins.
BrowneRubbermaidVollrath

Quick Picks by Task

If you only buy three spatulas, buy and build from these tasks

Fast “buy the right one” cheat-sheet
Task Best spatula type Why it works Recomendation
Burgers, grilled cheese, steaks Heavy-duty turner (solid or perforated) Strength + a sharp front edge for clean release Browne Perforated Turner 3" x 8"
Delicate fish, omelettes, pancakes Fish turner (slotted, thin, flexible) Slides under food without breaking it; drains oil/liquid Browne Slotted Fish Turner 3" x 7"
Scraping batter, sauces, bowls & jars Silicone/rubber scraper spatula Flexible edge reaches corners; best for mixing + folding Rubbermaid Scraper Spatula 13.5" (White)
High-heat pan work (near the line) High-heat silicone scraper Better heat resistance when you’re near the stove Rubbermaid High Heat Scraper 9.5" (Red)
Frosting cakes, smoothing, spreading Straight/icing spatula (palette knife) Long flexible blade for smooth finishes and clean edges Browne Icing/Straight Spatula 10"
Non-stick cookware protection Plastic spatula Gentler on coatings; good for light-duty mixing/spreading Vollrath Plastic Spatula 9.5" (White)
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Spatulas for Flipping & Turning

Turners (flippers) handle hot-pan and grill work—flip, lift, portion, and transfer.

Flippers and turners: common commercial spatula shapes for grilling and pan work
Common flipper/turner shapes: solid, perforated, and slotted options.

What to look for

  • Blade strength: stiff for heavy proteins; flexible for delicate foods.
  • Front edge: a thin bevel helps it slide under food cleanly.
  • Drainage: perforations or slots help grease/liquid release.
  • Handle length: go longer for grills to keep hands away from heat.

Recommended  Products

Delicate foods (fish turner)

Fish turners: thin slotted spatulas for delicate foods
Fish turners: thin, slotted blades that slide under delicate foods cleanly.

Serving turners (front-of-house)

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Scraper Spatulas

Scraper spatulas (rubber/silicone) are built for mixing, folding, spreading, and scraping bowls and containers clean.

Scraper spatulas: rubber and silicone styles for baking and mixing
Scraper spatulas: flexible edges designed for mixing and bowl scraping.
Spoon scraper spatulas (spoonulas) for scraping and scooping
Spoon scrapers (spoonulas): scrape + scoop + spread in one tool.

Recommended Products

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Spatulas for Spreading & Icing

For frosting and finishing, choose long, flexible blades (straight/icing spatulas and palette knives).

Spreading and icing spatulas: straight and offset palette knives
Spreading spatulas: straight and offset blades for icing and finishing.
Specialty icing spatulas for detailed pastry and decorating work
Specialty icing spatulas: detail work for pastry and decorating.

Recommended Products

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Spatula Blade Materials

Metal

  • Best for heavy-duty flipping and scraping on steel surfaces.
  • Handles high heat; holds shape well.
  • Watch-out: metal can damage non-stick coatings.

Wood / Bamboo

  • Comfortable grip; doesn’t transfer heat quickly.
  • Gentler on cookware; great for mixing and wok tossing.
  • Care: hand wash; dry thoroughly; avoid soaking.

Plastic

Silicone / Rubber

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Handle Features to Consider

  • Length: match to pan depth or grill distance (longer = safer near heat).
  • Heat transfer: metal blades can transfer heat—wood handles help.
  • Hanging hole/hook: faster drying and easier storage.
  • Rest/stopper: keeps the blade off the counter between uses.
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FAQs

What’s the most versatile spatula for a commercial kitchen?
A strong metal turner for grill/pan work plus a silicone scraper for prep covers most daily tasks.
Do I need a fish turner if I don’t serve fish?
It’s also great for omelettes, pancakes, and roasted vegetables because the thin slotted blade slides under food cleanly.
How do I avoid damaging non-stick pans?
Use plastic/silicone on non-stick surfaces and reserve metal turners for stainless, carbon steel, or cast iron.
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Need help standardizing your utensil kit?

Tell us your menu and stations (grill, sauté, bakery, prep). We’ll recommend the right mix and quantities.

Talk to an Equipment Specialist

Or browse quickly: Search “spatula”

Updated for Russell Hendrix buying-guide format.

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