Buying Guide for the Best Ice Cream Scoops
Choosing the right ice cream scoop might seem simple, but having the right tool can make serving ice cream easier, faster, and more enjoyable. A good scoop should help you serve tidy portions without straining your wrist, and it should work with your favorite types of ice cream or frozen treats. To pick the best scoop for you, it's important to understand the key features that make each scoop different and how they affect ease of use, durability, and cleaning.MaterialThe material of the scoop affects its strength, weight, and resistance to corrosion or breaking. Most scoops are made from stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic. Stainless steel scoops are sturdy, don't rust easily, and handle hard ice cream well, but they can be a bit heavier. Aluminum scoops are also strong and often have nonstick coatings but can require gentle hand washing. Plastic versions are lightweight and gentle on nonstick surfaces, but may struggle with very hard ice cream and might not last as long. Think about how often you will use the scoop and if you'll be scooping very firm ice cream—if so, a metal scoop is usually best.
Handle Comfort and DesignThe handle determines how easy and comfortable the scoop is to use, especially when faced with a firm tub of ice cream. Some handles have ergonomic grips or soft rubber cushioning to prevent your hand from slipping and getting sore, while others are plain metal. Certain designs even have a heat-conducting core to warm up with your hand's heat and make scooping easier. If you have hand strength concerns or plan to serve many portions, a handle designed for comfort or extra grip is worth considering.
Scoop MechanismSome ice cream scoops are simple solid scoops, while others include a lever or trigger to help release the ice cream. Trigger scoops have a built-in sweeper that pushes the ice cream out, which can be helpful for sticky or very cold ice cream, or when making uniform balls. Simpler designs are easier to clean and less likely to break, but might require more effort to get the ice cream out. Choose a release mechanism if you want perfect, easy-to-serve scoops or have issues with ice cream sticking.
Bowl Size and ShapeThe part of the scoop that actually touches the ice cream comes in different sizes and shapes—round, oval, or even pointed. Larger bowls can make bigger scoops, while smaller ones are great for mini treats or cookie dough. A pointed bowl can help dig into hard ice cream, while more rounded designs make smooth, classic ice cream balls. Think about whether you'll use your scoop mostly for single servings, big sundaes, or other foods like melon or cookie dough when choosing the bowl size and shape.
Ease of CleaningHow the scoop is cleaned is important, especially if you use it often. Some are dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning easy, while others—especially those made from aluminum or with intricate mechanisms—need gentle hand washing to avoid damage. If you want the convenience of tossing it in the dishwasher, check whether a scoop is labeled as dishwasher safe before purchasing.