Pfannenwender

Pfannenwender, in English often called a spatula or turner, is a kitchen utensil with a flat, broad blade used to flip, lift, and move food in a pan, skillet, or on a grill. It enables the cook to slide under items and provide support while turning or serving without breaking or damaging the food.

Materials vary. Common blade materials are stainless steel for durability and control, heat-resistant plastic, or silicone for non-stick surfaces. Handles are typically metal, wood, or synthetic composites. The blade may be straight-edged or slightly curved, and some versions have a shallow notch or perforations to reduce weight. For non-stick cookware, silicone- or wooden-edged versions are preferred to avoid scratching.

Uses include turning fried eggs, pancakes, sandwiches, or burgers; lifting delicate items such as omelets; and scraping browned residue from the pan for deglazing. Some Pfannenwender have longer handles for reaching into deep pans or grills, while others are compact for storage.

Care and safety: most Pfannenwender are dishwasher safe in stainless steel or silicone variants, but wooden handles may require hand washing. Avoid using a metal blade on very delicate non-stick surfaces to prevent scratches. After use, dry thoroughly to prevent corrosion.

Etymology and scope: the name derives from Pfanne (pan) and Wender (turner). The term covers a range of flat-turning utensils used across German-speaking regions, with variations designed for domestic cooking and for professional kitchens.