The common spatula is a tool that is used in a wide range of tasks and activities. While there are over 70 types in use in one field or another, the main role of spatulas continues to be found within the preparation of food.
Perhaps the most common of all spatulas is the common slotted lifting spatula. This versatile kitchen tool is idea for lifting foods off cooking surfaces or from liquids. Often coated with a silicon facade that makes it ideal for use with nonstick cookware, spatulas of this variety work very well when turning meats in a pan, or when frying eggs.
Narrow spatulas are ideal lifting tools when dealing with small amounts of food. These usually have a width that is somewhere between 0.25 and 2 inches (0.635 and 5.08 cm). Available in both angled and straight versions, this type of spatula may include a metal or plastic blade. One common application for this tool is in the application of cake icings or to arrange a topping on a dessert.
The serving spatula gets to leave the kitchen and move to the table for meals. Spatulas of this variety usually have a decorative handle and a metal blade that may be blunted or tapered in appearance. They may be used to slide under the cut of meat on a serving platter and move the food to a dinner plate. This form is also handy for serving slices of pizza as well.
There are other types that are helpful for special food preparation. Crepe spatulas feature a long and narrow blade that will easily turn crepes while browning them in a pan. Chinese spatulas are curved and slotted, making them ideal for turning and mixing vegetables in a wok. This type also works very well with large and deep frying pans, making it ideal for the preparation of all sorts of vegetable combinations. Baking spatulas have thin, flexible metal blades that ideal for serving slices of cake and pie. Those for grilling feature larger blades and longer handles, making them ideal for cooking in the backyard. For just about every task associated with food preparation, there is a tool that will help with the process.