Making homemade stock, gravies, sauces…
…or broth requires skimming excess fat that accumulates on top of your liquids.
A recipe with too much fat can have an oily mouthfeel…
…and add unnecessary calories.
It can also solidify into an unsightly, cloudy layer of fat when chilled.
Even though refrigeration can help you remove fat from these liquids…
…fat takes hours to solidify this way.
The use of a dedicated fat separator during cooking is much easier and faster.
Separators are similar to measuring cups…
…and are designed to drain liquid while keeping the fat layer in place.
These cups drain from an opening at the bottom of the cup…
…or a pour spout on the side. Both styles are simple to use…
…and most are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
If you’re planning to make the perfect holiday turkey gravy…
…or gearing up for soup season…
…here are the best fat separators to get the job done.
But before that, let’s hear Jacob’s story…
I’m not sure why this wasn’t thought of sooner,
since using a fat separator is so much easier than trying to skim fat from liquids.
It’s even kind of fun to use, and maintains a cleaner working space
than using a ladle to spoon liquids into sauces/gravies,
or even using a measuring cup with spots.
I recommend this product to anyone who makes a lot of sauces and gravies.
Now, let’s get started…
Our Top Picks for Fat Separator
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | OXO Good Grips Good Gravy 4-Cup Fat Separator | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Cuisipro 4 Cup Fat Separator | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | Swing-A-Way 4-Cup Easy Release Fat/Gravy Separator, Red | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | OXO Good Grips Roasting Set | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | HIC Harold Import Co Glass 32 Ounce Gravy Strainer | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Fatsoff Soup Scoop Fat Skimmer | Prime | Buy Now |
Let’s go through them one by one…
OXO Good Grips 4-Cup Gravy Fat Separator
- Easily separates fat for healthier gravies, soups and sauces
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
With some of the most innovative, easy-to-use…
…and ergonomic kitchen gadgets on the market…
…it’s no surprise this fat separator takes the top spot.
You don’t have to worry about fat and liquid mixing together…
…with this fat separator because the bottom of the cup has a drain…
…so you don’t have to tilt it when pouring.
The drain is sealed with a silicone plug to prevent leaks.
Users of this model praise its comfort and ease of use:
…simply wait until the fat separates and then squeeze the trigger…
…in the handle to drain the cooking liquid away from the fat.
The handle is coated with a soft, non-slip material to make it easy…
…to grip and prevent dropping if your hands are a little greasy…
…after carving a turkey or roast.
There is an integrated strainer in the lid that catches solid bits of food…
…and the cup has easy-to-read measurement markings.
For convenient cleaning, the separator can be placed in the dishwasher.
A strainer should be included with your fat separator. It should sit on top of the container. A strainer that is too small will limit your ability to pour the liquid through it. You should also ensure that the strainer holes catch any unwanted particles.
Liliana Flowers – Kitchen Bar’s Editor In Chief
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Bottom drain for best liquid funneling
- Soft, non-slip handle
Cons:
- Tiny debris may fall through bottom drain
Cuisipro 4-Cup Fat Separator
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This is another bottom draining fat separator.
The cup’s handle features a thumb release built into the separator…
…so you can easily release it with a press of a button.
The heat-resistant Tritan separator is BPA-free…
…holds up to 4 cups of liquid, and is dishwasher safe.
When pouring pan drippings, a high-lipped filter lid helps strain liquids…
…from large food solids. Although some reviewers are disappointed…
…to find that small pieces of meat, vegetables…
…and herbs can pass through the filter and block the bottom drain…
…it’s best to pour slowly and carefully.
There are measurement markings on the cup…
…so you can quickly tell how many cups of liquid you have.
Pros:
- Bottom drain for easy liquid funneling
- Dishwasher safe
- Durable design
Cons:
- Small food debris may fall to the bottom
- No liquid measurement markings
Swing-A-Way Easy Release Fat Separator
- EASY RELEASE OF GREASE-FREE LIQUIDS: The spring loaded bottom opening allows for easy release of grease-free liquids.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
It features a spring-loaded valve that releases liquids…
…directly from the bottom of the container.
Dishwasher-safe, this 4-cup separator also includes a spout for pouring…
…and measurement markings, so it can be used as a measuring cup.
For catching larger chunks of food, it has a removable strainer lid.
Simply fill, let fat and liquid layers separate…
…then squeeze the handle to release the cooking liquid.
Because the liquid drains from the bottom…
…it’s more likely to leave drips on the counter after it has been released…
…than a spout-style fat separator…
…but it’s less likely to contain fat if the release is stopped in time.
Pros:
- Bottom drain style separator
- Liquid measurements on the side
- Less expensive option
Cons:
- Plastic may crack with repeated use
Keep reading…
OXO Good Grips Roasting Set
- Set includes Angled Turkey Baster with Cleaning Brush and 4-Cup Fat Separator
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
It might be time to replace that old fat separator you never liked…
…or if this is your first big holiday meal.
You’ll be ready for turkey or roasts any time of year…
…with both the fat separator and the baster (plus a cleaning brush).
It has an angled tip that makes it easy to get the juices…
…from the bottom of the roasting pan…
…and a silicone bulb that’s easy to hold and squeeze.
The baster holds four cups, is dishwasher safe, and has measuring lines on the side.
With the integrated stand attached to the baster tube…
…the curved tip stays upright on the counter when not in use, so it won’t drip.
Pros:
- Perfect for your first turkey
- Leak-proof baster design
- Completely dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Pour-style separator may mix fat and liquid
Go on…
HIC Harold Import Co. Gravy Strainer and Fat Separator
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Glass fat separator is the best option for those who want to avoid plastic in the kitchen.
It is made from heat-safe borosilicate glass…
…so you can pour very hot liquids into it without fear of it cracking.
Unlike other spout-style fat separators, this one has a slim…
…graceful spout and loop handle for a modern and elegant look.
With both US and metric measurements…
…it’s easy to know how much gravy you’ve got.
There is a stainless steel strainer that filters out large bits…
…and a finer strainer included to remove finer bits and sediment…
…so there is no need for a second strainer.
While it’s not being used for separating fat…
…you can use it as a standard measuring cup…
…for heating water in the microwave, or perhaps even for making tea.
The dishwashing machine can be used to clean this.
Pros:
- Includes wide and mesh strainers for debris
- Attractive glass design (for a fat separator)
- Measurements in metric and 1/4 cup increments
Cons:
- It will break if you drop it
- Slippery if your hands are greasy
Last, but not least…
Fatsoff Soup Scoop Fat Skimmer
- Fast, easy and complete separation of the floating fat from broths, soups, and stews
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This unique skimmer may be just what you need…
…if you don’t have space for another measuring cup.
By pressing the bottom of the skimmer’s bowl on top of the fatty liquid…
…this removes the fat directly from the pot or roasting pan.
The fat that comes through the raised hole collects in the bowl.
As shallow liquids won’t fit, you might need to tilt your roasting pan…
…to collect the liquid in the corner so it’s deep enough…
…or transfer the liquid to another container.
You can use it to remove the fat from the top of the turkey soup…
…you’ll be making in a few days.
Pros:
- Cost efficient
- Easy to hang to save space
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Takes a little practice to master
- Difficult to use in shallow liquids
Sum Up
Fat separators are an excellent tool for making healthy juices and foods.
The kitchen tools can be used to make delicious juices in minutes.
It is important to consider the materials used in the construction…
…of the fat separator, as well as whether or not it is durable.
Additionally, you should look for models…
…that are capable of separating fat from soup, gravy, and fruits.
Make sure the plastic model is free of BPA.
There are a variety of options when it comes to the best fat separators…
…from cheap plastic to more expensive metal and glass.
We’ve listed them all so you can make an informed choice…
…and choose the one that fits your needs the best.
Conclusion
If you find your hands covered in turkey drippings and are looking…
…for an easy and efficient way to separate fat from gravy…
…then the OXO Good Grips 4-cup Gravy Fat Separator is the ideal solution.
The Fatsoff Soup Scoop Fat Skimmer is an inexpensive tool…
…that can skim fat from drippings and stocks.
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
