Good Engineering, Poor Implementation: OXO ice cream scoop
Written: Jun 30 '04 (Updated Sep 27 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to grasp. Good dimensions on the scoop.
Cons: Handle is falling apart, The scoop is pitted.
The Bottom Line: A well designed scoop, but with cheap materials it is not a worth while buy.
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| yakkowarner's Full Review: Oxo 7.5-qt. Black-Handled Points Ice Cream Scoop |
What is it
This is a simple ice cream scoop with an unusually large handle the makes grasping the product much easier. The scoop itself is easy to use. The scoops dimensions are also well engineered. The basic design makes scooping ice cream with this scoop easier than a normal scoop.
What is OXO
This company has been featured on a couple of shows including one on food network. They take a great deal of pride on their products and how they are manufactured. They realized there was a large gap missing in quality kitchen products. They choose to fill the gap by making products consumers really wanted.
“OXO's founder, Sam Farber, chose the name "OXO" because whether it's horizontal, vertical, upside down or backwards, it always reads "OXO." “(the quote is from their website.)
Pronunciation
We hear a lot of interpretations of the pronunciation of the name. The official pronunciation is “Ox-Oh.” (also from their website.).
The handle
The handle is the big selling point of most OXO products. The handle is a typical OXO handle. It is wide and easy to grasp. While using it I have not experienced any uncomfortable feelings. In fact I feel like I have more control with this device than most other scoops I have tried.
The handle is made out of a rubber. It is easy to grasp and use. There are vents that give the user an easier time using this product. The vents are mainly for the thumb.
As far as size is concerned it will fit most people. I personally would like a bigger handle, but that is just me. So far OXO has not started to size their products.
The scoop
The scoop is the standard scoop that you will find on most generic scoops. It has a high angled curve and releases the ice cream easily. The scoop appears to be made out of stainless steel. The problem is I have pits in the base of the scoop. This just makes it look pretty nasty.
The edges of the scoop have sharp points to them. This makes cutting into the ice cream a little easier, but not by much. It is usually better to just wait for the ice cream to soften, then dig in with the scoop.
Is it really easier?
Yes and no. If you have a cheap ice cream scoop, then this scooper will seem 10 times better than what you currently have. If you have a nicer one, then this will seem like a cheap ice cream scoop to you.
I have a half clamshell ice cream scoop that I feel is far superior to this one. So I only use the OXO scoop when my clamshell ice cream scoop is in the dishwasher. It is not easier than my clamshell design.
What I will normally do with this product is wash it in warm water before I use it. This makes scooping a little easier.
Why I would not buy this again
First reason is because there are better OXO ice cream scoops out there. The second reason is there are some very nice, very expensive ice cream scoops with features like anti-freeze handles. The third reason this is a cheap product (well designed, but still cheap.) On mine the inside of the scoop is permanently pitted. The handle comes apart and will retain water if you put it in the dishwasher.
Satisfaction guarantee
They claim to have a satisfaction guarantee. Supposedly you can return products that you are unhappy with. Since I have not taken advantage of it I do not know the depth of their guarantee. I certainly would replace this model if it were possible. I have an e-mail pending, if it provides significant information then I will post it in a couple of days.
I certainly do not expect them to replace this product since it is about 2 years old and has been through a lot. Although I am not happy with it, it has served me well.
Dimensions
Weight: 4 ounces.
Length: 7.4 inches
Handle width: 1.37 inches
Handle length: 4.1 inches
Scoop length: 2.37 inches
Scoop width: 1.70 inches
Scoop depth: .75 inches
Summary:
This is a well engineered scoop that works. It feels comfortable. It is easy to use. But I cannot recommend this product because the materials are cheap. With pits in the scoop and the handle coming apart it is slowly evolving to junk.
Other OXO products.
OXO stainless steel spatula
OXO stainless steel tongs
OXO can opener
OXO vegetable peeler
OXO pizza cutter
Recommended:
No
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