A pasta fork can help make serving and eating thin pasta, such as spaghetti, an easier task. Finding the best pasta fork entails choosing a fork that is the right size, is made of a quality material, is functional and matches your aesthetic needs. The design is also a consideration, as not all pasta forks have the same features, such as holes in the bottom of the fork. Pasta forks are readily available in department stores, cooking stores, and online.
The term pasta fork refers to a serving utensil that typically has a rounded bottom with tines or teeth on the outer edge. The tines are meant to help keep thin pastas from falling out of the utensil, while the rounded bottom allows a relatively large amount of pasta to be scooped out of a bowl or off a plate. A pasta fork essentially acts like a strainer but is smaller so can be used to serve pasta at the table.
Several materials are used to make pasta forks, including metal, nylon, plastic and wood. In some cases, the pasta fork is made of a combination of the two, such as plastic and stainless steel. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Wooden pasta forks offer a classic look and won’t affect the taste of sauces served with the pasta. The disadvantage is the wood can wear out and warp over time. Metal pasta forks, including those made of stainless steel, are easy to clean and won’t warp; however, they might affect the taste of a sauce that is particularly acidic, which is the case with many tomato sauces.
Plastic pasta forks are inexpensive, but can melt if exposed to hot water, and they can potentially affect the taste of a pasta or sauce. Nylon forks are a bit more durable, but they can be harder to keep clean and can be damaged if exposed to a high level of heat. Pasta forks made of a combination of materials offer the disadvantages and advantages of both materials.
Regardless of the material you choose, if you are going to use the fork to serve pasta straight out of water, you should obtain a pasta fork with holes in the bottom to allow for drainage. Ensure that the tines are spaced evenly apart and have enough space between them so that the pasta doesn’t get stuck between the tines. The fork should also be large or small enough to meet your typical serving requirements.
