What is the End of a Rubber Spatula Called? Uncovering the Mystery
Many of us have used a rubber spatula in our kitchens, but have we ever stopped to think about the actual name of that end of the spatula? In this article, we will delve into the world of kitchen utensils and uncover the answer to this simple yet intriguing question.
What is a Rubber Spatula Anyway?
Before we dig into the end of a rubber spatula, it’s essential to understand the basics. A rubber spatula is a kitchen utensil designed for scraping and folding food mixtures together. The handle is typically made of a fixed material such as wood or plastic, while the blade is a flexible, elastomeric material, known as rubber or silicone (Figure 1 below).
| Material | |
|---|---|
| Handle | Metal, wood, or Plastic |
| Blade | Rubber or Silicon |
Figure 1: Basic Components of a Rubber Spatula
What Lies at the End of this Rubber Spatula? The Curious Case.
Now, let’s get to the main event! The part of the rubber spatula that makes contact with our food, the teaspoon end, otherwise known as the angle or bevil (pronounced bez-uv-il). Here’s the fascinating part; the exact term for this end depends on the size and type of spatula.
Telescope End vs. Beil End: The Debate Goes On!
Some debate exists over the correct classification of the end of the rubber spatula. Many argue that the smaller or more compact end is accurately referred to as a telescope end, implying a diminutive size equivalent to the telescoping metal tubes often found in children’s toy telescopes (
Proponents of the Telescope Concept
.
On the other hand, others firmly believe that both the large and small rubber spatula ends should, in fact, be deemed beil ends, named after the German origin of the word "beyel," meaning, "corner" or "bevel" (Figure 2 showcases the terms in action.
| End Type | |
|---|---|
| Telescope End (Small) | < 2” (5 cm) |
| Beil or Angle End (Large, Small) | ≥ 2” (5 cm) |
Figure 2: Illustrative Examples of Telescope and Beil Ends
Why the Different Names? Historical Significance and Functionality?
The differing terminology might largely stem from the historical era and function of the metalworking craftspeople who, in their time, invented and created these utensils. For instance, Germany, during the 1880s, was hub for manufacturing metalworking pieces, while the United Kingdom, primarily used wood during the Industrial Revolution. Woodworkers were more likely employed in these regions, adopting the "beil ends" for their wooden construction.
These craftsmen passed down the techniques and labels to succeeding generations, carrying the ‘beil’, ‘bevil’, terminology forward through the ages**.