The Ultimate Ice Cream Scoop Guide for 2025
Check out this guide if you’re looking to buy a new ice cream scoop. It has a ton of how-tos, scoop reviews, and more.
I am one of those serious ice cream eaters who needs the proper equipment. Using a dessert spoon makes the already difficult chore of scooping ice cream even more difficult. The essential components of a high-quality Perfect Ice Cream Scoop. Everything you need to know about the art of scooping ice cream will be covered in this guide.
Who is this guide for?
If you enjoy eating ice cream, you should definitely read this tutorial. The difference between a good and a terrible scoop can result in wasted time, money, and a great deal of stress for anyone from ice cream enthusiasts to ice cream business owners. So, get comfortable, get a dish of your favorite ice cream, and read this article.
Fast Fact: Alfred L. Cralle from Virginia invented the scoop in 1897. He was an inventor and businessman in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Why Use An Ice Cream Scoop?
What’s wrong with using a conventional dessert spoon? There are several reasons why you should use an ice cream scoop instead of any other tool:
- You won’t get a bent spoon if you scoop hard ice cream.
- A scoop produces a much nicer-looking, rounder ball of ice cream.
- Some scoops have convenient release mechanisms, allowing your dessert to fall smoothly into the dish.
Types Of Ice Cream Scoops
There are various scoops available on the market, some of which are far superior to others. The problem with certain scoops is that they are overdesigned. An effective scoop should:
- It has a sharp edge for cutting into hardened ice cream.
Have a well-shaped, spherical head to make a flawless circle of ice cream. - Be comfy, especially if it’s for business and will be used all day.
be easy to clean.
1: The Dipper:
Let’s start with my favorite ice cream scoop, the dipper. It appears inconspicuous, the plain relative of the elaborate mechanical releasing scoop. However, looks can be deceiving. This scoop should be dubbed “the beast” because there is nothing it cannot handle. It can handle even the nastiest, iciest homemade ice cream!
What’s Good About The Dipper?
- This scoop is lightweight and quite comfortable to hold.
- It is extremely durable and will not fail you when you need it the most.
- Simple to clean.
- Creates flawless spherical balls of ice cream.
2: Melon baller:
Not precisely an ice cream scoop, but it’s ideal for stunning dinner guests. This baller allows you to scoop very little balls of ice cream and easily pop them onto a dessert plate using the release mechanism. These work well with another larger Original Icecream scoop to create a variety of ice cream ball sizes.
3: Mechanical Release Scoop
This ice cream scoop is a stunning piece of machinery. I have one from New Zealand that has a retro flair to it. The release scoop is the most useful feature of this tool. Many plain ice creams, such as vanilla or chocolate, can be done without it, but, for a really sticky ice cream, it is extremely useful for getting the ice cream onto your cone or plate (without the use of fingers).
If I were to discover a flaw with this style of scoop, it would be that it isn’t as sturdy as the dipper. Before scooping, make sure the ice cream has the correct texture (not too firm).
What is beneficial about the mechanical release scoop?
- It looks quite good on the table!
- It boasts a huge scoop head for serving out tremendous amounts of ice cream.
- The release mechanism makes it easy to release even the stickiest ice creams. There is no need to use your fingers to transfer it to the plate.
4: Trigger Ice Cream Scoop
Similar to the mechanical release, this scoop provides another means for easily releasing the ice cream onto the cone. I’ve discovered that these scoops are less prone to breakage than mechanical releases.
What’s good about the trigger scoop?
- The release mechanism allows you to conveniently release ice creams.
- A durable scoop that will endure the test of time.
5: Paddles
These come in a variety of shapes but perform essentially the same purpose. They are intended for commercial gelato establishments and enable the scooper to shape the ice cream onto a cone rather than scooping a round ball. This is not the appropriate tool for all of your home scoopers. It is designed for huge commercial trays of gelato, not a 1-liter tub.
How to save some money
Ice cream scoops can be pricey, so I understand why some people avoid purchasing them. After all, a dessert spoon, while not flawless, does an adequate job. If you enjoy finding a good deal, skip the retail stores and head to your local thrift store. These are the ultimate resting places for a superb selection of scoops, usually for only $1.
Want a scoop with a little pizazz? Visit several local antique stores to find some pretty unique scoops from 50 or more years ago. The fact that they are so old usually indicates that they will not break easily! You can also look for vintage websites because shipping is inexpensive for anything this small.
Basic Ice Cream Scooping Techniques
I’d like to discuss a few distinct strategies that are widely employed in dessert bars and more upscale restaurants. But why not utilize them at home to wow your family and friends with your abilities?
1: Basic Scooping:
Okay, so most folks grasp the basic scooping action, do they? You’ll want to scoop in a S shape through the top of the tub first, then the sides. Many will scoop one large hole in the center, but this is a novice mistake. Ice cream melts from the outside in, so make careful to scoop evenly.
Before you begin, run the scoop under warm water and shake off any extra water. This will make your task much easier.
2: Quenelle:
A quenelle is something you’ve probably seen on Masterchef or another food competition show. It’s a beautiful way to add some elegance to your ice cream presentation on a platter. This takes some effort, but if you have the technique down, it will significantly improve your dessert plating. Your ice cream must have the proper consistency; otherwise, you’ll struggle. It can’t be too hard, but if the ice cream becomes mushy and sludgy, it will lose its shape on the platter.
You’ll need to take two spoons of the same size and pass the ice cream from one to the other until it forms an oval shape with three curving sides. Watch the video for a demonstration.
3: Rocher:
A rocher is similar to a quenelle, but it employs a single spoon to create a smoother, egg-shaped mound of ice cream. In principle, it’s a straightforward strategy, but don’t be misled. Creating a rocher is more difficult than it appears, and getting it properly requires practice. Dip the spoon in warm water first. It should be warm but not too warm; otherwise, the ice cream will melt. The ice cream should have a slightly hard butter texture.
Dip the spoon vertically into the ice cream tub, scoop to the right, and then scoop back to the left to make rocher. You can also apply this technique to other meals, such as mashed potatoes. It’s best to watch the video to figure out the technique.
Best Ice Cream Brands
This is where you will discover my reviews of the most popular brand ice cream scoops on the market. It’s a little barren right now, but I’ll be adding more over the next several weeks, so stay tuned!
Zyliss Ice Cream Scoop:
The Zyliss Ice Cream Scoop is undoubtedly my all-around scoop. A sturdy, comfortable tool that can withstand even the toughest ice cream.
Conclusion
I hope this guide to ice cream scoops was enjoyable. I hope this offers a more objective piece of content because it seems like a lot of information on the internet is geared toward promoting a particular product. It can be costly to purchase ice cream scoops, so spend some time determining what you need. I think the dipper is the best option if you’re just going to be at home and scooping cheap ice cream from a container because of its amazing appearance and long lifespan.
I will return to this website on occasion to keep it fresh and up to date with the most recent information. If you believe something should be included, please let me know by sending a message through my contact page or one of my social media profiles.
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