What Is a Spurtle? The Surprisingly Useful Kitchen Tool You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you’ve ever found yourself asking “What’s a spurtle?”—you’re not alone. This funny-sounding word is the name of one of the most underrated multitaskers in the kitchen.

Originally used in Scotland to stir porridge, the spurtle has quietly stirred its way into modern kitchens around the world. Today’s spurtles, like our beautifully crafted Baltique® Marrakesh Spurtle, are not only functional, but downright fun to use. Whether you're flipping, mixing, folding, or serving, this one tool does it all with style and saves you from juggling multiple utensils.

Let’s break down what makes a spurtle so special and how to use it in your kitchen.

What Is a Spurtle, Anyway?

A spurtle is a wooden kitchen utensil, traditionally shaped like a rod or paddle, designed for stirring without clumping or scratching your cookware. While the classic version was used for porridge, today’s spurtles are flat and paddle-like— making them far more versatile.

Think of it as a hybrid between a spoon, spatula, and scraper. It’s gentle on nonstick cookware, comfortable to hold, and surprisingly adaptable across a wide range of kitchen tasks.

6 Surprisingly Useful Ways to Use a Spurtle

1. Stir Sauces and Soups

The slim, smooth design glides through liquids with ease. Stir without splashing or damaging your pots— perfect for pasta sauce, gravy, or stews.

2. Break Up Ground Meat

Say goodbye to uneven taco filling. The flat edge of a spurtle helps break up ground beef or turkey into perfect crumbles for even browning.

3. Fold Batter Gently

Making fluffy pancakes or light sponge cakes? Folding is key and a spurtle is ideal for mixing without deflating all that air you whipped in.

4. Mash Soft Ingredients

Craving guacamole? Need mashed banana for banana bread? The broad surface makes mashing quick and mess-free.

5. Spread and Smooth

While it's not built for scraping the inside of narrow jars, the spurtle shines when you need to spread frosting on cupcakes, smooth hummus on a platter, or level a layered dip. It’s your go-to for wide-surface spreading jobs.

6. Serve with Style

From lasagna to casseroles, the spurtle works like a wide spatula to help plate your meals beautifully and with a bit of flair.

From Mixing Bowl to Serving Dish

One of the best things about a spurtle is how it transitions effortlessly from prep to serve. Stir a simmering sauce, fold batter in a mixing bowl, then use the same tool to plate a finished dish. And when you're done? Just rinse and repeat. It’s a tool you’ll reach for daily.

Add a Pop of Color to Your Kitchen

Sure, function is important, but looks matter too. Our Baltique® Collection Spurtles are made from layered birch wood and dyed with food-safe colors inspired by colorful locations like Marrakesh, Malta, and Mykonos. They’re so eye-catching, you won't want to just stash them in a drawer when you aren't using them.

One Tool. Nearly Endless Uses.

If your utensil drawer is overflowing with spoons, spatulas, scrapers, and spreaders… it might be time to simplify. A spurtle gives you the best of all worlds in one sleek, sustainable tool.

Ready to give this Scottish staple a modern twist in your own kitchen?
Shop our Spurtle Collection