Today I am posting images of the various ice cream scoops I have tested with an XRF instrument that have tested positive for lead.
If you have questions about XRF testing, please click here.
In the many years that I have been testing consumer goods I have consistently found at least trace lead in most old and many newer ice cream scoops! [Trace lead means that it is not an additive to the product, but a super low-level contaminant to the metal or other components (coating, plastic, etc.) of the scoop.] Some also had significant and alarming amounts of lead. As a result I am going to share here with you some lead-free choices that are the same or similar to what I use in my own home.
Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links where a purchase made
after clicking will support this website without costing you extra!
As a general set of rules stay away from:
- Vintage ice cream scoops
- Scoops with any kind of coating (especially non-stick coatings)
- Scoops with chemical fillings to assist with the scooping function
- Scoops with rubberized or plastic handles
Here are some good alternative (#LeadSafe, #LeadFree) choices (using real facts! not alternative facts! 😉 [As with any shopping you do on Amazon please confirm you are comfortable with any particular vendor, I am making recommendations for a specific type of product – but cannot personally vouch for any of the specific vendors! Thanks!]
- Stainless steel 4 tablespoon single scoop
- This is a good solid 3-scoop stainless set (from a 5 star vendor), that also states it has “no harmful chemicals”!
- Here’s another stainless scoop for just $5.99 (with no moving parts!)
As always, please let me know if you have any questions! And happy hunting for the perfect lead-safe/ lead-free ice cream scoop!
Tamara Rubin
Unexpected Lead Expert
Mother of Four Boys
Heidy says
December 8, 2017 at 6:32 amI just want a safe stainless steel spatula. Have you tested any yet? What do you use to flip pancakes ? They are so hard to make in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spatula. We got rid of our waffle maker so now the kiddos want pancakes
Tamara says
December 8, 2017 at 12:35 pmHere’s a good all stainless one… it’s an Amazon affiliate link (so if you purchase it after clicking on the link I get a percentage of what you spend) – I’m not suggesting you get this exact one, however it is a good choice in terms of what to look for (solid stainless construction, no non-stick surface, no rubberized or coated grip, etc.): http://amzn.to/2BOIVk7
Jody says
June 14, 2019 at 9:54 amWith arthritis, the handle shape of the recommended scoop would be uncomfortable for me. You said no rubberized handles. Have you tested OXO grips?
Tamara says
June 14, 2019 at 3:40 pmHi Jody,
Many of the OXO products with black rubberized handles have low levels of Lead (considered safe by all standards). I do not recommend the brand as I shoot for Lead-free whenever possible. Lead actually has been well studied and linked to arthritis – so that would be a consideration as well. Here is the OXO category on my blog: https://tamararubin.com/category/oxo/
Tamara