One of our favorite tools here at the Chopping Block is the Bench Scraper. We try to work it into just about every class we teach, and its really fun to see how much of a revelation such a simple tool can be for folks who've never encountered one before.
It's fairly easy not to come across a bench scraper (sometimes called 'dough scraper' or 'dough cutter') if you're not a baker. Bench scrapers are traditionally a tool used by pastry chefs and bakers to cut and shape dough. It also serves as clean-up tool for scraping clingy bits of food off of a cutting board or counter. It might seem based on just that description that bench scrapers are a somewhat esoteric tool-- but based on our experiences here at The Chopping Block it's amazing how often they become 'must have' tool for home cooks.
I like when kitchen tools are able to extend natural actions, and in some way make them easier or safer. For example, something that many of us do when we are cutting is to scrape what we've just finished cutting off of the board with our knife and transfer it to the pot or pan. The bench scrapers allow you to still perform that action but thanks to its larger surface area it can transfer more in one trip. Because they are designed to cut dough, they don't have a sharp edge, which eliminates the risk of accidental knicks or worse.
Additionally, bench scrapers are versatile beyond the realm of baking. You can use them to chop vegetables efficiently, gather and transfer chopped ingredients, or even clean your workspace swiftly. The wide range of applications makes it a valuable tool in any kitchen.
Stop by either of our locations to try out a bench scraper yourself. It's a great addition to your kitchen for just six bucks.
