A good Soup and Kitchen Ladle makes serving soup a breeze. You can skim crud, measure liquid and serve guest. However, this seemingly simple device has a lot of component to it. From the rolled lip to the hooked corner, all these things can make a difference between a great ladle and a mediocre one. This article will list the components of the Best Soup and Kitchen Ladle. Hopefully we can help you find one that suits your needs.

What to Look for in a Ladle

There are a few components to look for when considering a kitchen ladle. The first thing is material. You have a choice ranging from wood to metal. While metal is generally the best, nothing beats the rustic charm of a wooden ladle. Its beautiful to look at and perfect when you are serving a hearty stew. Plus it wont damage your nonstick cookware. The downside is that they are not as durable as the other alternative.

Plastic are a great choice if you want something that will last a long time and protect your cookware. Most plastic kitchen ladle is safe with nonstick cookware so you wont ruin the lining. However, they are generally flimsy and feel cheap to use. If you are not careful, you might meld the handle on the rim of the pot. Higher grade nylon or silicone will resist this.

Finally metal are the preferred choice for the home and professional kitchen. The higher grade one will use a quality stainless steel. They will have heft and feel good in your hand.

Ladle Bowl Ounces, Size and Design

Lower end soup and kitchen ladle will just be a bowl. However, if you start shopping for the higher end one, they will have measurement. These make quick work when you are measuring for recipe. You can also accurately the portion size that people are getting. I personally find the 8 oz ladle to be the best, it is the same size as a cup.

Another consideration to have is the shape of the lip. A rolled lip makes pouring soup and sauces easier. Ladles with straight lip will crawl down the side and drive everywhere. This is the same concept of a pouring lip for pots and pans. Not all manufacturer have this because of the added cost.

The Hook

At the end of the ladle some might have a hole others have nothing. The well designed one will have a hook. The hook lets you rest the ladle in the pot without it falling in. This is especially important when you are stewing large pots of stock. Another benefit of the hook is that you can hang it on wire rack.

Best Soup and Kitchen Ladle List

Below you will find a list of some of the kitchen ladle around. The list will be segmented by material and design. Find one that best suits your need.

Rösle Stainless Steel Hooked Ladle 8 oz (Best Overall)

Rosle Stainless Steel ladle has all the hallmark of the best ladle around. This model has a measured pouring bowl with a rolled lip. At the end of the handle, there is a hook to help secure it on the pot. Best of all, its made of a 18/10 stainless steel construction so it wont rust. If you are looking for best of all ladle, then go no further than rosle. There are a few sizes available, I personally recommend the 8 oz model for easy measurement.

OXO Good Grips Nylon Ladle (Best Plastic Soup Ladle)

If all you need is a simple ladle, then oxo is a good option. The bowl holds a modest 5 oz of liquid. The handle is rounded and comfortable to hold. At the end, there is a hole so that you can hook it. Just be careful about resting it on the metal pot. They nylon can melt at higher temperature.

FAAY Ladle, Serving Ladle, Cooking/Kitchen Ladle (Best Wooden Ladle)

If you want a woodel ladle for serving and presentation, than FAAY is a great option. This model uses a teak wood which is naturally oily and resist cracking. While this does not have a hook or a pouring lip, it more than makes up for it with its beauty. Its great if you pair it during the diner table with a dutch oven. It will give it taste of province.

Thoughts

Most people dont know how complex a simple soup ladle can be. From the hook to the bowl design, they all combine to make a ergonomic soup ladle. While I personally believe a metal ladle is best, not marring option like plastic or wood is a great alternative. If you intend on serving guest at the table, then a wooden soup ladle might be your best bet. It just goes beautifully with a cast iron pot.

Want more Kitchen Utensils? Check out our article on the Best Kitchen Utensils for Cooking.