Fluff question: do you use a spoon rest or lid caddy?

[Phentex]

I had a spoon rest, but it broke. I didn't realize how much I used it! I started looking for a new one (maybe a double rest) and also saw a lid caddy. I think it might come in handy, but I don't want too many things cluttering up the space. Do you use these?

[grasswire]

1. no

I use wooden spoons, and rest them across the top of the pot when not directly in use.

[Phentex]

2. where do you put them if you have a lid on the pot?

:)

[grasswire]

3. across the handle

Granted, it won't work with some pots.

[Warpy]

4. I have a cheap little wire rack on wheels next to the stove

because this 1946 house was designed with a space for a 40 inch stove. The rack just barely fits into the space.

The top has pot lids and frypans, the center has all my boxes of waxed paper, parchment, foil, etc. and the lower shelf has extra cat dishes and dust bunnies.

It's tacky but it works.

[Phentex]

6. Yes I say whatever works!

I love the fact that you have "extra cat dishes." :)

[hvn_nbr_2]

5. I just use a small dish instead of a spoon rest

It holds a couple spoons, a spatula, a fork, whatever implements I'm using. If I had a spoon rest, I'd still have to use something else for other implements anyway.

Now a lid caddy? I never heard of that but it sounds useful. I might look into that.

[Phentex]

7. I've been using a dish, too,...

and that seems acceptable. Just put it in the dishwasher when I'm done. I guess I just need to remember to have one handy *before* I start cooking.

Naturally, there's a website called lidcaddy.com. That's not where I saw the combo unit, but that got me started.

I think about what Alton Brown says about avoiding unitask items, lol.

[mtnester]

8. I use either a paper towel (which I use to wipe up as well) PLUS I have these

An utensil pot clip:

http://www.vat19.com/dvds/utensil-pot-clip.cfm


I have a few of these, they work well.


Also, I have several wooden spoons that are notched I can rest on the pans..here are some good site to visit for that:

http://kitchencarvers.com/Stirring_and_Serving.htm
http://www.handcraftedwoodenspoons.com/products.html
http://www.spooners.com/
http://www.woodspoon.com/

There are many other places as well...be careful you may get a jones for some stuff out there :)

Also, sometimes you can go around and find folks that craft spoons the old fashioned way, like at heritage or backwoods type festivals. These are great spoons to purchase, they can usually make a custom notch or drill hole, and although they are sometimes pricey, they are beautifully done and will last a lifetime...they season beautifully too! Sigh..wooden utensils and bowls are a disease with me at times. I have some beautiful bowls and long handled spoons that are around 200 years old and I use them regularly still. (although they have a special "storage place" where no one could bust them).

My two cents, FWIW

[sandnsea]

9. I use the counter

:shrug:

:hi:

[TreasonousBastard]

10. With all the other drips and spills happening...

using stuff like spoon rests just seems silly. My counters, when clean, are as clean as any damn spoon rest anyway.

Usually, there's a cutting board or plate around to put things on if I have to put them on something besides the counter, and maybe an empty burner to put a pot lid on.

[Warpy]

12. I'm with you

I rest the wooden spoon across the pot. I rest metal utensils on the top of the stove.

All it takes is a quick wipe with a sponge after the cooking's done, something I generally have to do anyway for all the drips and spatters.

I have a spoon rest, a tackarama NYC skyline that my next door neighbors brought me a few years ago after they took one of their trips to see the country. I just never remember to use it and if it's out, it's generally too dusty to use.

[wryter2000]

11. My spoon rest broke

I use a tiny plate now.

[NMDemDist2]

13. I have two metal enameled spoon rests

one on the stove, one on the counter by the stove and use them both

they were kitcshy things I picked up on thrift store sortees and I just throw em in the DW whenever it gets run.

[kcass1954]

14. Neither - I use an ashtray.

My mother-in-law went to Las Vegas and brought us a tacky Las Vegas ashtray that's totally not suitable for use as an ashtray - about 4x6, and the sides slope up about 1/4 inch - you'll never keep the ashes in it. I set it on the stove top one day, and that's where it's been for 15 years.

[pinto]

15. LOL, what a neat idea. I use the sink, fwiw. Have a small kitchen and just throw stuff as I use 'em

in the sink. If I'm cooking something that's quick, like stir fry, I use the bowl I'm going to eat it all in.

[kcass1954]

16. I should have clarified that it was never actually used as an ashtray. n/t