For this 10 Best Salad Spinners Consumer Guide, we compared popular models based on drying performance, ease of use, capacity, stability, cleaning, storage, and overall value. We also considered testing and recommendations from established kitchen-review publications, including Serious Eats and Epicurious.
Serious Eats’ latest testing evaluated 14 salad spinners and found that faster, free-spinning designs generally removed water more efficiently. Pump-style mechanisms, large basket openings, stable bases, and easy-to-clean lids were among the features that distinguished the strongest performers.
Our Top 10 Salad Spinners at a Glance
- OXO Steel Salad Spinner – Best Overall
- OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner – Best Value
- OXO Good Grips Glass Salad Spinner – Best Premium Pick
- Farberware Pump Salad Spinner – Best Large-Capacity Value
- Zyliss Swift Dry Salad Spinner – Best One-Handed Alternative
- Chef’n Salad Chopper and Spinner – Best Compact Multipurpose Pick
- Cuisinart Salad Spinner – Best Basic Crank-Style Spinner
- Prepworks Collapsible Salad Spinner – Best for Small Kitchens
- Zyliss Easy Spin Salad Spinner – Best Pull-Cord Design
- OXO Good Grips Little Salad & Herb Spinner – Best for Herbs and Small Portions
1. OXO Steel Salad Spinner – Best Overall
OXO Steel Salad Spinner
Upgrade your salad prep with the OXO Steel Salad Spinner, a premium option designed for fast, efficient drying. Its durable stainless-steel bowl, easy one-handed pump, and non-slip base make it a dependable choice for everyday use.
Best for: Home cooks who want premium construction, excellent drying performance, and long-term durability.
Key Features
- Durable stainless-steel outer bowl.
- Easy one-handed pump mechanism.
- Built-in brake for quick stopping.
- Non-slip base for added stability.
- Large capacity for family-size salads.
- Bowl can double as a serving bowl.
- Dishwasher-safe components.
Pros
- Excellent Drying Performance: Quickly removes excess water from leafy greens.
- Premium Construction: Stainless steel feels durable and looks attractive.
- Easy to Use: The large pump requires minimal effort.
- Stable Design: Non-slip base keeps the spinner firmly on the counter.
- Multipurpose Bowl: Can be used for mixing and serving.
Cons
- Higher Price: More expensive than basic plastic salad spinners.
- Large Footprint: Requires more cabinet space.
- Heavier Design: Stainless steel adds extra weight.
2. OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner – Best Value
OXO Good Grips Large Salad Spinner
The OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner is one of the most popular choices for quickly washing and drying lettuce, spinach, herbs, and other greens. Its simple push-down pump makes spinning easy, even with one hand.
Best for: Most households looking for an easy-to-use salad spinner with excellent value.
Key Features
- One-handed push-button operation.
- Built-in brake button.
- Large-capacity basket.
- Non-slip base.
- Pump locks down for compact storage.
- Clear plastic serving bowl.
- Dishwasher-safe design.
Pros
- Easy Operation: Requires very little effort compared with crank models.
- Great Value: Strong performance at a reasonable price.
- Large Capacity: Suitable for preparing salads for several people.
- Stable Base: Helps prevent movement while spinning.
- Easy Cleaning: Removable parts simplify cleanup.
Cons
- Bulky: Takes up considerable cabinet space.
- Plastic Construction: Less premium than steel or glass models.
- Center Mechanism: Reduces some usable basket space.
3. OXO Good Grips Glass Salad Spinner – Best Premium Pick
OXO Good Grips Glass Salad Spinner
The OXO Good Grips Glass Salad Spinner combines efficient drying with an attractive glass bowl that can go directly from the kitchen counter to the dining table.
Best for: Shoppers who want a premium salad spinner that also works as an attractive serving bowl.
Key Features
- Heavy-duty glass bowl.
- One-handed pump mechanism.
- Built-in brake.
- Large capacity.
- Non-slip base.
- Bowl doubles as serving ware.
- Dishwasher-safe components.
Pros
- Attractive Design: Glass bowl looks great on the dining table.
- Strong Performance: Efficiently dries lettuce and other greens.
- Easy Operation: Push-button system requires minimal effort.
- Versatile Bowl: Useful for serving and mixing.
- Premium Feel: High-quality construction.
Cons
- Heavy: Considerably heavier than plastic models.
- Expensive: Premium materials increase the price.
- Breakable: Glass requires more careful handling.
4. Farberware Professional Pump Salad Spinner – Best Large-Capacity Value
Farberware Professional Pump Salad Spinner
The Farberware Professional Salad Spinner offers generous capacity and an easy pump-style mechanism, making it a practical option for families and anyone preparing large quantities of greens.
Best for: Families who frequently prepare large salads and want plenty of capacity.
Key Features
- Large-capacity bowl.
- One-handed pump operation.
- Built-in brake.
- Non-slip base.
- Removable basket.
- Bowl can be used for serving.
- Suitable for lettuce, herbs, and vegetables.
Pros
- Large Capacity: Great for family-size portions.
- Simple Pump System: Easy to operate with one hand.
- Good Value: Offers useful features at a competitive price.
- Stable Design: Rubberized base helps prevent slipping.
- Versatile: Basket can also function as a colander.
Cons
- Bulky: Requires substantial storage space.
- Plastic Construction: Does not feel as premium as stainless steel.
- Cleaning: Lid mechanism may require extra attention when washing.
5. Zyliss Swift Dry Salad Spinner – Best One-Handed Alternative
Zyliss Swift Dry Salad Spinner
The Zyliss Swift Dry Salad Spinner features a convenient lever-style mechanism designed to generate plenty of spinning power with minimal effort.
Best for: Users who prefer a lever mechanism instead of a traditional push pump or hand crank.
Key Features
- One-handed lever mechanism.
- Large-capacity bowl.
- Built-in brake.
- Non-slip base.
- Handle locks down for storage.
- Removable basket.
- Suitable for lettuce and herbs.
Pros
- Comfortable Operation: Lever system requires little effort.
- Large Capacity: Handles generous portions of greens.
- Good Stability: Non-slip base keeps the bowl secure.
- Fast Spinning: Produces strong centrifugal force.
- Convenient Brake: Quickly stops the basket.
Cons
- More Complex Mechanism: More moving parts than basic crank models.
- Storage Size: Still relatively large.
- Durability: Lever mechanism may experience wear after extended use.
6. Chef’n Salad Chopper and Spinner – Best Compact Multipurpose Pick
Chef’n Salad Chopper and Spinner
The Chef’n Salad Chopper and Spinner combines a compact salad spinner with additional food-prep functionality, making it useful for smaller kitchens.
Best for: Apartments, couples, and kitchens where storage space is limited.
Key Features
- Compact design.
- Pull-style spinning mechanism.
- Removable colander basket.
- Multipurpose salad-prep design.
- Lightweight construction.
- Suitable for smaller portions.
- Easy to carry and store.
Pros
- Space-Saving: Smaller footprint than full-size models.
- Quick Spinning: Effectively removes water from greens.
- Multipurpose: Useful for rinsing, spinning, and basic salad prep.
- Lightweight: Easy to handle.
- Great for Small Households: Ideal for one or two servings.
Cons
- Smaller Capacity: Not ideal for large families.
- Two-Handed Use: One hand may be needed to stabilize the bowl.
- Hand Washing: Less convenient than fully dishwasher-safe models.
7. Cuisinart Salad Spinner – Best Basic Crank-Style Spinner
Cuisinart Salad Spinner
The Cuisinart Salad Spinner provides a straightforward crank-style design for shoppers who prefer simple manual operation without complicated mechanisms.
Best for: Occasional salad makers who want a basic and affordable spinner.
Key Features
- Traditional crank mechanism.
- Clear plastic bowl.
- Removable strainer basket.
- Lightweight construction.
- Compact design.
- Easy-to-grip handle.
- Suitable for vegetables and leafy greens.
Pros
- Simple Design: Easy to understand and operate.
- Affordable: Good choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Removable Basket: Can also be used as a colander.
- Lightweight: Easy to move and store.
- Trusted Brand: Made by a well-known kitchenware company.
Cons
- More Manual Effort: Crank requires wrist movement.
- Smaller Capacity: Not ideal for very large salads.
- Average Drying Performance: Less powerful than premium pump models.
8. Prepworks by Progressive Collapsible Salad Spinner – Best Space-Saver
Prepworks by Progressive Collapsible Salad Spinner
The Prepworks Collapsible Salad Spinner is designed specifically for kitchens where cabinet space is limited. The bowl collapses down when not in use, making storage considerably easier.
Best for: Apartments, RVs, dorm kitchens, and anyone with limited cabinet space.
Key Features
- Collapsible bowl.
- Space-saving construction.
- Manual spinning mechanism.
- Removable basket.
- Basket doubles as a colander.
- Lightweight design.
- Compact storage profile.
Pros
- Excellent Space Saver: Collapses down when stored.
- Practical Design: Useful for small kitchens.
- Multipurpose Basket: Works for washing and draining produce.
- Lightweight: Easy to handle.
- Travel Friendly: Suitable for RVs and vacation homes.
Cons
- Smaller Capacity: Less room than standard full-size spinners.
- Slower Drying: Not as efficient as top pump models.
- Collapsible Material: May require extra care during use.
9. Zyliss Easy Spin Salad Spinner – Best Pull-Cord Design
Zyliss Easy Spin Salad Spinner
The Zyliss Easy Spin Salad Spinner uses a pull-cord mechanism that quickly spins the basket with a simple pull, making it an interesting alternative to pump and crank designs.
Best for: Shoppers who prefer quick pull-cord operation.
Key Features
- Pull-cord spinning mechanism.
- Built-in brake.
- Removable basket.
- Large bowl.
- Non-slip base.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Suitable for lettuce, spinach, and herbs.
Pros
- Fast Operation: A quick pull generates strong basket speed.
- Easy to Use: Requires less repeated movement than a crank.
- Good Capacity: Suitable for everyday family use.
- Effective Brake: Stops the basket quickly.
- Versatile: Works well with different types of greens.
Cons
- Cord Wear: Pull cord may wear after extensive use.
- Requires Lateral Movement: Needs more side clearance than a pump.
- Personal Preference: Some users may prefer a push-button design.
10. OXO Good Grips Little Salad & Herb Spinner – Best for Small Portions
OXO Good Grips Little Salad & Herb Spinner
The OXO Good Grips Little Salad & Herb Spinner delivers the familiar OXO pump system in a compact format designed for herbs, berries, and smaller salad portions.
Best for: Singles, couples, herbs, berries, and small batches of leafy greens.
Key Features
- Compact design.
- One-handed pump mechanism.
- Built-in brake.
- Non-slip base.
- Removable basket.
- Clear bowl.
- Ideal for herbs and small portions.
Pros
- Compact Size: Easy to store in smaller kitchens.
- Easy Operation: Uses OXO’s convenient pump system.
- Perfect for Herbs: Great for parsley, cilantro, basil, and other herbs.
- Good for Small Households: Avoids the bulk of a full-size spinner.
- Easy Cleaning: Simple removable components.
Cons
- Limited Capacity: Too small for large family salads.
- Less Versatile: Full-size models handle more types of food.
- Not Ideal for Entertaining: Requires multiple batches for large quantities.
How to Choose the Best Salad Spinner
A salad spinner is a simple kitchen tool, but small design differences can make one model dramatically easier to use than another.
Here are the features worth considering.
1. Spinning Mechanism
Salad spinners generally use one of four mechanisms:
- Push pump
- Lever
- Pull cord
- Hand crank
For most users, a push-pump design is the easiest.
It allows you to use downward pressure from your hand or body weight instead of repeatedly twisting your wrist.
Serious Eats found that fast, free-spinning models generally removed water more efficiently than slower fixed-rotation designs.
2. Capacity
For a household of three or four people, look for a spinner around 5 to 6 quarts or larger.
Large baskets give lettuce room to move, allowing water to escape instead of remaining trapped between tightly packed leaves.
Epicurious specifically considers adequate room important because overcrowded greens can retain both water and grit.
Singles and couples may prefer a smaller model to save storage space.
3. Stability
A spinner rotating at high speed can move across the countertop.
Look for:
- Rubber feet
- A non-slip base
- A wide bowl
- Sufficient overall weight
These features are especially useful with high-speed pump models.
4. Brake Button
A brake may sound unnecessary until you use one.
Instead of grabbing the basket or waiting for it to slow naturally, a brake lets you immediately stop the rotation and check your greens.
OXO incorporates this feature particularly well in several of its popular spinners.
5. Basket Design
The basket is not just a container.
Larger openings allow water to escape more freely. Serious Eats found that models with larger basket openings generally removed water faster than those using small perforations.
The basket should also be sturdy enough to double as a colander.
6. Ease of Cleaning
A salad spinner constantly comes into contact with moisture, leafy greens, soil, and food particles.
Choose a model with:
- Removable components
- Minimal hidden crevices
- Dishwasher-safe parts when possible
- A lid that can be opened or disassembled
After washing, allow every component to dry thoroughly before reassembling the spinner.
7. Storage
Large salad spinners can take up considerable cabinet space.
Before buying, consider whether:
- The pump locks down
- Components nest together
- The bowl collapses
- The spinner can replace another mixing or serving bowl
A multifunctional steel or glass bowl may justify the extra cabinet space better than a single-purpose plastic container.
Why Use a Salad Spinner?
The main purpose is obvious: removing water from freshly washed lettuce.
But a salad spinner can do more than that.
You can also use one to dry:
- Fresh herbs
- Kale
- Spinach
- Cabbage
- Berries
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Other washed vegetables
Serious Eats notes that salad spinners are particularly useful for foods too delicate to dry aggressively with a kitchen towel.
Drying is especially important for salads because excess surface water prevents oil-based dressings from coating greens evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best salad spinner overall?
For most serious home cooks, we recommend the OXO Steel Salad Spinner for its combination of drying performance, one-handed operation, durability, capacity, and stainless-steel serving bowl.
For better value, choose the OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner.
Serious Eats currently ranks the Steel model first and the plastic Good Grips version as its budget pick. Epicurious, meanwhile, strongly recommends the classic Good Grips model.
Is an expensive salad spinner worth it?
It depends on how frequently you use it.
If you buy whole lettuce, fresh herbs, spinach, or leafy greens every week, paying extra for a durable spinner with an efficient mechanism can make sense.
Occasional salad makers may be perfectly satisfied with a less expensive plastic model.
Are salad spinners really necessary?
No kitchen gadget is absolutely necessary, but a salad spinner is significantly faster and more effective than trying to pat a large quantity of leafy greens dry with paper towels.
It is especially useful if you regularly prepare salads for multiple people.
Can you put a salad spinner in the dishwasher?
Some models are dishwasher-safe and others are not.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Even with dishwasher-safe models, make sure the lid and internal mechanism dry completely before storage.
Can you use a salad spinner for fruit?
Yes.
Salad spinners can be useful for removing surface water from berries and other relatively delicate produce, provided you spin gently enough to avoid damaging them.
What size salad spinner should I buy?
For most families, approximately 5 to 6 quarts is a versatile size.
A 2- to 3-quart spinner makes more sense for herbs, small households, or limited storage.
Which is better: a pump or crank salad spinner?
For most users, we prefer a pump-style salad spinner.
Pump mechanisms require less wrist movement, are typically easy to operate with one hand, and can generate high basket speeds quickly.
Final Verdict
After comparing the leading designs, the OXO Steel Salad Spinner earns our top overall recommendation.
It combines excellent drying performance with an easy pump mechanism, sturdy construction, a stable base, and a stainless-steel bowl that can actually be used for serving.
Our best choices are:
Best Overall: OXO Steel Salad Spinner
Best Value: OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner
Best Premium: OXO Good Grips Glass Salad Spinner
Best Large-Capacity Value: Farberware Pump Salad Spinner
Best OXO Alternative: Zyliss Swift Dry Salad Spinner
For most shoppers, however, the OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner offers the strongest balance of price, performance, capacity, and ease of use.
Check OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner on Amazon
The BestConsumerGuides team is dedicated to delivering unbiased, research-driven product reviews. We analyze features, benefits, pricing, and real-world performance to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. Our mission is to simplify complex choices and provide clear, trustworthy guidance across health, wellness, and lifestyle products.