Choosing the right muddler for your at-home bar is a delicate art. Muddlers come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and weights, so trying to decide between them all can be slightly overwhelming. Keep in mind that a quality muddler should be able to tackle virtually any task you need it to, from crushing fruit and herbs to cracking nuts and spices, so it should be made from durable stainless steel or wood. Your muddler should also have a nonslip grip handle and a smooth finish for the best-tasting drinks possible. We've rounded up our favorite muddlers on the market to help you pick the right one for your kitchen. Hiware Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler Prepare to whip up some truly delicious cocktails with the Hiware Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler, which has a grooved head that makes mashing citrus, herbs, and spices as easy as pie. Crafted from sturdy stainless steel, this muddler is as durable as they come and boasts an innovative design. It has a trident fork on the front and a spoon on one end so that you can mash, mix, stir, and even pick up fruit. Whether you’re a professional bartender or an at-home cocktail connoisseur, you need this muddler in your life. Pros: Non-scratch, grooved nylon head mashes soft and hard objects quickly and easily Ideal for mixing, stirring, drainage, and layering Ergonomic handle Easy to clean Cons: We wish the mixing spoon were a tad bigger OXO Steel Muddler Mixologists, bartenders, and amateur cocktail enthusiasts alike love the OXO Steel Muddler for its ability to mash up citrus and herbs in mere moments. This muddler’s user-friendly design is what truly sets it apart. The soft, comfy grip makes it easy to hold and use, and the nylon head does an excellent job of protecting glasses. Plus, the rounded surface at the tip lets you apply heavy or light pressure with total ease. Pros: Handcrafted from sturdy, die-cast zinc with a nylon head that protects glasses and prevents scratches and cracks Rounded surface at the tip lets you apply as much pressure as you need to Comfier and easier to hold than most Dishwasher-safe Cons: On the high end of the price spectrum Fletchers’ Mill Muddler Impress your friends with your innovative, flavorful cocktails when you use the Fletchers’ Mill Muddler, an oldie-but-a-goodie tool that can handle any job, from crushing mint to cracking ice. This classic muddler is crafted from solid American hardwood and has all the right features: an ergonomically-shaped handle, a perfectly curved design, and a slim size. It even comes in two sizes: the 7″ muddler is great for shorter glasses, and the 11″ muddler is perfect for tall, curved glasses. You can’t make great cocktails without great tools, and this muddler proves that. Pros: Designed to muddle from either end Ergonomically-shaped handle provides more force with less stress on your hand and arm Family-owned company Made of solid American hardwood Cons: Not dishwasher-safe Twine Acacia Muddler Equal parts functional and aesthetically pleasing, the Twine Acacia Muddler is handcrafted from gorgeous beechwood, with lovely wood grain and shaping, so it’ll double as a piece of décor for your home bar or bar cart. That being said, if you ever need to store this muddler in a drawer, you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged since it comes with a protective storage pouch. Crucially, the softly curving handle fits comfortably in your hand as you mix and mash herbs for your drinks. Pros: Beautiful wood grain and shaping will make this meddler look good on any bar Handcrafted from top-grade beechwood that’s made to last Nicely curved, easy-to-grasp handle Comes with a burlap storage pouch Cons: After washing, you’ll need to be extra careful to dry this muddler thoroughly before using it again — otherwise, it could crack Barvivo Muddler If you want a muddler that does it all, look no further than the Barvivo Muddler. You can use this muddler as a masher when making mashed potatoes or guacamole, or crush herbs or garlic while you’re cooking. It’s easy to clean, easy to use, and made from stainless steel, so you know it’ll last for years. What’s not to love? Pros: You can use it for a variety of cooking tasks Classy-looking (and very durable) design Fits comfortable in the hand Easy to clean Cons: A bit lightweight Frequently Asked Questions What should I consider when choosing a muddler? The longer the muddler, the taller it will stand in the shaker, which means that you’ll have more control while using it. That’s especially important if you’re pounding citrus or herbs. Your muddler should also have textured or non-slip sides so that you can grip it more easily without your hand cramping. It’s best to go for a muddler with a smooth finish for the most flavorful beverages possible. What type of material should a muddler be made of? While wooden muddlers are undeniably popular for their affordability, durability, and aesthetic, stainless steel is the more appealing option, in our opinion. Not only is stainless steel easier to clean since you can place it in the dishwasher, but it’s every bit as long-lasting, if not more so, than wood. Related posts: The Best Slicker Brushes The Best Pooper Scoopers The Best Pooper Scoopers