Food
Fact-checked

At DelightedCooking, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Ladle?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A ladle is a type of spoon with a very deep bowl which is designed to be used to serve soups, sauces, and other highly liquid foods. A number of different ladle designs can be found in a kitchen supply store, often made in a variety of materials from bamboo to stainless steel. A ladle is a useful tool to have around the kitchen, especially in households which work with a lot of soups, stews, and sauces.

Typically, the handle of a ladle is long, so that people can dip it into a deep pot or bowl. The spoon section of the ladle may be oriented at an angle to make dipping and serving easier, and some ladles also have small lips to pour fluids without dripping. An all purpose ladle usually has a round bowl about the size of a small closed fist; there are numerous variations on the design for different foods.

A ladle is a type of spoon with a  deep bowl.
A ladle is a type of spoon with a deep bowl.

Condiment ladles, for example, are miniaturized versions of ladles which can be left in condiment jars so that people can serve themselves. These ladles are often used at large dinners, and they can be seen in self-serve food lines as well, to encourage people to use the ladles rather than their own spoons. Sauce and soup ladles follow the basic design, but they come in a range of sizes from small to large to meet varying needs; ideally, a full ladle comes close to a single serving of the food in question.

Ladles are designed for serving soups, sauces, and other highly liquid foods.
Ladles are designed for serving soups, sauces, and other highly liquid foods.

A spaghetti ladle is a ladle which looks like it has been crossed with a fork; instead of a bowl, it has a series of tines which are designed to grab and hold threads of pasta for serving. Skimming ladles, on the other hand, have large shallow bowls which can be lightly skimmed across soups and other dishes to remove impurities. Some skimming ladles have special design features to help separate fat from soup stock with a minimal waste of soup.

Spaghetti ladles looks like they have been crossed with a fork and are designed to grab and hold threads of pasta for serving.
Spaghetti ladles looks like they have been crossed with a fork and are designed to grab and hold threads of pasta for serving.

When seeking out a ladle, look for one with a sturdy construction, as you do not want the bowl of a ladle to fall off when it is in active use. Metals like stainless steel are often good choices for ladles, as are solid wood ladles. Be aware than wooden ladles cannot be run through the dishwasher or they will start to crack and warp; if this convenience is a concern, select a metal ladle with no cracks or crevices for food and fats to accumulate.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

mendocino

I have one ladle that I use whenever I need to scoop food. It is the design that makes it a pleasure to use. The handle is the right size and in the right angle, and the bowl is just right, so scooping soup or stew is an easy process without spills. I also like to use it when I make crepes. One scant scoop of batter makes a perfect crepe.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A ladle is a type of spoon with a  deep bowl.
      By: ILYA AKINSHIN
      A ladle is a type of spoon with a deep bowl.
    • Ladles are designed for serving soups, sauces, and other highly liquid foods.
      By: Magdalena Kucova
      Ladles are designed for serving soups, sauces, and other highly liquid foods.
    • Spaghetti ladles looks like they have been crossed with a fork and are designed to grab and hold threads of pasta for serving.
      By: Lasse Kristensen
      Spaghetti ladles looks like they have been crossed with a fork and are designed to grab and hold threads of pasta for serving.
    • Condiment ladles may be useful in serving condiments.
      By: Antonio Gravante
      Condiment ladles may be useful in serving condiments.