A spoon rest is often overlooked as a kitchen accessory, but it isn’t simply a knickknack. A great spoon rest is a highly functional and indispensable tool for making life in the kitchen easier. Why? Even people who really love being in the kitchen aren’t so crazy about cleaning, and a spoon rest makes that particular chore easier. Instead of placing your tomato sauce-coated spoon on your clean counter, you can place it neatly in your spoon rest where it waits, drip free, for the next time you need to stir. When serving a hearty batch of chili out of your Dutch oven, a nice spoon rest gives you an alternative to precariously balancing your ladle over the rim or handle of the pot, where it can fall and splash chili all over your stovetop, walls, and floor.
Its functionality is important, but a spoon rest does add a personal touch to your decor. Some home cooks will want the most multipurpose tool possible, while others will want one that’s attractive—but still works.
Here are the best spoon rests for both types of shoppers.
Best Overall
Zulay Silicone Utensil Rest with Drip Pad
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- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
- Can hold multiple utensils
- Might not suit all decorative preferences
For a spoon rest that can hold multiple instruments at once, is easy to fit in your cooking space, can be run through the dishwasher for easy cleaning, and rings in at a highly reasonable price, go with this straightforward and user-friendly silicone model by Zulay. It’s a particular favorite of Aysegul Sanford, food blogger and recipe developer of Foolproof Living, and Rachel Hemsley, founder and editor of Make Bread At Home also vouches for this spoon rest.
Hemsley points out its utility for bakers in particular. “This multiple utensil holder works well for me as a baker, as it keeps multiple spoons within easy reach, and I’m sure that would be a plus if you have a large family with various dietary needs to cater to,” she says. “It’s made of heat-resistant silicone, which keeps the price down and makes it lightweight and easy to use, clean, and store. This spoon holder is a very functional piece of equipment and can be of value in the kitchen and dining room, helping to prevent splatter stains on worktops and dining tables.”
Material: Silicone | Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 1.6 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
What Our Experts Say
“This silicone utensil rest comes in an array of colors to match any kitchen decor. Its sleek design is discreet and its silicone material is safe to use with food and can withstand high heats. It’s easy to clean and can hold multiple utensils, making it more practical than many other options.” — Aysegul Sanford, food blogger and recipe developer of Foolproof Living
Best Ceramic
Oggi Ceramic Spoon Rest
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- Good for all utensil sizes
- Dishwasher-safe
- Elegant look
- Ceramic is prone to chipping
The elegant and understated lines of this spoon rest mean it will blend in seamlessly with any kitchen design. Place it right on your range or on an adjacent length of countertop to save yourself the constant cleaning of dirty spoons and spatulas.
This option is made from heavy, durable ceramic, which means it will stay securely in place. (In contrast, lightweight versions may skid or slide around the counter every time you try to put a utensil down.) What we also like about this is how versatile this is. It can hold your coffee spoon in the morning, and your largest wooden spoon in the evening.
Material: Ceramic | Dimensions: 5.25 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
What Our Experts Say
“Oggi Ceramic Spoon Rest is the best and most elegant spoon rest. It is composed of hefty, long-lasting ceramic. Its bowl is deep, making it suitable for practically any sized spoon or even certain ladles. It’s also dishwasher safe.” — Izma Almasar, Oggi fan and health & nutrition specialist of Honest Brand Reviews
Best Marble
RADICALn Spoon Rest Marble
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- Sleek and attractive
- Durable
- Can hold larger spoons and ladles
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Might be too large for some kitchens
Marble is one of the oldest and most beautiful natural stones. Over 2,000 years ago, ancient Romans and Greeks used it to construct their most important buildings, and it is still a treasured material today. This sturdy spoon rest is an easy way to bring a little bit of marble into your kitchen, even if you can’t have luxurious marble countertops.
This handmade piece weighs more than two pounds, which means you can count on it to stay where you put it. It’s a spacious 3.5 inches by 8 inches. The underside features small footpads, which elevate it slightly and hold it in place. There’s a grooved slot for resting a spoon’s handle, keeping it firmly in its resting place. Marble is more chip-resistant than ceramic or glass, making this spoon rest an especially durable option. Just remember: you’ll want to wash this one by hand because it isn’t dishwasher-safe. A quick suds and rinse after dinner should keep it in fine form.
Material: Onyx marble | Dimensions: 5.25 x 8 x 0.7 inches | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Double
TableCraft Stainless Steel Double Spoon Rest
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- Hammered stainless steel
- Wide bowls
- Affordable value
- On the larger side
Sometimes, a recipe, meal prep, or weekend cooking project requires the use of two spoons, ladles, or other utensils. A double spoon rest is a single item that gives you a resting place for two utensils, making it a convenient buy for busy home cooks.
This hammered stainless steel model from TableCraft is a favorite among professional chefs for its durability and its wide bowls that can easily fit a range of instruments. Plus, it’s safe to throw in the dishwasher when you’re done. Also, if you lean into the stainless steel aesthetic for home appliances, you’ll be pleased to know that this spoon rest will be a perfect decor match.
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 7 x 8.63 x 2 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Most Versatile
iPstyle Pan Lid Holder and Spoon Rest
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- Includes a lid rack
- Dishwasher-safe
- Stainless steel will match any decor
- Larger than many other spoon rests
This multitasking kitchen tool includes both a spoon rest and a rack intended to hold and balance pot and pan lids. Both sides of this versatile rest have wells for catching all the drips that will otherwise end up on your counter. Being made of durable stainless steel means this will be in your kitchen for years to come, and it gets bonus points for being dishwasher-safe.
Don Baiocchi, food blogger and recipe developer of Paleo Gluten Free Guy, loves the convenience of a spoon rest/lid holder hybrid, and he particularly favors this stainless steel version from iPStyle. “Until I got this spoon rest, I never knew where to put a hot lid after I took it off of a pot,” he says. “And if there’s any condensation on the underside of the lid, it can get messy!” Now, he just places the lid against this stand to keep his workspace clean.
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 8.31 x 6.69 x .79 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
What Our Experts Say
“The iPstyle Spoon and Lid Rest Stand not only has space for multiple cooking tools, but it also has a vertical handle to rest lids against. Plus, it doesn’t take up a lot of counter space, and it’s stainless steel, so it’s easy to clean.” — Don Baiocchi, food blogger and recipe developer of Paleo Gluten Free Guy
Best Stainless Steel
OXO Good Grips Non-Slip Spoon Rest
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- Lightweight and compact
- Silicone feet for a good grip
- Dishwasher-safe
- Stainless steel is vulnerable to scratches
At a glance, this spoon rest is all shining stainless steel. It looks great, matches all your stainless steel cookware and appliances, and has a clean modern feel. Flip it over and you’ll notice a well-designed silicone base with feet that provides an extra set of benefits. For one, it’s heat-resistant and remains cool to the touch. It also has a grippy feel and stays put on your counter—no slipping, sliding, or shifting as you move your spoon in and out of it.
The rectangular design is roomy enough to fit smaller and larger spatulas, whisks, tongs, and other common utensils. Turn it sideways, and it makes room for two large spoons to rest side by side as you multitask in the kitchen. The spoon rest is dishwasher-safe, though it also washes clean very easily with a bit of soap and water.
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 6 x 4.5 x 0.5 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Wooden
Kamenstein Acacia Wood Spoon Rest
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- Compact
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Rubber feet prevent sliding
- Pricey
- Not dishwasher-safe
Wood accents are welcome in kitchen design. This very stylish solid wood piece from Kamenstein blends well in a traditional or country kitchen. At the same time, it brings a touch of warmth to a more modern room. Most importantly, it functions well as a station for your cooking spoon while you’re working in the kitchen, keeping drips and splashes off your countertops and easing clean up when you’re through.
Its size is relatively compact at 4.75 by 3.6 inches, but that’s still plenty of room for most spoons. The bottom is fitted with rubber feet to hold the piece steady and prevent skitters and slides. Like all wood kitchenware, this spoon rest should be put in the dishwasher. Clean it by hand with soapy water, rinse well, and towel dry.
Material: Wood | Dimensions: 4.75 x 3.6 x .85 inches | Dishwasher Safe: No
Final Verdict
For a multi-functional utensil rest you’ll use every day, get the Zulay Silicone Utensil Rest with Drip Pad. For a spoon rest that’s both beautiful and functional, try the Kamenstein Acacia Wood Spoon Rest.
What to Look for in Spoon Rests
Design
Spoon rests are an important feature in the kitchen next to the stove, and the design and colors should fit with your look and style. There are modern and sleek ones and quirky ones with funny sayings that will make you smile. What is on the bottom of the spoon rest is important, too, as those nonslip feet or bases help keep your spoon rest right where you want it to be.
Material
Spoon rests are made from everything from stainless steel to marble to ceramic to wood. Select what you like, but while doing so, consider how well the material resists heat and cleans up.
Functionality
Are you good with the spoon rest holding one spoon, or do you need one that holds two or even three? Do you want one that holds the pan’s lid while you’re stirring? What about one that also can hold your tablet or phone so you can look at a recipe? These are available options that can help provide the best experience while cooking or baking in your kitchen.
FAQs
Do you really need a spoon rest?
Spoon rests are a handy item to have. They are the perfect spot to place the messy spoon that just stirred a pot of homemade spaghetti sauce. Whatever you’re cooking or baking, they are a great way to have mess-free countertops and stovetops, plus you’re not looking all over to find where you placed the spoon.
Can you use a spoon rest for other utensils?
A spoon rest is a perfect spot to place whatever utensil you are using, whether it be a wooden spoon, tongs, spatula, or whisk.
Are spoon rests dishwasher safe?
A majority of them are, but read the instructions for cleaning and caring for your spoon rest before throwing it in the dishwasher.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ease of use, material, or price—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
