Any professional baker knows that the wide, flat blade of a bench scraper, with its heavy, easy-to-grip handle and deeply beveled edge, is indispensable for dividing dough or cleaning stuck-on flour from the “bench,” or counter. But this inexpensive tool has other handy uses that make it a must-have tool in any kitchen.
Equipment
How to Use a Bench Scraper Like the Pros
A bench scraper is an inexpensive—and indispensable—tool in the kitchen in more ways than you’d think.
By Andrew JanjigianPublished Oct. 3, 2018.
Scoop Up Piles
Push ingredients on your cutting board into piles and scoop them from the counter with the blade.
Cube Butter
Halve a stick of butter lengthwise, roll it one turn, then halve it again. Then slice four cubes at a time.
Make Dough Logs
Move the scraper along the length of the dough to create smooth, even cylinders.
Portion Bar Cookies
Push down on the blade to make a series of straight cuts.
Smooth Frosting
Hold the scraper at a 90-degree angle against the frosting while slowly rotating a turntable or plate.
Measure Dry Ingredients
Dip a measuring cup into a container of flour, sugar, or other dry ingredient and level it with the scraper.
Buy the Best Bench Scraper on the Market
Equipment Review
Bench Scrapers
The deeply beveled edge of this scraper cuts through pizza and bread dough quickly and scrapes the work surface effectively. The textured polypropylene handle is easy to hold on to, even with greasy or floury hands, and is thinner than other scrapers’ handles, helping us hold it flat to the work surface for easier, more effective scooping and scraping.Read Our Review
Make These Recipes with the Help of a Bench Scraper
Millionaire's Shortbread
Britain’s triple-decker combo of buttery cookie, sweet caramel, and dark chocolate makes a perfect holiday gift. But only if every layer is flawless.Get the Recipe
Ultranutty Pecan Bars
By banishing the custard filling in favor of a topping that emphasizes the pecan’s nutty richness, we made this bar cookie simpler, too.Get the Recipe
Congo Bars
Had a chewy, full-flavored blondie lately? Or one with coconut like this variation? No? Well, neither had we.Get the Recipe
Gingerbread Layer Cake
Leave gingerbread people to the kids. The best vehicle for seriously sophisticated flavor is a tender, moist showstopper cake.Get the Recipe
