The ladle you use to make a delicious batch of pancakes is important. Even if you make the nicest batter in the world, and if you don’t use a good ladle, your pancakes will be uneven and irregular.
What are the best pancake ladles? Stainless steel ladles are ideal for preparing pancakes because of their sturdiness and longevity. A ladle with a medium-sized scoop is also useful for consistently preparing the right-sized pancakes for breakfast. A cup of tea and perfect pancakes would be a great way to start your day. Talking about tea, take a look at our list of best kettles for making wonderful tea.
In this article, we’ll go over the most crucial aspects to look for in a ladle before deciding on the best one for you, and then we’ll go through five of the best pancake ladles currently available.
Contents
Types of ladles
You might be thinking which kind of ladle would be best for preparing pancakes as there is no such thing as a “pancake ladle.” Before we get into the precise characteristics to look for, let’s have a look at the many types of ladles on the market.
Sauce Ladle
A sauce ladle is one that is designed to be used with sauce. These ladles are generally on the shorter side, with a length of 5 inches or less. This ladle is great for pouring condiments or sauces because of its shorter length.
Soup Ladle
The ideal tool for preparing pancakes is a soup ladle. This ladle resembles a sauce ladle but is significantly longer, measuring roughly 15 inches in length. This shape is preferred when serving soup or dishes with a lot of sauce or broth because it has a more prominent curve at the end that scoops.
Slotted Ladle
A slotted ladle is a scooping ladle with two slots on the end. This ladle is used to serve food that has been submerged in liquid without the liquid being served.
We won’t need this kind of ladle because pancake batter is almost entirely liquid.
Did You Know? In the UK, Ireland, and Australia, Pancake Day (also known as Pancake Tuesday) is celebrated on Shrove Tuesday (which you might know better as Fat Tuesday). You can learn more about this on the History of Pancake day.
Tips for better pancakes
Want to know some extra tips for making great pancakes?
- Don’t overbeat the batter. It’s an easy mistake, but your pancakes will be much less fluffy if it’s beaten too much. You want a little lumpiness in there!
- Use a small amount of sugar in pancake batter and they will brown more quickly. It’s an easy way to add a little sweetness to your pancakes and also to get them done faster.
- Place oiled metal cookie cutters on the skillet to make shaped pancakes. This is fun for kids and really works! You can also take a look at the list of best cookie press and make delicious cookies for your kids.
- Ever tried chocolate chips, fruit, whipped cream, or granola over your pancakes? Have you ever tried them in the batter? It’s delicious! Keep in mind that if you’re tossing your added ingredients in the batter to evenly distribute them. Then they’ll be less likely to stick to the pan and burn.
- Be patient. Perhaps the biggest tip to remember when making pancakes is to be patient – wait until the pancakes are ready to be flipped. When bubbles form around the edges of the pancake and the center looks firm, carefully pick the cake up and flip.
Now that you’re familiar with some tips for making pancakes, let’s go over the characteristics to look for in a good pancake ladle.
Things to consider before buying the best ladle for pancakes
Material
Wood, stainless steel, nylon, silicon, and plastic are the most commonly used materials to make soup ladles. While each has advantages and disadvantages, stainless steel is typically thought to be the best because of its sturdiness and durability. A one-piece stainless steel ladle is ideal since there are no seams where food can collect. A stainless steel ladle, on the other hand, has the ability to scratch non-stick surfaces.
Wood, nylon, silicon, and plastic utensils, unlike stainless steel, are all scratch-resistant. Because plastic can melt when subjected to high temperatures, it is the least expensive material. Wood is the second cheapest option, although it is prone to cracking over time. Many high-quality ladles are now being made of nylon or silicon, which are sturdy, long-lasting, and scratch-resistant materials.
Size
The length of the ladle’s handle isn’t important while preparing pancakes using a soup ladle because the pancake batter isn’t usually scooped out of a deep bowl or pot. A 3 oz. pancake is an average size, so get a soup ladle that can scoop at least that amount.
However, the size of the scooping part is something to think about. If you want larger pancakes, use a larger scooper; else you can choose a smaller scooper if you prefer smaller pancakes. If you are looking specifically for a large ladle, we have a perfect list of large wok ladles just for you.
Curvature
When choosing a soup ladle, look for one with as much curve on the scooping end as possible. This will assist in the prevention of any unwanted spills.
If you use a ladle with a greater curve to scoop out the sauce, soup, or pancake batter, you will be likely to serve or pour out the exact same amount every time because none will run out.
Handle
The handle of your soup ladle is crucial because this is the part that will be held for long periods of time. Even if you’re scooping out hot foods or liquids, most high-quality ladles have a handle that won’t get hot.
Choose a handle that is light enough to avoid becoming too heavy and causing hand cramps, yet heavy enough to give adequate balance.
Angle
Another thing to think about is the angle of your soup ladle. The higher the angle between the handle and the section that scoops the food or liquid, the easier it is to use. This is because a wider angle allows you to keep your wrist neutral and avoid leaning or crouching down forward while scooping and pouring.
Did You Know? The term ‘ladle’ is derived from the word ‘hladan’, meaning ‘to load’ in Old English.
Best ladle for pancakes- A summary list
#1 All-Clad T109 Stainless Steel Large Soup Ladle – Renowned worldwide for its cookware collections, this All-Clad ladle made of heavy 18/10 stainless steel that is polished to a mirror finish.
#2 OXO Good Grips Ladle – Oxo good grips, stainless steel Ladlefeatures a large, oversize handle, and the hole makes hanging easy, and cleanup is simple because the ladle is dishwasher-safe.
#3 Cooler Kitchen Black 4 Ounce Soup Ladle – You will receive the scratch-resistance of silicone and the sturdiness of stainless steel in one package.
#4 OXO Good Grips Nylon Ladle – This is a fine and sturdy kitchen ladle that does its job without any fuss.
#5 Newness 304 Stainless Steel Soup Pan Ladle – Newness Stainless Steel Soup Ladle is a durable, professional-grade tool for use in a family kitchen, restaurants, food stores, or dining halls.
List of top 5 ladles for pancakes
#1 All-Clad T109 Stainless Steel Large Soup Ladle
All-soup Clad’s ladle is a little more expensive, as it’s made completely of high-grade 18/10 polished stainless steel. This is one of the finest soup ladles you can have if you love to cook with stainless steel equipment.
The 14.5-inch long handle is ergonomically constructed with a grooved top and rounded bottom for added comfort. The scooper has a nice bend to it, with a modest curved lip to help in pouring.
Even if the angle between the handle and the scooper isn’t ideal, most individuals have no trouble using this soup ladle. While it is pricier than the ordinary ladle upfront, a lifetime warranty against defects assures that you can use it for the rest of your life!
User Experience
Users liked this ladle a lot. This is why it’s the highest-rated product on our list. Users said that it is very sturdy and shiny and smooth. People were commenting about how nice it looks. They also mentioned that is very easy to clean. One of the users commented that he really likes the curvature of the handle and how it sits in his hand. No significant complaints by the users.
Pros
- Made in America
- Solid construction
- Made of heavy 18/10 stainless steel
- Lifetime warranty
- Shiny look
- Long handle
Cons
- Might be a little heavy for some users
My Verdict: This is a beautiful well-made ladle that you can use for making pancakes. The long handle is great for getting into large pots and the weight gives it a real professional feel.
Meanwhile, also check out our expert listing of the best whisk for your kitchen.
#2 OXO Good Grips Ladle
This soup ladle is undoubtedly a step higher than OXO’s affordable nylon variant, which we will talk about later in the article. OXO ensures optimal comfort for you by including a soft and pleasant non-stick grip with a robust and polished stainless steel frame.
This ladle is well-balanced thanks to its weight. You can tell it’s high-quality when you use it. This ladle also has the following features: the handle won’t get hot even if it’s been sitting in hot food or liquid, it has a hole for easy storage, and it’s dishwasher safe.
User Experience
OXO never fails when it comes to quality. The same goes with this one. Users really liked what they bought. They appreciated that it washes easily and there was no rusting or chipping seen. They also said that it seems to be very sturdy and the handle is very comfortable as well. One of the users commented that it is wonderful for pancakes, tater tots, and roasted veggies. Some of the users were unhappy with the product and commented that the rubber handle collets water in it.
Pros
- Non-slip handle
- Polished stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Very Sturdy
- Durable
Cons
- Thick front edge
My Verdict: Overall, this is the ladle to buy if you’re seeking a high-quality stainless steel soup ladle that prioritizes comfort when grasping.
Check out some of the best cutting boards if you are looking for something to chop your veggies on.
#3 Cooler Kitchen Black 4 Ounce Soup Ladle
You’re getting the best of the best with this soup ladle. The scooper is made of BPA-free non-stick silicone and has a robust stainless steel handle. Because the scooper has a large curvature and a 4 oz. capacity, filling it roughly three-quarters full of pancake batter will allow you to make pancakes that are all the same size without overflowing. The flexible silicone scooper’s flex-edge technology allows you to scrape out every last drop from any pot or bowl you’re scooping from.
The extra-long, weighted handle is designed to avoid hand cramping. No matter how much time you keep the ladle in hot meals or liquids, the stainless steel handle would not get hot to the touch thanks to Coolergrip technology.
The handle and scooper are also at a better-than-average angle for added comfort. The fact that the ladle is dishwasher safe is also a plus.
User Experience
Users said that this ladle is well constructed and easy to use. They also appreciated the handle and said that it is sturdy and lovely looking. What I liked the most about this ladle is that it has a looped handle for simple storage and a tiny lip for pouring to prevent unequal distribution. These are two other fantastic characteristics of this ladle that will enhance your cooking experience. One of the users commented that she bought it to use with her nonstick pots so she doesn’t ruin the coating. Another user said appreciating the breeze to clean and nice portion sizes per scoop. Some of the customers, on the other hand, were complaining that the handle got scrapped after some use.
Pros
- Made of BPA free non-stick silicone and stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
- 13 inches long
- Hooked handle for easy storage
- Heat resistant to 450 degrees
- lightweight
Cons
- No significant cons
My Verdict: Overall, this ladle has everything you could possibly want in a pancake ladle and is one of the best.
You can use these ladles to cook food in saucepans. Take a look at our list of the best saucepans and pick the one which suits your needs.
#4 OXO Good Grips Nylon Ladle
If you’re looking for a ladle for making pancakes, this OXO nylon ladle is a great option. While nylon isn’t as durable as stainless steel, it has the advantage of not scratching non-stick surfaces. Furthermore, the nylon material provides a little better and more comfortable grip on the handle area.
This ladle can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, so you won’t have to worry about any parts of the ladle melting like other cheaper plastic alternatives. The slight curvature of the scooper is one potential disadvantage of this soup ladle.
This, on the other hand, can be a plus because you can use it instead of a separate spatula to turn food in a skillet (for example, pancakes after they have hardened a little).
User Experience
Users liked that this ladle is not only dishwasher safe but is heat resistant to 400 degrees. They also appreciated the handle and said that it’s a sleek and good looking handle design. Others mentioned that it is super easy to use and clean. One of the users commented that it works great for soups and pancake batter and presumably other things.
Pros
- Microwave sale
- Dishwasher safe
- BPA-free
- Easy to grip handle
- Made in the USA
- Won’t rust
- Hole on the handle for hanging
Cons
- Might be small for some users
My Verdict: For those who aren’t too picky, this is a fantastic price-point choice ladle to consider for pancakes. It’s dishwasher-friendly, lightweight, and durable. All in all an excellent product and great value.
Looking for a dutch oven? We have just made your work easier by making a list of the best dutch ovens available in the market.
#5 Newness 304 Stainless Steel Soup Pan Ladle
![Soup Ladle, [Rustproof, Integral Forming, Durable] Newness 304 Stainless Steel Soup Pan Ladle with Vacuum Ergonomic Handle, Comfortable Grip Design Spoon Soup Ladle for Kitchen, 13.46 Inches](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21g7WCa+OUS._SL160_.jpg)
Another outstanding soup ladle choice rounds off this collection. This rustproof and exceptionally durable ladle is made entirely of 304-grade stainless steel. Their grip is meant to resemble a vacuum, which helps to reduce heat transmission to your hand. It’s also easy and comfortable to grasp because of the triangle shape. This ladle has a good weight and is balanced well. The handle stays cool to the touch even when its in a hot pot of liquid.
The scooper has a great angle and curve, and it is dishwasher safe, making it simple to clean. With this ladle, you get professional quality at a low price point. Overall, this ladle is a good choice that will not disappoint you.
User Experience
Users said that this ladle has a solid construction and is easy to clean. They also appreciated that it is made of high grade stainless steel and looks modern and sleek. What I personally love about this ladle is that the whole spoon has a good weight to it which makes it feel sturdy. One of the customers said that this is a very nice looking ladle that can be used for dinners where you are serving company also, which I totally agree with. Expecting guests? Get yourself a wine foil cutter from our list and be ready to serve it along with a great dinner. No significant complaints by the users.
Pros
- Made of food grade 304 Stainless Steel
- Rustproof
- Ergonomic Handle
- Hole in the handle for easy storage
- Durable
- Modern look
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No rubberized handle
- Can be a bit heavy for some users
My Verdict: Solid construct along with a great look. A great ladle for pancakes at a great price. A big thumbs up from my side.
FAQ
1. How big should a ladle be?
A ladle is used to pour liquids from a pot or pan into a bowl or cup without spilling. Its distinctive bowl shape and long handle make it particularly well suited to handling hot foods. A standard ladle is about 10-15 inches long.
2. How many ounces are in a ladle?
A standard ladle carries roughly 1/2 cup of liquid or 4 oz.
3. What is a wok ladle?
In recent years, wok cooking has gained popularity as a tasty and healthy way to prepare food. Many cooks recommend using a wok ladle when cooking traditional Chinese cuisine. Cooking ladles are often shallower than those used for serving. Their curved bowl allows you to toss food and sauce together for even cooking. Talking about wok, you can also take a look at our list of best woks for cooking.
Conclusion
To conclude, all of these 5 ladles are composed of high-quality materials, are easy to handle, and will assist you in the kitchen by making pancake preparation easier and more comfortable. We hope this article was useful and that it answered your problem. Choose the ladle that best suits your cooking and hosting style now that you know what the best pancake ladles are.
You can also take a look at our expert list of the best ladles for more options.
To those who want to read honest reviews and make a solid decision which they will not regret later. Ritik is an enthusiastic writer and what makes him stand out is his extensive knowledge in the field of kitchen gadgets and appliances. Seeing his mom using different gadgets and appliances at home fascinated him more in this niche since the childhood. He loves to share his research and knowledge about all the latest kitchen gadgets and appliances being released in the market and provide his reviews along. He helps his audience decide what will fit the best in their kitchen and what not.
