Helen’s Asian Kitchen Bamboo Stir Fry Spatula and Cooking Utensil, 13-Inch

>==> Following review & comparison is not funded by anyone but the reviewer, who was curious. <==< The 14.5” Bamboo Handle Wok Spatula is a good quality wok tool. Construction that is more solid than usual: although it is obviously machined at the finish, the metal part of the tool has the feel of a forged piece. This gives it a good heft, solid. The Bamber is of birch, of good dense quality, and is well finished. The Helen Chen is entirely of bamboo. I’m not familiar with the JJMG wood choice. - The curved working edge on these tools is good for the wok. I prefer a wider blade, but that may be just me. Haven’t used these yet, but wanted to post these impressions from a comparison of this item to the others shown in 2nd photo — all from same order. As you may be able to see, the metal tool is the widest blade (~3.75”). The bamboo Helen Chen tool is the narrowest at a bit under 3”. In between are the JJMG pair and the Bamber at about 3.5”. The curvature of the considered spatulas is an interesting point: all except the JJMG spatula have the same curve, and vary only in how much of it they give you. The JJMG is marginally more flat. - The metal-bamboo tool is the longest, at 14.5”. The others are between 13.25” (JJMG) and 14” (Bambei). Helen Chen’s bamboo tool is 13.5”. - Finish on the tools is variable and reflects the construction material chosen. The metal is highly polished, and this consideration extends to the bamboo handle. The Bambei is of birch and is finely polished on the top and the handle, less finely on the blade bottom. The JJMG spoons are of a wood I am not familiar with — it is light both in color and in weight. Time will tell if this less dense (than birch) holds up as well. The Helen Chen bamboo spatula has the least-finished feel, although it seems quite adequate for the chore use it will see. - SUMMING UP: I had originally thought that curvature would be a significant consideration, but with these examples in front of me, it seems the twin considerations of material (bamboo and wood are easier on one’s wok finish) and width of the blade may have more to do with cooking performance. I can already see that the Helen Chen, which I initially disparaged for its narrower form-factor, may in fact be better at getting into the “corner” where the wok bottom transitions to the sides. I expect the metal-bamboo hybrid to be the most durable, time alone will reveal whether it suits my preferences. Of the 3 “wooden” spatulas, the Bamber is the most polished, the JJMG the least. The Bamber has a U-shaped ridge strengthening the edge of the blade. Helen Chen mimics this to a lesser degree. This should make the tool last longer, but again, time will render its verdict. BOTTOM LINE: You choose! All of these seem good tools that will work with your wok well, if they suit you well. <<I am posting this review for each of the tools reviewed, The text’s the same, but ratings are specific to each tool.>>

I have this spatula and other items from Helen's Asian Kitchen, well designed, practical and nicely made. Actually, I have several of these inexpensive, handmade spatulas which can have some slight shape variations and often use two at the same time, one in each hand, just aim them towards each other and scoop up sauté, stir-fry or whatever before flipping those foods over. Cast iron woks are usually heavy enough to not shift about much on a stove top but lighter weight carbon steel woks can more easily shift about and by having a spatula in each hand the pushing and shoving involved in flipping food can simply slide a wok back to where you want it to be, so no need to put a spatula down and reach for a wok's handle and having one in each hand works especially well when approaching the smoke point of cooking oil. Anyway, Helen's Asian Kitchen is a go-to place for practical, useful and affordable cookware and utensils. Also try Helen's 8-inch Chinese chefs knife made of forged, Japanese, high carbon steel, on which a sharpening steel can put a razor sharp edge, while always storing steels and woks wiped clean, quite dry, and very lightly oiled, to prevent rust.

I have been looking for a decent wok spatula/tool for some time now without success. I don't like plastics/silicon for various reasons mostly for the same reason I won't use Teflon-coated pans; eventually it wears off and ends up in the food. I can't imagine plastic being a good dietary supplement for anyone who is not a cyborg from a hundred years in the future... and maybe not even then. I like stainless steel spatulas for flat surfaces and those work fine for my Lodge cast-iron pans and griddle, but they are not optimal for the curved surface of a traditional round-bottomed wok. The wok I use most is a Lodge 13" cast-iron model. I polished it with power tools when I got it (I know... sacrilege!) and then took it out to my camp-fire where I built up a hot fire and seasoned it. This is the only way to season a wok properly as a stove simply will not get the wok hot enough all the way up the sides to season the whole wok. Once this was done the trouble starts; metal spatulas, even curved ones, will slowly start removing the seasoning so you end up with a shiny silver ring between the bottom of the wok and the top edge. This bamboo implement doesn't do that. It is light-weight, durable and well-designed. The only thing it does need is a bit of sanding as the surface is a little rough, but that is easily accomplished. The side edges of the tool are curved up a bit, so after the food is done, it makes a very effective serving spoon for things like "Eggs Ala Raby" (basically scrambled eggs, ham & cheese stir fried together in the wok). I've never heard of Helen Chen before, but 谢谢, Chef Chen... you got a winner!

I like this spatula. It is simple, natural bamboo, and it just works. The shape makes stir frying easy and never scratches the pan. It is light, sturdy, and the length keeps your hand away from the heat. Nothing fancy.

Excellent wooden spoon.

The perfect shape, weight and cleans easily. can be used in the dish washer as well. Its great for stir fry or really anything that needs to be moved around in a pan. It might not be as good for flipping as well as a spatula but should be good for everything else.

Good price. Works as expected.

Llego en excelente condiciones, buen producto

Was looking for left handed kitchen tools. This appeared to be a quality item. It turned out to be a light unremarkable spatula. It seemed that additional shipping was added after ordering? When delivered, very cheap look and weight. Feel ripped off on cost and shipping. Would have never bought if I realised poor quality, item and shipping cost. Shame on me. Don't be fooled.

It has a metal insert which makes it heavy to use. Also spatula head not wide enough.

Que é a melhor espátula

Nice but definitely not worth the cost something you can get at a Asian grocery store for less than $10.00