The main materials for spoons are wood and metal. There are also some unusual materials such as ceramic and enamel, but metal spoons probably make up the largest share.
Metals include stainless steel, brass, nickel silver (silver plated), aluminum, titanium, etc., with stainless steel being the most common. It is durable, rust-resistant, and relatively inexpensive, which is probably why it has become the standard.
What is a good spoon ?
It's important that they don't rust, are durable, and since you'll need a certain number of them, they shouldn't be expensive, but there's something else that you should pay more attention to than that.
The spoon is something you put in your mouth .
It goes without saying that it should not be harmful to the body, but I think that compatibility with the mouth is very important, even more so than functionality and durability.
The part used to scoop food is called a "pot." The surface finish, shape, material, etc. will determine how well it fits in your mouth.
Comparison of spoon pots I have been a fan of Sori Yanagi for many years. I used a tablespoon (left side of photo). It has a cute, Japanese-style shape. I like the finish, which isn't quite mirror-like. I think it's a masterpiece.
The appearance.
When I tried using it, I found that the pot was a little wide and a little deep.
The food is brought to the wide open mouth and scooped up with the upper lip so that no food is left at the bottom of the spoon. That's how it is, but when I used "that spoon," I was surprised at how easy it was to eat.
The bowl is narrow and shallow, so you can eat without any stress. Oh~.
"That spoon" is made of plastic.
Many people may have a negative image of plastic when they hear it, but that is because they do not dispose of it properly. It is important to dispose of it in a way that it can be recycled properly, or to use it carefully for a long time.
Let's compare plastic spoons with wooden and metal (stainless steel) spoons and look at their advantages and disadvantages.
Wooden spoon Advantages and disadvantages
Lightweight
○ Stylish wood grain ○ Gentle on tableware (and also on people)
○Does not absorb heat × Weak against moisture
×Easily scratched
× Dishwasher cannot be used
× Expensive
× Thick (so it doesn't break)
The pros and cons of stainless steel spoons
○Water resistant ○Dishwasher safe ○Thin (it's strong so it can be made thin)
○ Wide variety ○ Inexpensive (stainless steel)
×Heavy
×Easily absorbs heat
×Easily damages tableware
As you can see, wood and metal have opposing advantages and disadvantages.
Using this as a reference, let's summarize the advantages and disadvantages of "that plastic spoon."
The pros and cons of that spoon
Water resistant Dishwasher safe
○Lightweight ○Inexpensive
○ Does not absorb heat
Gentle on tableware
×Easily scratched
× Cheap image
× Thicker than metal
In terms of hardness, it is close to wood, which is gentler on tableware, but it is also more susceptible to scratches. However, scratches tend to be more noticeable on glossy finishes. That spoon has a matte, non-glossy finish, so scratches are less noticeable.
This is probably because the cheap image is given a glossy, colorful look.
This can also be solved by using a matte finish.
By the way, even though it has a matte finish, there is no yellow color left behind when you eat curry with that spoon.
In terms of durability, it is not as strong as stainless steel, but it is less likely to chip than wood and is more flexible, so it is less likely to break.
I compared the spoons by material, but the thing I want to tell you most about them is their shape, which makes them easy to eat with . If they were made of wood, the thin part of the tip would be easily chipped, but if they were made of stainless steel, The handle, which is of moderate thickness, will be quite heavy.
In fact, the shape of "that spoon" was only possible because it is made of plastic.
This spoon is a redesign of the easy-to-use red spoon used at that beef bowl restaurant, with a new color and texture. → That spoon
Try using a non-disposable plastic spoon and experience a mouthfeel you've never experienced before.
Products introduced in this article
