What Is a Ladle?
Elevate your soup scooping!
If you’re stocking your first home or apartment with kitchen essentials, there are a few key pieces you need to know about. If you love soup, bisque, chili, or chowders, you’re going to want to make sure you have a ladle ready. Not sure what a ladle is used for or why you might need one? Keep reading to find one that'll complete your kitchen repertoire.
In this guide:
What Is a Ladle?
Ladle Materials
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Ladle?
A ladle is a large spoon with a deep, round bowl (capacity of 4–6 oz.) and a sturdy handle between 13" and 14" long. It’s designed to be the perfect utensil for serving liquid dishes like soup, stew, gravy, sauce, and even fruit punch. If you prepare soups and stews often, no other utensil can do the job of scooping and serving quite like a ladle can.
A ladle's bowl is the optimal size for serving single portions, and the length of the handle ensures that your hands are safe from the hot liquid at all times. Typically, the end of the handle is curved so that the ladle can rest naturally against the edge of a large bowl or pot without falling in. Some ladles are equipped with a built-in spout that allows for even easier pouring, while others have drainage holes on one side of the bowl to allow for handy straining of pasta, meat, or vegetables.
Ladle Materials
Ladles come in a variety of materials, like metal, natural materials, and synthetic ones. The material will determine how easy to clean and how durable your ladle is. Here’s all you need to know about ladle materials.
- Stainless Steel: If you want your ladle to last for years and years without staining, warping, or absorbing odors, stainless steel is the material for you. It is sleek, shiny, well-balanced, and can be put in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
- Synthetic: Synthetic materials, though less heat-resistant than metal, are lightweight and easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. Most nylon and silicone ladles are nonstick, with better heat-resistance than plastic. Silicone, though the most expensive, has the highest heat-resistance and is the most eco-friendly of the three synthetic ladle materials. Plastic, nylon, and silicone are flexible and will not scratch your cookware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical capacity of a ladle bowl?
A ladle bowl typically has a capacity of 4–6 ounces.
Why is the handle of a ladle long?
The long handle keeps your hands safe from hot liquids while serving.
What material is most durable for ladles?
Stainless steel is the most durable material for ladles.
