In search of a salad spinner that combines top-tier efficiency with user-friendly features? Our expert analysis pinpoints the leading salad spinners of 2024, examining how they stack up in drying performance, build quality, and convenience. We’ll guide you through the best buys and practical tips for seasoned and aspiring salad aficionados alike.
Key Takeaways
- The best salad spinners balance usability and design, offering durable materials, efficient spinning mechanisms, and are often versatile in function and size for different households.
- Top performers like the OXO Good Grips and Zyliss salad spinners stand out due to their efficient drying mechanisms, stability in use, and ease of cleaning, with some models also serving as attractive serving bowls.
- Salad spinners are multi-purpose kitchen tools that can effectively wash and dry a variety of produce, and proper care with regular cleaning and efficient storage is crucial for maintaining their longevity.
Choosing the Perfect Salad Spinner
Selecting the ideal salad spinner can significantly enhance your salad preparation. It’s not just about rotating a basket; it’s about finding the right balance between functionality and design. The best salad spinners are effortless to use, with clear instructions and a user-friendly spinning process.
They provide a quick and efficient way to air-dry your salad greens and fresh herbs, ensuring a crisp and fresh base for your meals.
Material Options
Material options for salad spinners require a careful balance between durability, visual appeal, and weight. Some options include:
- Stainless steel: known for its robustness and modern design, but can be more expensive and heavier to handle.
- Plastic: lightweight and affordable, but may not be as durable as other materials.
- Glass: offers a sleek and transparent design, but can be fragile and prone to breaking.
Consider your needs and preferences when choosing the material for your salad spinner.
On the other hand, plastic salad spinners offer affordability and lightness, although they may compromise on durability.
Spinning Mechanisms
Though it may appear as a basic feature, the spinning mechanism profoundly influences the usability and efficiency of a salad spinner. Pump or pedal mechanisms, as seen in OXO and Zyliss models, are often more effective in achieving drier results than hand-crank models.
On the flip side, handle-based models requiring manual spinning with a crank, ratchet, or rack-and-pinion system demand more exertion and tend to be less stable during use.
Size and Storage
When choosing your salad spinner, its size and storage capabilities are vital factors to consider. Larger families or those who frequently entertain may require a larger salad spinner, while single users or those with limited storage space might opt for a smaller model.
Models such as the Farberware Professional and OXO Good Grips offer a combination of generous capacity and innovative designs that make them both effective for large quantity drying and efficient in terms of storage space. Additionally, the OXO Steel variant provides a sleek and durable option for those who prefer a stainless steel finish.
Top Salad Spinners Reviewed
In 2024, tested salad spinners were ranked based on their ability to remove water, the effort required to spin, base stability, bowl versatility, ease of cleaning, and overall value. The top performers in the 2024 tests were:
- OXO Good Grips Glass Salad Spinner: favored for its efficiency in drying and multifunctional glass base
- Zyliss: a top performer
- Stainless steel model: a top performer
OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner
The OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner has rightly earned its spot as a favorite among salad enthusiasts. It effortlessly combines efficiency, durability, and ease of cleaning. Its pump-action mechanism allows efficient drying of greens with minimal effort, and its heavy glass base provides stability during use. For those seeking an upgrade, the OXO Steel Salad Spinner offers a sleek, stainless steel alternative.
Plus, its aesthetically pleasing design allows it to double as both the bowl and an attractive serving bowl, making it a multifunctional addition to your kitchen.
Progressive Collapsible Salad Spinner
The Progressive Collapsible Salad Spinner is a strong contender for the title of the best salad spinner for those in need of a space-saving kitchen tool. Despite taking slightly longer to dry greens, it is versatile and easy to clean. Here are some key features of the spinner:
- Capacity of 3 quarts, aptly sized for small to medium households
- Focuses on washing and drying smaller batches of produce efficiently
- Collapsible design for easy storage
- Easy to clean
However, users should be aware that the spinner’s base requires stabilization during use to maintain its position on the countertop.
5 of the Best Salad Spinners Available on Amazon
We hope you find your next awesome thing from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to fiddle with, but all opinions in this article are our own. Oh, and FYI — AnnesAnalytics may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Enjoy finding your next awesome thing.
Encouraging Review
"Would have liked the glass one better but this one is more affordable. Works great for drying salad greens. While spinning it will wobble so needs to be held for a bit. Easy to wash. Glad I bought this." Amazon Review by grf
Cuisinart Large Salad Spinner
Wash, Spin & Dry Salad Greens, Fruits & Vegetables, 5qt
Encouraging Review
"Love the closure as it is easy to use and keeps the lid on securely. Works well and this is dishwasher safe (though it does take up quite a bit of room on the top rack)." Amazon Review by Amber
oined Large Salad Spinner with Drain, Bowl, and Colander
Quick and Easy Multi-Use Lettuce Spinner, Vegetable Dryer, Fruit Washer, Pasta and Fries Spinner - 5.28 Qt
Encouraging Review
"This works great, it is well made and easy to clean." Amazon Review by Peggy
Westmark German Vegetable and Salad Spinner with Pouring Spout
Dishwasher Safe
Encouraging Review
"I was tired of the bag salads that turned to mush just 1-2 days after opening them and wanted to start making my own salads the way my mom used to when I was growing up. She had a Tupperware brand that didn’t spin so this has hers beat! There is plenty of room for a small head of lettuce plus carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms and more in here, and after washing all of your vegetables, you can spin this dry to keep it fresh. I highly recommend it!" Amazon Review by Homer
Zulay Kitchen Salad Spinner Large 5L Capacity - Manual Lettuce Spinner With Secure Lid Lock & Rotary Handle
Easy To Use Salad Spinners With Bowl, Colander & Built-in Draining System
Encouraging Review
"In use for many months now. Durable, easy to use, quality product." Amazon Review by Jim from Columbus
Alternative Uses for Salad Spinners
Believe it or not, the humble salad spinner is a versatile tool that can be used for more than just drying your greens. Here are some other ways you can use a salad spinner:
- Wash and dry delicate fruits such as berries to avoid bruising
- Clean vegetables with intricate structures, like broccoli and cauliflower, effectively
- Rinse and dry beans, both dried after soaking and canned
A large salad spinner is a handy tool to have in your kitchen for various tasks.
Caring for Your Salad Spinner
To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your salad spinner, proper care and cleaning are crucial. This involves more than merely removing leftover salad pieces; it’s about preserving the spinner’s functionality.
Clean salad spinner bowls with a sponge, dish soap, and water, then use grease-fighting dish soap to wash and pump the spinner mechanism for loosening any food remnants.
Cleaning Techniques
Cleaning your salad spinner doesn’t have to be a chore. If your model is dishwasher-safe, such as the OXO Good Grips, it’s a breeze to clean and maintain over time. But even if you’re hand-washing, a quick spin in warm, soapy water is effective for loosening and removing any remaining food bits from your salad spinner.
Storing Your Spinner
Appropriate storage of your salad spinner not only conserves kitchen space, but also extends its useful life. The best models have mechanisms that can be locked flat for simpler storage, eliminating the problem of non-collapsible handles and the size of the spinner.
Pump spinners, with plungers that lock into place, minimize storage space and are easier to store compared to knob-style spinners which can be bulkier due to the knob sticking out.
Tips for Using a Salad Spinner Effectively
Effectively using a salad spinner involves more than merely throwing in your greens and spinning. There’s a technique involved. The right preparation and choice of spinning mechanism can make all the difference to the freshness and crispness of your greens.
Preparing Greens for Spinning
Before you put your leafy greens into the spinner, they need a little prep work. Chop your lettuce or greens before spinning to allow for cleaning in large batches, even if not used immediately.
Ensure that your greens are thoroughly scrubbed and rinsed with cool water, as this is necessary for cleaning produce before spinning.
Achieving Maximum Dryness
If you want your greens to be as dry as possible, choose a faster-spinning salad spinner. Those with pump or pedal mechanisms are more effective, removing over 90% of water from greens. And remember, for maximum dryness, it’s recommended to soak greens in water, vigorously spin and drain them, and repeat the spinning process until there’s minimal water left.
Comparing Salad Spinners: The Runner-Ups
Not all salad spinners are created equal. Some models, like the Excelsteel Cook Pro Salad Spinner and the Mueller Salad Spinner, had major issues with availability, durability, and noise. Despite these challenges, they still have their loyal fan base, which shows the importance of personal preference when choosing the right salad spinner.
How to Properly Store and Keep Greens Fresh
After washing and spinning your greens, it’s essential to store them correctly to preserve their freshness and extend their shelf life. Here’s how to do it:
- Store greens in containers with airflow, such as those with a perforated bottom.
- Line the containers with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
- Place the washed and spun greens in the containers.
- Seal the containers tightly to keep out air and moisture.
- Store the containers in the refrigerator.
When stored properly, freshly washed and spun greens can last up to 7 to 10 days.
Salad Spinner Myths Debunked
There are many myths surrounding salad spinners, but the truth is, they are more efficient and useful than you might think. For instance, the Zyliss Swift Dry Salad Spinner is capable of drying greens extremely fast, removing water from five ounces of mixed greens in just 30 seconds.
And contrary to popular belief, romaine lettuce and other salad greens require moisture and airflow to stay crisp after washing.
Summary
In this exploration of salad spinners, we’ve uncovered the top performers of 2024, debunked common myths, and provided tips for choosing the right model for your needs. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, a quality salad spinner is a valuable addition to your kitchen arsenal, ensuring your greens stay fresh and crisp for every meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of salad spinner is the best?
The Zyliss Swift Dry is the best salad spinner with its easy one-handed operation and efficient drying capability. Swift Dry by Zyliss stands out as the top choice among the products tested.
Is it worth having a salad spinner?
Yes, a salad spinner is worth having as it removes excess water from vegetables, keeps them crunchy, and cleans greens more efficiently, making it a must-have for anyone who enjoys making salads at home.
How did salad sling do after Shark Tank?
Salad Sling is still being produced and sold on the company's website, despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank.
Do salad spinners really dry lettuce?
Yes, salad spinners really dry lettuce, leaving it clean, dry, and crisp, by removing excess moisture.
What is the best material for a salad spinner?
The best material for a salad spinner depends on your needs. Stainless steel is durable and stylish but can be heavy and costly, while plastic is light and affordable but may not be as durable.