I want to hear about great spatulas!

Hi -- I'm looking for recommendations for a couple different types of spatulas. First, I could use a really good non-stick spatula to use in a non-stick pan for flipping eggs or whatever. I feel as if I've tried OXO and Kitchen Aid, among others, and they all seem to wear down really quickly. Second, I could use a really good baking spatula made of silicone or whatever the going material is these days. Here, too, I'm looking for a really top-notch item that's not going to crack or peel any time soon. Thanks in advance!

I recently replaced all my non-stick spatulas, and researched available options. Here are the ones that I bought:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BJT63TS
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043WDTQI
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001YH1NO
I have been using all of these for a couple of months and they have worked well thus far. I rate the Matfer and GIR as excellent, and the Oxo as good -- it works well but is not durable; I have just not found anything better for eggs in a nonstick pan.

Thank you -- I had never heard of these.

Here is a pretty comprehensive overview of spatulas from an offshoot of my go-to "gadgets-and-gear" review site The Wire Cutter:

http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-spatula/

TL;DR version, get the Hell's Handle Fish Spatula from Mercer.

Non-stick: OXO Good Grips Silicone Turner

Silicone Scraper: GIR Silicone Spatula

Snax wrote:Here is a pretty comprehensive overview of spatulas from an offshoot of my go-to "gadgets-and-gear" review site The Wire Cutter:
http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-spatula/

Good reviews! I like using a stainless steel fish turner spatula as well, though not for nonstick pans of course. The weight on these is a personal preference. I have the shorter/lighter MIU turner that these reviewers didn't like -- but it works very well for my purposes. Conversely, I do not like the larger/heavier turners that they advocate. This is because I mainly use this turner for fragile, flat foods that need to be carefully separated from the pan and then turned gently. Like fish, burgers, etc. For heavier meats, like a whole pork loin or chicken quarters or even thighs, I always reach for a set of tongs instead of a turner. YMMV.

There are also plastic-coated turners in this style, but they don't work well because the coatings make them too thick to be effective. I like the Matfer and Oxo turners better for this purpose. Also, I have not had the melting problem with the Matfer that they show in this review. However, all of my Oxos have eventually melted at the tips and curled along the length. I believe that all of these types of nonstick spatulas are likely to melt to some extent if you leave then sitting in a hot pan, so just try to use them carefully and minimize contact with the bottom part of the pan.

For eggs and other skillet items, I like the Zyliss Stir-Fry Spatula. In fact, we bought a second one because two work perfectly for flipping an omelet (I haven't perfected the wrist-flip method).

Too easy....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XbCWmY0eqY

for a cooking/baking spatula, the best, IMO, is vollrath- dark red handle/white spatula. they outlast every other one i've tried. coincidentally, i bought one as a gift today at northwestern cutlery, on lake street. i'm not sure where else they can be found. the 'normal' sized one (there's a larger one, too) cost about $9 with tax. well worth it...

justjoan wrote:for a cooking/baking spatula, the best, IMO, is vollrath- dark red handle/white spatula. they outlast every other one i've tried. coincidentally, i bought one as a gift today at northwestern cutlery, on lake street. i'm not sure where else they can be found. the 'normal' sized one (there's a larger one, too) cost about $9 with tax. well worth it...

I have that same spatula, also from Northwestern Cutlery, and share your experience regarding its strength and durability in mixing batters and other baking tasks.

Cook's Illustrated review of baking spatulas rated:

Rubbermaid Professional 13-1/2-Inch High-Heat Scraper
A practical, no-nonsense spatula that aced every cooking test, with a great balance of flexibility and firmness for both the head and the handle; however, the head did become slightly discolored by the turmeric in the curry test, and if we were going to quibble, the handle, while providing a great grip, could be a bit more cushy. But all around, a terrific choice for nearly any job in the kitchen. (We also went beyond its top recommended temperature with no sign of damage.)
O HEAD★★★
O HANDLE★★★
O OVERALL PERFORMANCE★★★
$18.99

Best Buy: Tovolo Silicone Spatula - $8.99

Le Creuset Super Spatula - $13.99

Trudeau Silicone Spatula, Orange 12-inch - $9.99

Mario Batali Silicone Risotto Spatula