A good grill spatula is integral to your grilling, as it’s an extension of you arm and your cooking technique. A spatula that will easily handle fish, meat, poultry, and even pizza does not have to be expensive, but you have to know what features to look for.

1. A Long Handle and a Long Blade
You can’t use a traditional kitchen spatula for a grilling utensil, because both the handle and the blade are too short. A long handle keeps your hands from getting burned. A long blade expands your turning capability for larger foods.

2. A Thin Blade
Most BBQ spatulas are designed for eyewash, not utility. A hearty, thick squarish blade may look good, but it’s exactly the opposite of what works on a grill. A thin blade allows you to gently slide your spatula between the grill plate and the food to ensure it’s not sticking. A thin blade is less likely to tear flakey meats like fish. It has a little flex to it, allowing you to work your spatula with the precision of a surgeon.

Some reviewers have complained that this spatula is too flexible. I disagree for two reasons. One, you can’t have it both ways. Either you use a thicker blade and lose the capability to deftly work your spatula between the grill and the food, or you limit your weight capability slightly with a flexible blade. If the blade flexes too much for your liking, then it’s probably a good time to switch to tongs, like these. You don’t need anything fancy–these tongs are what I’ve used for years.

3. A Wood Handle
A wood handle not only looks and feels good; it insulates the grill heat from your hands. A plastic handle will get hot and may eventually melt, and a stainless steel handle may conduct heat. Wood is the best material.

I’ve found a terrific grill spatula that 1) meets all the above criteria, and 2) costs around $12. I seriously love this utensil, and strongly recommend you pick one up now. The quality is good, and the price is unbelievably low for the product. You get a full 21″ long, commercial grade, stainless steel thin blade spatula with a riveted wood handle for around $12.

Get more details and see the reviews on this 21″ long spatula

My only negative is there’s no hanging hook in the handle, but grill spatulas engineered for speed rarely have them . I simply drilled a small hole in the handle, and tied a loop with a leather shoelace I picked up from a fabric store for $.39.