Key Takeaways
The utensil in focus
The essential tool is a slotted spoon, designed to lift food while letting liquid drain away. [2][8]
Names that help
English labels include slotted spoon and, in broader designs, skimmer. [2]
Dutch terms that work
“Schuimspaan” and “sleuflepel” consistently lead to the correct aisle in Dutch stores. [3][10]
Where to look
Kitchen-utensil sections in Dutch retailers usually stock several versions; online searches respond well to the Dutch terms above or the descriptive “lepel met gaatjes.”
A simple question for staff
“Do you have a spoon with holes for lifting from boiling water?” is clear, quick, and universally understood.
Story & Details
From a kitchen moment to the right word
Lifting pasta, vegetables, or fried food demands a utensil that strains without splashing. Reference works describe the slotted spoon precisely as a spoon whose perforations let liquid escape while food stays in place. [2][8]
Why English has two close names
A slotted spoon is the standard draining tool. A skimmer sits close by on the spectrum: wider, flatter, and suited for skimming foam or lifting fried foods. Dictionary entries show how both share a draining purpose, but the shapes differ. [2]
How Dutch terms map to real tools
Dutch stores usually place two labels on this family of utensils:
- “Schuimspaan,” a flat perforated skimmer for lifting food or removing foam. [3][10]
- “Sleuflepel,” the closest match to the English slotted spoon, built as a serving spoon with long slots. Language guides explain that this type of compound is typical Dutch word-building. [11]
What to type when searching
Dutch online searches respond strongly to “schuimspaan,” “sleuflepel,” or the plain description “lepel met gaatjes.” Narrowing by “RVS” for stainless steel or “siliconen” for silicone helps refine the tool type and heat resistance.
A quick linguistic cross-check
Major English and Dutch references align: the slotted spoon drains; the skimmer broadens its head for foam removal; “schuimspaan” captures that second profile; and “sleuflepel” matches the slotted spoon shape that pasta cooks rely on. [2][3][10][8]
Conclusions
A clear focus
This article is about understanding, naming, and locating the slotted spoon. With the right English and Dutch terms, and a simple line to ask in stores, shoppers can find exactly what the task requires. Once the vocabulary is clear, the utensil becomes easier to spot on shelves and in search results.
Selected References
[1] Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), definition of the draining spoon. https://dle.rae.es/espumadera
[2] Slotted spoon — Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slotted_spoon
[3] Schuimspaan — Dutch Wikipedia. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schuimspaan
[4] Schuimspaan — Dutch Wiktionary. https://nl.wiktionary.org/wiki/schuimspaan
[5] Slotted spoon — Collins Dictionary. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/slotted-spoon
[6] Dutch Language Society, explanation of compound words. https://onzetaal.nl/taalloket/samenstelling
[7] America’s Test Kitchen (journalistic channel), equipment guidance including slotted spoons. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTw4PPks1es
Appendix
Ask-in-store phrase
A simple English request—“Do you have a spoon with holes for lifting from boiling water?”—communicates the need clearly.
Material filters
Adding “RVS” (stainless steel) or “siliconen” (silicone) to Dutch searches narrows to durable and heat-resistant options.
Schuimspaan
A Dutch term for a flat perforated skimmer used to lift food or skim foam from liquids.
Sleuflepel
A Dutch compound meaning a slotted serving spoon, shaped for lifting food while draining liquid.
Slotted spoon
A spoon with holes or slots that allow liquid to drain while holding solids—the essential tool for pasta and vegetables.
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 