I’ve always loved fish.  Okay, so maybe my earliest memories of my mother’s Fillet of Neolite aren’t that fond, but from the time I could join my cousins and uncle fishing in the cold lakes and rivers of upstate New York I was hooked. (Yes, I know how bad that was but try ending that sentence any other way.)

We’d catch them, clean them, pan fry them in a cast iron pan and eat them long before we left for home.  Of course in those days, what the fish looked like just before we ate it didn’t count for much.  We were men doing manly things.  However it came out of the pan was fine with us.

But of course as I’ve matured as a cook and at least a bit of a gourmand I appreciate the presentation of the meal as a major contributor to the overall dining experience.  And, when it comes to preparing fish, particularly delicate fillets you need something better than a common kitchen spatula.  You need something long, flexibly thin, preferably with a beveled edge and slotted to allow cooking liquids to drain.  You need the OXO Good Grips Fish Turner.

OXO Good Grips Fish Turner
I’ve owned this turner for several years.  I can’t recall just where I bought it, but I’d be lost without it.  The OXO Good Grips Fish Turner is a relatively large tool at just under 14” in total length.  Its thin, flexible, slotted stainless steel blade measures 7 ¾” by about 3 ½” wide.  You won’t find too many fillets that this bad boy won’t handle.  The blade is attached to the iconic black OXO handle by stainless steel wires that are spot welded.  I have to admit that the welds seem to be a departure from OXO’s usual elegant construction but I guess necessary to accommodate the very thin flexible blade.

The beveled edge of the blade makes it extremely easy to get under even the thinnest of fillets without disturbing them much if at all.  It also makes flipping the fillet so much easier.  Cooking juices drain away instantly through the turners ample slotting.

You’d think that at almost 14”, the OXO Fish Turner might have a bad time of it in a smaller pan.  But, owing to its flexibility I’ve had no problem using it in even an 8” omelet pan.  Admittedly I rarely cook in anything smaller than 10”, but you get the idea.

Other Uses
I realize that not everyone likes fish enough to warrant the purchase of a specialized turner, but this is a kitchen tool capable of so much more.

Eggs
My idea of egg heaven in the morning is eggs up and just a bit runny.  The Mrs. will have hers “over easy”.  It’s that over easy thing that’s always given me a problem.  Well, the OXO Fish Turner with its thin beveled blade gets under those eggs easily.  In fact, in a well buttered pan I can manage it on clad stainless steel.  You’ll also find it handy when attempting to fold an omelet.

Did I just hear someone say grilled cheese sandwich?  Pancakes? Crepes? Quesadillas?  Okay, I’m sure you’re getting the idea.  This is a very versatile spatula.

The OXO Fish Turner is dishwasher safe and comes with OXO’s usual lifetime guarantee.

Closing Thoughts
If you enjoy fish or can just appreciate a superior cooking tool that will make your time in the kitchen that much easier and enjoyable, you’re going to love the OXO Fish Turner.  I highly recommend it.

Now go cook something good tonight.
 
Rudi

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