If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, then you know the importance of owning a collection of reliable handheld tools.
On the other hand, if you’re just starting to get serious about cooking, but haven’t curated too many utensils just yet, there are definitely items you should purchase to efficiently perform certain prep tasks.
When it comes to batters, egg whites, aioli, sauces, dressings, curds, creams, vinaigrettes, soups, gravies, and – my favorite – pancakes and waffles, this is the number one tool that comes to mind:
The kitchen whisk!
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If you buy the first whisk you see, you might end up with one that is too stiff, but that might be the exact opposite of what you want. You might need one that offers flex and movement.
Of course, you don’t want one that is too light and flimsy either. You want it to be sturdy enough to scrape the bottom of the bowl and break up any clumps of ingredients.
And if you purchase the first available option, you might also get one that’s so big and heavy your arm is tired after just a few minutes of beating, which is not very long when it comes to whipping up the perfect batch of fresh whipped cream.
In this product guide, we’ll introduce you to our most recommended models that are worth considering, and we’ll offer a mini review of each one. We’ll provide a list that covers the most popular styles.
Then we’ll discuss what you should look for in terms of evaluating models, such as materials, quality of wires, handle choices, and designs.
How to Pick the Best Kitchen Whisk
- Cuisipro Silicone Flat 10-Inch
- Küchenprofi Stainless Steel Standard 6-Inch
- OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Balloon 11-Inch
- OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Flat 10-Inch
- Rosle Stainless Steel Spiral 10.6-Inch
- Sur La Table Stainless Steel French
- The Original Kitchen Dough 13.5-Inch
- Wired Whisk Silicone Balloon 3-Piece Set
- WMF Profi Plus Flexi Ball 10.6-Inch
We’re all wired up, and ready to learn more!
Our Top Picks
There are quite a few kitchen whisks constructed with high standards of quality, and each one has its own advantages for specific whisking applications.
The following are the models that we examined and found to be worth buying:
1. Cuisipro Silicone Flat 10-Inch
The Cuisipro Silicone Flat 10-Inch Whisk is a fantastic choice for high-heat applications on coated cookware, as the 4 silicone-wrapped stainless steel wires are resistant to high temperatures up to 425°F.
The flexible wires with frosted silicone coverings are a saving grace when it comes to protecting your pans, wonderful for working with nonstick, ceramic, or tin-lined copper materials.
If you don’t have a flat variety and like to make a lot of gravies or sauces, you’ll be impressed by how well this tool can remove food from the bottom of your pan.
The handle is constructed with brushed stainless steel.
Cuisipro Silicone Flat 10-Inch Whisk, Frosted
You can also use this model for making hot cereals like oatmeal. My oatmeal always seems to get stuck to the bottom of the pan, and this product would be perfect for avoiding burned porridge.
This design is also available in a shorter 8-inch model – a useful choice if you value more stable hand control. You can purchase this size from Amazon.
Cuisipro makes it really convenient to clean, as it’s dishwasher safe. When it comes to storing, I recommend hanging it or placing it in a large utensil jar. Avoid storing in a drawer, because the silicone coverings tend to get stuck to everything.
Cuisipro offers a limited lifetime warranty against any manufacturer’s defects.
Check prices and read customer reviews on Amazon now.
2. Küchenprofi Stainless Steel Standard 6-Inch
The Küchenprofi Stainless Steel Standard Whisk is an ideal selection if you’re looking for a basic style with a sturdier, stiffer material.
Küchenprofi Stainless Steel Standard 6-Inch Whisk
I find the small, 6-inch model incredibly practical. The shorter length is very convenient for whipping up smaller portions of ingredients in little bowls, which can get awkward with a larger model.
The wires are constructed with heavy-gauge stainless steel. Verified buyers, including myself, mention how stiff and sturdy this tool is. If you are looking for something for whisking egg whites or stiffer batters, tasks that don’t need a flimsier and more flexible tool, this might be a good option for you.
The standard design is dishwasher safe, and has a stainless steel handle with a little ring at the end for hanging.
Küchenprofi partners with the company Frieling, in case you are having difficulties researching this company online from other sources. We currently do not have warranty information.
Check prices and read customer reviews on Amazon now.
3. OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Balloon 11-Inch
The OXO Good Grips Balloon Whisk is the model that I use myself, and I think it takes the cake!
Check it out for yourself:
It’s highly durable, and the 11-inch length is perfect to keep it from falling into – or out of – larger bowls.
This model is a balloon-shaped whisk, making it versatile for preparing a number of different recipes.
It is well-constructed and has great movement, allowing you to use it at a fast speed with little fatigue, letting a lot of air in for an airy scramble or a wonderful meringue. On the other end of the spectrum, it can also be used at a slower speed, letting less air in and creating dishes with thick textures like cream sauces.
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Balloon 11-Inch Whisk
Another benefit is that it’s not too heavy, so no matter how fast, slow, short or long you use the product, your arm won’t tire.
It has 10 wire loops, all at varying heights, that are well-connected at the top of the model and contain no gaps, keeping your food from getting stuck and liquid from getting into the handle.
The soft, ergonomic handle is made of rubber, so it won’t slip out of your hand even when it becomes wet.
This model is dishwasher safe, so you can toss this in the dishwasher and you don’t have to worry about the heat destroying it.
OXO’s line of Good Grips products has a lifetime warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Look over prices and read all customer reviews on OXO and Amazon now.
4. OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Flat 10-Inch
If you like the OXO Good Grips features, but are looking for a flat variety to add to your collection, then this is the one I’d recommend: The OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Flat 10-Inch Whisk!
The flat shape is perfect for deglazing a pan and using in shallow bowls, with four polished stainless steel wires.
It’s great for incorporating egg whites into a batter or dealing with delicate dishes, and it can be used while a pan is heating on the stove without causing any damage to the product. It’s dishwasher safe and comes with a very comfortable handle.
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Flat 10-Inch Whisk
Users love that this tool is versatile, and that you can even use it as a spatula to flip delicate omelets or move chocolate cookies from pan to plate.
Like all OXO Good Grips products, it includes a soft comfort grip handle, so you don’t have to worry about handle comfort or weight with this model.
And there’s the same OXO Good Grips lifetime warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Check prices and read customer reviews on OXO and Amazon now.
5. Rosle Stainless Steel Spiral 10.6-Inch
The Rosle Stainless Steel Spiral Whisk features a ring-shaped head with tight coils.
It is designed to reach the more difficult spots in your bowls, pots, and pans, breaking up ingredients that other larger, bulkier whisks could not touch – so this unique shape is especially helpful in smaller cooking vessels.
Rosle Stainless Steel Spiral 10.6-Inch Whisk
This style is particularly helpful when you’re making sauces cooked at high heat that require constant stirring.
The Rosle whisk is currently available in a 10.6-inch length, and features a ring at the end of the handle for hanging storage.
It is constructed with durable 18/8 stainless steel, which also allows you to safely clean the tool in the dishwasher.
Rosle offers a lifetime warranty that only covers manufacturing defects.
For further information, check out this product on Amazon now.
6. Sur La Table Stainless Steel French
The long and narrow shape of Sur La Table’s Stainless Steel French Whisk is a versatile design for beating eggs, mixing lighter batters, and whisking emulsions.
It is made of 18/8 stainless steel, with weighted, ergonomic handles to achieve the perfect balance as you grasp and put it to action.
Sur La Table Stainless Steel French 10-Inch Whisk
There are three lengths currently available to purchase, a decision that depends on how small or large your usual prep tasks are in the kitchen.
Purchase the shortest 8-inch length if you work with a smaller amount of ingredients, and prefer to have a better grasp and more control over the movements.
The 10-inch size is a smart option to buy if you want a more standard size.
The longest 12-inch option is ideal if you need your tool to reach the depths of a bigger pot or pan without the risk of the handle dipping into your ingredients.
All sizes are safe to clean in the dishwasher.
Sur La Table offers a limited lifetime warranty for defects in material and workmanship.
Check prices and reviews now on Sur La Table.
7. The Original Kitchen Dough 13.5-Inch
If you’re an avid bread baker who prefers using your hands rather than a stand mixer, The Original Kitchen Dough 13.5-inch Whisk is a specialty product you’re going to want to add to your collection right away.
If you’ve ever found yourself having difficulty initially mixing thicker dough, you know what a pain this is! Well, this model is designed to avoid that.
Or maybe you’ve tried to use a balloon style and had it break? Most common whisks are not made to withstand such tough working conditions and more substantial doughs.
The Original Kitchen Dough 13.5-Inch Whisk
Promoted as the baker’s best-kept secret, this tool is going to come in handy for making things like fresh bread, pizza crusts, and a variety of pastries.
The best part is that you can actually use this tool to pre-knead your dough.
If you’re anything like me, kneading is my least favorite part when it comes to baking bread… well, right behind doing the dishes!
The wires are made with stainless steel, and the whisk also has a wooden handle for simple and sturdy gripping capabilities as you mix thicker doughs.
The uncomplicated design, with minimal wire and closed circuits, makes cleaning very easy. Because of the wooden handle, it is not recommended to place it in the dishwasher. But the cleaning process is still simple: just rinse, wash with warm soapy water, dry thoroughly by hand, and you’re done.
Check prices and read customer reviews on Amazon now.
8. Wired Whisk Silicone Balloon 3-Piece Set
If you like the style of one certain shape, but wish to have a variety of length choices, purchasing a multi-piece set is the way to go!
For multiple sizes in a standard balloon whisk design, consider buying the Wired Whisk’s Silicone 3-Piece Set.
This is a 3-pack of silicone whisks in varying sizes: a large 12-inch whisk, a medium 10-inch whisk, and a small 8.5-inch whisk.
Wired Whisk Silicone Balloon 3-Piece Set, Black
If you’re looking to get a few of these in one fell swoop, then this might be a good pick for you.
The shortest size is best to blend a small amount of ingredients, while the medium and large sizes are best for bigger amounts of ingredients.
The handles on each one feature a hook for hanging storage. The set is safe to clean in the dishwasher.
In addition to neutral colors like black and gray, there are also more colorful options like red and a trio of bright neon colors.
You can match your existing kitchen accessories and decor, or these would make a fun gift!
Check prices and read customer review on Amazon now.
9. WMF Profi Plus Flexi Ball 10.6-Inch
If you’re looking for a ball style, the WMF Profi Plus Flexi Ball 10.6-Inch Whisk will be a good option for you!
The beads on the bottom of each wire are made of silicone, which won’t scratch non-stick surfaces.
The beads are able to reach difficult corners and edges of assorted pots and bowls, and they are resistant to temperatures up to 392°F.
WMF Profi Plus Flexi Ball 10.6-Inch Whisk
The wires and handle are made of WMF’s patented Cromargan®, a stainless steel material that is acid-proof, rust-proof, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean.
Due to its slightly thicker wire, this tool is able to mix thick pancake batter and pudding as well as a batch of light egg whites, making it really versatile.
If you need to make something rather quickly, this instrument is the one you want to work with. Thanks to the design, this tool mixes quickly and effortlessly.
An additional benefit is that it’s dishwasher safe.
There is a 12-month warranty period, covering defects in material.
Check prices and read customers reviews on Amazon now.
Features to Consider
For a more informed shopping experience, we include some additional information in the following sections to help you make the very best buying decision.
Below you will find everything you need to select the perfect tool for your cooking and baking needs.
Materials
When you’re looking for a whisk, you’ll most likely want to purchase one that is made of stainless steel.
This durable material keeps the product from rusting and flaking off into your mixing bowl. Stainless steel tools are typically dishwasher safe, unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer, helping you save time and energy with cleaning.
It will also last longer, saving you money over time.
You’ll want to avoid any plastic styles, as these won’t be as pliable and efficient, and they are more likely to break.
A silicone-coated whisk is useful to have on hand in addition to a stainless steel model, especially if you’ll be whipping away in a non-stick coated pan or tin-lined copper pot. The silicone covering prevents scratching, protecting your pans.
With that said, you’ll need to monitor the long-term wear and tear of the silicone coating – with more use, the more likely the silicone coating will begin to rip off the base wires.
Wires
When it comes to the make of the tool, be sure to pay particular attention to the wires.
You’ll want well-constructed wires, since this is the determining factor as to whether your whisk will be able to withstand the test of time. You want them to be sturdy, but they should also have some pliability and movement.
Keep in mind that thicker, sturdier wires with less pliability are more efficient when beating thicker batters and meringues, and they can break up pesky chunks of dry ingredients like flours and sugars.
With more flexible, pliable options, you’ll be able to swiftly whisk lighter mixes and more liquidy batters, sauces, and vinaigrettes.
Handles
When it comes to the size, one important factor to analyze is the size and length of the handle.
If the handle is too small in length, it can fall into the bowl, creating an unnecessary mess. If it’s too large in length, it can fall out if you are trying to rest it against the side of a smaller vessel.
When considering the handle, it should be comfortable enough to hold in your hand for a few minutes, and you need to be able to really grip it so it doesn’t slip out of your hand when beating at a high speed.
You need to also compare the weight of the handle to the wires, as well. Look for whisks that are advertised to have slightly weighted handles, which creates optimal balance and control as you are mixing.
Another consideration is if the handle includes a feature like a hook or ring for hanging storage – if you prefer to hang and display your handheld utensils, this is a supplemental design to look for when shopping.
Design/Shape
There are many whisk shapes available, and it can get confusing to determine which one to choose!
My best advice is to first think about exactly what you’ll be using this tool for before you make your pick – what mixing tasks do you perform regularly at home when you’re cooking and baking?
Below I have provided brief descriptions of the most popular styles currently on the market:
Balloon
This type is the standard shape you’ll find most commonly. It works well in rounded bowls, such as your average mixing bowl.
It’s useful for typical, everyday tasks such as mixing batters, sauces, soups, thinner cookies, and whipped cream.
French
The French style of whisk is very similar to the standard balloon, but it is not as bulbous.
The design is narrower and flatter, and works well in deeper dishes and is useful for reaching tight corners.
Ball
This type has tiny balls/beads on the ends of multiple straight tines. It is most often used for making thick condiments like gravy or sauces.
It’s practical to use in oddly shaped bowls or pots, as the individual tines are often very pliable and can bend in different ways, and the beads can reach those more awkward spots.
Flat
This one is designed for stirring in shallow saute pans over a hot flame. The flat design is able to cover more surface area in your pan or skillet, and allows you to scrape product in the pan as you mix.
It’s ideal for making a roux or a simple gravy.
Spiral
The tightly coiled head of the small, spiral style is a design feature with a specific task to perform:
This whisk is intended to always be in direct contact with the bottom of your bowl, pot, or pan as you mix, positioned slightly angled so that it can reach the corners and edges. The constant movement and contact prevent the ingredients from sticking and burning.
The coils help break up any clumps for a smoother result in a smaller cooking vessel or bowl, a task that won’t be possible with a larger, bulkier whisk head.
This is best used for making gravy, sauce, vinaigrette, roux, as well as whisking eggs.
Dough
The dough whisk has a flat head, with its wires formed into an outer circle and an inner circle featuring a small loop in the very center.
This whisk can withstand mixing tougher, denser doughs without overworking the ingredients.
Compared to a solid mixing spoon or spatula, the wired head is able to swiftly cut into the dough, and can break up clumps of dry ingredients and flour pockets.
Give Yourself Options
From perfectly risen pancakes to smooth and creamy sauces to mile-high egg whites, the whisk can attack and conquer a range of prep tasks with the swiftest of movements.
I’m positive you’ll find more than a few ways to put this wiry utensil to use in your own home kitchen!
With the wide variety of shape and size options, it will be a huge advantage to you if you buy more than one style and length. That way, from one task to the next, from cakes to gravies, you’ll have a specific utensil that will be able to mix and blend with ease.
Do you have a particular design you like to use? What do you think of owning more than one style? Leave a comment below, and let’s chat.
On a shopping kick? We can help you update even more essential utensils! Read through all of our reviews on other general kitchenware – we are excited to offer you our expert advice and top recommendations. Check out three more right now:
- 13 Essential Tools and Accessories for Your Home Bar
- The Top 7 Vegetable Peelers to Make Your Life Easier
- Foodal’s Guide to the 7 Best Garlic Presses
© Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Uncredited photos via Shutterstock. Product photos via OXO, Sur La Table, and Amazon. Originally published April 8, 2016. With additional writing and editing by Nikki Cervone. Last updated February 26, 2024
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 thought that all of them were the same. I have one at home and it is the typical balloon shape type. It has been sitting in the kitchen drawer for a long time simply because I wouldn’t know what to do with it. Since we do tend to make a lot of pancakes, this would be a great place to start.
I didn’t realize how different they all were..until my 20 year old son saw a smaller whisk and thought it was ancient. Then I realized there had to be different ones available
Well a good whisk is certainly a necessary addition to the kitchen, but I have to say that I have not thought about it this much. I have my old reliable, but I think even that is coming to its end here soon it is nice to have a little list to look at when I will look for something new. I am actually excited to try some of these things out, and maybe it will get me into the kitchen more, which is never a bad thing. Thanks.
It is interesting seeing the different types as my main hand model is a rotary version: two wire whisks that inter-beat with a handle you turn to rotate them, I was quite surprised to see they don’t seem to be as common overseas, with the balloon whisk so much more popular.
A good whisk is vital in the kitchen, but I will admit that as I am getting older, I tend to prefer the electric type (hand or stand versions!). They are a lot easier on the hands, especially if making something that requires a lot of whisking, like merangues.
Having a sturdy and durable whisk makes cooking so much easier in the kitchen. I have had two or three different whisks that have been bent to heck and back, and then I’ve had whisks that barely helped in making a good batter of pancakes. It is definitely vital to making successful batter.
I have several different types in my kitchen, each designed for a specific type of substance. For hard substances (such as cookie dough) I use a much stiffer model with a harder wire head so that the wires do not bend and it blends the dough better. For softer substances (such as eggs) I use a softer variety. Knowing which one to use in certain situations can save you a lot of headaches and unnecessary work in the end.
Very interesting overview of the options out there. I have a Swedish gravy whisk a friend gave me years ago that has been so helpful in the kitchen. I rarely make gravy, but I find this whisk is so fast and easy for whipping eggs, I love it!
The whisk is as important to a baker as a wrench is to a mechanic. You need a reliable tool (or even several ) that is capable of allowing you to efficiently perform every activity. A mediocre tool will lead to headaches and frustrated moments in the kitchen.
I would pick the OXO good grip flat model. Because I don’t really want to bother with silicon and I use a whisk for almost everything I usually do in the kitchen.
I didn’t realize there were so many different styles. I have one that is very unique. It’s like a Wonder Whisk. I purchased it at Sam’s Club doing a demonstration of knives. It came with a knife set. What stands out with this model is that it has a handle at the top that can be pushed down to make the wires spin. It’s great for scrambled eggs and making froths.
Thank you for clearing up what all those different types of whisks do. I have seen versions of most of them before but never knew if they offered anything different from what a standard balloon model does. I’m particularly interested in the flat and the ball types. The flat style seem like they would be much easier to maneuver for making gravies and pan sauces and the ball style just seem so easy to clean, the balloon models get clumps of food stuck in them all the time and can be a pain to clean.
When I usually buy whisks, they do go wrong instantly, I mean the individual whisks themselves get all tangled up and they are really hard to keep clean. Maybe if I try another type or a little bit less cheaper version I don’t have to buy a new one every month! 🙂
I have to admit, I never put that much thought into it. I have two on the standard type, a small one and a large one. The small one really comes in handy for sauces, making scrambled eggs etc. I agree that they are “must have,” but I never realized how different they could be.
I’d really like the silicone type, I think. I probably could replace that less frequently.
Currently, I have two whisks that I use. The first is a regular, durable standard metal whisk. I use this one 80% of the time. It is nothing fancy. It doesn’t even have a fancy handle or anything. However, it gets the job done and has stood the test of time. The second whisk is a silicone-coated whisk. I had another one previously but the silicone always keeps peeling off after I have used them a few times, so I had to replace the last one. I bought a different brand this time, so hopefully this one holds up a little better. I only use this type of whisk if I have to whisk in something non-stick while I am cooking just to avoid scratching. However, I stay away from that type of whisk any other time.
So appreciate the good advice as I am exhausted from doing Passover dinner as I read this…and still hope to make Chocolate Matzo Madness…a recipe from Southern Living…only to discover…this day before Easter that I need to WHISK on the stove and I don’t want to hurt the beautiful non stick finish of my scan pan…although you are allowed to use metal utensils, it was too much of an investment for me to risk. I’m off to hunt down the Oxo but SOOOOOO wish they would do things in colors other than RED. It is one of my least favorite colors!