Topic: Measuring Spoons

[Malc.]

Some of you may remember the debate we had a couple of years ago on the physical measurement of a spoon versus measuring spoons.  It went to some length but we all agreed that for the sake of the recipes on here, we would all use the now standard measurement, that is found on a normal measuring spoon this being:

1 tsp  = 5ml
1 dsp = 10ml
1 tbls = 15ml

Despite this I still continued to employ my usual method which was to use a rounded measure of a regular teaspoon or tablespoon. A little while back though, my wife picked up some plastic measuring spoons from a supermarket and I have started using them instead, for convenience. It wasn't until yesterday however, that I noticed what the spoons had written on them as metric volumes, which baffled me:

1 tsp     = 4ml
1/2 tbls = 7ml
1 tbls    = 15ml

Not having a dessert spoon measure is not the end of the world but I cant measure that with 2 teaspoons as that would only be 8ml!

Those that followed the original topic may chuckle at this. 

[Peripatetic Phil]

Some of you may remember the debate we had a couple of years ago on the physical measurement of a spoon versus measuring spoons.  It went to some length but we all agreed that for the sake of the recipes on here, we would all use the now standard measurement, that is found on a normal measuring spoon this being:

1 tsp  = 5ml
1 dsp = 10ml
1 tbls = 15ml

Was there any agreement, do you recall, as to the size of a chef's spoon ?  I ask because I was watching H4ppy Chris's "Chicken Madras" video recently, and noticed that 05:56 Chris speak's of "a good tablesoon" while measuring using his chef's spoon, and I estimated that the chef's spoon was about 1/3 full (he added a little more subsequently) -- would this agree with your own analysis of the size of a chef's spoon ?

** Phil.

[976bar]

A Chef's spoon is 2 tbsp 30ml

[martinvic]

A Chef's spoon is 3 tbsp 45/50ml 




Think we have been through this before, all 3 of mine are 50ml when filled with water and poured into a measuring jug to test.

I think we have to be careful because these Serving (Chef's) spoons do vary a lot.

Didn't people initially have trouble with C2G's recipes because of this.

Martin

[976bar]

A Chef's spoon is 3 tbsp 45/50ml 




Think we have been through this before, all 3 of mine are 50ml when filled with water and poured into a measuring jug to test.

I think we have to be careful because these Serving (Chef's) spoons do vary a lot.

Didn't people initially have trouble with C2G's recipes because of this.

Martin

LOL, your absolutely right!! What was I thinking? 

[Malc.]

would this agree with your own analysis of the size of a chef's spoon ?

It really does depend on the size of the spoon Phil. I have always understood a rounded measure of a chef spoon to be 4 tablespoons. At least that is what the head chef at the IG suggested it was.

I know from looking at several catering sites, wholesalers and the like, that chef's spoons do vary in shape and size. But I would disagree with Martin who mentions the chef's spoon being a serving spoon. The serving spoons I have are much larger.

As for estimating the quantity of what you see on a video, well it will always be an endless task I feel. Only recently Ali said to me that it would be impossible to measure the quantities that his brother uses. More so because its always a frantic dip and tap around the spices bins. I said i'd follow him round placing a layer of foil or paper inbetween each tap to see if it were possible to measure, I didn't get the job lol.  ;D

[martinvic]

But I would disagree with Martin who mentions the chef's spoon being a serving spoon. The serving spoons I have are much larger.

Hi Axe
Sorry got to slightly disagree back, but from my past extensive searches for a 'Chef's' Spoon, I finally came to the conclusion that there is actually no such thing (in name).
All the catering sites I've searched on, and bought from, call them, in all there incarnations and sizes, serving spoons.

Would be very happy to be put right on this though.

Martin

[Malc.]

Hi Martin, I think your probably right in that they all get bundled into a section called serving spoons and that a 'chef's spoon' is a nonentity.


Frustratingly, I did come across a site last week, that had 'cooking spoons' as well as serving spoons, but for the life of me I can't remember what site it was.


But in all fairness, it doesn't really matter. 

[chewytikka]

Hi Malc
I have a draw full of serving spoons, all slightly different measures but only one actual BIR catering Chef's spoon,
which is a heavy hand made in India, steel weapon and is guaranteed to give your wrist a bad case of RSI over time.
16 inch long and twice the weight of a average serving spoon and cuts through the meat like a knife.
It measures 2 Tbs or 30ml liquid and the same with Salt, but quite a bit more if your digging into spice powders.

GenWare are a popular brand in the BIR catering kit, Crosbys supply most of the Restaurants I know around here.
http://www.crosbys.co.uk/back-of-house-c2/chefs-utensils-c7/genware-stainless-steel-serving-spoons-pp159

I would really like a long handled basting spoon with a half size bowl, about 15/20ml. Been trying to source one
for ages with no luck. Got the idea from a wooden one I use, but It's nearly had It's day.
Anybody know a handy Blacksmith

cheers Chewy

[Peripatetic Phil]

Got the idea from a wooden one I use, but It's nearly had It's day.  Anybody know a handy Blacksmith

Yes, but he doesn't repair wooden spoons
** Phil.