The Best Fat Separators

OXO Good Grips Four-Cup Fat Separator

Fat Chance

This ingenious design makes skimming fat simple.

Best Overall

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This fat separator from OXO is simple and easy to use, making it an ideal design for making grease-free gravies and stocks. Just pour the liquid through the straining lid to catch any debris or lingering spices—like bay leaves or cloves—and the oil in the fat will naturally rise to the top. Then, just pour out the fat-free pan drippings through the spout, and you’ll get all of the flavors without any of the grease. Measurement markings on the cup’s exterior make it even easier to get an accurate measurement without a second gadget.

Pros:

• The top is a strainer to help you keep out unwanted herbs and spices for a smooth gravy or stock that doesn’t need to be strained
• A raised edge helps prevent splashes and spills
• The plastic design is BPA-free and dishwasher safe for easy clean-up

Cons:

• The spout is thin, which makes it hard to wash by hand
• Because it’s made of plastic, the separator may crack if not handled properly

OXO Good Grips Good Gravy Four-Cup Fat Separator

Main Squeeze

Just pull the lever and all your grease-free cooking liquids release right out of the bottom.

Easiest to Use

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With a simple squeeze of the handle, this OXO separator releases cooking liquid from the bottom so that only fat gets left behind. The ingenious design even has a silicone shut-off valve to snugly seal the opening and prevent any leaks. That way, you can feel confident that your gravies, stocks, and dressings are grease-free for a healthier approach to cooking. With a built-in strainer on the lid and side measurements, this design has all the thoughtful details you need to ensure it’s easy to use and effective.

Pros:

• The bottom-valve design allows you to separate fat without waiting for it to cool and become solid, saving time and hassle in the kitchen
• Strainer top makes it easy to keep unwanted herbs and spices out of the separator without requiring an extra step
• You can use it as both a separator and a measuring cup, making recipes simpler

Cons:

• You may have to leave behind a bit of cooking liquid to avoid getting grease in your food
• With extensive use, the silicone valve may rip and cause leaks

Vondior Fat Separator with Bottom Release

Grease the Wheels

This design is a strainer and separator in one for a healthier final result.

Most Heavy Duty

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Whether you’re separating fat from gravies and soups or straining pulp from fruit juice and sauces, this Vondior separator can handle it all. Designed for use with both hot and cold liquids, it has a built-in strainer that removes clumps and a bottom valve that releases grease-free fluid with the touch of a button. Perfect for avid at-home chefs, this heavy-duty plastic design is heat-resistant and BPA-free for an effective and easy-to-use way to make delicious meals. It just might be the multipurpose tool your kitchen has been missing.

Pros:

• It can be used with both hot and cold fluids to separate fat, remove pulp, or strain out herbs and spices for a three-in-one solution
• With just one touch, you can drain the liquid from the bottom valve
• The separator is dishwasher safe for faster and easier clean-up

Cons:

• Over time, the silicone valve on the bottom may begin to leak
• Hand washing may help increase the lifespan of the product but is more time consuming than dishwashing

Fatsoff Soup Scoop Fat Skimmer

Inside Scoop

This cutting-edge skimmer makes it easy to separate the fat, all without removing anything from the pot.

Best Ladle

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Instead of waiting for your stock or gravy to cool and transferring it to a traditional fat separator, this Fatsoff ladle simplifies the entire process. The center is cone-shaped and has a small hole. By taking the ladle and pressing it down onto the top of your stock, the fat will rise to the top, go through the hole, and get caught in the ladle, effectively removing it from your liquids. Just make a few passes at your liquids, even when they’re still hot, and you can remove unwanted grease for a healthier and longer-lasting final product.

Pros:

• You don’t have to remove your liquids from the pot to use this skimmer, which saves time and allows you to remove an extra step
• This ladle works in any pot 5½” and larger, so it’s equally effective for at-home chefs and professional kitchens
• It’s easy to clean when compared to traditional fat separators with spouts

Cons:

• The skimmer is only available in plastic
• It won’t work in shallow pans, only deeper pots

Küchenprofi Glass and Stainless Steel Gravy Separator

Glass Half-Full

This heat-proof glass design is extra durable and built to last.

Best Glass

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This borosilicate glass and stainless steel design from Küchenprofi is a durable and safe way to separate fat. The four-cup reservoir has quarter-cup measurements on the side to make recipes easier, while the top has a built-in sieve to keep out unwanted pieces of herbs, spices, or bones. Simply pour your pan liquids through the strainer and wait for the fat to rise to the top. Then just use the spout to pour out the liquid for a healthier ingredient for your gravies, stews, juices, or stocks.

Pros:

• It’s made from glass and stainless steel, so it’s more durable than its plastic counterparts
• The separator is carefully packaged to ensure it doesn’t break in transit
• With a four-cup capacity, it can fit a large quantity of liquid to help minimize batches

Cons:

• Because the spout is thin, it is delicate and should be handled carefully
• It should be hand-washed instead of putting in the dishwasher

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for fat separators to work?

Once you pour the liquid into the separator, the fat should begin to rise to the top after a few minutes. Be sure to give it adequate time to separate, or you may leave some fat in the liquid.

Do fat separators work?

Yes. Fat separators have been designed to remove grease and fat from liquids, and both bottom-drainers and pitchers are effective at separating the fat solids from the liquid.