How to Choose the Right Skewers for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best skewers

Overview

A skewer is a simple yet versatile cooking tool that can be used in a variety of ways. Skewers can be used for grilling, broiling, baking, and more. This buying guide will provide information on the different types of skewers available, the materials used to make them, and the features to look for when selecting the best type of skewer for your needs. Additionally, this guide will explain the advantages and disadvantages of using different types of skewers, as well as provide tips on how to properly care for and use them. Read on to learn more about buying skewers.

Key features

  1. Material - Skewers are typically made of wood, bamboo, metal, or plastic. Wood and bamboo skewers are usually the most inexpensive, while metal skewers are more durable but cost more. Plastic skewers are perfect for cooking in the oven, as they won't burn.
  2. Length - Skewers come in a variety of lengths, from 6 inches to 24 inches. Shorter skewers work best for smaller items, while longer skewers are better for larger items.
  3. Shape - Skewers come in flat or round shapes, as well as a variety of other shapes. Flat skewers are better for grilling, while round skewers are better for kabobs, as the food won't fall off as easily.
  4. Handle - Some skewers have handles for easier handling, while others do not. Handles can be useful for larger items, as they provide better control.
  5. Dishwasher Safe - If you plan to use your skewers frequently, you may want to look for ones that are dishwasher safe for easier cleanup.

See the most popular skewers on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Versatility - Skewers can be used to prepare many different types of food, from vegetables and fruits to meats and seafood.
  • Ease of Use - Cooks of all skill levels can easily use skewers to cook food quickly and efficiently.
  • Portability - Skewers are small and lightweight, making them easy to transport and store.
  • Safety - Skewers are made with materials that are safe to use with food and won't contaminate it.
  • Cost-Effectiveness - Skewers are generally inexpensive and can be reused multiple times.

Cons

  • Sharp Points - Skewers have sharp points at each end which could be a hazard, especially when serving food to children.
  • Heat-Conducting Material - Depending on the material, skewers may heat up quickly and become too hot to handle.
  • Time Required for Cleaning - Skewers can take a significant amount of time to clean as food often gets stuck in the small crevices.
  • Durability - Skewers can easily break due to their thin design and may need to be replaced frequently.
  • Difficulty of Use - Depending on the size and shape of the skewer, food items may slide off easily or require a lot of time to thread.

Best alternatives

  1. Grilling Fork - Long handled fork that allows you to easily turn and move food on the grill without damaging the food.
  2. Grilling Tongs - Long handled tongs that allow you to grasp and turn food on the grill without damaging the food.
  3. Grill Basket - Wire basket that holds food while grilling, can be flipped over to turn food without damaging it.
  4. Kabob Skewers - Long metal skewers that can hold food for grilling, allowing for even cooking and easy turning.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Skewer - A skewer is a long metal or wooden stick used to hold food together, such as on a kebab or shish kabob.
  • Grill/Grill Accessories - Grill accessories such as a roasting tray or a rotisserie can be used to cook a variety of skewers on a barbecue.
  • Bamboo Skewers - Bamboo skewers are typically thinner than metal skewers and are used to hold smaller pieces of food together.
  • Grill Basket/Grill Tray - A grill basket or tray can be used to keep smaller pieces of food from falling off the skewer while cooking.
  • Skewer Holders - These holders are typically designed to fit a variety of skewers and are used to hold the skewer in place when cooking.
  • Marinade Brush - A marinade brush is used to apply marinades and sauces to items on the skewer.

Common questions

  1. What types of skewers are available? Skewers are typically made from either metal, bamboo, or wood. Metal skewers are often used for grilling and roasting, while bamboo and wood skewers are preferred for skewering appetizers and snacks.
  2. What size of skewers should I buy? Skewers come in a variety of sizes, from short and narrow to long and wide. The size you need will depend on what type of food you are cooking and how large the pieces of food are.
  3. Do I need to soak wooden skewers? Yes, it is important to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. Soaking prevents the skewers from burning or scorching while you are cooking.
  4. Are metal skewers reusable? Yes, metal skewers are fairly sturdy and can be reused multiple times. Be sure to clean them thoroughly after each use to ensure they last for a long time.
  5. Are there any special features on skewers? Some skewers have features such as serrated edges to make it easier to cut and turn food while grilling and roasting. There are also some skewers that come with special handles to make them easier to handle when grilling or roasting.

Trivia

A fun fact about skewers is that they have actually been around since the Bronze Age. Skewers were used by ancient civilizations to roast meat over open fires. Skewers have also been used to prepare food for more than 3000 years! Skewers were made from animal bones, metal and even wood. Ancient Greeks are credited with creating the first metal skewers, which are still used today. Today, skewers are used in many different types of cuisines, from classic dishes to more modern recipes. Source: https://www.history.com/news/skewers-history-middle-east-ancient-greece.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.