Ice cream scoop

Common styles include the spring-loaded scoop, or disher, which has a sweeping lever that releases the portion; the solid one-piece scoop, often with a thick handle that conducts hand warmth to the bowl so it glides through hard ice cream; and the flat spade, used for packing and serving in shops.

Dishers are often numbered by how many level scoops fill a quart, so a higher number means a smaller scoop; a #16 holds about 1/4 cup. Dipping a scoop in warm water between portions helps it release cleanly, and the same scoop makes cupcakes and cookies even in size.