What is a spatula used for?

A spatula is used to flip food, or to mix or spread food. Despite having two very distinct designs, they are both called spatulas.

Spatulas are versatile kitchen tools that are essential to being a successful cook. A spatula with a wide, thin blade at the end and a handle bent upwards is used to flip or turn food, such as hamburgers on the grill.

Spatulas that boast a long handle with a short, soft blade tend to work best to mix or spread food. These spatulas work well to spread mayonnaise across bread, whip together soft cheeses, or to mix together cake batter.