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I'm just starting to cook for myself in college, and I'm curious what the best material of cooking tools are for pasta in a metal pan and stir fry in a non-stick wok. To make this question more general, when should you use plastic, metal or wooden cooking tools?

Are there reasons not to use a certain type sometimes? For example, is it unsafe to use wooden tools with raw meat in stir fry?

mouche
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5 Answers5

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Metal
Advantages: durable, no risk of absorbing flavours
Disadvantages: may scratch certain cookware

Wood
Advantages: doesn't scratch, looks nice
Disadvantages: can wear down over time, can sometimes absorb flavours

Plastic
Doesn't find a place in my kitchen other than a rubber spatula for baking.

Silicone
You didn't mention this, but I like it, because it works like rubber but can withstand high temps (brushes, spatulas)

I think the answer really depends on what you cook. A good basic set might consist of a wooden spoon, a spatula that can handle heat, a good ladle, and maybe a set of tongs or chopsticks. You'll quickly learn what you wish you had to make it a little easier.

talon8
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If you do decide to go with wooden spoons (they are cheap after all), you should get at least 2. Write "sweet" or something else on the handle of one so you're less tempted to use the same spoon for cakes as you are for a heavy garlicky curry!

KimbaF
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The main rule here is to not use metal tools on nonstick cookware. Even nonstick cookware labeled "metal safe" can be scratched by using metal tools.

Clean your wooden tools with very hot, soapy water (but don't leave them soaking in water), and they'll be fine.

Bob
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Plastic/silicone & wooden: on NON-Stick metal surfaces

Metal/stainless steel & wooden: on metal/cast iron surfaces

I do not recommend using plastic for cast iron cooking. Reason being that most of the time the temperatures are higher (i.e deep frying) which may melt the plastic.

Weesoon
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I have non-stick safe utensils made from a hard nylon, I believe that may be more common for harder, non-bendy utensils like sturdy stirring spoons, and flat pancake turner type tools that you want to be strong and not terribly flexible as some softer plastics are.

KatyW
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