Scraper (kitchen)

Scraper (kitchen)

A scraper is a versatile kitchen tool used primarily for manipulating dough and other food items. It is an essential instrument in both professional and home kitchens, valued for its ability to efficiently handle a variety of tasks.

A selection of dough scrapers

Types of Scrapers

Scrapers come in several forms, each designed for specific culinary tasks. The most common types include:

Dough Scraper

A dough scraper, also known as a bench scraper or bench knife, is a flat, rectangular tool with a handle on one edge. It is primarily used in baking to manipulate dough, such as cutting, lifting, and folding. Dough scrapers are typically made of metal or plastic.

A metal dough scraper

Bowl Scraper

A bowl scraper is a flexible tool used to scrape the sides of mixing bowls. It is often made of plastic or silicone, allowing it to conform to the shape of the bowl and efficiently remove all contents.

Bench Scraper

The bench scraper is similar to the dough scraper but is often larger and sturdier. It is used to divide dough, clean work surfaces, and transfer chopped ingredients. Its versatility makes it a staple in many kitchens.

A bench scraper used for various kitchen tasks

Spatula

While not a scraper in the traditional sense, a spatula can perform similar functions, such as spreading and smoothing. Spatulas are often used in cooking and baking to mix ingredients and scrape bowls.

A spatula used for spreading and smoothing

Uses of Scrapers

Scrapers are used in a variety of culinary applications, including:

• Dough Handling: Scrapers are essential for working with dough, allowing bakers to cut, portion, and shape dough with precision.
• Surface Cleaning: After working with dough or other sticky substances, scrapers are used to clean work surfaces efficiently.
• Ingredient Transfer: Scrapers can be used to transfer chopped ingredients from the cutting board to a pot or pan.
• Smoothing and Spreading: In baking, scrapers are used to smooth icing on cakes or spread batter evenly in a pan.

Related Pages

• Spatula
• Baking
• Kitchen utensil