Skimmer: purpose, types and selection

Each hostess in the kitchen has a whole arsenal of various tools. One of the most important tools to aid in the preparation of some dishes is a slotted spoon. The well-known perforated spoon is indispensable for cooking dumplings and dumplings. It also helps in other situations.

Modern manufacturers offer a variety of models, differing in shape, materials, etc. This allows you to choose the right option for any occasion. Let's consider the features of this device in more detail.

The skimmer looks like large spoon with holes... These can be round holes, longitudinal slits, or a mesh surface. This device, as a rule, has a long handle. The name of the kitchen gadget did not appear by chance. Many people think that the device is called a slotted spoon because it is more often used when cooking food in boiling water that makes a noise.

As is clear from the literal translation, most often the device is used in cooking to remove foam during cooking... However, the range of applications of the special spoon is not limited to this.

The skimmer can be used in different situations:

• remove foam and scale when cooking fish, meat, etc .;
• easily and quickly remove boiled foods from water, while simultaneously decanting water from them;
• remove semi-finished products from hot broth or sauce (dumplings, dumplings, meatballs, cabbage rolls);
• use to create a delicious poached egg breakfast;
• filter homemade dairy products (cheese, cottage cheese, butter);
• extract fruits and berries from compotes, salted vegetables from cans;
• get food out of a lot of oil (for example, french fries);
• lift the lids out of boiling water after sterilization;
• use in the process of cooking real Uzbek pilaf.

Sometimes a slotted spoon is confused with a ladle, but these devices have not only external, but also functional differences... The ladle is a large, deep spoon. The skimmer is flatter. The first tool has a solid work surface. The second one must have holes.

And finally, a ladle used for scooping up liquids (soup, compote, etc.). The skimmer, on the other hand, assumes runoff of excess liquid through holes in the material.

The basic requirements for kitchen appliances are - durability and environmental friendliness... The skimmers are in contact with food, therefore, when heated, they should not emit any harmful substances. Based on this, manufacturers choose several materials for the manufacture of such items.

Such products are particularly strong and durable. They look good too. The material withstands long exposure to high temperatures, does not deform, and is resistant to mechanical stress. Besides, it does not react with the acid contained in some foods, does not affect the taste of food.

Quite decent stuff. The advantages and disadvantages of such products are similar to the characteristics of stainless steel items. Aluminum skimmers are inexpensive despite their reliability and ease of use.

Such kitchen gadgets are less durable than metal... But they delight the hostesses a variety of bright colors... Products are resistant to high temperatures, do not absorb odors. On contact with food and hot liquids, they do not lose their color saturation.

Silicone products have appeared on the market not so long ago, but have already won the love of many buyers. High-tech material, absolutely safe for human health. Silicone skimmers turn out to be very beautiful and at the same time quite durable.

The range of colors of the products is varied. They are ideal for use in non-stick cookware. They do not spoil the protective layer. The fixtures can be washed both by hand and in the dishwasher.

Titanium skimmers are not used for cooking. These are special super strong products used in ice fishing. Using such a tool, the hole is cleared of ice. The construction of the item is similar to that of a kitchen gadget. It is often fitted with a PU foam handle for ease of use. It also eliminates the risk of losing the tool if accidentally dropped into water.

Chef's Skimmers vary in size, shape, design and purpose. Such kitchen utensils can be made of one material or two. All-metal are considered the most durable and durable. In this case, the molded handle is usually made thicker so that it heats up less and allows you to safely use the product.

There are options with special rubber or silicone inserts. Such parts prevent the device from slipping in the hand. There are models with a wooden handle. Plastic and silicone products can also be made of the same material or be composite.For example, this could be a combination of a silicone worktop and a stainless steel handle.

The shape of objects also varies. Among such devices, there are models that resemble a large spoon, a round ladle and even a spatula. With regard to the number and size of holes, these parameters can also vary. There are models with large holes. There are devices with a mesh or fine mesh surface.

There is no big difference between professional skimmers and appliances for home use. Anyway when choosing this kitchen utensil, you should take into account its purpose. The shape of the product depends on this.

For example, for catching ready-made dumplings, it is perfect slotted spoon with large oblong holes... Some housewives also use a perforated spoon to stir soup or stir-fry. The fact is that the holes create a certain resistance, so the risk of liquid splashing out of the pan is reduced.

Spoons with lots of small holes are good for skimming off the foam. The mesh variety in this case will also be convenient. For deep fat, models with a fine mesh are suitable. Such products easily capture potatoes, fish, and donuts.

If you like pilaf cooked according to traditional recipes in special dishes, a special slotted spoon for the cauldron will come in handy. It can both stir a culinary masterpiece in the process of creation, and lay out the finished dish on plates.

Choosing a slotted spoon, pay attention not only to the work surface, but also to the handle. It should be comfortable. If possible, hold the device and make sure that it will not slip out. Give preference to models with a long handle. Such products make it easy to remove food from pots with high walls.

The average handle length of such a device is 15 centimeters. If the device is used in a catering establishment where food is prepared in huge containers, this figure can be up to 1 meter.

If it's a household gadget, consider how you will store it. It is convenient when the handle of the tool has a special hole that allows you to hang it on the holder. The built-in loop is another option for attaching the skimmer to the roof rail.

When purchasing a slotted spoon, pay attention to the recommendations for caring for the product. Not all appliances can be cleaned in a dishwasher, although most modern models can do this. It should also be taken into account that products made of one material are much easier to clean than devices consisting of a work surface and a handle attached to it... Dirt can become clogged at the joints between the two materials and can be difficult to remove.

If you wash your dishes by hand, regular non-abrasive detergents will work. A soft nylon brush with thick bristles can be used to clean mesh and fine mesh surfaces. If the holes are large, a simple sponge may be sufficient.

The habit of washing your kitchen utensils immediately after use can make your life easier. If something gets in the way of rinsing the item right away, grease and other food debris can dry out, making cleaning more difficult. In such a situation, a soap solution will save you. One has only to soak the product in it for 10-15 minutes, and then brush it off.

Storage is a matter of personal taste. If you are a minimalist and prefer to hide all your kitchen utensils inside the headset, you can store the slotted spoon in a drawer. Of course, before removing the product, you must wipe it dry or wait until it dries completely naturally.

Many modern housewives prefer to use roof rails. These are compact designs that attach to the wall or overhead kitchen cabinets. The rails are equipped with numerous hooks that allow you to hang various devices. Here you can place not only various skimmers, but also ladles, shovels and other useful devices.

An overview of the scoop-shaped skimmer awaits you further.