The Olive Spoon Guide: How to Choose the Right One (and Why It Actually Matters)
Eliza Allen You're hosting a dinner party. The olives are out. Someone reaches into the jar with a regular spoon — and half the brine ends up on the table.
Sound familiar?
It's a small thing. But it's exactly the kind of detail that separates a well-equipped kitchen from a frustrating one. An olive spoon solves this problem elegantly. Yet most people either don't own one or don't know what to look for when buying one.
This guide changes that.
What Is an Olive Spoon and Why Do You Need One?
An olive spoon is a long-handled serving spoon with holes or slots in the bowl. Those perforations do one job brilliantly: they let liquid drain away while you scoop.
That means no brine on your tablecloth. No messy serving. Just clean, easy scooping every time.
But olive spoons aren't just for olives. They work equally well for:
- Capers and pickles
- Cocktail cherries
- Preserved vegetables
- Poached fruits
- Any food stored or served in liquid
If you cook or entertain regularly, this tool earns its place in the drawer quickly.
Olive Spoon with Holes vs. Slotted Spoon: What's the Difference?
People often confuse olive spoons with standard slotted spoons. They're related but not identical.
Slotted spoons are wider, shallower, and designed for draining larger items — think boiled vegetables or poached eggs. They're a general kitchen tool.
Olive spoons with holes are narrower and deeper. The smaller bowl shape is designed specifically to cradle small round items like olives without them rolling off. The holes are often smaller too, preventing olives from slipping through.
Which Should You Buy?
If you entertain often or love Mediterranean-style food, invest in a dedicated olive spoon. For general kitchen use, a slotted spoon covers more ground. Many home cooks eventually own both.
What to Look for When Buying an Olive Spoon in the UK
The UK market has no shortage of kitchenware. But quality varies enormously. Here's what actually matters:
1. Material
Stainless steel is the gold standard. It doesn't rust, doesn't absorb odours, and holds up to brine and acidic liquids without degrading. Look for 18/10 stainless steel — that's the grade used in professional kitchens.
Avoid chrome-plated or low-grade alloys. They look similar but corrode far faster.
2. Handle Length
A longer handle keeps your hand away from the liquid. For deep jars or bowls, aim for at least 20–25 cm. For serving at the table, a slightly shorter handle feels more elegant.
3. Hole Size and Pattern
This is often overlooked. Holes that are too large will let smaller olives slip through. Holes that are too small won't drain fast enough. A well-designed olive strainer spoon balances both — draining brine quickly while holding olives securely.
4. Weight and Balance
Pick it up (or read reviews carefully). A good spoon should feel balanced in the hand — not too heavy at the bowl end, not too light overall. Flimsy spoons bend with use. Solid ones last decades.
5. Dishwasher Safe
If you're buying for regular use, check that it's dishwasher safe. Most stainless steel options are, but always verify.
Where to Shop for Olive Spoons in the UK
There are plenty of places to browse cake accessories, cutlery, and serving tools online — but finding genuinely high-quality pieces takes a bit more research.
For those specifically looking for premium stainless steel options, browsing a dedicated olive spoon collection from a specialist retailer is a smarter move than picking one off a generic marketplace. Specialist stores tend to carry better materials and more considered designs.
Inox Artisans, for example, focuses specifically on stainless steel kitchenware and serving accessories — which means their olive spoons are made to the kind of standard that actually holds up in regular use, not just occasional display.
How to Care for Your Olive Spoon
Even the best stainless steel needs basic care to last.
- Rinse after use if the spoon has been sitting in brine for a while. Prolonged exposure to salt can dull the finish over time.
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers on polished finishes — a soft sponge does the job without scratching.
- Dry thoroughly before storing if you're hand washing.
- Store separately from other cutlery if possible, to avoid scratching.
Follow these steps and a quality stainless steel spoon will last you 10, 20, even 30 years without issue.
Tips for Serving Olives Like a Pro
While we're here — a few serving tips that make a real difference:
- Serve at room temperature. Cold olives straight from the fridge have less flavour. Give them 20 minutes out first.
- Use a small, deep bowl. It keeps the olives contained and makes scooping easier.
- Provide a small dish for pits. It's a small detail guests always appreciate.
- Pair with the right accompaniments. Good olives belong alongside good bread, cheese, and a decent olive oil for dipping.
The spoon is just the start. Presentation matters too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an olive spoon used for? An olive spoon is designed to scoop olives and similar small foods out of brine or liquid without making a mess. The holes in the bowl drain liquid while retaining the food.
Q: Can I use an olive spoon for other foods? Absolutely. They work well for capers, cocktail cherries, pickles, preserved vegetables, or anything stored in liquid. It's a versatile serving tool.
Q: What's the best material for an olive spoon in the UK? Stainless steel — particularly 18/10 grade — is the best choice. It's durable, rust-resistant, and safe for acidic foods like brine.
Q: How is an olive strainer spoon different from a regular slotted spoon? An olive strainer spoon has a smaller, deeper bowl designed to hold small round items. A regular slotted spoon is wider and shallower, better suited to larger foods.
Q: Are olive spoons dishwasher safe? Most stainless steel olive spoons are dishwasher safe, but check the product details to confirm. Hand washing and thorough drying will extend the finish's life.
Q: Where can I buy a quality olive spoon in the UK? Specialist kitchenware retailers are the best option for quality pieces. Look for stainless steel options from dedicated cutlery or serving accessories stores rather than generic marketplaces.
Q: How long should a good olive spoon last? With basic care, a quality stainless steel olive spoon should last decades. Rust-resistant grades hold up well even with regular exposure to brine and acidic liquids.
Final Thoughts
An olive spoon is a small investment with a surprisingly large payoff — cleaner serving, less mess, and a more polished kitchen experience overall.
Whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for a thoughtful gift for someone who loves cooking and entertaining, it's worth buying once and buying well.
Browse a quality selection of stainless steel olive spoons and serving accessories at Inox Artisans — and get it right the first time.
