Remember when an ice cream scoop waswell, an ice cream scoop. An old-fashioned ice cream scoop still gets the job done, especially if it has a nice heft and balance and is long enough to get some leverage. And the traditional spring action, quick-release ice cream scoops are hard to beat if they are sturdy and well-made. (Stay away from the cheap ones and dont buy plastic mechanical scoops.) They are not the best for leveraging through rock hard ice cream but they form attractive scoops that pop out with a squeeze of the hand.
But today there are alternatives that will let that rock-hard ice cream slip easily from your scoop into the bowl: anti-freeze scoops, microwaveable scoops, and aqua scoops that you fill with warm water. With so many good scoops, choosing a scoop is largely a matter of preference.
But when do you want an ice cream spade instead of a round scoop? An ice cream spade works best in hard ice cream cutting through easily and scooping plenty. It’s easier to press the spade through the hard ice cream with force and leverage though anti-freeze, microwave, and warm water scoops help. Round scoops are perfect for softer ice creams and make nice...