This sturdy stainless steel spoon is much larger than a standard one, and it makes kitchen tasks, like basting and plating, more efficient.
Although there’s no denying that a Kunz (pronounced “koons”) spoon bears an uncanny resemblance to any ordinary spoon, the Kunz spoon’s appearance belies its true purpose as one of the most multipurpose items in a chef’s kit.
This spoon was designed with cooks in mind by internationally renowned chef Gray Kunz: Its dimensions make it the perfect tool for drizzling sauces, basting a juicy steak with sizzling-hot butter, and plating a rich, creamy sauce without splattering everywhere.
But similar to my beloved bench scraper, my Kunz spoon is a simple yet reliable kitchen workhorse. It gets me through mundane cooking tasks, such as extracting a heaping spoonful of yogurt from its tub, as well as more-complex culinary endeavors, like butter-basting a dry-aged ribeye until it’s medium-rare.
Over the past eight years, Kunz spoons have become an extension of my hand, helping me navigate kitchen tasks nimbly and efficiently. Their versatility easily supersedes the capabilities of any other spoon in my kitchen—and, frankly, of almost any other tool.
Since I was first introduced to Kunz spoons, I’ve acquired several of them (some of which I’ve gifted to friends and family and others I’ve lost along the way). However, my current collection consists of two: a classic Gray Kunz Sauce Spoon, which I’ve had for four years, and a Gray Kunz Spoon: JB Prince x Tilit Edition, which I recently acquired because it was just too beautiful not to. (Note: Since the latter spoon is a newer acquisition, in this piece, I’m focusing on my already-trusted, classic Kunz spoon.)
You might already own a big spoon, but not all big spoons are created equal. If cooking a great meal is the goal, Kunz spoons are the standard due to their unique size, shape, and weight—specifically designed for navigating kitchen tasks with ease.
For starters, a regular-size Kunz spoon is much bigger than a standard-size dinner spoon; the former holds 2.5 tablespoons, while the latter holds roughly one tablespoon. I find a Kunz spoon’s ample capacity particularly effective for seamlessly transporting ingredients from point A to point B—for example, when I portion creamy risotto from a pot to a plate or slather homemade hummus onto a serving platter (using the back of the spoon to create a smooth, swirly effect).
A Kunz spoon also has a wider surface area and a shallower belly than most conventional spoons, so it’s much more practical for basting. The unique shape helps me to evenly and rapidly cascade waves of hot ghee onto a sizzling steak to achieve a beautifully browned crust, without overcooking the center. Then when I’m plating a dish, such as when I’m preparing steak au poivre, I use the spoon to delicately layer a pan sauce on top.
With its unique curvature, a Kunz spoon is ideal for making large quenelles out of softened butter, whipped cream, or ice cream. I do this by dipping the spoon into hot water for a few seconds until it’s warmed up, and then I wipe it clean. Then I use the side of the spoon to glide across the softened food, creating smooth, oval-shaped scoops that easily slide off.
A Kunz spoon is also about 2 inches longer than the average spoon (9 inches versus 7 or 8 inches). That added length prevents my fingers from accidentally dipping into a sauce or salad dressing as I mix or stir it. And it keeps my hand at a safer distance from splattering oil as I baste scallops in sizzling brown butter or sauté Brussels sprouts in a piping-hot pan.
When you hold a Kunz spoon, you’ll notice that it’s substantially heavier than most standard flatware; it weighs 78 grams, whereas my ordinary dinner spoon weighs 61 grams. I’ve found that the added weight increases stability and control when I’m mixing, plating, and portioning ingredients. The spoon’s bowl is also wide enough that I can use it as a pseudo-spatula to help carefully flip and toss foods in a pan.
The Kunz spoon’s slightly tapered end is one of its key distinguishing features. Rather than having the smooth, rounded edges of a regular spoon, a Kunz spoon has a shape that aims liquids in one direction, creating a steady drizzle facilitated by gravity. To get the best results when plating, point the spoon’s tip perpendicular to the intended surface for increased precision and accuracy.
I also sometimes use a Kunz spoon as a tasting spoon. However, I always wash it between tastings to avoid cross-contamination.
My prized Kunz spoon has just a few shortcomings. Although it’s made from 18/10 stainless steel, hard-water stains can develop on the brushed-steel handle. Fortunately, this is nothing a baking-soda slurry can’t tackle. And with a bit of scrubbing, I can restore the spoon to its pristine glory in mere minutes.
My Kunz spoon has also collected its fair share of minor scuffs and scratches over the years, but I like to think of them as mementos of all the delicious foods we’ve cooked together. Proceed with caution, however, when you’re using this sturdy metal spoon to scrape foods on delicate surfaces that tend to scratch easily, such as nonstick pans.
Although the Kunz spoon is dishwasher-safe, I’d opt for handwashing it with mild dish soap and warm water. I’d also recommend drying it promptly with a microfiber cloth, to avoid watermarks. Still, my Kunz spoon needs less maintenance than my wooden spoons, which require a more in-depth cleaning regimen.
Counterfeit Kunz spoons have emerged on the market. In an Instagram post from October 2023, JB Prince’s CEO and president cautioned customers to be mindful of where they’re purchasing Kunz spoons. As of October 2024, however, Kunz spoons feature an official Gray Kunz logo (a “K” engraving on the handle) to help prevent counterfeit products from proliferating on the market.
Whether you’re a novice or an expert cook, adding a Kunz spoon to your kitchen toolbox can elevate your culinary skills. That’s why it’s become my go-to gift for friends and family who show an interest in cooking.
My cousin, a physician based in North Carolina, has minimal time to cook. And she’s found the Kunz spoon to be helpful for meal-prepping sautéed veggies for her young daughter. Meanwhile, my partner, who barely cooks, uses it to spoon ice cream out of the tub for sundaes, and he says it’s the perfect shape to scoop half an avocado in one go.
I understand why splurging on a Kunz spoon can seem superfluous, especially when other spoons appear to be equally suited to kitchen tasks. However, I implore you not to make the same mistake I once did in underestimating the practicality of owning this big kitchen spoon.
From helping me navigate my first line-cook job to assisting me in prepping simple weekday meals, my Kunz spoon will forever be my faithful kitchen companion. No ordinary spoon will do.
This article was edited by Alexander Aciman and Megan Beauchamp.
