A poor workman blames his tools, right? Not quite. I used to put stock in the old adage, thinking any old spatula or whisk would work for any task, until I tested seven different sets — for a total of 51 kitchen utensils — to find out which ones actually worked best for everyday use. Let’s just say, I’m eating my words.
To find the best kitchen utensil set, I flipped pancakes, scrambled eggs, baked tortes, stirred risotto, and more to thoroughly put each item through the wringer. I tested utensils head to head and considered them by priorities: aesthetics, diversity of use, materials (we’re all looking for non-toxic kitchen tools these days—no black plastic here!), ease of cleaning, and so on. Here’s what I found.
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Made from platinum-cured, pharmaceutical-grade silicone, the GIR 10-piece set lives up to its name and “gets it right.” The set features 10 of GIR’s signature tools: a ladle, whisk, spatula, mini spatula, turner, spoonula, spoon, mini spoon, skinny spatula, and straight peeler. GIR’s silicone is microbe-resistant, and between that and their unibody construction — which has no nooks and crannies for food or bacteria to get caught — I felt confident that my tools were coming out of the dishwasher spick-and-span every time.
While three spatulas may seem redundant at first glance, I found myself reaching for all three during testing: The standard for folding egg whites into batter, the mini for mixing small amounts, and the skinny for scraping the last of my salsa verde out of my blender.
Three standout tools are the whisk, ladle, and peeler. The Ultimate Whisk is light and balanced, with tines installed at high tension to ensure they’re perfectly spaced for maximum aeration and vibration with minimal effort. I’ve used the mini version in the past, and I do slightly prefer the smaller size for control, but I consistently got frothy egg whites and airy whipped cream with the larger size included here.
GIR’s ladle has a soft edge that flexes into the edges of pots, plus embossed measurements on the inside of the bowl that make measuring sauce and soup a breeze. It has changed the way I make risotto; adding broth to the rice in graduated increments is so easy with the GIR, and I could scrape every last drop out of the pot. (In fact, my field notes read, “ladle edge — bendy and perfect.”) The peeler’s straight, ergonomic body was comfortable to use for marathon peeling sessions, and I particularly like how sharp the blade comes (I made it a point to snap on the attached blade guard after washing and drying to keep the edge keen).
Material: Silicone, Stainless Steel | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Stain-proof: Yes | Number of utensils: 10
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This set of six tools from Our Place is excellent for a new cook just outfitting their kitchen. Made from molded silicone over a sturdy interior spine, the tools stay cool while you’re working, so you can confidently grip anywhere along the handle.
This set includes a ladle, spatula, whisk, slotted turner, tongs, and pastry brush. Our Place’s tongs are very solidly built. The silicone shell encases a metal mechanism that locks in the closed position, and the tips are wide but feature a scalloped edge for an extra-secure grip. I could pick up breakfast sausage links, which normally roll out of narrow tongs, without crushing them. The pastry brush also featured details I loved — for example, the head is slightly raised to sit off the counter (much neater), and the bristles have a holed panel in the middle to hold extra glaze or egg wash without having to go back for another dip.
The set loses a couple of points for its whisk tines: They’re thick and appear to be made from plastic, which causes them to drag through ingredients, rather than confidently breeze through them. That extra drag caused my hand to tire almost instantly while using it, since I had to use my whole arm for enough force. The oblong ladle is also not quite flexible enough to match other ladles I tested.
Material: Silicone, Stainless Steel, Plastic | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Stain-proof: Yes | Number of utensils: 6
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This stunning color-blocked set from Hedley and Bennett took the crown for best splurge. It stars 11 pieces made from silicone and stainless steel — the most expansive set I tested — including a spatula, turner, tongs, utility spoon, spoonula, ladle, slotted spoon, fish spatula, zester, and a couple of pleasant surprises, like shears and a bench scraper. Each piece is elegant compared to the average silicone tool, as well as slightly petite, which is great for cooks with smaller hands or limited mobility. I could grip the handles of almost every tool while cooking without fatigue.
Three standout tools are the zester, slotted spoon, and spatula. The zester is nice and sharp; it filled my bowl with a snowy pile of Parmesan in minutes. The spatula has a petite, straight paddle with thin edges that skimmed the interior of bowls and pots smoothly. And the slotted spoon’s holes are evenly distributed for quick, effective draining — for example, when lifting tortellini out of broth.
If I had to critique a couple of things, I’d tell you I wish the shears were a little more fluid when in use — they’re slightly stiff — and that the bench scraper was sharper or beveled, so it could more easily portion biscuit dough or cut butter. Because the scissors are so petite, I used them for snipping herbs or opening packets. I would also prefer silicone tips on the tongs, so I could freely use them in nonstick pans.
Material: Silicone, Stainless Steel | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Stain-proof: Yes | Number of utensils: 11
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This beautiful set from Le Creuset includes a small spatula, large spatula, spoonula, and basting brush, all arriving in a ceramic crock featuring the brand’s signature gradient colorways. Each tool breaks down into two parts: a hand-turned, solid wood handle with a removable silicone head. The silicone is heat-safe up to 480°F and resistant to stains, but the porous handles are more susceptible to discoloration.
The ceramic crock quickly earned a place of honor next to my stovetop. As a baker, I loved this set — I could neatly scoop thick batters with the spoonula and fold or mix ingredients with the spatulas. The pastry brush flares into a trapezoid shape with short bristles, which delivered beautiful control as I egg-washed pastries.
I do wish there were more range in the type of utensils included, and I would have preferred a unibody construction to make sure no bacteria or gunk got caught in any crevices. But, since the tool heads pop off and go into the dishwasher, I felt fairly confident that the utensils were getting thoroughly cleaned between uses.
Material: Silicone, Wood, Ceramic | Dishwasher-safe: Partially | Stain-proof: Partially | Number of utensils: 4, plus holder
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Pros
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I love that the wood used for the tools is demonstrably sustainable, and the spoon is balanced, lightweight, and lovely.
This set, featuring tongs, a spatula, turner, server, and spoon, is made from birch wood that’s responsibly sourced (it’s certified by the Forest Stewardship Council). The set is considered nonstick, but more crucially, it is considered nonstick and ceramic-pan-friendly, and the tools are some of the lightest wooden ones I’ve encountered.
While everything has a smooth surface and pretty composition — no rough edges or sharp lines to be found — the utility of these tools is… surprisingly limited. The spoon is lightweight and balanced in the hand, but, like its fellow utensils, it stained immediately after stirring a dish with turmeric in it. (Until the date of publication, no amount of soaking or washing has been able to reverse the discoloration.) The server, which looks like a spaghetti spoon, is a uni-tasker. As I worked with it over my weeks of testing, I only reached for it to serve pasta with a light-colored sauce. While the feel of the utensils is wonderful, a wooden spatula doesn’t flex and scrape like silicone ones, so it’s effectively a spoon with no bowl. I used it to feed my sourdough starter or mix levains for baking, but not much else. The scalloped edges on the tong, however, added a level of grippiness I didn’t expect for sleek wooden tongs.
Material: Birch wood | Dishwasher-safe: No | Stain-proof: No | Number of utensils: 5
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This five-piece set from All-Clad lives up to the All-Clad name — each piece is thick and durable, almost overly so, like they’re built for professionals. The long handles kept my hands away from the stove or a hot pot, but the heavy, flat handles also dug a bit into my palm while in use.
This set includes a solid spoon, a slotted spoon, a turner, and a ladle. One of the best extras is the stainless steel holder, which rapidly became home to not only my All-Clad utensils, but also to other tools I’m often reaching for in the kitchen. The tools are sleek and lend a professional look to the kitchen. While I personally do not gravitate towards larger, general-purpose tools, if you like bigger utensils, have a larger grip, or regularly cook in bulk, these may be the perfect option for you. The handles all feature hanging holes, like other items from All-Clad, but they feel redundant with the included holder.
Material: Stainless Steel | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Stain-proof: Yes | Number of utensils: 4, plus holder
How I Tested Kitchen Utensil Sets
My list of favorite kitchen utensil sets is backed by repeated testing. In total, I tested 51 utensils, incorporating them into my daily cooking routine as much as possible. Beyond noting how well each set held up over the testing period, I judged each utensil on the following criteria, as applicable:
- Surface scratching: I used each utensil on multiple cooking surfaces to see how the pots, bowls, and pans would fare. I tried the tools on nonstick, cast iron, stainless steel, and enameled surfaces.
- Whisking: I beat cream to soft peaks and egg whites until foamy with each whisk and assessed how quickly each whisk performed, relative to the others. I also used the whisks to combine dry ingredients for baking.
- Flipping: I flipped pancakes and eggs with each turner. While I also used the fish spatula for breakfast foods, I slid it under a piece of fish to see if I could lift it without tearing its skin.
- Gripping and tossing: Each included pair of tongs had different characteristics, so I tried them over a range of tasks: tossing salads, gripping rounded items like sausages or meatballs, flipping chicken thighs, and even tossing pasta with sauce.
- Ladling: One of my favorite tasks was testing the ladles. I used them to gradually pour stock into risotto and to serve soup.
- Folding: Although they’re predominantly thought of as mixing implements, my litmus test for spatulas is folding. It’s the quickest way to see how effective the shape and size of the head, as well as the tension or flexion in the edges, are.
- Extra tests: Extra utensils, like a one-off peeler or zester, needed their own tests. I used the pastry brushes to coat bread with egg wash, glaze turkey bacon with maple syrup, and brush Tandoori chicken with chili oil.
- Scooping and stirring: The assortment of spoonulas and spoons was used to scoop and stir. Spoonulas were particularly useful at tasks that needed both scooping and smoothing, like transferring almond torte batter into a baking dish.
- Serving and straining: I tried larger and slotted spoons for serving and straining dishes. For slotted spoons, finer holes and slats were better for small items, like lifting soaking lentils out of water, while larger slats drained fritters or poached vegetables.
- Durability and care: One common test for all of the utensils was looking for signs of wear and tear. I tried the wooden utensils with saucy dishes to check for splitting or staining. I checked the metal utensils after every use for scratches or discoloration. I washed each tool according to the manufacturer’s instructions and attempted their deep cleaning tips in the case of staining.
- Comfort of use and fatigue: I noted how comfortable each piece was to use over extended periods of time. Did a metal handle dig into my palm? Were the whisks lightweight and easy to use for long enough to whip egg whites?
At the time of testing, the prices of each set ranged from $70 to $215. I did not look at prices until testing was over. My final step of analysis was to compare each set’s performance with its price to determine value and ranking.
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Factors to Consider
Cookware Type and Material
Deciding what you’d like your tools to be made of is a good place to start. Are you mostly cooking with nonstick surfaces? Choose a set made from silicone or another scratch-safe material, like nylon, rubber, or wood. Nonstick coatings can scratch easily if used with metal utensils. Perhaps you tend to cook the most often with stainless steel. In this case, you can use any material you like, as stainless steel is extremely durable and resistant to scratching. Just be sure to take care with sharp edges if your cookware has a mirror finish. Enameled cookware does best with wood, silicone, or nylon. For cast iron, with its incredibly high heat, avoid using nylon or plastic to prevent melting; instead, opt for metal, wood, or silicone. Whatever you choose, look for other details that suggest durability and long-lasting performance, like a seamless, unibody construction that will stand up to heavy use and repeated washing.
Versatility (Items Included)
How many utensils come in the set, and are they enough to cover your range of daily tasks? If you’re looking for a set that will cover most of your cooking needs, opt for one with classic pieces included — versatile options like a general-purpose spatula, whisk, turner, and pair of tongs. More niche sets that include mostly spatulas might be perfect for bakers. And larger sets with unexpected bonus items, like peelers and zesters, are useful for outfitting new kitchens or upgrading your tools en masse.
Ease of Use
Are the tools comfortable to use, or are they cumbersome and heavy? Keeping size and weight preferences for kitchen tools in mind when shopping will directly affect how fatigued and tired your hands end up with extended use. Also, if you’re someone who regularly cooks with spices or brightly colored foods, like tomatoes, look for a set that’s either stainproof or won’t readily show discoloration.
Cleaning and Care
Do you want a set that goes into the dishwasher when you’re done, or are you happy to wash utensils by hand? Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for care and, if necessary, deep cleaning to determine if a set will suit your lifestyle.
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Food & Wine / Priyanka Shahane
Other Kitchen Utensil Sets We Tested
Strong Contenders
Misen 5-Piece Prep Tool Set (currently unavailable)
This set from Misen was a favorite during testing, but unfortunately, it is currently unavailable. The beginner-friendly set includes a spoonula, fish spatula, tongs, ladle, and spoon, but the standout tool is the fish spatula. Its handle is sturdy, its paddle is stiff but flexible, and its metal edge is thin enough to slide under eggs, pancakes, and fish — the silicone edge at the front of the paddle, which protects surfaces from scratching, doesn’t hurt either. When this is available again, this set would be excellent for lefties, as the fish spatula’s paddle leads from the left.
Made In Kitchen Utensil Set, 5-Piece Set ($99 at Made In)
This small but mighty collection from Made In appears to have come straight out of a professional kitchen. It performed just about as well. The tools were lightweight and easy to maneuver, but we were tripped up by the extra-long handles during testing, which caused our grip to slip. Additionally, since this set is made from stainless steel, it isn’t compatible with all cookware.
Nayahose Wooden Utensil Set ($15 at Amazon)
This teak set has a lovely wood feel, but the assortment felt repetitive. The six pieces include two nearly identical turners and two spoons of very similar size, in addition to a slotted spoon and a salad fork. The price is nice, but we noticed some uneven shaping and didn’t like that the tools can’t be put in the dishwasher.
Oannao Silicone Cooking Utensil Set ($26 at Amazon)
This inexpensive set is quite comprehensive, with 14 different tools and a crock that fits them all snugly. But we have some concerns about quality. The tongs lacked sturdiness, and the silicone heads of all the tools weren’t attached perfectly, leaving room for food to collect. They’re very cheap tools that feel only mildly cheap in use.
Our Expertise
Food & Wine writer Priyanka Shahane wrote this story based on her personal experience with kitchen utensil sets, as well as the results of our in-house testing. Priyanka has a Master’s degree in Public Health Nutrition. She has over a decade of experience writing — her work has appeared at Food52 and Milk Street — and more than 20 years of cooking and baking experience.
