Types Of Spoons: How To Use The 3 Most Common Spoons

Spoons come in various types, each designed for specific purposes. Here is a list of common types of spoons and some specialized spoons, and how to appropriately use them.

Who is types of spoons micro-class for?

If you are hosting, learn how to choose the most appropriate spoons for your menu and table setting. 

As a guest, knowing how to use the most common types of spoons helps you avoid any embarrassment and enjoy the dining experience.

Types of spoons etiquette micro-class

1) Common types of spoons

There are 3 common types of spoons that you are likely to find on a formal table setting. Use them according to the general rules of cutlery etiquette.

Dining spoon

Description: A standard, oval-shaped spoon with a shallow bowl.
Average Size: Typically 6 to 7 inches.
Use: Used for general eating purposes, including soups, cereals, and desserts.
How to Use: Hold the handle with your dominant hand and use it to scoop and convey food to your mouth.

Teaspoon

Description: A smaller spoon than the dining spoon with a narrower bowl.
Average Size: Approximately 5 to 6 inches.
Use: Primarily used for stirring and adding sugar or other condiments to tea or coffee. Also used for eating small portions of desserts.
How to Use: Hold the handle and stir beverages or use it to enjoy small bites of desserts.

Dessert spoon

Description: A slightly larger and deeper spoon than a teaspoon, often with a more ornate design.
Average Size: Around 6 to 7 inches.
Use: Used for eating desserts like puddings, custards, and ice cream.
How to Use: Hold the handle and use it to scoop and enjoy dessert with small, elegant bites.

2) Types of specialized spoons

There are several types of specialized spoons. Each one of them is dedicated to a specific food. To appropriately use any specialized spoons, follow the same guidelines for eating with regular spoons.

Specialized spoons are usually not placed on the dining table before the meal. Instead, they are presented when their course is served.

Soup spoon

Description: A round-bowled spoon with a deeper and wider bowl compared to a dining spoon.
Average Size: Typically 7 to 8 inches.
Use: Specifically designed for consuming soups, broths, and stews.
How to Use: Hold the handle and use it to scoop the liquid and ingredients from the bowl, sipping gently without noise.

Coffee spoon

Description: Similar in size to a teaspoon but may have a more slender and elongated shape.
Average Size: About 5 to 6 inches.
Use: Primarily used for stirring coffee and adding sugar or cream.
How to Use: Hold the handle and stir coffee, ensuring the spoon is not left in the cup.

Fruit spoon

Description: A small, often serrated spoon with a pointed tip.
Average Size: Typically 5 to 6 inches.
Use: Used for scooping out the flesh of fruits, particularly those with soft interiors like melons and kiwis.
How to Use: Hold the handle and carefully scoop the fruit’s flesh, avoiding the skin.

Caviar spoon

Description: A small, often ornate spoon made of non-reactive materials like mother-of-pearl or bone.
Average Size: Very small, usually around 3 to 4 inches.
Use: Specifically designed for serving caviar to avoid altering its taste.
How to Use: Hold the handle delicately and scoop a small amount of caviar, then enjoy it without chewing too vigorously to savor the delicate flavor.

Long ice cream spoon

Description: A spoon with a long handle and a deeper, wider bowl compared to standard dining spoons. The length of the handle allows you to reach the bottom of deep ice cream cups.
Use: Designed specifically for eating ice cream, especially from deep containers.
How to Use: Hold the long handle and use it to reach deep into the ice cream cup or dish. Scoop up the ice cream with ease.

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