Choosing the right olive spoon is a small decision that can make jar‑reaching, serving, and cocktail prep noticeably easier. Our recommendations come from hands‑on testing, product specs review, and aggregated consumer feedback to find spoons that balance reach, drainage, material, and value.
Considerations and Testing Methodology
We evaluated candidates across these key factors and used them to rank the final picks:
- Real‑world use: How well the spoon reaches into narrow, deep jars and scoops whole olives, cherries, capers, and pickles.
- Drainage: Effectiveness of slots/holes to leave brine behind while delivering the food item mostly dry.
- Material & durability: Grade of stainless steel, and for wooden spoons, finish and care requirements.
- Ergonomics & length: Handle length (reach) and comfort when scooping from tall jars.
- Ease of care: Dishwasher‑safe vs. hand wash recommended.
- Value & style: Price vs. construction and aesthetics.
Testing approach: we inspected materials, measured reach (where listed), used each spoon in tall jar scenarios, noted draining performance and balance, and reviewed customer feedback for durability issues. Where available, product specs such as 18/8 stainless steel or handcrafted olivewood were verified against manufacturer listings.
Long‑Handle Olive Spoon
A straightforward, affordable stainless steel two‑pack built for utility. At 7.5 inches with drainage holes and dishwasher safety, it’s ideal for everyday jar work—an economical pick for olive lovers who just want something that does the job reliably.
Why this budget pick works
The two‑piece stainless set delivers reliable performance for a very low price. The 7.5" length reaches most medium jars, and the slotted bowl drains brine so olives come out without excess liquid. Construction is basic but solid stainless; they’re dishwasher‑safe and resistant to bending in normal use. Downsides: shorter than some long‑handle options and the finish is utilitarian rather than decorative. If you want no‑frills function that won’t break the bank, these are a smart buy.
Pros:
- Affordable two‑pack
- Dishwasher safe
- Good slot drainage
Cons:
- 7.5" may be short for very tall jars
- Plain finish
Sur La Table Olivewood Spoon
Handcrafted olivewood sauté spoon from Sur La Table brings warmth and style to serving. Beautiful grain and a comfortable handle make it excellent for presentation and light serving tasks, though it’s not a slotted jar spoon and requires hand washing.
A premium, handcrafted option
This olivewood spoon is handcrafted in Italy and stands out for its feel and aesthetics. The wood’s natural grain and satin finish give it a warm, upscale look—great for serving and presentation. It is not a slotted olive‑jar spoon, so it’s better suited for tossing salads or transferring olives from a bowl rather than draining brine from a jar. Care requires hand washing and occasional oiling to maintain the wood. Choose this if you value craftsmanship and table presence over brute‑force jar reach.
Pros:
- Beautiful, unique olivewood grain
- Comfortable, well‑shaped handle
- Excellent for serving and presentation
Cons:
- Not slotted—less useful for draining jar brine
- Hand wash only; needs occasional oiling
Long Handle Strainer Spoon
A practical mid‑priced stainless option with an 8‑inch handle and 18/8 stainless construction. The long reach and effective drain slot make it versatile for tall jars—good build quality and dishwasher safe for easy maintenance.
Strong value with practical features
This 8" long handle strainer spoon is built from 18/8 stainless steel and is intended for tall, narrow jars. The extra length reaches deep jar bottoms and the slotted bowl drains brine well. It’s sturdy, resists bending, and is top‑rack dishwasher safe—so it blends durability with low maintenance. Compared with cheaper short spoons, the longer reach and heavier gauge stainless justify the modest price increase.
Pros:
- 8" reach for deep jars
- 18/8 stainless steel for durability
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Simpler styling (no decorative handle)
- Slightly higher price than the cheapest budget picks
Hammered Finish Olive Spoon
Stylish stainless spoon with a slotted bowl and hammered handle for extra grip and visual appeal. At 7 inches, it’s a balance of form and function—dishwasher safe and attractive enough for formal entertaining while still practical for jar use.
Editor's pick: balanced style and utility
This hammered‑handle olive spoon blends attractive design with practical performance. The slotted bowl drains brine effectively and the textured handle provides grip and a refined look suitable for entertaining. At ~7" it reaches most jars comfortably; construction is solid stainless and dishwasher safe. It’s pricier than bare‑bones options, but the combination of aesthetics, heft, and consistent performance made it our overall editor’s favorite.
Pros:
- Attractive hammered handle
- Slotted bowl for drainage
- Dishwasher safe and durable
Cons:
- Not the longest reach compared to some 8" spoons
- Higher price than basic budget picks
Comparison at a glance
- Long‑Handle Olive Spoon (Best Budget Pick): 7.5" stainless two‑pack; best for shoppers who want basic, dependable performance at the lowest cost.
- Sur La Table Olivewood Spoon (Premium Choice): handcrafted olivewood, beautiful presentation—best when style and craftsmanship matter more than jar drainage.
- Long Handle Strainer Spoon (Best Value for Money): 8" 18/8 stainless, good drainage and durability—great all‑around choice for regular jar use.
- Hammered Finish Olive Spoon (Editors Choice): stylish stainless with slotted bowl and good balance—our pick for most people who want both form and function.
Best overall: the Hammered Finish Olive Spoon. It delivers the best mix of practicality, build quality, and table‑ready style. If you need maximum reach for very tall jars, choose the 8" long‑handle strainer. If you want the cheapest functional solution, the two‑pack budget stainless set is hard to beat. For serving and aesthetics (not jar draining), the olivewood spoon is the premium choice.
Final recommendation
All four picks earned their spots through focused criteria: draining performance, reach, material quality, and user convenience. For most readers looking for a single spoon to handle daily jar work and occasional entertaining, the Editors Choice (hammered stainless) is the best overall—stylish, functional, and durable. If you frequently fish olives or pickles out of very tall jars, pick the 8" long‑handle strainer for its reach. Budget shoppers will find dependable value in the 7.5" two‑pack, while those who prioritize presentation should opt for the handcrafted olivewood spoon.
These recommendations are based on hands‑on testing, specification checks, and customer experience trends. Choose the spoon that best matches your jars, your care preferences (dishwasher vs. hand wash), and whether style or pure utility is your priority.