The spurtle is a 15th century Scottish kitchen tool, useful for all manner of fine stirring and flipping. From the description on Wikipedia, my spurtle — a wooden, spatula-like utensil — must be more like the original style, useful for flipping griddle cakes. At some point, most spurtles changed shape, becoming more rod-like and primarily used for stirring porridge and soup.
A local friend gave me my spurtle. She’s used one for many, many years, and claims it is her favorite kitchen tool. After all her years with one, she knew the basic shape and length that worked best. So she asked a local woodcarver to make her a bunch. She designed them and he made them in a lovely red wood (that’s not stain). I was touched to receive one and I think it is fabulous.
I have found my spurtle incredibly handy for: scraping down the sides of the sourdough starter bowl; stirring in flour and water for the starter’s feeding; flipping crepes; scraping batter into baking pans; and more. This super-quick 48-second video shows you some of what I do with my spurtle. (Enjoy this extra free weekly video!)
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Lisa mentioned (on Facebook), that she uses her spurtle for:
“…to incorporate my flour when feeding my sourdough and when mixing oatmeal. And I use it to mix my rice at the end of cooking to incorporate the water.”
Purchase a Handmade Spurtle from Sutherlin, Oregon
Update to this post. As there’s been so much interest in locating an original-style spurtle like mine, I have contacted the local woodworker who made mine. He is definitely interested in filling orders!
Click here to visit his Etsy shop.
Had you heard of this traditional tool already? Do you have a spurtle? How do you use it? Please share!
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How cool is that?? I’m on a quest for wonderful handy tools like this. Can you buy these somewhere?? (And that look a lot easier than the way I flip my crepes.)
Robin — We’re on the same quest, aren’t we? 🙂
Searching the internet yields more of the porridge stick style of spurtle. There’s a set of spatula-like spurtles on amazon, here: https://traditionalcookingschool.com/spurtle-search
I have contacted the local friend who made mine to see if he’s got more or ships. I’ll let you know when I hear. 🙂
Robin — I got some info from our local woodworker on what they have left, in case you’re interested. I’ll email you. 🙂
I have been wanting one of the rod-like ones for quite some time now for porridge. It is currently waiting on my neverending wishlist:) Thanks for the video – didn’t realize there was another version of the spurtle.
I’ve had one for years (and years!) and didn’t know it. I love using it, and as you said,
it begins to loose it’s shape after a while and mine is needing replacement. Eager to
hear if you’ll be offering them on your website.
We would love to hear if we could buy one like the one you received from your friend. I have several friends and family members that would love to have one for Christmas too. Something useful and
homemade. Let us know where we can get them. Thanks
Ibelieve my mother had one of these (a little wider with a hole in the center) at one time. I’d be interested if you’re offering them through your website.
I’ve got some info for everyone on purchasing this style of spurtle. The local woodworker who makes them is definitely interested in filling more orders. He and his wife spent the winter in Arizona doing lots of fairs and just got back to Oregon the other day. Good timing! They have a few spurtles left and will continue to make more as there is interest.
If you’d like one, the price per spurtle is $10, including shipping to the USA. Mail your check, money order, or cashier’s check to:
John Hehn
PO Box 726
Sutherlin, OR 97479
As soon as they get your payment, they’ll send out a spurtle. Turn around time is 2 to 3 weeks. The spurtle may be in various woods — it might help to specify whether you want a dark or light wood, in case they are able to accommodate your choice.
If you’d like to speak with John’s wife directly (who handles the orders), just let me know. I’ve known her for some time. She coordinates the Farmers’ Market in Sutherlin and has really helped to grow it.
I hope this helps! I’ll update the post with this info. 🙂
Hello ~ I was wondering if the spurtles were still for sale for $10? Thanks so much!
Debbie — Yes, I believe so. You would want to contact them through their website: http://gassycreekgallery.net
Thank you Wardee ~ I definitely will head to their site. Thank you for your reply and their link!
Thanks for the info Wardee, I’m sending my check tomorrow!
Oh, I’m sending mine today!
(Tara’s Mom)
Hello Wardee,
How come when I’ve gone searching for spurtles, I keep finding ones that are more rod-shaped, not flat ended like your’s?
Shyla — The original style was like a spatula but over time they changed into a more rod-like shape. I’m not sure why.
If you’d like a spatula-shape, you can purchase one from the local woodworker whose information I included in the post. 🙂
Wardee, I have a couple of spurtles I bought from Graham Kerr’s web site years ago. Mine are made from bamboo, but otherwise one looks just like yours except maybe a bit wider. The other is a bit smaller with a hole in it. I rarely used the smaller one until it became my starter stirring implement.
I have used a spurtle for the past 38 years. It has been the best tool that has graced the kitchen. That is why is it so worn out. Thanks to Graham Kerr for instilling in us the power to use it.
Wish they accepted PayPal.
You may be able to use Paypal here:
http://www.amazinggrazefarm.com/store/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&zenid=1dc255752a5c39af8ec6a5057cb7defa&keyword=spurtle
Amazing Graze Farm Store carries the same spurtles by this woodworker.