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Have you ever spent too much time scooping up precious dough stuck on a countertop? Are you finding it difficult to correctly portion your bread dough with a knife? If you're looking for a more efficient tool to tackle all of that and more, a bench scraper might be just what you need.
Our top pick, Norpro's Stainless Steel Scraper, can scrape the dough off your workstation plus chop herbs and crush veggies. It's an all-in-one must-have kitchen tool. We also did the research and assembled nine more bench scrapers that are worth checking out. And if you find yourself struggling to decide between options, our handy buying guide, reviewed by a professional chef, lays out everything you need to know to pick the right bench scraper for you.
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef that loves everything food-related and the tools both big and small to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-quast-59769011/
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Bench scrapers are primarily used for portioning dough, removing excess dough from the work surface, or lifting it without tearing. It's a sharp, precise instrument used to cut and, depending on the model, measure the dough. It can also handle more delicate tasks, such as trimming pastry edges or smoothing out icing on a cake.
A bench scraper might look like a straightforward kitchen tool, but there are a few considerations to remember when picking one out. This buying guide delves into detail regarding the material, shape, size, and features of a bench scraper.
While there are typically only two materials used for the blade of a bench or pastry scraper, you get more variety when also considering the handle material. The materials used for the handle and the blade affect the overall user experience.
Metal blades are excellent for quick and efficient slices, portioning dough in one swift cut if the blade is sharp enough. In general, stainless steel blades offer a finer edge than plastic options. They are ideal for scraping your flat work surface, leaving no speck unscraped.
On the other hand, a metal blade may scratch stone countertops of delicate silicone mats, especially if the edge is quite sharp. It's also not as flexible as the plastic blades, which may matter depending on your workstation.
On the other side of the fence, a plastic blade is very flexible, something which a metal blade has difficulty achieving. Plastic can offer the user a greater sense of control over their instrument while preparing dough or clearing an area. And a plastic blade is far less likely to leave damaging scratches on your countertop.
On the other hand, a plastic edge will rarely be as sharp as metal, making vertical cuts to portion dough less efficient. A plastic edge will wear down over time faster than a metal edge, depending on use. But for the flexibility when scraping off a workbench or scooping leftovers into a mixing bowl, the plastic blades shine.
When it comes to picking a bench scraper handle, it’s all about the ergonomics. Scraper handles can be made of wood, rubber or silicone, or metal with a flat or round edge. We recommend a rolled rubber or silicone handle for those who have difficulty gripping tools or have arthritis, due to its non-slip and easy-grip texture.
You can also find handles made of wood, which is sturdy and offers a good grip. Wood doesn’t become as slippery as rubber when dealing with wet ingredients. On the downside, it's prone to cracking or decay.
For heavy-duty use, some bench scrapers design the blade to merge with the handle, ensuring it doesn't break or detach. Particularly sturdy options include scrapers made of stainless steel, which seamlessly extends into a rolled metal handle. These are perfect for industrial use as they are rust-resistant.
You can also find bench scrapers with no handle that are more of a flattened piece of plastic. These offer you optimal flexibility, and such bench scrapers are well-loved among professional bakers. What’s more, a one-piece scraper limits the chances of dough, water, or debris getting stuck on the handle or in the crevices.
Most bench scrapers are about six inches long and three to four inches in height. From there, the size can go smaller or larger, depending on the frequency of use and the amount of dough or ingredients being worked on. It's worth noting that a larger bench scraper can be more challenging to use, while a smaller scraper will require more time to clear a workspace.
In addition to size, the blade's sharpness or width will determine its effectiveness on the bench. One with a beveled or sharp edge makes it easy to grab remaining scraps on the work surface. It also allows you to portion dough effortlessly and even chop ingredients.
As for the width, a thinner blade means increased flexibility. However, if you are looking for rigidity when working with stiffer dough, a thicker blade may be required. Most bench scrapers are about two or three millimeters thick and can go as thin as one millimeter at the beveled edge.
Aside from materials, bench scrapers can be imprinted with measurement markings for efficiency and convenience. The markings, either in centimeters or inches, are usually etched onto the edge of the blade. This doubles as a ruler to help you cut or portion dough. Some models use the extra space on the blade to print a conversion table with weight and volume measurements, saving you time.
Some scrapers also include bonus items such as bowl scrapers with conversion charts, or separate measure tools. These can be particularly useful since you'll often need those items on hand while baking anyway.
For even more flexibility, you can find a bench scraper set with varying edge shapes for scraping and scooping. It may include a mix of metal and plastic scrapers, or feature different sizes for cutting, scooping out bowls, or scraping the countertop. Sets allow you to conveniently engage in all the kitchen tasks a bench scraper can do.
When choosing a set, consider their storage. Can each piece be nestled into one another, or do they have a loop for easy hanging and organization? The easier it is to keep the set together, the more useful it will be while baking.
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This versatile stainless steel scraper can be used for cutting, crushing, and scraping. It's ideal for portioning dough accurately thanks to the measuring marks on the body. The seamless design ensures durability and ease of cleaning, all the while offering good grip and control on the handle.
A few reviewers complained about the measurement markings coming off. Others wished the edge was sharper so they could chop more easily. Still, many others used it to scoop, dice, slice, and scrape. It's well-designed overall and they say it's very sturdy.
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These two plastic scrapers are tough enough to portion dough, but flexible enough to scoop out a bowl. The non-slip texture allows for a firm grip and both scrapers are dishwasher-safe. They work great for clearing a counter, smoothing out icing or sweeping ingredients into a bowl.
Some reviewers noted cracks developing in the scrapers after some use. Most reviewers, on the other hand, loved the flexible design, noting that it was more useful for scraping out bowls than other bench scrapers. They appreciated the light weight and noted that the two scrapers are quite easy to clean.
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This stainless steel scraper from OXO comes with a wide, non-slip rubber handle for comfortable use and scraping. The blade is tall and wide, making it easy to clear a counter, portion dough or even apply icing to a cake. It's dishwasher-safe and includes measurement markings on the blade.
A few reviewers noted rust on the blade after leaving it in the sink. But many other reviewers loved the comfortable grip and wide blade. They used it for scraping chopped veggies off the counter and decorating their cakes. They also noted the measurement markings were a big help!
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This bench scraper has one of the sharpest edges on the market. It can even cut meat. Furthermore, it has an extra set of measurement markings on the side of the body, which can be used for height calculations. The handle is thick and easy to hold.
Some reviewers warned that the sharp blade could result in countertop or cutting board scratches. But most reviewers thought the scraper works as advertised for cutting. It can also smooth frosting on cakes, chop ingredients, and work with dough effortlessly. Customers added that cleanup was a breeze.
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The wooden handle on this scraper is easy to grip and control, plus it looks aesthetically pleasing. It's a stiff blade designed for hefty work in the kitchen, with a strong edge to portion and scoop dough and thoroughly clean off your work surface.
A few reviewers had difficulty scooping up ingredients with the blade, noting it was thick and not very flexible. Still, many reviewers shared it's crafted well, cleans easily, and performs as expected in the kitchen.
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You get the best of both worlds with this scraper set because it comes with both a stainless steel and a plastic scraper. The steel bench scraper includes helpful measurement markings. In addition to the two scrapers, a plastic bowl scraper is also included. All three pieces conveniently nest together for easy storage.
A few reviewers mentioned that it was challenging to separate and nestle the three items together. The bowl scraper was also too stiff for some. On a positive note, many reviewers liked each piece because they perform their tasks well. The tools have a good feel to them and made baking tasks much easier.
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This bench scraper is NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certified and boasts of being a "no-hassle" kitchen tool. Its handle, although made of plastic, can withstand low and high temperatures. What's more, dough doesn't stick to it, making it easy to clean. The product also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Reviewers say the edge is not beveled and some say the metal seems unfinished. Still, many loved that the handle isn't too thick or bulky to maneuver. The tool made easy work of cutting dough and scraping a work surface clean.
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This stainless steel scraper has a slanted handle for better grip and control. The beveled edge allows you to cut, scrape, and scoop ingredients easily. As a bonus, you get a handy bowl scraper with a conversion chart printed on it. The product even comes with a lifetime warranty.
A few reviewers said the handle was cheap and flimsy. Water can accumulate in between the handle and blade. Meanwhile, many customers used it for dough and weren't disappointed. The duo made their kitchen tasks much easier, and the bowl scraper was just the right size to get batter and risen dough out of bowls.
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This bench scraper is designed to make scooping ingredients convenient and comfortable. The ribbed rubber handle ensures a stable grip and control as you chop, crush, scrape, and scoop food. It sits completely flat on one side and has a beveled edge.
A few reviewers mentioned that the part where the handle meets the body could accumulate water and debris, and is difficult to clean. On a positive note, the grip was comfortable, and the scraper worked well in scooping up and transferring food items. Reviewers loved its utility and appreciated that its edge didn't miss a speck when clearing a counter.
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This bench scraper has a rounded rubber handle made of non-slip material, making it easier to manipulate dough and scrape ingredients. The blade is composed of durable stainless steel for easy portioning and scraping. Plus, there are measurement markings and a conversion table on the blade for added convenience.
Some reviewers said theirs had a blade with nicks or bends and they had to file or repair it. But many noted the handle was comfortable and provided a good grip. The scraper works well, and even those suffering from arthritis used the tool comfortably.
Getting ready to do some baking for friends or family? Or do you just love making comfort food? Here a few more kitchen tools that could make your tasks much more efficient and easy.
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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