Wooden Spoons VS Plastic: Which is the Better Choice for You?

‍With so many different kinds of spoons available today, it can be hard to know which kind to choose. Wooden spoons are a common sight in kitchens across the world and remain an affordable option for those seeking to add wooden utensils to their home cooking arsenal.

However, with the recent surge in popularity of plastic goods, you may be wondering if plastic is the better choice when it comes to kitchen utensils. Plastic has some advantages over wooden utensils, but there are also reasons why wooden spoons are still so popular. Which is more eco-friendly? Keep reading to find out!

What Are Wooden Spoons?

Wooden spoons are kitchen utensils made out of wood. They are used for mixing, stirring, and serving. Some wooden spoons may also have a metal or plastic handle. Wooden spoons are very flexible and can be used with fragile food items such as eggs and sauces.

They are also non-porous, making them easy to clean and resistant to bacterial growth. Wooden spoons are not a very durable kitchen item. They may scratch non-stick cookware and have a short lifespan. Wooden spoons also take a long time to decompose in landfills, making them eco-unfriendly.

What Are Plastic Spoons?

Plastic spoons are kitchen utensils made almost entirely out of plastic. They are used for mixing, stirring, and serving. Plastic spoons are very cheap but also break easily.

They are non-porous and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Most plastic spoons have a thin, lightweight design that is easy to grip. However, they are also more likely to scratch delicate cookware.

Which is More Eco-Friendly, Wooden Spoons or Plastic Spoons?

When it comes to eco-friendliness, wooden spoons take the cake. Wooden spoons are biodegradable, meaning they break down into harmless organic matter when discarded. In contrast, plastic spoons stay in landfills for decades, releasing harmful greenhouse gases into the environment. Wooden spoons are also more durable than plastic spoons.

Even though wooden spoons are biodegradable, they take a long time to decompose. This means that wooden spoons are more eco-friendly over the long run. Wooden spoons are also more affordable than plastic spoons. Wooden spoons are a traditional kitchen item that has been used for hundreds of years. Plastic spoons have only been used in the kitchen since the 1940s.

Advantages of Wooden Spoons

– Easy to clean. Wooden spoons can be washed off with dish soap and water. They can even be put in the dishwasher! Wooden spoons are also resistant to stains, unlike plastic spoons. – Safe for fragile foods. Wooden spoons are so flexible that they can mix delicate foods without making them break. – Eco-friendly. Wooden spoons break down over time when discarded, making them eco-friendly. – Affordable. Wooden spoons are among the cheapest kitchen utensils available.

Disadvantages of Wooden Spoons

– Unhygienic. Wooden spoons are porous and difficult to clean. This makes them a breeding ground for bacteria. This means they should generally be used with stainless steel or cast iron cookware. – Short lifespan. Wooden spoons have a short lifespan and are easy to break. – Inconvenient to store. Wooden spoons cannot be stacked together like plastic spoons. This means they take up more space in your kitchen drawers. – Not dishwasher friendly. Wooden spoons may warp or melt when washed in the dishwasher.

Advantages of Plastic Spoons

– Easy to clean. Plastic spoons can be washed off with dish soap and water. – Safe for fragile foods. Plastic spoons are very flexible and can mix delicate foods without breaking them. – Affordable. Plastic spoons are among the cheapest kitchen utensils available. – Lightweight design. Plastic spoons have a lightweight design that is easy to grip. This is especially important for elderly people who may otherwise have trouble lifting heavy spoons.

Disadvantages of Plastic Spoons

– Unhygienic. Plastic spoons are porous and difficult to clean. Short lifespan. Plastic spoons have a short lifespan and are easy to break. – Not dishwasher friendly. Plastic spoons may warp or melt when washed in the dishwasher.

Conclusion

While wooden spoons have some advantages over plastic spoons, plastic spoons have the advantage when it comes to eco-friendliness. Wooden spoons are biodegradable and reusable, but plastic spoons are made from non-renewable resources.

Wooden spoons are also more durable than plastic spoons and have a lower chance of scratching delicate cookware.

However, they are also more expensive than plastic spoons, are less hygienic than plastic spoons, and are more inconvenient to store. All in all, both wooden and plastic spoons have their pros and cons. The best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences.