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  • 10 Best Fat Separators in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 1
  • 10 Best Fat Separators in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 2
  • 10 Best Fat Separators in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 3
  • 10 Best Fat Separators in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 4
  • 10 Best Fat Separators in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Fat Separators in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

Are you looking to enhance the quality and flavor of your favorite dishes? A fat separator is a quick and simple way to cut the fat and calories in your home cooking without changing the flavor you love. Whether you want to add clarity to your favorite broth or are straining excess grease to prepare for a smooth and savory gravy, a fat separator is a perfect tool to get you started.


Not all fat separators are designed equally, however, so we've researched and gathered our 10 favorite fat separators on the market. The Vondilor Fat Separator came in as our favorite because of its durability, large size, and ease of use, but keep reading to see what other great separators made our list. Also, check out our buying guide for more details and criteria to keep in mind while selecting the perfect fat separator!

Last updated 09/26/2023

Quick List - Top Fat Separators

1

Vondior

Fat Separator With Bottom Release12547
Fat Separator With Bottom Release

Best Bottom Drainer Separator With Button Release

2

OXO

Good Grips Fat Separator11273200
Good Grips Fat Separator

Best Pitcher Separator With Spout Stopper

3

HIC Harold Import Co.

Glass Gravy Strainer43786
Glass Gravy Strainer

Best Glass Fat Separator With 2 Strainers

4

Swing-A-Way

Easy Release Fat/Gravy SeparatorS2062T
Easy Release Fat/Gravy Separator

Best Separator With Soft-Grip Handle

5

Cuisipro

Fat Separator747301
Fat Separator

Best Heat-Resistant Fat Separator

Jim Quast
Expert
Executive R&D Chef
Jim Quast

Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

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How to Choose Fat Separators

Before buying a fat separator, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as style, size, and material. To make things easier, we’ve put together this convenient buying guide!

1

Pick a Style of Fat Separator That's Convenient for You

A fat separator often resembles a measuring cup with a few unique features. Generally, fat separators are divided into two types: pitchers and bottom-drainers. With both types, sauce or stock is first poured in, and after a few minutes, the fat will rise to the top of the liquid.

Bottom-Drainer Fat Separators Are Efficient

Bottom-Drainer Fat Separators Are Efficient
Source:amazon.com

Bottom-drainer fat separators often feature a built-in strainer on top and a handle with a protruding button. Once the drippings are poured into the container, the fat will accumulate at the top, and the fat-free juices will collect at the bottom.


The bottom of the container consists of a hole that is usually closed with a silicone plug to ensure a tight seal. You can push the button on the handle to lift the plug and release the drippings. With this style of fat separator, you do need to watch carefully, however, to make sure you stop before any fat gets through. 


Bottom-drainer fat separators are suitable for thicker stocks and soupsThey drain liquids quickly and efficiently with minimal effort.

Pitcher Fat Separators for Easy Pouring

Pitcher Fat Separators for Easy Pouring

Pitcher fat separators resemble a measuring cup with a spout starting near the bottom of the container. Once the liquid that has been poured into the container has settled, the fat-free liquid will accumulate at the bottom, where it gets poured out through the spout


Pitcher-style fat separators are highly effective in separating fat and oils from soups, stocks, or drippings. This style offers more control and precision while pouring out your fat-free stock or drippings. Plus, some pitchers come with a stopper that traps both flavor and air inside to stop liquid from collecting in the spout. 


Keep in mind, however, that the spout can be a challenge to clean, especially if fat is left to congeal inside of it. To make clean-up a breeze, we recommend always cleaning it immediately after use.

Ladles for Removing Fat While Cooking

Ladles for Removing Fat While Cooking

Consider a ladle-style fat separator if you want to save time. Unlike pitcher-style and bottom-drainer style fat separators, ladles allow you to scoop fat directly from the pot and roaster. They are also great for skimming the foamy protein that comes to the surface when you boil soup and broths.


Ladle-style fat separators are made from heat-resistant materials, such as stainless steel and plastic. Although they are shaped like an ordinary ladle, fat separator ladles either have a small raised hole in the scoop for fat to enter or they have a hole on the side that will filter out the fat.


In addition to saving time, ladles are also great for those who want to save space since they can be conveniently tucked into a kitchen drawer.

2

Choose a Capacity Based on Your Cooking Needs

Choose a Capacity Based on Your Cooking Needs

Fat separators are generally offered in two-cup and four-cup capacities and have measurements printed on the side. When cooking for two people or less, a two-cup fat separator may suffice. However, a four-cup capacity will offer more flexibility and work for larger households.


Most four-cup fat separators weigh around one pound. Glass fat separators are a bit heavier than plastic separators, but most are made with borosilicate glass, manufactured to be thinner and still fairly lightweight.

3

Look For Heat-Resistant Materials

Look For Heat-Resistant Materials

To start the process of separating fat, the hot liquid is poured directly into the fat separator. Therefore, it is important to look for heat-resistant materials that won't crack and melt under high temperatures. 


Fat separators are often made of plastic or glass. When searching for a plastic separator, look for those made from heat-resistant plastic, such as Tritan. Tritan plastic is BPA-free and tough. Plastic fat separators are light, durable, and can often be tossed into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. 


When looking for a glass fat separator, look for those made of borosilicate glass. This type of glass is harder than standard glass and very heat-resistant. While some are dishwasher-safe, others need extra care while cleaning, especially those with a spout.


Although rare, you can also find stainless steel fat separators that are heat-resistant and durable. If space is an issue, ladle-style fat separators are usually made of stainless steel and heat-resistant plastic for a more compact option.

4

Get a Non-slip Insulated Handle for Safer Use

Get a Non-slip Insulated Handle for Safer Use

When working around oil and high heat, it's useful to have a non-slip, insulated handle. Glass handles can get very slippery, especially when your hands contain any traces of fat. Look for handles that are silicone or rubber to reduce the risk of the separator slipping from your hands. They can also keep the handle cool even when dealing with piping hot liquids.


An awkward shape also makes for an uncomfortable experience and increases the risk of dropping the separator. Therefore, look for an ergonomically designed handle that gives a firm grip even when the container is full. 

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10 Best Fat Separators Ranking

Here are the best Fat Separators, ranked according to 10 Best Fat Separators (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity

Products

Image

Click to purchase

Key features

1

Vondior

Fat Separator With Bottom Release12547

Vondior Fat Separator With Bottom Release 1

Best Bottom Drainer Separator With Button Release

2

OXO

Good Grips Fat Separator11273200

OXO Good Grips Fat Separator 1

Best Pitcher Separator With Spout Stopper

3

HIC Harold Import Co.

Glass Gravy Strainer43786

HIC Harold Import Co. Glass Gravy Strainer 1

Best Glass Fat Separator With 2 Strainers

4

Swing-A-Way

Easy Release Fat/Gravy SeparatorS2062T

Swing-A-Way Easy Release Fat/Gravy Separator 1

Best Separator With Soft-Grip Handle

5

Cuisipro

Fat Separator747301

Cuisipro  Fat Separator 1

Best Heat-Resistant Fat Separator

6

OXO

Good Gravy Fat Separator11198900

OXO Good Gravy Fat Separator 1

Best Bottom Drainer Fat Separator With External Drain

7

Norpro

Gravy Fat Separator3023

Norpro Gravy Fat Separator 1

Best Small Capacity Fat Separator

8

Fatsoff

Soup Scoop Fat SkimmerFSS-1

Fatsoff Soup Scoop Fat Skimmer 1

Best Ladle Fat Separator for Soups

9

GoodCook

Gravy/Fat Separator16157

GoodCook Gravy/Fat Separator 1

Best 2-Cup Pitcher Fat Separator

10

Küchenprofi

Gravy Separator With StrainerK1012362800

Küchenprofi Gravy Separator With Strainer 1

Best Glass Fat Seperator With Measurements in Small Increments

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Vondior
Fat Separator With Bottom Release12547

Fat Separator With Bottom Release 1
Source:amazon.com
Fat Separator With Bottom Release 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$21.99
Mid
Reference price
$21.99
Mid

Best Bottom Drainer Separator With Button Release

Pros:

  • Has a silicone plug for an extra tight seal
  • Includes a deep, built-in strainer
  • Made from BPA-free, heat-resistant plastic
  • Comes with a peeler

Cons:

  • Some reviewers report leaks and difficulty cleaning

This four-cup, heat-resistant fat separator is equipped with an easy-to-push button to release fat-free liquid quickly and efficiently. The built-in strainer keeps out unwanted bits, and the silicone plug allows for a tight seal while the liquid is resting. Plus, this separator also comes with a handy peeler.


Some users complained of the plug not sealing properly after a few uses, and others had issues with clean-up. Overall, however, many users found this fat separator perfect for straining homemade stocks and broths, and it worked great when making gravy and sauces. 

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No.2

OXO
Good Grips Fat Separator11273200

Reference price
$16.95
Mid

Best Pitcher Separator With Spout Stopper

Pros:

  • Includes a spout stopper
  • Built-in strainer with anti-splash sides and place to store stopper
  • Easy-to-read measurement markings
  • Has a comfortable, non-slip handle

Cons:

  • None

This pitcher-style fat separator by OXO is made from heat-resistant Tritan plastic and has a long and narrow spout. The stopper keeps liquid from overflowing, and the handle is non-slip to ensure a firm grip while pouring. The strainer has tall sides to contain spills, and there are measurement markings to keep track of how much fat-free liquid you have.


A few users were frustrated by the fat mixing in with drippings while pouring. However, many reviewers appreciate the fat separator's capacity, design, and ease of cleaning. They also reported that the rubberized handle was strong and made it easy to hold. 

No.3

HIC Harold Import Co.
Glass Gravy Strainer43786

Reference price
$25.99
Mid

Best Glass Fat Separator With 2 Strainers

Pros:

  • Made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass 
  • Includes two stainless steel strainers: one with larger holes and one fine mesh
  • Has a long and narrow spout with a small lip for accurate pouring
  • Dishwasher and microwave safe-up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit

Cons:

  • Measurements are printed only on one side

This fat separator is made from borosilicate glass and can withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The long and narrow spout has a small lip to ensure smooth and easy pouring. Plus, the large-holed strainer is paired with a mesh screen to keep out small seeds and herbs.


Users reported that this separator is thin and fragile, and noted that they had to be extra careful while using it. Overall, however, many buyers appreciate how easy it is to clean and that it can withstand high heat. They also said the spout offered great control while pouring.

No.4

Swing-A-Way
Easy Release Fat/Gravy SeparatorS2062T

Reference price
$30.48
High Mid

Best Separator With Soft-Grip Handle

Pros:

  • Comfortable, soft-grip squeeze handle
  • Spring-loaded bottom-release plug
  • Easy to read measurement markings in standard and metric
  • Dishwasher-safe on the top rack

Cons:

  • Some reviewers noted that the strainer's holes are on the larger side

Swing-A-Way designed this bottom-release separator with a spring-loaded plug that opens by squeezing the soft-grip handle. The body is made from heat-resistant plastic and comes with multiple measurement markings in standard and metric. The strainer keeps out larger bits of food to ensure they won't clog the plug.


Some reviewers shared that their liquid leaked through the drip plug due to the red ring not sealing correctly. Many others, however, were pleased with the fat separator's design and performance. They said that it worked fast and cleaned up well.

No.5

Cuisipro
Fat Separator747301

Reference price
$23.99
Mid

Best Heat-Resistant Fat Separator

Pros:

  • Made from heat-resistant Tritan plastic for extra durability
  • Ergonomic handle with a button for easy release
  • Silicone plug for a tight seal and total control
  • Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

  • A few customers said the strainer's holes were a bit too large
  • Some report that the bottom developed a crack after several uses

This fat separator is made from heat-resistant Tritan plastic and is dishwasher-safe. The built-in strainer keeps unwanted solids from drippings, and the silicone plug opens at the press of the button on the heat-resistant handle. Plus, there are embossed measurement markings for cups, ounces, and milliliters that won't rub off with repeated washing.


Some users complained that the holes in the strainer were too large, and bits of food clogged the hole at the bottom. On the other hand, many others said the fat separator worked well for bone broths and soups. They also said it was easy to disassemble and clean.

No.6

OXO
Good Gravy Fat Separator11198900

Reference price
$27.95
High Mid

Best Bottom Drainer Fat Separator With External Drain

Pros:

  • External drain to make clean-up a breeze
  • Silicone shut-off valve for a tight seal
  • Comfortable, non-slip handle
  • Convenient built-in strainer

Cons:

  • A few customers had issues with the valve leaking

This fat separator from OXO offers a bottom-release design with an external silicone shut-off valve to make clean-up a breeze. The non-slip handle doubles as a trigger and is sturdy enough to grip firmly and hold steadily. The built-in strainer has raised sides to keep liquid and solids contained while pouring.


After a few uses, some reviewers reported that they found gravy leaking from the drip plug. Many users, on the other hand, loved how well it separated fats from liquids and were pleased with the separator's construction. They also said it helped them prepare a range of dishes and was extremely easy to use.

No.7

Norpro
Gravy Fat Separator3023

Reference price
$11.38
Low

Best Small Capacity Fat Separator

Pros:

  • Has a wide spout for quick and easy pouring
  • Includes a strainer to remove unwanted food particles
  • Has embossed measurement markings that won't rub off
  • Dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup

Cons:

  • Better for pan drippings than stock making due to its small size

This 1.5-cup plastic separator from Norpro is perfect for separating small batches of drippings. It has raised measurement markings that won't rub off, and it also comes with a plastic strainer to keep out large bits of food and herbs. It has a wide spout that makes it easy to pour and is dishwasher-safe.


It is small, and some buyers feel it wouldn't work for bigger households or making stocks. But many users found this separated fat well, and said it's great for making gravy from pan drippings. They also found it easy to clean. 

No.8

Fatsoff
Soup Scoop Fat SkimmerFSS-1

Reference price
$12.00
Low Mid

Best Ladle Fat Separator for Soups

Pros:

  • Made from clear heat-resistant plastic
  • Spouts on each side of the scoop
  • Long handle to keep hands away from hot liquids
  • Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

  • Ineffective in liquid under two inches deep

This heat-resistant fat skimmer separates floating fats from soups and broths directly from the pot. Fat is collected through the raised hole by lightly pressing the scoop into the liquid. The scoop also has a spout on each side for an easy and safe transfer.


Some users found this product too big for storage in a drawer, and others had trouble figuring out how to use it effectively. Those who got the hang of it, however, were pleased with how quick and simple it was to separate fat from soups and stews. They also praised how easy it was to clean.

No.9

GoodCook
Gravy/Fat Separator16157

Reference price
$14.19
Low Mid

Best 2-Cup Pitcher Fat Separator

Pros:

  • Has tall sides to minimize spills when pouring
  • Measurements are in both standard and metric
  • Includes a spout stopper 
  • Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

  • The handle is not anti-slip

This pitcher-style fat separator features a deep-seated strainer, resulting in sediment-free drippings. The tall sides of the container ensure liquid doesn't spill out while being poured. Plus, a rubber spout stopper is included to keep fat out of the spout when filling up the container. 


A handful of users were disappointed with the plastic handle and wished it were sturdier. A majority of users, however, said the separator was easy to use and clean. They also reported that it was very useful when making gravy and sauces.

No.10

Küchenprofi
Gravy Separator With StrainerK1012362800

Reference price
$49.32
High

Best Glass Fat Seperator With Measurements in Small Increments

Pros:

  • Made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass
  • Includes a sturdy stainless steel strainer
  • Has easy-to-read measurement markings
  • Metric on one side, standard on the other

Cons:

  • A few customers found the glass too thin and delicate

This pitcher-style fat separator is made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass. The stainless steel strainer has a silicone gasket to make sure it stays in place, and the measurements in metric and imperial units are in small increments for ease of use.


A few users felt that the glass was too thin, but most found it very useful for separating fat from soups and drippings. Many buyers said the strainer was convenient for catching food particles. They say it cleans up easily in the dishwasher.

Buying Guide Reviewed by Executive R&D Chef Jim Quast

Jim Quast
Executive R&D Chef
Jim Quast

This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.

Top 5 Fat Separators

No. 1: VondiorFat Separator With Bottom Release12547

No. 2: OXOGood Grips Fat Separator11273200

No. 3: HIC Harold Import Co.Glass Gravy Strainer43786

No. 4: Swing-A-WayEasy Release Fat/Gravy SeparatorS2062T

No. 5: Cuisipro Fat Separator747301

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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