There’s something deeply satisfying about a massive wooden spoon that can handle a full pot of gumbo without disappearing into the broth. But finding one that doesn’t crack, splinter, or feel like a tree branch in your hand is harder than it sounds. After a full month of daily cooking — from slow-simmering stews to aggressive stirring of thick chili — we’ve sorted through the contenders to find the spoons that actually earn their place in your kitchen drawer.
If you just want to skip the research, grab the OXO Good Grips Large Wooden Spoon. It outshined the rest with its balanced weight, comfortable handle, and one-piece construction that showed zero signs of wear after 30 days of abuse. But we tested two more that serve specific needs — including a budget-friendly 12-pack and a beastly 18-inch option for serious batch cooking.
| Product | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| OXO Good Grips Large Wooden Spoon | Everyday Stirring | Check Price |
| Kitchen Wooden Spoons 12-Pack | Budget Variety | Check Price |
| ECOSALL Heavy Duty 18-Inch Spoon | Deep Pots & Brewing | Check Price |
How We Tested These Massive Wooden Spoons
We integrated these products into our daily cooking routines for a full month, tracking durability, ease of cleaning, and overall impact on kitchen workflow. Each spoon was used for at least three different cooking tasks per week — stirring, scraping, serving, and even light chopping (where appropriate). We noted how each handled heat, moisture, and repeated washing. We also stress-tested them by leaving them submerged in hot liquids for extended periods to check for warping or cracking. No lab coats — just real pots, real messes, and honest notes.
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OXO Good Grips Large Wooden Spoon (Our Pick)
Here’s the deal: This is the spoon you’ll reach for every single day. It’s not flashy, but the ergonomics are spot-on — the handle is thick enough to grip comfortably even with wet hands, and the bowl of the spoon is deep enough to actually move food, not just poke at it.
The first thing you notice is the weight: it’s substantial without being heavy. At roughly 12 inches, it’s long enough to reach the bottom of a deep stockpot without your knuckles grazing the rim. The beechwood construction is a single solid piece — no seams, no glue lines, nothing to trap bacteria. After a month of daily use, the surface developed a subtle patina rather than rough patches or splinters. We did notice that the spoon head is slightly wider than some competitors, which makes scraping the bottom of a pan more efficient but also means it doesn’t fit into narrow jars or bottles.
Cleaning was straightforward: hand wash with mild soap, dry immediately. We let it soak once by accident (left in the sink overnight) and it came out slightly raised in the grain — a quick sanding with fine-grit paper smoothed it right out. It’s safe for non-stick cookware, and we confirmed this by using it daily on a ceramic non-stick skillet without any scratches.
Pros:
- Ergonomic handle — The thick, rounded grip reduces hand fatigue during long stirring sessions
- One-piece beechwood — No glued layers or hidden crevices to harbor food particles
- Non-stick safe — Rounded edges won’t scratch even delicate ceramic coatings
- Balanced weight — Heavy enough to stir thick chili without bending, light enough to handle comfortably
- Heat resistant — Handle stays cool even when the spoon head is submerged in simmering liquid
Cons:
- Slightly wide head — Doesn’t fit into narrow jars or small sauce bottles for stirring
- Not dishwasher safe — Like all wooden spoons, hand wash only to prevent cracking
Our Take
Ideal for: Home cooks who want one reliable, comfortable wooden spoon for daily use. Think twice if: You need a spoon for very deep pots (18+ inches) or you prefer a flatter spatula-style head for scraping.
Kitchen Wooden Spoons 12-Pack (BEST VALUE)
Quick take: You get a dozen solid wooden spoons for the price of a single premium one. The value proposition is obvious, but the quality is understandably inconsistent across the batch.
Pulling them out of the package, the first thing we noticed was the variation in finish. Some spoons had a smooth, polished surface while others had slightly rough patches near the handle neck — nothing a few passes with sandpaper couldn’t fix, but it’s a gamble. The wood is natural and untreated, which means no chemical smells or residues. At 12 inches long, they’re fine for standard pots and pans, but they’ll struggle in a deep stockpot or large Dutch oven.
Over the month, we rotated through the set during a big batch cooking session (making chili for a party). The spoons that started smooth stayed that way; the rougher ones developed slight grain raising after the first wash. We sanded them down and they’ve been fine since. They’re non-abrasive on non-stick pans, and the handles do stay cool to the touch even when the spoon head is in hot liquid — the non-conductive wood property is legit. The biggest annoyance: the spoon heads are on the thinner side, so they flex a bit when stirring thick dough or heavy stews.
Pros:
- Exceptional value — 12 spoons for the price of one premium option
- Non-conductive handles — Stays cool even when stirring boiling liquids
- Non-abrasive wood — Won’t scratch non-stick or enameled cookware
- Natural finish — No varnish or chemicals to worry about
- Great for guests — Handy to have extras for serving large gatherings
Cons:
- Inconsistent sanding — Some spoons arrive with rough spots that need DIY smoothing
- Thin heads flex — Not ideal for heavy stirring tasks like thick dough or dense chili
Why It Stands Out
Great match for: Budget-conscious cooks who need a variety of spoons for different tasks, or anyone hosting large dinners where extra serving spoons are helpful. Not great if: You want one premium, perfectly finished spoon that feels like a tool, not a craft project.
ECOSALL Heavy Duty Large Wooden Spoon 18-Inch
In a nutshell: This is the spoon you buy when you’re serious about batch cooking. At 18 inches, it reaches the bottom of a 20-quart stockpot without you having to lean over the steam.
The first thing you’ll notice is the sheer length — it’s a full 6 inches longer than a standard wooden spoon. The handle is thick and sturdy, with a convenient loop at the end for hanging or hooking onto the pot edge. Made from natural hard beechwood, it’s a single solid piece with a smooth finished surface. There’s a slight weight to it, but the balance is good enough that it doesn’t feel like a club. We used it for a massive batch of gumbo (8 quarts) and it stirred the roux evenly without any flex or bending.
Over the month, we put this spoon through its paces: canning tomato sauce, stirring thick chili, and even mixing homebrew wort. It handled all of it without cracking or splintering. The 18-inch length is a game-changer for deep pots — your hands stay completely clear of the hot liquid and steam. The downside is that it’s too long for standard cabinet drawers; it’s better suited for hanging on a hook or standing in a crock. We also found the spoon head is slightly smaller than we’d like for its length — it feels like the proportions are a bit off.
Pros:
- Extra-long 18-inch handle — Perfect for deep stockpots, canning, and homebrewing
- Solid beechwood construction — No warping or cracking after a month of heavy use
- Loop at handle end — Convenient for hanging or hooking onto pot edge
- Non-stick safe — Smooth, rounded edges won’t scratch cast iron or enamel
- Unbreakable feel — Thick enough to stir thick dough without flexing
Cons:
- Disproportionate head — The spoon bowl feels small relative to the handle length
- Too long for standard drawers — Requires hanging storage or a tall crock
The Real Deal
Perfect for: Homebrewers, canners, or anyone who regularly cooks 5+ quarts at a time. Pass on this if: You cook standard-sized meals in standard pots — the length becomes a nuisance rather than an advantage.
What to Look for in a Massive Wooden Spoon
Wood Type and Construction
Beechwood is the gold standard for cooking utensils because it’s hard, dense, and has a tight grain that resists absorbing moisture and odors. Avoid spoons made from glued layers or multiple pieces — they can separate over time. A single solid piece is always better. The OXO and ECOSALL spoons are both one-piece beechwood, while the 12-pack uses natural wood but with less consistent finishing.
Length and Balance
For a massive wooden spoon, length matters. A 12-inch spoon works for standard pots, but you’ll want 16-18 inches for deep stockpots or canning. Balance is just as important — a long spoon with a light head feels clumsy. The ECOSALL handles the length well, but its small head makes it feel slightly unbalanced. The OXO has the best balance of the three.
Finish and Maintenance
A well-sanded spoon feels smooth to the touch with no rough edges. The finish should be natural — no varnish or lacquer, which can chip or leach into food. All three products meet this standard. For maintenance, hand wash with mild soap and dry immediately. Once a month, rub with food-grade mineral oil to keep the wood hydrated and prevent cracking. This is especially important for a giant wooden spoon that sees heavy use.
Our Final Recommendation
After a month of real-world cooking, the OXO Good Grips Large Wooden Spoon is our overall winner — it’s comfortable, durable, and perfectly balanced for daily use. If you’re on a budget or need multiple spoons for a busy kitchen, the 12-pack offers incredible value despite some finish inconsistencies. And if you’re a serious batch cooker, homebrewer, or canner, the ECOSALL 18-inch spoon is the only one long enough to handle deep pots safely. Pick the one that matches your cooking style, and you’ll have a spoon that lasts for years.
For more on wooden utensil care, check out our guide to wooden spoons with holes, or if you’re looking for silicone alternatives, see our silicone scoop roundup. And if you use metal spatulas, our care tips for metal spatulas with wooden handles will keep them in top shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean and maintain a massive wooden spoon?
Hand wash with warm water and mild soap, then dry immediately with a towel. Never soak wooden spoons or put them in the dishwasher — the heat and moisture will cause cracking. Once a month, rub the spoon with food-grade mineral oil to keep the wood conditioned and prevent it from drying out.
What’s the best length for a giant wooden spoon?
For standard pots and pans, 12-14 inches works well. For deep stockpots, canning, or homebrewing, go with 18 inches or longer. The ECOSALL 18-inch spoon is our top pick for deep pots, but make sure you have storage space — it won’t fit in a standard drawer.
Can I use a massive wooden spoon on non-stick cookware?
Yes, as long as the spoon has smooth, rounded edges. All three products we tested are safe for non-stick surfaces. Avoid metal utensils or wooden spoons with sharp edges or splinters. If your spoon develops rough spots, sand them down with fine-grit sandpaper before using on non-stick pans.
Why does my wooden spoon crack after a few months?
Most cracking is caused by rapid changes in moisture — leaving the spoon soaking in water, putting it in the dishwasher, or storing it near a heat source. Always dry your spoon immediately after washing. If it does crack, a small crack can be filled with food-grade mineral oil and sanded smooth, but deep cracks mean it’s time for a replacement.
