A pot of mole can simmer for an hour or more, and someone has to keep stirring it so the bottom does not catch. Every time the spoon comes out, it needs somewhere to go. Set it on the counter and you get a dark ring of sauce; balance it across the pot and it slides in; lay it on a paper towel and the towel sticks to it. A spoon rest is the small, cheap answer, and in a busy kitchen it is one of the most used things on the stove.
Spoon rests come in more styles than you might expect: glazed ceramic and stoneware, silicone with several slots, and stainless steel. This guide compares seven of them on what matters at the stove: material, how many utensils they hold, size, heat resistance as the maker states it, and how easy they are to clean.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for in a spoon rest, the makers’ own specifications and the details on each Amazon listing.
Quick verdict: which spoon rest to buy
For most kitchens, the best spoon rest is the OXO Good Grips Non-Slip Spoon Rest: a single cradle on a heat-resistant silicone base that OXO says stays cool to the touch and steady on the counter. If you want a single ceramic rest that looks good by the stove, choose the Le Creuset Signature Stoneware Spoon Rest. For several utensils at once, the Zulay Kitchen Large Silicone Utensil Rest has four slots.
The table below compares our five standouts. All seven spoon rests are reviewed in full after it, followed by how to choose one and answers to common questions.
Five spoon rests compared
One pick for each kind of cook, with the material and capacity each maker or listing states.
| Spoon rest | Best for | Material | Holds | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OXO Good Grips Non-Slip Spoon Rest, 2-PackBest overall
|
A simple rest that stays put | Stainless steel, silicone base | One large spoon, or several sideways | View on Amazon |
| One spoon, a glaze that wipes clean | Glazed stoneware | One spoon | View on Amazon | |
Zulay Kitchen Large Silicone Utensil RestBest for several utensils
|
Cooking several dishes at once | Silicone | Four slots | View on Amazon |
Emile Henry Ceramic Spoon Rest, 9 x 4-InchBest for long spoons
|
Ladles and long wooden spoons | Ceramic, made in France | One long utensil | View on Amazon |
OGGI Stainless Steel Spoon Rest, 8.25-InchBest stainless
|
A long rest that will not break | Stainless steel | A spatula, large spoon or ladle | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Materials and capacities are as stated by each maker or listing. Few makers give a heat limit for a spoon rest, so “heat-resistant” below means the maker’s own wording.
Our picks for the best spoon rest
These seven spoon rests cover the main styles. Ceramic and stoneware rests are heavy, easy to wash and look good by the stove. Silicone rests grip the counter and can hold several tools. Stainless rests are slim and hard to break. Each pick says who it suits, what the maker states, and one honest reason to skip it.
1. OXO Good Grips Non-Slip Spoon Rest, 2-Pack – Stays Put, Stays Cool
OXO’s spoon rest is a single stainless steel cradle on a heat-resistant silicone base, sold here as a pack of two, so you can keep one by the stove and one by the grill or prep counter. OXO says the base helps the rest stay cool to the touch, the non-slip construction keeps it steady, and the silicone feet will not scratch your counter or stovetop.
It is sized for larger cooking utensils, so a big wooden spoon or a silicone spatula fits. A neat detail: you can turn it sideways to rest several utensils across it at once, which makes it more flexible than a plain ceramic oval.
The listing gives the size as 6 x 4.5 and says the rests are dishwasher safe, but it gives no heat limit. For a compact rest that will not skate around when you drop a spoon into it, it is a solid, low-cost choice.
Why we like it
- Heat-resistant silicone base stays cool
- Non-slip and scratch-free
- Sized for large spoons
- Turn it sideways for several utensils
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated (2-pack listing; single rest is 13245300) |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel rest, silicone base (listing) |
| Utensil slots | 1, or several when turned sideways |
| Dimensions | 6 x 4.5 (listing; units not given) |
| Heat-safe (stated) | Heat-resistant base; no temperature given |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes (listing) |
| Count | 2 |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who want a small, steady rest for one big spoon, with room for more in a pinch.
Skip it if you only want one rest; this listing is a pack of two.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Does not slide
- Will not scratch surfaces
- Flexible sideways use
Cons
- Sold as a pair only
- No heat limit stated
2. Le Creuset Signature Stoneware Spoon Rest, 6-Inch – Glaze That Wipes Clean
Le Creuset’s stoneware spoon rest is a single, deep oval in the same colors as its cookware, here in Flame orange. It is 6 inches long, a good size for a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula, and its weight keeps it steady when you drop a spoon into it.
The colorful glaze, Le Creuset says, is nonporous, non-reactive and resistant to chips, scratches and stains. That matters for a rest that will catch red chile sauce, achiote and tomato all week. The glaze is described as virtually nonstick, so dried drips wipe off, and the rest is safe for the dishwasher and for metal utensils.
The listing does not give a heat limit for the spoon rest itself. A 10-year warranty is stated. If you already cook in a Le Creuset Dutch oven, this is the natural partner for it.
Why we like it
- Nonporous glaze resists stains and scratches
- Dishwasher and metal-utensil safe
- Heavy enough to stay put
- 10-year warranty
Key specifications
| Model | PG7112-062 |
|---|---|
| Material | Glazed stoneware |
| Utensil slots | 1 |
| Dimensions | 6 in long |
| Heat-safe (stated) | Not stated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who use one main spoon and want a rest that cleans easily and looks good on the stove.
Skip it if you want to rest a ladle or several tools; a 6-inch oval holds one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stain-resistant glaze
- Many colors
- Long warranty
Cons
- Holds one utensil
- Stoneware can break if dropped
3. Zulay Kitchen Large Silicone Utensil Rest – Four Slots, Raised Edges
When a pot of rice, a pan of beans and a skillet of fajita vegetables are all going at once, you are juggling three or four tools. Zulay’s large silicone rest has four slots so each one has its own place, and it measures 8 by 6.95 by 1.5 inches, according to the listing, which fits spoons, spatulas, ladles, tongs, brushes and whisks.
Raised edges catch the drips of oil and sauce that would otherwise run onto the stove. Zulay says the food-grade silicone can sit near the stove without being affected by heat, though it gives no temperature. A non-slip base keeps it from sliding when you drop a tool into it.
When you are done, it goes in the dishwasher. Zulay backs it with a lifetime guarantee. Silicone will not chip or shatter, which makes it a good choice for a crowded counter.
Why we like it
- Four slots keep tools apart
- Raised edges catch drips
- Non-slip base
- Dishwasher safe; lifetime guarantee
Key specifications
| Model | Z-SLC-RST-XL-GRY |
|---|---|
| Material | Food-grade silicone |
| Utensil slots | 4 |
| Dimensions | 8 x 6.95 x 1.5 in |
| Heat-safe (stated) | Heat-resistant; no temperature given |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who make full meals with several pots at once and want every tool in its own slot.
Skip it if counter space is tight; at 8 inches wide it takes a fair bit of room.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Room for four tools
- Unbreakable silicone
- Stays in place
Cons
- No stated heat limit
- Silicone can pick up lint and dust
4. Emile Henry Ceramic Spoon Rest, 9 x 4-Inch – Long Enough for a Ladle
Emile Henry is a French maker of ceramic cookware and bakeware, and this spoon rest is made in France, according to the listing. At 9 by 4 inches it is longer than most ceramic rests, so the bowl of a ladle or a long wooden spoon sits in it while the handle stays clear of the counter.
The curved shape catches drips and cooking juices. Emile Henry describes the ceramic as heat-resistant and durable, the surface as scratch-proof and safe for metal utensils, and the rest as stain-proof, odor-free and dishwasher safe. This version is in the Clay color.
No temperature limit is stated for the rest. If you stir a big pot of pozole or menudo with a long-handled spoon or ladle, the extra length is what you are paying for.
Why we like it
- 9-inch length suits ladles and long spoons
- Curved shape catches drips
- Scratch-proof, stain-proof surface
- Made in France; dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | EH020263 |
|---|---|
| Material | Ceramic |
| Utensil slots | 1 (long) |
| Dimensions | 9 x 4 in |
| Heat-safe (stated) | Heat-resistant; no temperature given |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who make big pots of soup, stew or beans and stir with long-handled tools.
Skip it if you want room for several utensils; it is shaped for one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Longer than most ceramic rests
- Easy to clean
- Made in France
Cons
- Holds one utensil
- Ceramic can break if dropped
5. OGGI Stainless Steel Spoon Rest, 8.25-Inch – Long Handle Holds the Spoon
OGGI’s stainless spoon rest is a slim, unbreakable option with a long handle section that, the maker says, holds the utensil in place while it rests. At 8.25 by 4.5 inches it fits a spatula, a large spoon or a ladle.
Stainless steel will not chip or crack, and OGGI says it wipes clean with a damp cloth. That makes it a sensible rest for a crowded stove where a ceramic piece might get knocked to the floor. It also suits a coffee station, the listing notes.
The listing does not say whether it is dishwasher safe or give a heat limit, and the warranty is 90 days, limited. Stainless can show water spots, so dry it after washing if you want it to stay bright.
Why we like it
- Long handle holds the utensil in place
- Stainless steel will not chip or break
- Fits spatulas, large spoons and ladles
Key specifications
| Model | 7048 |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Utensil slots | 1 |
| Dimensions | 8.25 x 4.5 in |
| Heat-safe (stated) | Not stated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated (wipe clean) |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who want a long, unbreakable rest that matches stainless appliances.
Skip it if you want a warranty longer than 90 days.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Unbreakable
- Long enough for a ladle
- Slim profile
Cons
- Short warranty
- Dishwasher care not stated
6. vancasso Stern Square Ceramic Spoon Rest, 2-Pack – One for the Stove, One Spare
vancasso sells this square spoon rest as a set of two, which is handy: one by the stove, one by the coffee maker or on the table for serving spoons. Each is listed at 7 inches and made from high-fired porcelain with a reactive glaze that shifts in color, here in Kiln Green.
The maker says porcelain is strong and scratch-resistant and that its weight keeps the rest in place on the counter. It also says porcelain withstands high temperatures better than silicone or stainless steel, though it gives no figure. The smooth surface cleans easily by hand or in the dishwasher.
The square shape is a little flatter than a deep oval, so very runny sauces may reach the edge sooner. vancasso offers free replacements for defects.
Why we like it
- Two rests in one set
- High-fired porcelain
- Heavy enough to stay put
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | Square Spoon Holder Green |
|---|---|
| Material | High-fired porcelain, reactive glaze |
| Utensil slots | 1 per rest (2 rests) |
| Dimensions | 7 in |
| Heat-safe (stated) | “Withstands high temperatures”; no figure given |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who want a spare rest for the table or coffee bar as well as one for the stove.
Skip it if you want a deep well for thin sauces; the square shape is fairly shallow.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Set of two
- Easy to clean
- Attractive glaze
Cons
- Shallower than an oval rest
- Porcelain can break if dropped
7. Mikasa Italian Countryside Spoon Rest – Classic White Stoneware
Mikasa’s Italian Countryside is a long-running white dinnerware pattern with fluted bands and column-like detailing, and this spoon rest matches it. It is made from stoneware and is long enough for a big serving or cooking spoon; the listing title calls it 9-inch while the description says it is 10 inches long.
Mikasa suggests using it on the stove, counter and table to keep utensils from making a mess, and the listing says it is dishwasher safe. The white glaze makes it easy to see when it needs a rinse.
No heat limit is stated. White stoneware will show turmeric, achiote and red chile stains if they sit too long, so rinse it at the end of the day. If you already own the dinnerware pattern, it is an easy match.
Why we like it
- Long enough for big spoons
- Stoneware, dishwasher safe
- Matches a classic dinnerware line
Key specifications
| Model | 5085648 |
|---|---|
| Material | Stoneware |
| Utensil slots | 1 |
| Dimensions | 9 in (title); 10 in long (description) |
| Heat-safe (stated) | Not stated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who want a long, classic white rest that can go from stove to table.
Skip it if you cook a lot with staining sauces and do not want to scrub a white surface.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Long cradle
- Dishwasher safe
- Works at the table too
Cons
- Listing gives two lengths
- White shows stains
Ceramic, silicone or stainless: the best type of spoon rest
Ceramic and stoneware rests are heavy, so they stay put, and a good glaze wipes clean and survives the dishwasher. They suit one main spoon and look good left out by the stove. The trade-off is that they can chip or break if dropped.
Silicone rests grip the counter, will not break and often have several slots. They are the most practical when you are working several pots at once. Choose one with raised edges so drips stay inside.
Stainless steel rests are slim, unbreakable and easy to wipe.
Whichever type you pick, match it to your tools. Wooden spoons and silicone spatulas, covered in our guides to the best wooden spoons and the best silicone spatula, both fit a standard rest; a ladle needs a longer one.
How to choose a spoon rest for your stove
Capacity. If you cook one pot at a time, a single cradle is enough. If you make a full meal of rice, beans and a main at once, choose a multi-slot rest or a large tray.
Length. Measure your longest spoon or ladle. A 6-inch rest suits a standard spoon; ladles and long wooden spoons need 8 to 10 inches.
Depth and edges. A deep well or raised edge keeps thin sauces and broths from running off the rest and onto the stove.
Stability. A heavy ceramic piece or a silicone base will not slide when you drop a spoon into it. Light stainless rests rely on feet or a long handle for balance.
Heat. Spoon rests sit close to burners, but few makers give a temperature limit. Keep any rest off a lit burner, and choose silicone feet or a heavy ceramic if it will sit right beside the flame.
Cleaning. Dishwasher-safe rests are easiest. Glazed stoneware resists stains better than plain silicone, which can hold onto color and lint.
How we chose these spoon rests
We started from how a busy stove actually works: a long-simmering pot of mole or beans, a pan of rice, a skillet of vegetables, and a handful of spoons, spatulas and ladles moving between them. We then looked for ceramic, silicone and stainless spoon rests sold on Amazon in the United States from identifiable makers, and checked each one’s stock with Amazon’s product data before writing. Materials, sizes, slots, heat wording and care come from each maker’s listing; where a listing does not state something, we say “not stated”. We left out rests that were nearly sold out when we checked, including a Norpro stainless rest and Lodge’s cast iron mini skillet rest, and a TableCraft double rest whose listing gives two different sets of dimensions. We did not find a standalone Joseph Joseph or Staub spoon rest in stock; Joseph Joseph instead sells some spoons with a built-in rest. We did not use these spoon rests for this guide, and we have not cited published equipment reviews from America’s Test Kitchen or Wirecutter, because we did not read them for this page.
Spoon rest questions, answered
What is the best type of spoon rest?
For one spoon, a glazed ceramic or stoneware rest is heavy, easy to clean and good-looking. For several utensils, a silicone multi-slot rest is more practical.
What is the best spoon rest for a busy kitchen?
One that holds several tools, such as the four-slot Zulay silicone rest.
Can a spoon rest go on the stovetop?
It can sit on the stovetop next to the burners, which is where most cooks keep one, but never on a lit burner. Few makers state a heat limit, so treat “heat-resistant” as protection from a hot spoon, not from direct flame.
Are silicone spoon rests heat safe?
Makers describe them as heat-resistant, and silicone handles a hot spoon or ladle well. The Zulay and OXO rests here do not give a temperature, so keep them away from open flames.
How do I clean a spoon rest?
Most ceramic, stoneware and silicone rests here are dishwasher safe. Rinse it at the end of cooking so chile sauce or turmeric does not dry onto it, and wipe stainless with a damp cloth.
Our pick for a cleaner stovetop
Buy the OXO Good Grips Non-Slip Spoon Rest 2-pack if you want a steady rest that stays put. Choose the Le Creuset stoneware rest for a single, easy-to-clean ceramic piece, the Zulay silicone rest for four tools at once, the Emile Henry rest for ladles and long spoons, and the OGGI rest for something unbreakable.
A spoon rest earns its keep during long simmers. For the pot itself, see our guide to the best Dutch oven, and for the dish that keeps a spoon busy longest, read what mole is. When a sauce needs to be silky, the best fine mesh strainer finishes the job, and our pepper mill reviews cover the seasoning.
And if you would rather leave the stirring to someone else tonight, see the menu or call to order.