Food Sticks & Skewers

Best Food Sticks & Skewers in the UK: Top Brands, Where to Buy, and How to Choose

Why the Right Skewer Matters

Ever tried to cook kebabs only to watch your ingredients slip and spin on a flimsy stick? Choosing the right food stick or skewer is one of those small decisions that makes a huge difference. The right tool keeps meat, veg, and fruit secure, cooks evenly, and saves you time — and sanity — at the grill or in the kitchen. Think of a skewer as the backbone of your dish: get it right and everything holds together like a well-rehearsed chorus.

Featured Brands from the UK Market

There are lots of brands making great food sticks and skewers, but some stand out for durability, design, and range. Below I break down the offerings you’ll commonly find across UK retailers: Forged Churrasco, Laguiole Style De Vie, Dorre (via Nordic Nest), Lékué, Zyliss, and Georg Jensen. Each has its own strengths depending on whether you want heavy-duty barbecue tools, elegant cocktail sticks, or heat-safe cake pop stems.

Forged Churrasco — Heavy-Duty Grill Skewers

Forged Churrasco produces robust metal skewers designed for serious grilling. Their V-shape skewers and fork-style models give excellent grip for large cuts of meat and whole vegetables. Sizes in the range you’ll encounter include roughly 24 in, 28 in, and 20 in long lengths, which are brilliant for big backyard barbecues where you need reach and stability. If you grill for a crowd, these feel built to last — heavy-gauge metal, minimal flex, and a design that prevents spinning on the grill.

Laguiole Style De Vie — Premium Pinchos

If presentation matters, Laguiole Style De Vie makes stylish pinchos that turn skewered bites into small works of art. These are great for dinner parties and tapas-style serving. Expect elegant handles, smart finishes, and a focus on aesthetics without sacrificing practical grip. They’re perfect when you want your skewers to look as good as the food tastes.

Dorre & Nordic Nest — Cocktail and Party Picks

Dorre’s Carita cocktail sticks and other small stainless-steel options are ideal for canapés and bar service. Nordic Nest stocks a curated selection of these kinds of items, pairing functional design with sleek Scandinavian styling. Cocktail sticks in stainless steel are reusable, easy to clean, and make your olives, cheese cubes, and marinated onions look way more professional than toothpicks ever could.

Lékué — Cake Pop Sticks and Sweet Solutions

Lékué focuses on playful, practical baking tools like cake pop sticks. Their packs of white cake pop stems are food-safe and handy if you’re baking shows or making dessert treats for kids. They’re lightweight and purpose-made so your cake pops are evenly balanced and easy to dip and decorate.

Zyliss — Corn Cob Holders and Family-Friendly Tools

Zyliss brings simple but clever items like corn cob holders that make eating corn on the cob less messy. These multi-packs are a staple for family meals, summer barbecues, and anyone who prefers a neat plate. Ergonomic handles and prongs that stay embedded in the cob make them a small but welcome addition to the picnic basket.

Georg Jensen — Design-Led Cocktail Sticks

For a premium take on cocktail sticks, Georg Jensen’s Sky collection fuses sculptural aesthetics with stainless-steel craftsmanship. These small 6-pack sets elevate an otherwise humble garnish into a design statement, ideal for trendy bars, special occasions, and gift-worthy sets for design-conscious cooks.

Where to Buy Food Sticks & Skewers in the UK

Looking to shop? Several trustworthy UK retailers stock the brands above, plus budget-friendly and boutique alternatives. Below are reliable places to check — both bricks-and-mortar and online — each with its own advantages.

Lakeland — Specialist Kitchenware

Lakeland is a go-to for kitchen gadgets and often stocks skewers, corn holders, and cake pop tools. Their range mixes everyday practicality with occasional novelty items, and it’s easy to find both stainless-steel and bamboo options. If you like trying niche kitchen tools, Lakeland’s selection is worth browsing.

John Lewis & Partners — Quality & Customer Confidence

John Lewis offers a wide choice of homewares from mid-range to premium. You’ll find robust metal skewers, designer cocktail sticks, and branded accessories like Georg Jensen. John Lewis is a good bet if you want buyer protection and solid descriptions so you know what you’re getting before it arrives.

Argos, Robert Dyas & Supermarkets

For quick, budget buys, Argos and Robert Dyas frequently carry basic skewer sets and corn holders. Supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s may stock disposable or value packs for parties or one-off events. These options are handy when you need something inexpensive and immediate.

Nordic Nest & Specialty Boutiques

Nordic Nest specialises in Nordic design brands — ideal for cocktail sticks, sleek stainless-steel sets, and stylish serving accessories. If design and presentation are priorities, look at boutique retailers like Nordic Nest or independent kitchen stores that curate quality pieces.

Amazon UK & Online Marketplaces

Amazon’s range can be useful for comparisons and quick delivery, offering everything from heavy-duty skewers to disposable bamboo sticks and multi-packs of corn holders. Be sure to check reviews and look for trusted sellers to avoid poor-quality metal that bends or paints that peels.

How to Choose the Right Skewer for Your Needs

Choosing a skewer depends on what you cook, how often you entertain, and how much care you want to give your kit. Think of skewers as tools with personalities: some are rugged and utilitarian, while others are elegant showpieces. Match the tool to the task and you’ll get better results every time.

Material: Stainless Steel vs. Bamboo

Stainless steel is reusable, dishwasher-safe, and ideal for high-heat cooking. It’s perfect for heavy meats and repeated use. Bamboo or wooden sticks are inexpensive and disposable, great for quick parties or when you don’t want to wash up. Bamboo should be soaked before use to reduce charring on the grill.

Shape and Length

Length matters: long skewers (about 24 to 28 in) are best for deep grills and larger cuts, while shorter ones (around 8 to 12 in) suit kebabs or indoor grills. Flat or V-shaped skewers prevent food from spinning as they turn, which matters for even browning. Fork-style skewers grip big pieces, and cocktail sticks are tiny for garnishes.

Specialty Features to Consider

Look for features like heat-resistant handles, decorative tips, and dishwasher compatibility. Corn holders and cake pop sticks solve niche problems, while multi-prong sets and reversible skewers add versatility. If presentation is part of the plan, choose polished metal or designer handles that match your tableware.

Care and Maintenance: Keep Them Working for Years

Proper care turns a set of skewers into a lifetime companion. Taking minutes to clean and store tools properly prevents rust, warping, and sticky build-up. A little maintenance goes a long way — think of it as routine polishing for a favorite pair of boots.

Cleaning Stainless Steel Skewers

Remove stuck-on char with a nylon brush and warm, soapy water. Most quality stainless-steel skewers are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing prolongs finish and prevents any metal-on-metal marking. Dry them thoroughly to avoid spotting and store in a dry drawer or roll to prevent bending.

Disposing and Caring for Wooden Sticks

Bamboo and wooden sticks are disposable, but you can compost untreated wooden skewers. Before grilling, soak them 15 to 30 minutes to reduce burning, and discard after use if they’re charred or splintered. For reusable wooden-handled skewers, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Recipes & Uses: More Than Just Kebabs

Skewers are culinary multitaskers. Yes, they make kebabs, but they also shine in appetizers, desserts, and clever plating. Think of them as tiny staging platforms that make food easier to eat and prettier to present.

Classic BBQ Kebabs

Thread marinated meat, peppers, onions, and fruit for contrast. Use flat or V-shaped metal skewers for large chunks so they don’t spin on the grill. Rotate regularly for even cooking, and rest meat briefly before serving for juicier results.

Cocktails & Canapés

Stainless-steel cocktail sticks make olives, citrus twists, and tiny mozzarella balls easy to spear and serve. Use short decorative skewers for stacked canapés at parties and longer ones for more elaborate garnishes on pitchers or platters.

Sweet Treats — Cake Pops & Fruit Skewers

Cake pop sticks and short wooden skewers are great for desserts. Fruit skewers can be both healthy and eye-catching — alternate fruit colors for a rainbow effect, and consider a drizzle of chocolate or honey for added flair.

Budget Picks vs. Premium Options

You don’t need to break the bank for good skewers, but investing a bit more can pay off in durability. Budget-friendly bamboo or basic stainless sets are perfect for occasional use. If you entertain often, designer brands or heavy-duty forged steel pay dividends because they last and perform consistently. Consider how you’ll use them: a one-off garden party calls for different choices than monthly barbecues.

Sustainability and Practical Buying Tips

Want to be kinder to the planet while skewering your dinner? Opt for reusable stainless-steel skewers over single-use bamboo when possible, or choose certified sustainably sourced wooden options. Look for brands that offer recyclable packaging and long warranties — longevity reduces waste and saves you money in the long run.

Final Buying Checklist

Before you click “add to cart,” run through this quick checklist: What material suits your cooking style? How long do you need your skewers to be? Will they be dishwasher-safe? Do you need design-focused skewers for serving? Answering these questions first makes it easier to find the right tool and avoids an impulse buy you’ll regret after one sticky kebab.

Wrapping Up: Small Tool, Big Difference

Skewers are humble but essential, and the right one can elevate both your cooking process and presentation. Whether you’re buying heavy-duty Forged Churrasco grill skewers for large barbecues, elegant Georg Jensen cocktail sticks for serving, or practical Zyliss corn holders for family meals, there’s a perfect match for your kitchen. Shop at reputable UK retailers like Lakeland, John Lewis, Nordic Nest, Argos, and Amazon UK to compare options and find the style and durability you need.

In short: match the skewer to the job, care for it properly, and you’ll be rewarded with better-looking dishes and fewer kitchen hassles. Ready to pick your next set and get skewering?