How to choose a bucket?

Sashkevych Eva

A ladle is an indispensable element of the kitchen arsenal, used for making sauces, cream soups, boiling liquids and reheating dishes. Thanks to its compact size and comfortable handle, it takes up little space and allows you to easily control the cooking process.

10 min

03/21/25

What to look out for

Choosing a ladle depends on several key factors: material, shape, volume, type of handle and lid. It is important to pay attention to its practicality, thermal conductivity and ease of use. A quality ladle will help you cook faster and without unnecessary hassle.

Before choosing a ladle, it is worth considering the materials they are made of. Each material has its own characteristics that affect the quality of cooking, the durability of the utensils, and the ease of care.

Which material is better?

The material of the bucket plays an important role in its durability and ease of use. Main materials:

Stainless steel is one of the best options. A stainless steel kitchen ladle is durable, doesn't oxidize, doesn't absorb odors, and is suitable for all types of stoves.
Aluminum is light and heats up quickly, but can be subject to deformation and oxidation if it does not have a special coating.
Cast iron – retains heat well, is suitable for long-term stewing, but has considerable weight.
Ceramic is an environmentally friendly option that retains temperature well, but requires careful care.
A non-stick ladle is a great choice for those who want to cook with minimal oil and without burning.

Choose the size of the ladle according to your needs. Small ladles are ideal for reheating, medium ladles for everyday cooking, and large ladles for larger dishes. The shape also affects the ease of use.

Bucket volume and shape

When choosing a bucket, it is important to determine for what purposes you will use it:

Small (0.5-1 l) – ideal for sauces, melting butter or chocolate.
Medium (1-2 liters) - a universal option for daily use, suitable for cooking cereals, soups, and boiling water.
Large (2.5-3 liters) – used for cooking broths, stews, and large portions of food.

Shape also matters: deep models reduce splashing, while wide ladles heat the contents more evenly.

The ease of use of a ladle largely depends on the design of the handle. It is important that it is ergonomic, does not heat up and does not slip out of your hands during cooking.

The pen and its meaning

The ease of use of a bucket largely depends on the design of the handle. It should be ergonomic, reliable and safe to use.

Metal handles are extremely durable and resistant to high temperatures, but they can get hot, which creates the need to use potholders.

Bakelite handles provide a comfortable grip because they do not heat up, but they are not suitable for baking in the oven.

If you need a universal option, you should pay attention to models with removable handles - they allow you to save space during storage and use the ladle in the oven.

Lid – necessary or not?

The choice between a lidded or unlidded ladle depends on the type of food you plan to cook. For many processes, a lid is an indispensable accessory that allows you to retain heat and control evaporation.

The lid helps retain heat, speed up cooking, and prevent liquid from evaporating. Glass lids allow you to monitor the cooking process, while metal lids are stronger and more durable.

What dishes is a ladle suitable for?

A ladle is a versatile utensil that will come in handy in every kitchen. Its shape and small size make it perfect for cooking small portions of food, heating liquids, and creating exquisite dishes. Kitchen ladles are used for both everyday cooking and special culinary tasks.

For making sauces

To achieve the perfect consistency of a sauce, it is important to use cookware that provides even heating. A non-stick coated ladle is ideal for this task as it prevents burning and reduces the risk of lumps. Sauces such as béchamel, hollandaise or tomato sauce can be cooked without fear of them sticking to the bottom.

For boiling milk and water

Boiling milk is a process that requires special attention, as it can boil over quickly and burn. Kitchen ladles with thick bottoms are best for this, ensuring even heating. A glass or metal lid will help reduce evaporation and prevent splashing.

For porridge and soups

If you are looking for something to cook in a ladle, pay attention to cooking porridges and soups. High walls prevent splashing, and non-stick coating helps to avoid burning. A ladle made of stainless steel or with non-stick coating will be the best choice for cooking milk porridges, light vegetable soups and baby food.

For melting chocolate and icing

Melting chocolate is a process that requires precise temperature control. A thick-bottomed ladle will help heat the chocolate evenly without overheating it. For frostings and creams, you can use a double-walled ladle or the bain-marie technique.

For dietary nutrition

A ladle is a great choice for preparing diet-friendly dishes. Thanks to even heating and a non-stick coating, you can cook without excess fat, preserving the maximum amount of nutrients. Vegetable stews, steamed porridges and light sauces are just some of the healthy dishes that can be prepared in a ladle.

Bucket compatibility with plates

When choosing a ladle, it is important to consider compatibility with different types of stoves. Some models are suitable for all types of heating surfaces, while others require a special bottom.

Gas and electric stoves

Stainless steel or cast iron cooking ladles work well on gas and electric stoves. They heat up quickly, and the thick bottom ensures even heat distribution. For electric stoves, it is especially important that the ladle has a flat bottom that ensures effective contact with the heating surface.

Is it suitable for induction?

If you are using an induction cooker, you should look for special ladles with a magnetic bottom. Not all ladles are induction compatible, so check the label before buying. The best choice would be ladles made of stainless steel or cast iron, which are ideal for this type of cooker.

All Krauff ladles are suitable for all types of stoves, including induction.

How to care for a bucket

To ensure that your ladle lasts a long time, it is important to properly care for it. Following simple rules will help preserve the appearance and functionality of the utensil for many years.

Can I wash it in the dishwasher?

Not all ladles are dishwasher safe. Ladles with non-stick or wooden handles should be hand washed to avoid damage. Stainless steel and aluminum models can be washed in the dishwasher, following the manufacturer's recommendations.

How to avoid burning

To prevent burning, it is important to use the right temperature and the right ladle material. A non-stick coating will help you cook without excess fat, and even heat distribution will reduce the risk of burning.