Top 10 Best Bench Scrapers in 2021 (Norpro, Rachael Ray, and More)

Bench scrapers are not just used for their namesake purpose of removing excess dough from the work surface or mixing dough. You can also use them to gently lift dough from the surface without tearing.

You can cut and proportion your rolled dough quickly and precisely, especially with one with measurements. A sharper-edged metal scraper can chop ingredients for cooking or baking. Turn it on its side, and you can also use it to crush ingredients.

It can handle more delicate tasks, too. A scraper can be used to trim pastry edges effortlessly or smooth icing on cakes. 

Look no further for Amazon's bestselling bench scrapers of all shapes, materials, and features. You can even find a set if you're looking for kitchen tools that can handle any dough scraping task. 

They might look like straightforward kitchen tools, but there are a few considerations to remember when picking out a bench scraper to ensure the most stress-free experience. The buying guide below will go into detail regarding the material, shape, size, and features of a bench scraper. 

While there are typically only two materials used for the blade of a bench or pastry scraper, you get more variety when also considering the handle material. The materials used for the handle and the blade affect the overall user experience.

Bench scraper bodies or blades can be made from either metal or polypropylene plastic. The choice is heavily reliant on preference, work surface material, and the ingredients being handled. For example, metal is great for wooden work surfaces but may scratch stone countertops or delicate silicone mats, especially if it has sharp edges. 

Meanwhile, a plastic body is known to be very flexible, something which a metal one has difficulty achieving. You can really feel the control when working with a plastic scraper.

Thanks to the straight and rigid edge of a metal scraper, you can easily cut vertically on rolled dough. However, scraping or scooping leftovers on a mixing bowl will be challenging to do with a metal body. This is where the plastic one shines.

It’s all about the ergonomics when it comes to picking a bench scraper handle. These could be made of wood, rubber or silicone, or metal with a flat or round edge.

We recommend a rolled rubber or silicone handle for those who have difficulty gripping tools or have arthritis, due to its non-slip and easy-grip texture.

You can also find handles made with wood, which is sturdy and offers a good grip. Wood doesn’t become as slippery as rubber when dealing with wet ingredients. On the downside, it's prone to cracking or decay.

For heavy-duty use, a handle that merges as one into the scraper would ensure it doesn’t break or detach. There are scrapers made of stainless steel that seamlessly extends to a rolled metal handle. These are perfect for industrial use as they are rust-resistant.

You can also find bench scrapers with no handle that are more of a flattened piece of plastic. These offer you optimal flexibility, which is a well-loved feature among professional bakers. What’s more, a one-piece scraper limits the chances of dough, water, or debris getting stuck on the handle or in between the crevices.

Most bench scrapers are about six inches long and three to four inches in height. From there, the size can go larger or smaller. Your decision depends on the frequency of use and the amount of dough or ingredients being manipulated.

Do take note that a larger bench scraper can be more challenging to use. Meanwhile, scraping large amounts of dough will require extra time with a smaller-sized scraper.

In addition to the size, the blade's sharpness or width will determine its effectiveness on the bench. One with a beveled or sharp edge makes it easy to grab remaining scraps on the work surface. Furthermore, a sharp edge allows you to portion dough effortlessly and even chop ingredients. 

One thing to remember with a sharper metal bench scraper is safety during use as the edges could scratch hands and kitchenware.

As for the width, a thinner blade means increased flexibility. However, if you are looking for rigidity when working with stiffer dough, then one that isn't too thin is recommended. Most bench scrapers are about two or three millimeters thick and can go as thin as one millimeter at the beveled edge. 

Reading through reviews can give you an idea if the blade is too thick or thin, or too flexible or rigid for a particular use.

If you’re looking at a bench scraper that could do more, perhaps get one with imprinted measurement markings or get a set. These make your experience with bench scrapers much more efficient and convenient.

You can find scrapers with markings in centimeters or inches etched on the edge. This doubles as a ruler to help you cut or portion dough. Some models use the extra space on the blade to print a conversion table with weight and volume measurements. You can save time researching or calculating with these added features.

A bench scraper set will often come in the matching material but with varying edge shapes for scraping and scooping. Or one may come with a mix of metal and plastic scrapers. With this, you can conveniently engage in all the kitchen tasks a bench scraper can do.

When choosing a set, consider their storage. Can each piece can be nestled into one another or do they have a loop for easy hanging or organization?

Getting ready to do some baking for the holidays? Or do you just love making comfort food during the long, cold days of winter? Here a few more kitchen tools that could make certain tasks much more efficient and easy. 

Those who've tried a bench scraper often share they couldn't imagine why they didn't get one earlier. It truly is a versatile kitchen tool that quickly becomes a favorite. It won't take long before you, too, will grab a bench scraper first before getting started on a recipe. 

Author: Hana Otsuka

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If you want something a bit more heavy-duty to help with your baking, why not choose a good food processor? They can easily make sauces, pastes, soups, and more to go along with your creations. Here's a reliable one recommended by Amy of The Veggie Palette!