Ice Cream Scoop - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
There's no doubt that an ice cream scoop is a staple kitchen utensil, but it's an absolute necessity if you want to create perfectly rounded mounds of your favorite ice cream. When gently scooped into even shapes, the ice cream fits perfectly in dessert bowls or on top of crispy cones. If you've ever tried scooping ice cream with a traditional scoop or other kitchen utensil, you know that none work as well as a scoop that's designed for the purpose of scooping this sweet favorite.
Although all ice cream scoops have similar design elements, they are not all created equal. Quality materials and user-friendly structures make the difference between spoons that are durable and easy to use, versus ones with longevity and functional concerns. In addition, spoons also come in different shapes and sizes, so the perfect one for you depends on the firmness of the ice cream and the portion sizes you prefer to enjoy.
After you've explored our picks for the scoops above, read on for important details, tips, and answers to common questions to help you choose a scoop that's... worthy of serving your favorite ice cream.
Questions to Answer Before Choosing a Scoop of Ice Cream
Before choosing a scoop of ice cream, here are some considerations to think about and be sure to find the one that best suits your needs.
- Will you use it often?
Some people only indulge in ice cream once in a while, while others enjoy it regularly as an appetizer or dessert. Also, a scoop of ice cream will be used more in households with large families to serve. If your new ice cream scoop will spend a lot of time submerged in your favorite ice cream, opt for one that is renowned for its quality and durability.
- Do you have a problem that affects your grip?
People with health problems such as arthritis or tendinitis often have trouble grasping objects and exerting pressure to perform various tasks. An ice cream scoop with a simple yet strong design with a contoured handle is the best choice for ice cream lovers with limited hand strength issues. Soft silicone or rubber coated handles also help reduce hand strain.
- How do you plan to wash your scoop of ice cream?
This is only a concern if you plan to put your spoon in an automatic dishwasher. If you don't like washing dishes by hand, choose an ice cream scoop that is dishwasher safe.
- Do you like large or small scoops of ice cream?
If small servings aren't enough for you, or you like to cover cones or skittles with big, round mounds, consider getting a larger scoop. These models are usually perfectly round in shape, and often have a mechanical mechanism that helps larger portions of ice cream slide off the scoop.
- How much do you want to spend?
Ice cream scoops aren't very expensive, but you can certainly save a few bucks by choosing a low-priced entry-level model. However, it's important to note that longevity can be sacrificed for savings, and if you're thinking of very sturdy ice cream scoops, a scoop with solid construction is a must.
Other uses for a Scoop of Ice Cream
While it's a fact that no other kitchen utensil can serve ice cream like an ice cream scoop, this tool comes in handy for many other uses in the kitchen. Take a look at this list of some of our favorite ideas to put your new spoon to work.
- Shape into perfectly sized portions of melons.
- Serve mashed potatoes.
- Divide the dough to make foods such as pancakes, muffins and cookies.
- Remove the pumpkin seeds to prepare to make a lantern.
- Create a serving of cottage cheese or tuna to accompany a salad.
- Take just the right amount of ground beef, salmon, mashed beans, or other foods to make burgers.
- Forms fillings for numerous types of stuffed foods, including pasta shells, vegetables, and eggs.
- Take firm oils like lard, vegetable oil, coconut oil, butter, and ghee.
Features of the Ice Cream Ball
The design of the ice cream scoop is very simple...a scoop and a handle. However, there are some variations that make some spoons better and easier to use than others.
- Materials
When shopping for an ice cream scoop, you'll find that many are made entirely of stainless steel. This durable material lasts and resists damage such as corrosion, rust, stains, and breakage. In fact, it's pretty safe to say that high-quality spoons are typically made from stainless steel.
Other metals like aluminum or cast aluminum are also used to make ice cream scoops, and they are also quite durable and long-lasting.
Some spoons have a combination of metal lids and plastic or silicone handles.
Plastic and wooden spoons are available, but are less popular, as they tend to have longevity issues when used frequently, or when used to serve very firm ice cream.
- Spoon Lids
It is the "scoop" part of an ice cream scoop that turns the ice cream into perfect portions. Although simple, the design varies a bit from spoon to spoon.
Slightly Pointed : These spoons are suitable for breaking up firm ice cream.
Rounded : Ideal for uniform and perfectly rounded piles. These scoops are best for soft serve ice cream and making pretty ice cream cones.
Wide : It is great to take out large portions.
Conical : This type of scoop does a good job of tackling firm ice cream and making round portions.
- Handles
Shovels can't do their job without durable handles to give them an edge. Like the spoons, they also differ a bit.
All metal : Ice cream scoops made from metal from top to bottom offer straight or contoured handles. They top the list for durability.
Coated : Some metal spoons have handles that are coated with hard plastic, rubber, or silicone. Although this feature can make the handles easier to grip, the coating can also trap water and crack or peel over time.
Heat Conductor : This unique feature offers a handle that is usually double-walled with heat-conducting liquid inside. As your hand warms the handle, the liquid heats up, making it easier to remove hard ice cream. Special care such as hand washing and avoiding heavy knocks or falls will keep these special handles intact.
- Release Triggers
This convenient feature includes a trigger on the handle that activates a small piece of metal that pushes or pushes the ice cream out of the scoop.
- Dishwasher Safe
Generally, it's best to wash a scoop of ice cream by hand with warm water and mild soap. That's because dishwashers use high temperatures and detergents that can be harsh. Therefore, it is best not to put aluminum spoons or spoons with coated or heat-conducting handles in a dishwasher. Look for a model that lists dishwasher-safe if this feature is important to you.
Tips
If you plan to store your ice cream scoop in a hanging position, choose one that has a loop at the end of the handle that easily snaps over a nail or hook.
Ice cream scoops with slightly pointed designs do a good job of pushing solid ice cream, and are worth considering if you don't have much strength in your hands.
To make scooping ice cream easier, warm the scoop slightly by dipping or rinsing it in hot water before scooping the ice cream.
Always wash the ice cream scoop after use and dry thoroughly before storing. This will protect the finish and components from moisture exposure that could cause damage over time, especially if it has a trigger.
A quality scoop of ice cream makes a great gift for ice cream lovers. It's also handy for gift giving on occasions like wedding showers and housewarming celebrations.
If you'll be using an ice cream scoop frequently or for multiple uses, it's a good idea to invest in several.
FAQ
Que : Is the heat-conducting liquid in the handle of an ice cream scoop dangerous if it leaks?
Ans : The liquid that conducts heat for the most efficient extraction of ice cream is typically a food-safe oil. Although it's not dangerous and leaks aren't common, it's still a good idea to throw away any spoonfuls that contain the fluid that develops a leak.
Que : Is there any preventive measure I can take to make the trigger release function of an ice cream scoop work properly?
Ans : Like any other manual mechanism, ice cream scoop detonators can wear out with repeated use. However, if you use the trigger as gently as possible, keep it clean and dry, and check the mechanism from time to time to make sure it's in good working order, it is likely to last a long time.
Que : What kind of ice cream scoop should I look for if I want to be able to wash it in the dishwasher?
Ans : If all the dirty dishes end up in the dishwasher, durability is a must when it comes to buying a new scoop of ice cream. One that will likely last you through repeated washing cycles will be constructed of all stainless steel, which does a great job of withstanding heat, exposure to water, and detergents.
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