We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. Some of these may be affiliate based, meaning we earn small commissions (at no additional cost to you) if items are purchased. Here is more about what we do.
When it’s hot out, there’s nothing better than a nice big bowl of homemade ice cream (chocolate chip cookie dough for me). However, one thing that can put a damper on enjoying my sweet treat is not being able to get it out of the carton. It drives me crazy!
It gets all over my hand, or even worse, my spoon starts to bend. Sometimes it won’t come out at all, and I have to let the container sit out on the counter for a while to thaw first.
I don’t know about you, but I’m not always the most patient person. Not when ice cream is involved, at least.
The key to successful scooping is having the right tool, which makes the process so much easier. And you get to eat your dessert sooner, without all the mess!
Below you’ll find five of the very best scoops that make dishing up your dessert a lot more enjoyable. If you love ice cream, sorbet, sherbet, semifreddo, or Yonanas, I highly recommend adding one or two of these tools to your kitchen collection.
Trust me, when it’s scooping time, you’ll be happy you did. And you won’t have to bend any more spoons!
The Top 5 Reviewed
Customer Favorite: OXO Good Grips
This one is a very popular with consumers. It’s stainless steel and has a pointed tip to really dive into harder frozen desserts.
It’s dishwasher safe, and made by OXO, a brand known for its innovative design and extremely comfortable handles.
Users rave about how well this model holds up, even when it’s put in the dishwasher. No flaking or pitting, which are common problems with cheaper versions.
If you’re looking for a heavy duty product that won’t bend, and can really cut through a frozen brick of your favorite flavor, then this is the scoop for you.
OXO Good Grips Solid Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop
Users love this product, and they really like the pointed tip. It’s a great bargain that came in at a lower price point than others at the time of this writing, and it includes a lifetime guarantee. The is the best option for most people.
Check prices and read all of the customers review on Amazon now.
The Step Up: A Kickstarter Project Designed by an Aerospace Engineer
The Step Up: A Kickstarter Project Designed by an Aerospace EngineerThis Midnight Scoop could easily be confused with a modern art sculpture. However, unlike most furniture and tools featuring modern aesthetics, it was designed with ergonomics at the forefront of its operating philosophy.
Unlike most competing products, the tool’s shovel-like blade is pushed into the ice cream using power from the arm and chest, rather than from the wrists. This makes it ideal for children, the elderly, and those who have carpal tunnel syndrome.
This product is the result of a Kickstarter project by Michael Chou, an Aerospace Engineer who developed an obsession to turn an ordinary tool into something extraordinary.
The “Midnight” name originated from times when Michael was often up past midnight, testing and retesting prototypes during the development process.
This one won’t just last you for many years – your grandchildren will still be using it. This is THE best ice cream scoop on the market today. It’s a bit pricey but well worth it.
This beautiful piece of practical artwork is built out of a solid chunk of aluminum and is available in chrome and ebony (a chrome-like black), as well as gold.
The Honorable Mention: Sumo Solid Stainless Steel with Non-Slip Rubber Grip
A great choice for the serious frozen treat connoisseur!
This model is also stainless steel, and you will be able to tell as soon as you pick it up – it’s rather heavy.
Very similar to the OXO option mentioned above, it also has a sharp point at the end to dig into rock-hard cartons, and can be run through the dishwasher.
This model is decked out with a purple, rubber, non-slip, BPA-free handle but unlike the OXO version, it is available in multiple colors. You don’t have to worry about it breaking, as the designers tested it thoroughly, and found that it’s nearly indestructible.
This tool creates giant 6-ounce balls of ice cream, and also comes with a lifetime guarantee – buy it once and have one forever!
I have to admit, I do like the purple handled model. It’s on the higher end in the price department but it should be the last tool that you purchase for decades.
Check prices and read all of the customer comments on Amazon now.
Melts Fast: Zeroll 1020
This model is a little different, as it uses a heat-conductive fluid inside the handle to melt frozen treats that are extra hard very quickly.
The great thing about this product is that it comes in multiple sizes – from 1 ounce all the way up to 4 ounces – so you can pick the model that’s the right size for you.
Zeroll 1020 Original Ice Cream Scoop
Personally I like the bigger scoops, but it really depends. For example, if you want a huge picture-perfect orb to top that cone, I’d opt for the 4 ounce. Or if you have a shop and are selling cones, this size would probably be useful.
But, if it’s just for your personal dessert, a smaller size might be a better option – you can always go back for seconds!
I have to mention, because of the fluid inside this model, it cannot be placed in the dishwasher or extremely hot water, and it must be hand washed. A warning regarding this is included in the directions, so be sure to read those.
Again, this product is fairly priced, considering the advanced technology involved.
Check out all of the various sizes available on Amazon now.
The Classic: KitchenAid Smooth Scoop
Home cooks will recognize this brand and the simple design. This KitchenAid model is also stainless steel, and completely dishwasher safe.
This product comes from a trusted kitchen brand, one that I have used in my own kitchen for many years.
This scoop is made with a hole in the handle, so you can store it hanging up. Although this model is sold at a lower price point, it is not cheaply made – users report that it doesn’t show signs of wear, even after multiple years of use.
One user was amazed at how easily it cuts through ice cream, while providing nice large scoops. You can also use it for other items, like muffin and cookie dough.
If you’re looking for a moderately priced scoop that’s not too fancy, this model is a great option.
This model is available in multiple colors.
Conclusion
I hope you realize by now that it’s time to stop using your spoons to scoop your favorite summer treat, and get a tool that’s made for the job instead.
The beauty of these products is that they were specifically designed for the task at hand, making your time spent in the kitchen easier, shorter, and more enjoyable.
I hope you find the perfect product for the job! Tell me about your selections and favorite ways to use them in the comments.
Product photos courtesy of OXO, Midnight Scoop, Sumo, Zeroll, and Kitchen Aid. Other photos from Shutterstock.
About Sarah Hagstrom
Sarah is a health food advocate and loves to spend her time whipping up something healthy and delicious in the kitchen and then sharing either on Foodal or on her own blog "The Seasonal Diet" (www.theseasonaldiet.com). She lives in Sunny San Diego with her husband, where they enjoy running on the beach and weekend adventures.
I’m afraid you’ve missed out my favourite. It has a metal bar on a ratchet that sweeps under the scoop and deposits it neatly in the bowl, making less work for me. It is a bit of a pain to clean though.
How many of these are dishwashable? Sometimes a rinse and wipe off isn’t enough, not with certain people who use them for things like frozen fruit (and make a huge mess in the kitchen).