Imagine this: a steaming bowl of your favorite soup, rich and flavorful, ready to be served. But then you reach for the ladle, and it’s flimsy, awkward, or just plain wrong for the job. Frustrating, right? Choosing the perfect soup ladle can feel like a surprisingly big challenge. So many come in different sizes, materials, and shapes, and it’s tough to know which one will actually work best for your kitchen.
That’s where America’s Test Kitchen comes in. They put countless kitchen tools to the test, and their recommendations are based on real-world cooking. If you’ve ever wondered which soup ladle is truly the best, the one that makes serving easy and mess-free, you’re in the right place. We’re going to dive into what America’s Test Kitchen discovered about soup ladles.
By reading on, you’ll learn what makes a soup ladle great. We’ll explore the key features America’s Test Kitchen looks for and help you understand how to pick a ladle that will serve you well for years to come. Get ready to upgrade your soup-serving game!
Our Top 5 Soup Ladle America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Soup Ladle America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Zulay Kitchen Premium Soup Ladle – 12″ Stainless Steel with Non-Slip Silicone Handle
Rating: 8.6/10
If you love cooking up hearty soups, stews, or even saucy pasta dishes, then the Zulay Kitchen Premium Soup Ladle is a tool you’ll want in your kitchen. This 12-inch ladle is made from strong, BPA-free stainless steel, so it’s built to last. It’s designed to be a reliable helper for all your brothy creations.
What We Like:
- Durable and Reliable: Made from sturdy, BPA-free stainless steel, this ladle is built tough for long-term use in your kitchen.
- Comfortable and Safe Handle: The non-slip silicone handle is ergonomically designed to fit your hand well. It also stops heat from transferring, so you won’t burn yourself when serving hot soups or sauces.
- Perfect Size for Serving: At 12.2 x 3.34 inches, it’s just the right size for scooping from deep pots and pouring neatly into bowls, making serving easy and efficient.
- Stylish and Versatile: Its modern look is great for serving all sorts of dishes, whether at home or in a commercial setting. It also makes a thoughtful gift for any cooking enthusiast.
- Easy to Clean and Store: You can clean it by hand or pop it in the dishwasher. The built-in hanging hole makes it simple to store away after use.
- Lifetime Guarantee: Zulay Kitchen stands behind their product with a lifetime guarantee, giving you confidence in its quality and durability.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 12-inch length is great for deep pots, some users might prefer a slightly longer or shorter handle for specific needs.
This Zulay Kitchen ladle is a well-made and practical kitchen tool that makes serving your favorite dishes a breeze. With its durable construction and user-friendly design, it’s a solid addition to any cook’s collection.
2. Zulay Kitchen Stainless Steel Soup Ladle – Lightweight
Rating: 8.8/10
The Zulay Kitchen Stainless Steel Soup Ladle is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves to cook. It’s made from strong stainless steel and feels good in your hand. This ladle is designed to make serving soups, stews, and sauces easy and mess-free. It’s perfect for both busy home cooks and professional chefs.
What We Like:
- PREMIUM AND DURABLE QUALITY: Made from heavy-duty 201 stainless steel, this ladle is food-grade, heat-resistant, and rust-resistant. It has a beautiful mirror finish.
- ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED: The long handle (12 inches) has a comfortable contour for your thumb and a non-slip grip. The bowl is a good size (3.25” diameter, 1.37” deep) for scooping generous portions.
- FUNCTIONAL AND VERSATILE: It’s great for serving soups, stews, chili, and even punch. It also makes a wonderful gift for cooking enthusiasts.
- EFFICIENT CLEANUP AND STORAGE: Cleanup is a breeze as it’s dishwasher safe. There’s also a hole in the handle for easy hanging and storage.
- HASSLE-FREE, ZULAY GUARANTEE: Zulay Kitchen backs this ladle with a lifetime guarantee, so you can buy with confidence.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the ladle is described as lightweight, some users might prefer a slightly heavier feel for a more substantial utensil.
- The description doesn’t mention specific weight, which could be helpful for some buyers.
This Zulay Kitchen soup ladle is a reliable and user-friendly addition to any kitchen. Its thoughtful design and durable construction make it a pleasure to use for all your serving needs.
3. KitchenAid Classic Soup Ladle
Rating: 9.1/10
Scooping out your favorite hearty soups and rich stews just got a whole lot easier with the KitchenAid Classic Soup Ladle. This ladle is designed to be your go-to tool for serving up all sorts of delicious liquid dishes, from creamy chowders to savory gravies.
What We Like:
- Its large size, measuring 3.055 inches deep and 3.44 inches wide, makes serving generous portions a breeze.
- The heat-resistant nylon head can handle temperatures up to 450°F, so you don’t have to worry about it melting near hot pots.
- It’s safe for all your cookware, including non-stick surfaces, protecting your pots and pans.
- The nylon fiberglass reinforced head makes the ladle strong and reliable for all your kitchen tasks.
- The ABS handle is comfortable to hold and features a stylish satin chrome plated bolster and endcap.
- Cleanup is a snap because this ladle is completely dishwasher safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the ladle is great for most liquids, its wide mouth might not be ideal for very small servings or precise drizzling.
- The black color, while classic, can sometimes show water spots if not dried thoroughly after washing.
This KitchenAid ladle is a solid and dependable addition to any kitchen. It makes serving your favorite liquid dishes both efficient and safe.
4. ReaNea Stainless Steel Soup Ladle – Extra-Deep Large-Capacity Ladle with Long Hollow Handle
Rating: 9.1/10
Serving up your favorite soups, stews, and broths just got a whole lot easier with the ReaNea Stainless Steel Soup Ladle. This ladle is designed to make dishing out those hearty meals a breeze, whether you’re cooking for a small family or a big gathering.
What We Like:
- Extra-Deep Bowl: It holds a lot! You can scoop a generous amount of soup or stew in one go, saving you time and trips back to the pot.
- Comfortable Handle: The long, hollow handle feels good in your hand. It stays cool, so you don’t have to worry about burning your fingers.
- Built to Last: Made from strong stainless steel, this ladle won’t rust or bend. It’s tough enough for daily use in any kitchen.
- Easy Cleanup: Food doesn’t stick to it, and it’s safe for the dishwasher. Cleaning up after a meal is quick and simple.
- Very Versatile: It’s not just for soup! Use it for chili, sauces, or even transferring liquids. It’s a handy tool for many kitchen tasks.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the hollow handle is great for staying cool, some users might prefer a solid handle for a different feel.
- The “large capacity” is perfect for many, but for extremely thick stews, you might still need a few scoops.
This ReaNea soup ladle is a practical and reliable addition to any kitchen. It makes serving easy and cleanup even easier.
5. Lebabo Soup Ladle
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the Lebabo Soup Ladle, a 13.9-inch serving spoon designed to make dishing out your favorite liquid foods a breeze. This large, 4 oz stainless steel ladle boasts a comfortable, heat-proof handle and a sturdy build, making it a reliable kitchen companion.
What We Like:
- The oversized design is perfect for scooping generous portions of soups, stews, gravies, and sauces.
- Its super sturdy construction, made from 1mm thick stainless steel, ensures it will last for years without bending or breaking.
- The food-grade stainless steel material is safe for direct contact with your food.
- The heat-proof, ergonomic handle offers a comfortable grip and helps prevent burns.
- Lebabo stands behind its product with a commitment to quality and customer service.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the large size is a pro for many, it might be a bit too big for smaller kitchens or for those who prefer a more compact utensil.
This Lebabo Soup Ladle is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering durability and user-friendly features for all your serving needs. It’s a practical tool that you can count on for many meals to come.
Choosing the Best Soup Ladle from America’s Test Kitchen
When you’re making a big pot of soup, stew, or even a hearty chili, you need a good ladle to serve it up. America’s Test Kitchen is known for testing kitchen tools to find the best ones. Let’s find out what makes a great soup ladle and what you should look for.
Key Features to Look For
A good soup ladle makes serving easy and enjoyable. Here are the most important things to consider:
- Bowl Size and Shape: You want a bowl that holds a good amount of soup without being too big to handle. A deep, rounded bowl is usually best for scooping.
- Handle Length and Grip: A longer handle keeps your hands away from hot liquids. A comfortable, non-slip grip is also important so the ladle doesn’t slip.
- Pour Spout: Some ladles have a small spout on the rim. This helps you pour the soup neatly into bowls without making a mess.
- Durability: The ladle should feel sturdy and well-made. It shouldn’t bend or break easily.
- Easy to Clean: You’ll want a ladle that’s simple to wash, whether by hand or in the dishwasher.
Important Materials
The material of your ladle affects its durability, how it feels in your hand, and how it cleans up.
- Stainless Steel: This is a very popular choice. Stainless steel is strong, doesn’t rust, and is easy to clean. It often feels solid and can last a long time.
- Silicone: Silicone can be great because it’s gentle on non-stick pots and pans. It’s also heat-resistant and often dishwasher-safe. Some silicone ladles have metal cores for extra strength.
- Nylon or Plastic: These are usually more affordable options. They can be lightweight and good for everyday use. However, they might not be as durable as stainless steel or some silicone options.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a ladle better or worse.
- Weight and Balance: A ladle that feels well-balanced in your hand is easier to use. A ladle that’s too heavy or too light can be awkward.
- Construction: How the handle is attached to the bowl matters. A strong, seamless connection means it’s less likely to break. Riveted handles are often a sign of good quality.
- Heat Resistance: Make sure the ladle can handle hot soups without melting or becoming damaged.
- Scratch Resistance: If you use non-stick cookware, a ladle that won’t scratch the surface is a must.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your ladle the most.
- Everyday Meals: For regular family dinners, a sturdy and easy-to-clean ladle is perfect.
- Entertaining Guests: When you’re serving a crowd, a ladle with a good capacity and a nice pour spout can make a big difference.
- Different Soups: A deep bowl is good for brothy soups, while a wider one might be better for chunky stews.
- Storage: Some ladles have holes in the handle so you can hang them, which saves drawer space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main advantage of a stainless steel ladle?
A: Stainless steel ladles are very strong, don’t rust, and are easy to clean. They tend to last a long time.
Q: Can I use a metal ladle with my non-stick pots?
A: Yes, but it’s best to be careful. While stainless steel is usually okay, some people prefer silicone or nylon ladles to be extra sure they won’t scratch the non-stick coating.
Q: How big should the bowl of a soup ladle be?
A: A good size is usually around 1/2 cup to 1 cup capacity. This is enough for a good serving but not so much that it’s hard to carry.
Q: Is a long handle always better?
A: Yes, a longer handle is generally better. It keeps your hand farther from the hot soup, which makes serving safer.
Q: What does America’s Test Kitchen look for in a good ladle?
A: They look for durability, good design, comfort, and how well it serves different types of soups. They test for things like how well it scoops and pours.
Q: Are silicone ladles safe for high heat?
A: Most good quality silicone ladles are heat-resistant. It’s always good to check the product details to be sure.
Q: What’s the best way to clean a soup ladle?
A: Most ladles can be washed by hand with soap and water. Many are also dishwasher-safe, which is very convenient.
Q: Should I worry about the weight of a ladle?
A: Yes, the weight and balance are important for how easy it is to use. A ladle that feels comfortable and balanced is best.
Q: What if my ladle has a pour spout?
A: A pour spout can help you serve soup neatly without dripping down the side of the bowl.
Q: How can I tell if a ladle is good quality?
A: Look for sturdy materials like stainless steel, a strong connection between the bowl and handle, and a comfortable grip. It should feel solid, not flimsy.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.