Customer Reviews

Mario Batali 13-Inch Solid Spoon, Solid Beechwood

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

My spoon also developed a cracked after only having it a week and handwashing it. This crack was in the tip of the bowl of the spoon. Needless to say I was disappointed and will give the replacement another chance before giving up on the Batali line of wooden spoons. I also purchased the flat end spoon and just recently noticed a similar crack. I ,may return this one as well. I am now considering a solid maple wood spoon from CIA which costs more than twice as this one. It does come with a lifetime warranty though.

I've used this maybe five times since purchased about a month ago and it has developed a crack in the spoon. It hasn't been left in water to soak, it has only been hand washed. The crack will break completely very soon.

I had high hopes for this spoon, as it was a favorite of America's Test Kitchen. The first time I used it, it developed a fine crack that became a gaping wound within a few more uses. I never soaked the spoon or left it in the pot. Needless to say, I had to throw it away. What a complete waste of money!

Update:

After 6 months of regular use, I must respectfully disagree with those who have criticized this as a poor quality product. All fine tools require some care and maintenance, and these spoons are no exception. As a product made from natural wood, these spoons are subject to the limitations of the material. But a little care goes a long way. If you will oil the spoons when they first arrive, and re-oil them periodically, I would be very surprised to hear that you experienced a problem with them. Cutting board oil (mineral oil) is a good choice. I have also used peanut oil and olive oil. I have been doing this since I received my spoons, and I have had none of the problems others have described. I use my spoons on an almost daily basis, and am 100% satisfied with them. I hope you will find this information helpful. Incidentally, don't overdo the oiling as you can end up softening the wood. I oil mine when I notice them becoming a little dry feeling.

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I am very critical of the tools I use, and I ordered this spoon (along with its flat edged twin) based on a Cook's Illustrated review. Upon receiving it (and the companion flat edged spoon) I was more than pleased by the apparent quality of these spoons. So far I am highly satisfied. But I am concerned by all the reports of cracking problems in other reviews. I am wondering how I can avoid a similar issue. It is my understanding that these spoons are initially rubbed with mineral oil, and so it occurs to me that it may be important to maintain that protection. I may substitute rubbing the spoons with some alternative oil, possibly olive or peanut oil. Or maybe I'll try lemon oil. Once they are well seasoned I think they will be fine. It is generally my practice to clean my utensils with more elbow grease and water than detergents and abrasives, so perhaps that will also contribute to a long life for these seemingly excellent spoons. Of course, if the problem is being caused by stresses introduced by the manufacturing processes, no amount of tender care will prevent a failure, but I am hopeful that the cracked spoons are the result of the wood drying out, or being left too long in a cooking pot. Time will tell, and I will update this review if anything changes.

We've had this spoon for about a year. It's held up extremely well, and it's very comfortable to use.

Got this here because I wanted a quality wooden spoon. I bought some super cheap ones at a local store that all splintered almost immediately.

Figured this one would hold up, unfortunately it did not. After using it maybe 3 times it developed a crack in the spoon. I did not leave it soaking in anything or wash it in a dishwasher (I don't own one!) The wood is really thin right at the center of the spoon which is why I'm guessing it cracked? Anyhow obviously the name "Mario Batali" doesn't mean anything in regards to quality, just that he gets a few cents every time you waste your money on it. Stay away.

Very dissapointed in this product, purchased two Mario Batali wooden spoons. Much to dismay the product was very rough after initial washing before using. Wrote the distributer, got no where, and am very dissatified in the product and would not purchase it again. Have purchased many different products over my 42 years of cooking and never encountered this type of inferior product for a famous name placed on it.

I purchased this spoon to protect the finish on enameled cast iron cookware. While well designed ergonomically, the bowl of the spoon cracked after only being used twice even though I was careful to hand wash and promptly dry it. Hopefully its replacement will last longer, but I question whether beechwood -- while inexpensive -- is durable enough.

I had this spoon for about a month, took care of it and coated it with NSF oil for protection and the same thing happened to mine as other reviews have stated. It developed fine cracks at the top of the spoon, allowing old food to become lodged. It also chipped near the top. How this happened I have no idea because, I do not abuse my kitchen tools. Needless to say, I had to throw it out. I have other spoons for years and years and they never cracked, ever. The only reason I purchased new was the other one was accidentally thrown out.

Spoon is very rough and not smooth at all. I would recommend getting a bamboo spoon instead of this one