Taikinakaavin

Taikinakaavin, also known as a dough scraper or bench scraper in English, is a kitchen tool used in baking to scrape, lift, and portion dough from work surfaces and bowls. It functions as a flat, blunt-edged blade that can cut dough, scrape scraps, or transfer dough and other ingredients.

Design and materials vary, but the tool is commonly a flat blade with a rectangular or slightly curved shape. Many versions are made from stainless steel with a plastic or wooden handle, while silicone-edge or all-plastic models are also available. Some designs include a short handle for better control, and others are blade-only with a scooping lip.

Uses include scraping dough from countertops, cleaning dough from mixing bowls, dividing dough into portions, and transferring dough or other ingredients to containers or pans. In professional kitchens, it is often used alongside a bench knife to improve efficiency and keep work surfaces clean.

Care and maintenance are straightforward: rinse after use and dry thoroughly to prevent corrosion. Most metal models are dishwasher-safe according to manufacturer instructions, though hand washing can extend blade life and preserve handles. Silicone-edge versions are generally gentle on nonstick surfaces and easy to clean.

See also: bench scraper, dough scraper.