Spatulas are among the most frequently used accessories in a professional kitchen — their presence and quality directly affect kitchen workflow speed, product integrity and the final appearance of the dish. A properly chosen spatula eases the chef’s work, prevents food damage during flipping and ensures precise portion control. In HoReCa kitchens, professional spatulas are an everyday tool whose quality must meet the demands of intensive use.
Types of spatulas and their uses
Flipping spatulas with a thin, flexible blade are designed for fish, omelettes and delicate food items where precise handling is essential to avoid breaking them. Grilling spatulas with a longer handle and sturdier blade are designed for large meat cuts, burger patties and steak flipping on a hot surface. Serving spatulas with a wider and thicker blade are used for portioning and placing ready-to-serve food on a plate.
Pastry spatulas (palette knives) are a specialised tool for smoothing cake surfaces, applying glazes and decorating. The long cake sector cutting spatula allows precise slicing and lifting of cake portions without deformation. In professional kitchens, sets of spatulas of all types are often used to ensure the right tool for every kitchen function.
Materials and durability
Stainless steel spatulas are the most durable and hygienic — they withstand high temperatures, mechanical impact and frequent washing cycles in a dishwasher. Steel spatulas are ideal for grill and pan use where the food and cooking surface are hot. Silicone spatulas are more flexible and suitable for mixing fillings, dough handling and stirring food without scratching the pan.
Combined spatulas with a steel blade and silicone or plastic handle provide heat insulation — the handle does not get hot even during prolonged use. In a professional kitchen, the handle material is an important safety element, especially in areas where the chef works near a heat source. Compliance with food contact material requirements is mandatory for professional accessories.
HACCP and hygiene
Professional spatulas must comply with food contact material requirements in accordance with HACCP principles. Steel and silicone spatulas are non-absorbent and chemically inert, preventing the build-up of colour, odour or bacteria on their surface. After each shift, spatulas must be cleaned and disinfected if they have come into contact with raw meat, fish or egg products.
In the HACCP system, a colour-coding principle is often applied — spatulas in different colours correspond to different product groups (for example, green for vegetables, red for meat, blue for fish), preventing cross-contamination. HACCP compliant accessories are a mandatory requirement for sanitary inspection audits in catering businesses.
HoReCa use scenarios
In a restaurant grill, the chef works with a sturdy stainless steel grilling spatula with a longer handle to prevent hand burns. For a pastry chef, a set of pastry spatulas — palette knives, cutting spatulas and sector slicers — is a core collection of working tools. In fast-service restaurants, a standard burger patty spatula is one of the most frequently used accessories with high work intensity.
Also explore Pastry Tools, Pans and other Kitchen Accessories for complete professional kitchen equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Which spatula is best for frying fish? The best choice for fish is a thin, flexible stainless steel spatula with a narrow blade that allows it to slide under delicate fish fillets and flip them without breaking. A longer handle with heat insulation ensures comfort when working near a hot grill or pan.
Are silicone spatulas suitable for high-temperature frying? Quality silicone spatulas withstand up to +260°C, which is sufficient for most frying processes. However, for direct contact with a very hot grill surface, stainless steel spatulas are better as the steel blade is more resistant to abrasive surface wear.
Why choose BHS?
BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.
Delivery
We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.
