What Is The UK’s Best Kitchen Skimmer?
In this guide we’ll take a look at the best kitchen skimmer spoons.
I’ve compared material, size, design and cost
to give you my top recommendations.
Kitchen Skimmer Reviews
Kitchen Skimmer Buyer’s Guide
A kitchen skimmer is a highly effective and convenient piece of equipment, allowing you to efficiently drain portions of food without needing to use a colander.
Skimmers can remove fried food from hot oil, drain pasta and potatoes from hot water, and scoop up just-cooked vegetables. They are usually very easy to use.
Not sure what to look for when it comes to the best kitchen skimmer? Take a look at this buyer’s guide.
Material
Like most kitchen utensils, skimmers are usually made from either stainless steel or silicone. Both have their pros and cons.
Silicone kitchen tools have a soft texture that won’t scratch your pots and pans. They usually have a high heat resistance and can be cleaned in the dishwasher after use. Your food won’t stick to silicone, and it’s very lightweight.
Stainless steel on the other hand, is more premium looking and equally easy to clean. The only downside is that it can scratch delicate pots and pans, but it often has a higher heat resistance. Stainless steel handles can get hot, so you may prefer to look for a stainless steel skimmer with a protective handle.
Size
Skimmers are available in a range of sizes. The largest can be used to pick up and drain large portions of food at once, for example a large serving of potatoes or pasta. Those with a smaller diameter are best for smaller portions of fried food.
It’s important to look at the length of the handle. If you’re going to be removing fried food from very hot liquid, a long handle will keep your hands at a safe distance.
Design
Kitchen skimmers usually use wire, mesh or very small holes. Those with wire and small holes are easy to clean and have great drainage, but they will allow some small amounts of food to filter through and back into the pan.
Skimmers with a mesh scoop are more versatile. Not only can they be used to drain water or oil, but they can also be used to serve smaller foods like peas or beans. The only downside is that they can be fiddly to clean, as bits of food can easily get stuck in the mesh.
If you lack kitchen storage, opt for a skimmer with a hook on the end. These can be hung in your kitchen to save drawer or cupboard space.