Polypropylene—Polypropylene paddles are much lighter than stainless steel paddles, which reduces fatigue during extended use. They also have a T-handle to give you more comfort and control. They’re often used to mix soups, sauces, and powders. Unlike stainless steel, they won’t scratch surfaces. Constructed from a single piece of plastic, they have no seams where bacteria can grow. These paddles are FDA compliant for direct contact with food.

304 Stainless Steel—304 stainless steel paddles are more durable than plastic paddles, and won’t bend or chip with prolonged use. They’re often used with dense or heavy materials, such as sticky dough and ice cream. These paddles are highly polished and have smooth, continuously welded seams, so bacteria has nowhere to hide. They meet NSF/ANSI 2 design standards for sanitary food equipment.

Paddles with Holes—Paddles with holes are good for agitating liquids, and they help break up clumps in your mixture.