The Best Food Mills

OXO Good Grips Food Mill

The All-Star

This well-rounded performer is comfortable to handle and convenient to store away.

Best Overall

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OXO is known for making easy-to-use, non-slip kitchen tools, and the brand has proven itself once again with its Good Grips food mill. Constructed of high-quality plastic and stainless steel, the mill features a roomy bowl and three non-slip legs. The steel bowl works for both hot and cold foods and comes with three stainless steel grinding discs that you can change out for milling foods into fine, medium, or coarse textures. We like that the legs rest on top of your bowl or pot rather than sitting in it. You can’t beat the convenience of this food mill — it’s easy to assemble and feels sturdy in your hands.

Pros:

• Soft, non-slip knob and handle ease tension and make grinding your food more comfortable
• Legs fold under for easy storage
• Dishwasher-safe, though handwashing will help extend its life

Cons:

• Legs aren’t curved like other food mills, which would hold the food mill more securely in place

The Hungry Artisan Food Mill

No Mess, No Stress

Never underestimate the value of an easy-to-clean appliance.

Easiest to Clean

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The Hungry Artisan’s food mill is constructed entirely out of stainless steel, making it extra durable. It looks sleek and minimal, and the wide bowl makes it easy to clean — no need to reach your hand in awkwardly to scrub little crevices. The spring-loaded handle is smooth and makes using the mill feel effortless. It comes with three interchangeable discs and a cleaning tool that attaches to the bottom of the mill and works as you turn the handle to clear out milled food.

Pros:

• Double-welded side hooks are strategically placed and curved so you can rest the mill atop any pot or bowl
• Longer handle allows for a stronger grip

Cons:

• Handle doesn’t have a rubber or silicone grip and might be uncomfortable if you’re using the mill for a long time

Mirro Food Mill

Like a Dream

This featherweight mill doesn't skimp on performance.

Most Lightweight

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If you’re not one for kitchen tools that feel bulky and heavy, Mirro’s food mill is your best bet. It’s surprisingly light, but don’t underestimate its capabilities — it can still grind and puree your food with ease. The mill is constructed of stainless steel and features two hooks on the side. We especially like that the bowl is deep enough to hold potatoes or apple chunks without us worrying about them falling out.

Pros:

• Features a clip at the bottom to help it grip securely to containers
• Knob has flat sides for comfortable handling

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with interchangeable discs

Granite Ware Food Mill

A Breeze to Use

This conveniently sized food mill is great for meal prep.

Best for Everyday Use

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The first thing to note about Granite Ware’s food mill is that the bowl is on the shallow side, and that’s what makes it ideal for convenient, everyday use. It’s made of entirely stainless steel, with a curved bottom that fits directly over bowls and pots. The long, sturdy handle allows for a strong grip, and it comes with three interchangeable stainless steel grinding discs. We think it’s particularly ideal for preparing baby food or if you need to strain or puree something quickly while you’re cooking. This food mill is the perfect combination of lightweight and easy to clean, which is why we’d pick this mill for both small and large tasks.

Pros:

• Hooks on the side are extra secure
• Dishwasher-safe, though we recommend washing by hand to make it last longer

Cons:

• Shallower bowl means that there’s a slight risk of foods falling out, so it’s best not to overload the mill

Cuisipro Food Mill

The Workhorse

It's all about capacity with this sturdy food mill, which will become an indispensable kitchen tool for years.

Most Heavy-Duty

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Cuisipro’s food mill is made for the big jobs. Whether you’re canning a harvest’s worth of fruit or cooking up a bulk batch of tomato sauce, this mill is ready to handle it. It features an extra-large stainless steel bowl that has a reassuring heft to it, a non-slip handle and knob, and three interchangeable discs. The scraper increases efficiency and moves your food along easily as you turn. The bowl also sits in your pot or bowl, so your mill doesn’t touch your food. Overall, this food mill is for serious cooks who want a heavy-duty tool capable of some serious output.

Pros:

• Disassembles easily for cleaning and convenient storage
• Dishwasher-safe, though we generally recommend washing by hand

Cons:

• Only has one hook, and some may prefer more stability

Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t I use a food processor or blender to puree my foods?

Yes, those will get the job done, but the great thing about food mills is that they strain fiber, seeds, and skins instead of just blending them up with the rest of your food. When it comes to things like mashed potatoes, food mills produce a fluffy, silky texture that you can’t get when using a food processor or blender.

Can I use my food mill for anything else?

While you should stick with using a food mill to do its primary job, a roomy food mill can certainly double as a colander or even as a steamer basket in your pot, though your pot’s lid will likely not close perfectly.