Spoon: a utensil with a small shallow bowl and a handle used especially in eating and cooking
The spoon. At home or in a restaurant, in every kitchen, and at any dining table, you can expect to find this essential tool. It was the first tool man created and used to eat, with early versions consisting of a shell or husk attached to a stick. We’ve come a long way since the spoons of the Paleolithic era – the stainless steel flatware sets of today are much more practical and less likely to fall apart.
Around the world, spoons are the most commonly used eating utensils. From measuring to cooking, serving to eating, there are different types of spoons for every stage of meal preparation. There are reportedly over 50 different types of spoons.
In this article, we explore six different types of spoons. You may be familiar with some of these spoons and some might be new to you. One thing is sure – this selection of artisan-crafted table spoons brings one-of-a-kind style and functionality to your table.
The Twisted Urban 4 Pc. Hostess Set. Each hostess set includes a large 3-pronged fork, a ladle, a large serving spoon, and a slotted spoon.
The Slotted Spoon
Slotted spoons are indispensable tools. These large spoons have slots in the center of the bowl. This allows the draining of liquids, juices, and broths from the food in the bowl before plating.
How to use a slotted spoon
In the kitchen:
Remove bay leaves from a stock pot
Pluck boiled or poached eggs, pasta, or potatoes from broth or water
Remove fried foods from cooking oil
On the dining table:
Serve meatballs or other meats in a stew
Strain and serve vegetables and large fruit pieces like pears
Olive Spoons
Olive spoon set from the Jason collection
Another spoon with perforations in it, this useful spoon has a rounded bowl with 9 small round perforations. The perforations are ideal for letting most of the liquids and brine drain slowly from olives in a jar while keeping them moist and delicious.
How to use olive spoons
In the kitchen:
Remove pickled ginger or garlic from jars
Scoop out Jalapeños for tacos
At the home bar:
Spoon and strain olives, capers, cocktail onions, or cherries from the jar
On the grazing table, salad bar, or charcuterie board:
Scoop up marinated artichoke hearts and mozzarella balls
Olive spoons are versatile and stylish tools. Each handcrafted set comes with 4 olive spoons.
Heart Spoons
Plateau Heart Coffee/Dessert Table Spoons
You and your guests will enjoy using these 4-piece spoon sets. We can’t think of a better gift to give someone you love than our unique heart-shaped table spoons.
How to use heart spoons
At the coffee station:
Lovingly stir coffee, hot cocoa, and tea
Scoop and add sugar cubes or mini marshmallows
Copper Ridge Heart Table Spoons
At the dessert table:
Enjoy cakes, custards, pies and puddings
The Stilton Scoop
Jason Stilton Scoop 4-Piece Set
This unique spoon is one you may never have heard about. Designed for scooping out crumbly Stilton cheese, the spoon has a unique trough-shaped bowl with a thin flat end and rimmed sides to keep the cheese from falling away. They were first made in the late 18th century and have become a collectible item for cheese lovers.
How to use a Stilton scoop
At the cheese table:
Scoop out the center portions of a Stilton or other Blue cheese wheel
After scooping out some cheese, place it on a plate
Serve it with crackers, honey or chutney
Traditionally, Stilton cheese is served with Port wine
Other uses:
Scoop and spread sprinkles on cookies and desserts
Removing the skin from a kiwifruit
Drizzling honey on crackers or bread
Sugar Spoons
Sugar spoons are teaspoons with a deep bowl for serving granulated sugar. Traditionally, sugar spoons were often crafted in the shape of a sea shell and called “shell spoons”. Our modern handcrafted sugar spoons are like little sugar ladles, with rounded bowls in beautifully hand-polished stainless steel.
How to use sugar spoons
Include them as part of a tea or coffee service
Spoon a small (or heaping!) spoonful of sugar into tea or coffee
After adding sugar, sugar spoons can stir your tea or coffee.
Here's a video showing how versatile these table spoons are:
Demitasse Spoons
Ridge Coffee/Demitasse Spoon Set
Demitasse is a French term meaning “half cup.” It originated in 1800s France when small cups were used to serve rich after-dinner coffee. The demitasse spoon was designed to fit these small cups, making it easy to reach into their corners.
Our modern version of the Demitasse coffee spoon has a small, shallow oval bowl and is 5.5 inches long.
How to use Demitasse spoons
Use them when serving Turkish coffee, espresso, or mocha coffee
Not just coffee spoons, they add an elegant touch to an afternoon tea
Serving an indulgent dessert? A diminutive spoon is the perfect complement
Drizzling sauces or used as a baby spoon
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Demitasse spoons, sugar spoons, and heart spoons are an essential part of your coffee or tea ensemble. Whether you’re setting the table for a special family gathering or enjoying a quiet morning, handcrafted coffee spoons make these moments special. Match them to your existing flatware settings or choose a standout style for a conversation piece.
For those who cherish their coffee rituals, we can’t think of a better gift than a set of handcrafted coffee spoons. They make charming wedding gifts and thoughtful housewarming gifts.
Even in this age of casual dining, we know many people appreciate the detail and craftsmanship of traditional utensils. We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at different types of spoons and that we’ve inspired you to expand your collection.
Photo credits: PantryToTable.com
