Fat separators allow you to easily skim fat off liquids for gravy or soup. Which one is best?
Last Updated May 1, 2021. Appears in Americas Test Kitchen TV Season 18: Three-Cup Chicken and Smashed Cucumbers
Since we last named a winner, readers reported that the Cuisipro Fat Separator cracked and leaked during use. When we first tested this model we also noticed some superficial cracking, but the performance was not affected. Recently a new product, the OXO Good Grips Good Gravy Fat Separator–4 Cup, entered the market; it has the same bottom-draining style as our winner. We tested the new model next to our old winner. We still recommend our old favorite—this time around, it didnt crack or leak. (For better longevity, we recommend washing it on the top rack of the dishwasher, as the manufacturer suggests.) But we like the OXO model even better; it has clear measurement markings, a finer strainer, and a tight release valve that makes it even easier to control the flow of liquid. It is our new winner.
Overall, we like the separator, but you have to be very careful pouring it to prevent fatty liquids from spilling up over the top. While it is more accurate with larger quantities of liquid than smaller quantities, it just doesn’t excel at both.
The one I bought didnt work as the amount of juices I got was too small to reach the spout but I might try again with the exit out the bottom one. Or stick with bisto 
Just drop a couple of ice cubes in the gravy – fat clings to the ice, easy!
I had the Lakeland one and like a previous poster I also thought it was rubbish
Mind you I broke mine and now I just use a mug and scoop the gat off the top. Works just as well.
Ive got the Lakeland one, its great, the only problem is that its not very big. I have never had any luck with the ice cube technique and dont always want to wait for it to chill in the fridge.
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Fat separators allow you to easily skim fat off liquids for gravy or soup. Which one is best?
Last Updated May 1, 2021. Appears in Americas Test Kitchen TV Season 18: Three-Cup Chicken and Smashed Cucumbers
Since we last named a winner, readers reported that the Cuisipro Fat Separator cracked and leaked during use. When we first tested this model we also noticed some superficial cracking, but the performance was not affected. Recently a new product, the OXO Good Grips Good Gravy Fat Separator–4 Cup, entered the market; it has the same bottom-draining style as our winner. We tested the new model next to our old winner. We still recommend our old favorite—this time around, it didnt crack or leak. (For better longevity, we recommend washing it on the top rack of the dishwasher, as the manufacturer suggests.) But we like the OXO model even better; it has clear measurement markings, a finer strainer, and a tight release valve that makes it even easier to control the flow of liquid. It is our new winner.
Why You Should Be Using a Fat Separator When Making Sauce and Gravy
FAQ
What can I use instead of a fat separator?
Do you need a fat separator for gravy?
What is a fat separator?
Fat separators are specially-designed measuring cups that make it easy to de-fat stock for gravies and sauces. They can also be called gravy strainers or soup strainers. By separating the broth and fat from your pan drippings, you are able to produce a flavorful, lean broth, and retain the fat for other purposes.
How much does a fat separator cost?
But if you’re making gravy or soup on a shorter timetable, you can use a fat separator to defat stocks and pan juices almost immediately. To find a favorite, we tested six 4-cup models (including our prior winner from Trudeau) priced from $11.99 to $33.95, using them to strain aromatics and separate fat from both 2-quart and 1-cup volumes of stock.
What is the best fat separator?
The OXO Good Grips Good Gravy 4-Cup Fat Separator is, by far, our favorite fat separator on this list. By design, bottom-draining separators make it almost impossible to pass a lot of fatty-liquid through their valves because the fat floats on the top. Some of them have temperamental levers, but the trigger on this model is super easy to control.
Do you need a fat separator?
Fat separators make this easy to do, but not having one doesn’t mean you’re stuck not being able to remove the unwanted fat. Pour the liquid you need to de-fat into a bowl, allow it to cool a bit, then stick it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. The fat will rise to the top of the bowl and form a hard skin.