Grill Spatula 101: Everything You Need to Know

Key Insights

• Having the right BBQ grill spatula is essential for grilling success
• There are several types of grill spatulas, each designed for different purposes:
  • Extra-large turner spatulas are great for flipping large items like pizzas and multiple burgers at once
  • Serrated edge spatulas allow you to slice and serve food right on the grill
  • Fish spatulas are thin, flexible, and slotted to handle delicate foods without breaking them
• Heavy-duty spatulas are typically made of durable stainless steel to withstand high heat and frequent use
• Proper cleaning and maintenance, like hand washing and separating raw and cooked food utensils, keep your spatulas sanitary and long-lasting.

Grilling is a fun way to cook tasty food outside. To grill well, you need the right tools. One of the most important tools is a BBQ grill spatula. A good spatula helps you flip burgers and move fish without breaking it.

There are many types of BBQ grill spatulas, each with different features that make it better for certain jobs. This guide will help you learn about spatulas and show you how to pick the best one for your grilling. With the right spatula, you can grill like a pro. Your food will turn out great, impressing your friends and family.

BBQ Grill Spatula Essentials

Grilling enthusiasts know that having the right tools can make all the difference in creating the perfect barbecue experience. Among these essential tools, the BBQ spatula stands out as a versatile and indispensable implement for any grill master. From flipping burgers to delicately handling fish fillets, the right spatula can enhance your grilling precision and efficiency.

This guide explores the various types of BBQ grill spatulas, their unique features, and how to choose the best one for your grilling needs. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard barbecue novice, understanding the nuances of different spatula designs will help you elevate your grilling game and impress your guests with perfectly cooked dishes.

Extra-Large Turner Grill Spatulas

Extra-large turner spatulas are designed for handling larger food items and offer an increased surface area for lifting and flipping. These spatulas typically feature wide heads, measuring around 6-1/2 inches in diameter, which provides ample support for substantial dishes like pizzas, large burgers, or multiple smaller items simultaneously. 

The beveled blade edges of these spatulas facilitate easy sliding under food, making it simpler to transfer items from cooking surfaces to serving trays. While extra-large spatulas excel at managing bigger foods, they may lack the nimbleness required for maneuvering in crowded cooking spaces or smaller pans, as Serious Eats noted in their spatula testing.

Serrated Edge BBQ Grill Spatulas

Serrated-edge spatulas combine the functionality of a traditional spatula with a cutting edge, making them versatile tools for grilling and cooking. These spatulas feature a blade with fine serrations along one side, allowing users to slice through foods while serving or flipping. The DCS AT-SPT Grill Spatula, for example, incorporates a serrated edge for added utility during barbecuing. 

Some models offer additional features, such as a bottle opener and grill cleaner, enhancing their versatility for outdoor cooking. The serrated edge enables cooks to cut and serve dishes cleanly without the need for additional utensils, making these spatulas particularly useful for tasks like portioning grilled meats or slicing through layered sandwiches on the grill.

Fish Spatulas for Delicate Foods

Fish spatulas are great for more than just fish. They can handle all kinds of delicate foods without breaking them. The thin, bendy metal blade has slots and an angled edge, which lets it slide under fragile items like fish, eggs, pancakes, and cookies. The slots also let grease and liquids drain off, keeping fried foods crispy.

Fish spatulas are perfect for moving food from a pan to a plate. The long blade keeps big pieces stable. Many chefs say it’s their favorite spatula. They would pick it if they could only have one. Most fish spatulas are made for right-handed people. But you can find left-handed ones, too. When buying a fish spatula, think about the size, edge style, handle, and if it’s dishwasher-safe.

Heavy-Duty Material Comparison

Heavy-duty grill spatulas are usually made from tough materials that can handle high heat and a lot of use. Stainless steel is a common choice because it’s strong and can take the heat. Many of these spatulas use 304-grade stainless steel, which doesn’t rust or break easily. This type of steel is great for grilling tools that need to last.

The sturdy build stops the spatula from bending, so food won’t go flying when you flip it on the grill. This is sometimes called the “food catapult” effect. Some spatulas have extra features built in to make them even stronger. While stainless steel is the most popular material, other high-quality steels are sometimes used for spatulas, too. These other steels also hold up well for cooking outdoors. When choosing a heavy-duty grill spatula, consider the materials to ensure you get one that will last through many grilling sessions.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Your Grill Spatula

It’s very important to clean and take care of your BBQ tools the right way. This keeps your food safe to eat. It also helps your tools last a long time. After you use them, wash your tools in warm water with soap. This gets rid of grease and bits of food. If there’s tough stuff stuck on, let them soak in hot, soapy water for 30 minutes to an hour. This will help loosen the gunk. Lots of tools can go in the dishwasher. But if they have wood handles, wash them by hand.

To prevent germs from spreading, consider using different sets of tools for raw and cooked meat. To prevent your tools from rusting, dry them well after you wash them. Then, put a thin layer of cooking oil on the metal parts. Cleaning your tools often does more than just keep things clean. It also keeps your grilling tools in good shape. That way, they’re always ready when you want to have a BBQ.