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!
Quick List - Top Fat Separators
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!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
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!
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 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 soups. They drain liquids quickly and efficiently with minimal effort.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Vondior Fat Separator With Bottom Release|12547 | ![]() | Best Bottom Drainer Separator With Button Release | |
2 | OXO Good Grips Fat Separator|11273200 | ![]() | Best Pitcher Separator With Spout Stopper | |
3 | HIC Harold Import Co. Glass Gravy Strainer|43786 | ![]() | Best Glass Fat Separator With 2 Strainers | |
4 | Swing-A-Way Easy Release Fat/Gravy Separator|S2062T | ![]() | Best Separator With Soft-Grip Handle | |
5 | Cuisipro Fat Separator|747301 | ![]() | Best Heat-Resistant Fat Separator | |
6 | OXO Good Gravy Fat Separator|11198900 | ![]() | Best Bottom Drainer Fat Separator With External Drain | |
7 | Norpro Gravy Fat Separator|3023 | ![]() | Best Small Capacity Fat Separator | |
8 | Fatsoff Soup Scoop Fat Skimmer|FSS-1 | ![]() | Best Ladle Fat Separator for Soups | |
9 | GoodCook Gravy/Fat Separator|16157 | ![]() | Best 2-Cup Pitcher Fat Separator | |
10 | Küchenprofi Gravy Separator With Strainer|K1012362800 | ![]() | Best Glass Fat Seperator With Measurements in Small Increments |
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Are you looking for more tools to help make your next soup, stew, or gravy a success? We've got you covered!
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.
No. 1: Vondior|Fat Separator With Bottom Release|12547
No. 2: OXO|Good Grips Fat Separator|11273200
No. 3: HIC Harold Import Co.|Glass Gravy Strainer|43786
No. 4: Swing-A-Way|Easy Release Fat/Gravy Separator|S2062T
No. 5: Cuisipro |Fat Separator|747301
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Health
Beauty
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices