What's The Difference Between A Bench Scraper And A Bowl Scraper?

When you're cooking in the kitchen, a scraper can be a useful tool. Depending on what you're working on, you may debate between grabbing a bench or a bowl scraper. Although the names of the two tools do sound somewhat similar, they actually have different purposes. While there is some overlap between their uses, they generally have pretty different functions, so it can be hard to swap one for the other.

One difference between the two is the fact that bench scrapers usually feature some kind of handle attached to the scraper, making it easier to hold as you use the tool. Bowl scrapers, on the other hand, don't require the use of a handle since they can be turned and used from multiple angles.

Both scrapers have different purposes in the kitchen, so it makes sense that they would be shaped differently, too. While a bench scraper might be ideal for transferring chopped foods or clearing off a cutting board (it's beloved by Michael Symon for a reason), bowl scrapers are better suited for softer doughs or cake batters.

If you're whipping up a batch of fresh pasta with herbs, or scooping some chopped veggies into a pan, you'll probably want to reach for your bench scraper. This tool has a sturdy, rectangular-shaped edge, often made of metal, that is meant to stay stiff for scooping up piles of chopped food. The rigid edge isn't quite as sharp as a knife and it is much larger. Additionally, if you're cutting up something casually — like pasta, bread dough, or softened butter — it can be used for a quick slice, so long as exact measurements aren't required.

A bowl scraper, meanwhile, isn't generally so stiff. Instead, this tool often features a more rounded edge, though they can come in quite a few different shapes. Regardless, these are ideal for moving batters around the mixing bowl, spreading them around in the pan, or moving your fully-kneaded bread dough from a hard surface into a pan. Many bowl scrapers are also flexible and can be used in different directions, so they can change shape to fit any bowl they're used for.

While bench scrapers typically take on one uniform shape, bowl scrapers can come in a variety of shapes. They can be D-shaped, or resemble a large, flat bean. While they are generally made of plastic or rubber, some bowl scrapers can be more rigid, and others can be a little more flexible. These varieties allow the scraper to flex to the exact shape of your bowl, allowing you to scoop out every bit of batter or dough inside so that none of it goes to waste.

When it's time to choose which tool to grab, it really comes down to what you need it for. Since both of these tools have different functions, it's probably a good idea to have one of each in your home kitchen. You can use your bench scraper to scoop up some chopped veggies into the pan for dinner, then grab your bowl scraper to get every bit of cake batter out of the mixing bowl to bake up a delicious dessert.