Is a pancake turner a spatula?

Author: Kieran Smith  |  Last update: Saturday, March 15, 2025

The term spatula refers to any tool with a wide, flat head on a long handle (including, ahem, turners).

What's the difference between a spatula and a pancake turner?

Since turners are types of spatulas, you can also use them to stir mixtures, scrape remnants off of nonstick pans, and so on. But they're still specifically designed to flip things, like omelets or crepes, on a griddle rather than to stir up their mixtures beforehand.

What is considered a spatula?

In American English, spatula refers broadly to a number of broad, flat utensils. The word commonly refers to a turner or flipper (known in British English as a fish slice), used to lift and flip food items during cooking, such as pancakes and fillets.

What utensil do you flip pancakes with?

Your flipping instrument should be very thin -- about as thin or thinner than a credit card. If you have a big chonky rubber spatula, I can see how this might mangle the pancake. I've only ever seen a metal spatula or fish flipper used for pancake flipping. I suggest using that.

What can I use if I don't have a spatula?

Icing spatulas are sometimes called for when icing cookies and cakes. If you don't have this specific tool, a butter knife or the back of a spoon will get the job done!

Spatula Showdown | Food52 Approved with Kristen Miglore

Why do people call a turner a spatula?

The term spatula refers to any tool with a wide, flat head on a long handle (including, ahem, turners).

What is the difference between a skimmer and a turner?

Skimmer - It can be used to skim excess oil, liquid, etc. Solid Turner - It can be used to flip and serve food items such as omelettes, dosas, etc.

What do British people call napkins?

In England, the word 'napkin' is typically used to describe a feminine hygiene product (sanitary napkin). Although most people are aware of the double usage of the word, in London, the word 'serviette' is preferred in a restaurant or eating establishment.

What is the old name for a spatula?

Turners. What many people think of when referring to a spatula is actually more precisely referred to as a turner in commercial foodservice. A turner has a broad, flat head attached to a handle. As the name implies, a turner is used to turn or flip things.

What is a spatula without holes called?

Solid. If you're wondering where to start with your spatula search, the solid type of spatula might be the way to go. Solid spatulas have a flat flipping portion that doesn't include slots or holes. This means there aren't any openings for food or batter to fall through.

What is a Maryse spatula?

Noun. maryse f (plural maryses) dough scraper; a spatula with a soft blade used to scrape out bowls or other containers.

What is a spatula considered?

A spatula is a kitchen utensil with a flat, broad, and usually flexible blade. This blade is an essential component, enabling you to easily scrape, stir, flip, or spread ingredients. Spatulas are incredibly versatile and can be used in many cooking and baking tasks.

What is a burger flipper called?

The original kitchen spatula, also called a flipper or turner, consists of a long handle and a wide-angled blade. It's used constantly to flip and turn foods in a hot pan then transfer them to a serving dish. The blade of a turner is usually thin with a tapered tip that slides easily under food without damaging it.

What is the best pancake spatula?

Best for Pancakes: OXO Good Grips Flexible Pancake Turner

This ingeniously designed turner by OXO is crafted especially for pancakes, and it excels at doing that. Compared to the other turner spatulas, the head of this model is much larger and wider.

Why is it called a fish slice?

The first known slices intended specifically for serving fish were mentioned in 1730. Starting with the 1740s they were often shaped as or decorated with representations of fish. By the 1770s, large numbers were manufactured. By the early 1800s, most flatware services included a fish slice.

What is the difference between a spatula and a slotted turner?

Flexibility and Strength: While the spatula excels in maneuverability and versatile applications, the turner shines in its specialized flipping mechanism, offering a unique blend of flexibility and strength for different culinary tasks.

What are the three types of skimmers?

Skimmers
  • Weir skimmers use a dam or enclosure positioned at the oil/water interface. ...
  • Oleophilic ("oil-attracting") skimmers use belts, disks, or continuous mop chains of oleophilic materials to blot the oil from the water surface. ...
  • Suction skimmers operate similarly to a household vacuum cleaner.

What is a Chinese spatula?

The Chinese spatula is extremely valuable when dealing with dishes prone to sticking to the pot, such as dumplings, or for tasks requiring the lifting or flipping of ingredients. It is slightly smaller than its commercial counterpart, is crafted from lightweight stainless steel, and features a wooden handle.

Why do spatulas have holes?

Holes in the spatula are not only a stylish design, but also a functional feature that makes this kitchen tool more convenient and versatile. They help you filter out the liquid, collect ingredients and reduce the weight of the spatula for more comfortable use.

What is a cake spatula called?

Straight Spatula: Also known as an icing or frosting spatula, a straight spatula features a straight blade without any bends. This allows bakers to smooth frosting on the sides of cakes and add decorative flairs to the overall design.

What is the utensil called to flip pancakes?

A good nonstick spatula is nimble enough to fit under (and flip) delicate pancakes.

What is the secret to flipping pancakes?

The trick is simple: Instead of using your wrist to turn the spatula, simply use your thumb, middle, and index fingers. Isolate the three digits and use a quick twisting motion to flip the pancake. This smaller motion will use less force, and you'll be less likely to splatter the wet batter.

What can I use instead of a spatula for pancakes?

If you don't have a spatula, shake the pan as the pancake cooks until it slides around. Then, grab the pan's handle with both hands, lift it up slightly, and quickly flick your wrists upward.

Previous article
What is the best spray to use for mold?
Next article
Do you have to drain a water heater to replace an expansion tank?