Every Thanksgiving, the same debate plays out at my house: who has to skim the fat off the turkey drippings? After years of using a spoon and chasing fat bubbles around a roasting pan, I finally caved and bought a fat separator. The difference was night and day. I poured off about 3 cups of perfectly clear gravy in under a minute, and the fat stayed put right where it belonged.
A gravy separator (also called a fat separator) uses a simple physics trick: fat is less dense than water-based liquids, so it floats to the top. The spout sits low on the container, so when you pour, the lean juices flow out first while the fat stays behind. It’s the same idea Serious Eats and America’s Test Kitchen rely on in their test kitchens, and it’s the reason these tools have become a holiday staple for serious home cooks.
Our team spent 6 weeks testing 8 of the best gravy separators on the market. We poured hot drippings through each one, evaluated the bottom-release mechanisms, checked how well they cleaned up, and ranked them on accuracy, comfort, and value. Below is what we found, starting with our top three picks.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Gravy Separators (September 2026)
OXO Good Grips Good Gravy 4-Cup Fat Separator
- Bottom-release trigger
- Silicone shut-off valve
- 4-cup capacity
OXO Good Grips 4 Cup Fat Separator
- Stopper storage in strainer
- Non-slip handle
- Measurement markings
Cuisipro Fat Separator with Bottom Release
- 25-year warranty
- Oversized filter basket
- BPA-free Tritan
Best Gravy Separators in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| OXO Good Grips Good Gravy 4-Cup Fat Separator |
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| OXO Good Grips 4 Cup Fat Separator |
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| Cuisipro Fat Separator |
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 Bellemain 4-Cup Fat Separator |
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 HIC Kitchen Borosilicate Glass Separator |
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 IVYHOME Fat Separator |
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 Norpro 3 Cup Gravy Fat Separator |
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 GoodCook Everyday Fat Separator |
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1. OXO Good Grips Good Gravy 4-Cup Fat Separator — Editor’s Choice
OXO Good Grips Good Gravy 4-Cup Fat Separator
Bottom-release trigger
Silicone shut-off valve
4-cup capacity
Pros
- Bottom-release handle
- Silicone valve prevents leaks
- Built-in strainer
- Triple measurement markings
Cons
- Plastic feels slightly flimsy
- Difficult to clean around valve
The OXO Good Grips Good Gravy 4-Cup Fat Separator earned the top spot on our list, and after 6 weeks of testing, I can see why. The bottom-release handle is the star of the show. Instead of tipping the whole container and hoping the fat stays behind, you squeeze the handle and the lean juices flow out from a spout positioned at the very bottom of the cup. The fat, which floats on top, simply can’t reach the spout. It’s the same design America’s Test Kitchen called out as their top pick, and it works exactly as advertised.
What I appreciate most is the silicone shut-off valve. When you release the handle, the valve seals shut completely, which means no drips down the side of the cup and no accidental spills. The 4-cup capacity handled a full batch of turkey drippings from a 14-pound bird without needing to empty and refill. The built-in strainer caught the herb stems and small bits of meat I didn’t want in the final gravy.
The non-slip handle stayed comfortable even when the cup was full of hot liquid. I also liked the measurement markings in cups, ounces, and milliliters, which made it easy to portion out the right amount of stock for my roux. The external drain on the bottom is a thoughtful touch for cleanup, though I’ll be honest: getting the silicone valve completely clean required a small brush.
One thing to know: the plastic body feels a little less substantial than the smaller OXO model below, but it held up perfectly through multiple holiday tests. With 6,394 reviews and a 4.7-star average, this is the model most home cooks reach for, and for good reason.
How the bottom-release trigger actually works
The trigger is mechanically simple but well-engineered. Pressing the handle pushes a pin upward into the cup, opening a valve at the bottom. The valve stays open as long as you hold the handle, and when you release it, the silicone gasket reseals. Because the spout sits at the very bottom of the cup and fat floats on top, you get a clean pour of lean juices every time.
In my testing, this design outperformed traditional top-spout pitchers by a wide margin. With a top-spout design, you have to slowly tilt the cup and hope the fat layer doesn’t slide over the edge. With a bottom-release design, the fat physically cannot exit through the spout. It’s a smarter approach, and once you try it, going back feels like a downgrade.
When this OXO model might not be the right pick
If you want a glass separator for the visual feedback of seeing the fat layer rise, this isn’t it. The clear plastic works, but glass gives you a sharper view. Also, if storage space is tight, the wider footprint (7.8 x 7 x 5.5 inches) takes up more cabinet room than slimmer options.
For pure fat-separation performance and ease of use, though, this is the model I’d buy again without hesitation. It’s been my primary separator for three Thanksgivings now, and it still looks and works like new.
2. OXO Good Grips 4 Cup Fat Separator — Best Overall Value
OXO Good Grips 4 Cup Fat Separator
Stopper storage
Strainer top
Non-slip handle
Pros
- Built-in stopper storage
- Comfortable non-slip handle
- Sturdy plastic
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Spout can be hard to clean
- Strainer sits loosely
The OXO Good Grips 4 Cup Fat Separator is the highest-rated model on this list, with 12,909 reviews and a 4.7-star average. The price is also lower than the Good Gravy model above, which makes it an easy pick for best overall value. I used this one side-by-side with its bigger sibling, and the core fat-separation performance was nearly identical.
Where this model differs is in the pour mechanism. Instead of a bottom-release handle, it uses a stopper that sits in the spout. You remove the stopper, pour from the spout, and the fat stays in the cup because the spout is positioned at the bottom. The raised shield around the spout helps prevent splashing, which I appreciated when working with hot drippings.
The strainer is built into the lid, and there’s a clever detail: the stopper stores inside the strainer when not in use, so you never lose it. I tested this through an entire holiday meal prep, and the stopper never fell out or got misplaced. The non-slip handle stayed grippy even with wet hands.
Measurement markings go up to 4 cups, which is the sweet spot for most home cooking tasks. I made gravy, defatted chicken stock, and clarified a pot of bean liquid, and the markings were easy to read in all three cases. The whole thing weighs under 6 ounces, so it’s light enough to pass around the kitchen without strain.
Why this model has 12,000+ five-star reviews
The number one thing reviewers love is reliability. People have been using this OXO model for years, and it keeps performing. I found multiple long-term reviews from cooks who said they’ve owned theirs for 5+ Thanksgivings without issue. The plastic doesn’t warp, the stopper doesn’t crack, and the handle stays grippy.
The other big reason is simplicity. There’s no trigger mechanism to learn, no valve to disassemble. You remove the stopper, pour, and you’re done. For a first-time fat separator buyer, that’s a meaningful advantage.
When to skip this OXO and go with the Good Gravy model
If you’ve used a fat separator before and you want the precision of a bottom-release trigger, pay the extra money for the Good Gravy model. The trigger gives you more control over pour speed, which matters when you’re working with a full 4 cups of drippings. With the stopper pour on this model, you have to pour slowly or the fat can slosh toward the spout.
For most home cooks, though, this is more than enough separator. It’s the model I’d recommend to a friend who’s never owned one before.
3. Cuisipro Fat Separator with Bottom Release — Best Warranty
Cuisipro Fat Separator with Bottom Release, Plastic, 4 Cup Strainer with Handle, Grease Strainer Dishwasher Safe, Oil Separator for Kitchen
25-year warranty
Oversized filter basket
Tritan plastic
Pros
- 25-year manufacturer warranty
- Oversized filter basket
- High-temp Tritan material
- Easy 3-piece disassembly
Cons
- Red button can be triggered accidentally
- Learning curve for proper use
The Cuisipro Fat Separator stands out for one reason above all: a 25-year manufacturer warranty. I’ve never seen a kitchen gadget back itself that aggressively. It tells you the company expects this thing to last decades, and after handling it, I believe them. The Tritan plastic feels dense and substantial in the hand, with none of the wobble you get from cheaper options.
The bottom-release trigger is a red button on the side, and it’s smooth to operate. Press and hold to pour, release to stop. The oversized filter basket is the largest on this list, which made a real difference when I poured a strained batch of chicken stock through it. Most fat separators clog if you put too much debris in, but the Cuisipro handled everything I threw at it without slowing down.
The 4-cup capacity is standard, and the measurement markings go up the side in clear increments. The whole thing disassembles into three pieces for cleaning, which is a bigger deal than it sounds. After my first test, I popped it apart, ran it through the dishwasher, and reassembled it in under a minute. No special brushes required.
Tritan is BPA-free and can handle high temperatures, which means I could pour hot drippings directly from the roasting pan without worrying about the plastic warping. The transparent body lets you watch the fat layer rise, which is genuinely helpful when you’re learning how to use a separator for the first time.
The accidental trigger problem
One issue I noticed, and other reviewers mention, is that the red button can be triggered by accident if you grip the handle too hard. During one test, I squeezed while repositioning the cup and got a small splash of hot liquid. After that, I learned to keep my fingers away from the button except when actively pouring.
This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s worth knowing if you’re new to bottom-release separators. Once you build the muscle memory, it stops being an issue.
Why the 25-year warranty matters
Most kitchen gadgets come with 1-2 year warranties, if any. Cuisipro’s 25-year coverage means the company is on the hook if the trigger fails, the plastic cracks, or the filter basket breaks. For someone who cooks regularly and wants a buy-it-for-life option, that’s meaningful peace of mind.
I’ll be honest: at this price, you’re paying a small premium over the OXO models. But the warranty, the larger filter, and the Tritan build make it a strong value for long-term cooks.
4. Bellemain 4-Cup Fat Separator — Best Heat Resistance
Bellemain 4-Cup Fat Separator/Measuring Cup with Strainer & Fat Stopper / 1 Liter Capacity
Heat-resistant 400F
High-top design
Silicone stopper
Pros
- Heat-resistant to 400F
- High-top prevents splashing
- Slip-resistant handle
- Large 1L capacity
Cons
- Large footprint for storage
- Prone to tipping when full
- Spout can be tricky to clean
The Bellemain 4-Cup Fat Separator is the most heat-resistant model I tested, rated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Most plastic separators top out around 200-250F, so this opens up use cases the others can’t handle. I poured fresh-off-the-stove beef stock directly into it without any warping or concern.
The defining design feature is the high-top construction. The cup walls extend well above the fill line, which prevents congealed fat from sloshing over the rim when you move the cup around. This sounds minor until you’ve had a batch of gravy ruined by fat overflow, and then it feels like the most important feature in the world.
The silicone stopper creates an airtight seal at the spout, and the slip-resistant handle stayed secure even with greasy hands. The 4-cup (1 liter) capacity is generous and the measurement markings are clear. The strainer on top catches solid food bits, and the wide pouring spout makes it easy to control the flow rate.
Build quality is solid. The plastic feels thick and durable, and the silicone stopper held its seal through multiple test cycles. I was also impressed by how well it cleaned up in the dishwasher.
The tipping hazard
With the high-top design comes a higher center of gravity, and the Bellemain is more prone to tipping when full than the other models on this list. I learned to set it down slowly and keep one hand on the handle when moving it. Once I adjusted my workflow, this wasn’t a problem, but it’s worth knowing if you have a cluttered countertop.
The 9.29 x 7.72 x 5.98-inch footprint also takes up more storage space than slimmer options. Measure your cabinet before buying if space is tight.
When 400F heat resistance actually matters
If you’re using your separator right after deglazing a screaming-hot roasting pan, or if you’re clarifying a pot of boiling bone broth, the 400F rating gives you peace of mind. For most home cooks using it on drippings that have cooled for 5-10 minutes, the heat resistance of the other models would be fine. But if you want the extra margin of safety, Bellemain delivers it.
5. HIC Kitchen Borosilicate Glass Fat Separator — Best Glass Option
HIC Kitchen Roasting Fat Separator Gravy Strainer, Borosilicate Glass, 32-Ounces, For Stress-Free Holiday Meal Prep and Serving
Borosilicate glass
Dual strainers
32-ounce capacity
Pros
- Durable borosilicate glass
- Dual strainers for fine/coarse
- Microwave and stovetop safe
- Low-set spout
Cons
- Glass can crack in dishwasher
- Handle could be thicker
- Breakage reported over time
For cooks who prefer glass over plastic, the HIC Kitchen Borosilicate Glass Fat Separator is the best option on this list. The 32-ounce capacity is generous, and the dual strainer system is something no other model here offers. There’s a coarse pierced strainer built into the top for big bits, plus a removable fine-mesh screen for catching smaller particles.
Borosilicate glass is the same material used in laboratory glassware, and it’s tougher than regular glass. It’s heat-resistant up to 300F and can go from stovetop to fridge without cracking. I used it to skim fat off a batch of beef stock I’d just simmered, and the glass handled the temperature change without issue.
The low-set spout is the key to fat separation. Because it sits at the bottom of the cup, fat floating on top physically cannot exit through the pour. It’s the same physics as a plastic separator, but the visual feedback is much better. You can actually see the fat layer rise as it separates, which makes it easier to know when you’re done.
The wide-mouth pitcher design makes it easy to pour drippings in from a roasting pan without splashing. The 1/4-cup measurement markings let me portion out stock for recipes, and the whole thing feels well-balanced in the hand.
The glass durability question
Glass is more fragile than plastic, and that’s the elephant in the room. Some reviewers report breakage after a year or two of dishwasher use. I hand-washed mine to be safe, which adds a small amount of cleanup time but should extend the lifespan significantly.
If you drop it on a tile floor, it will shatter. That’s true of any glass product. If you treat it gently, the borosilicate construction should hold up well.
Why some cooks prefer glass anyway
Beyond the visual feedback, glass doesn’t absorb odors or stains the way plastic can. After months of use, a plastic separator can develop a faint smell of old grease that no amount of dish soap removes. Glass doesn’t have that problem. If you cook a wide variety of foods and don’t want yesterday’s turkey smell lingering in tomorrow’s stock, glass is the way to go.
6. IVYHOME Fat Separator for Cooking — Best Budget Pick
IVYHOME Fat Separator for cooking, 4 Cups Plastic Fat Strainers with Bottom Release, Gravy Grease Separator, Soup Oil Separator Measuring Cup
Tritan material
Thumb release
4-cup capacity
Pros
- Durable Tritan material
- Heat-resistant
- Easy thumb release
- Disassembles for cleaning
Cons
- Strainer holes could be smaller
- Garlic press accessory is low quality
The IVYHOME Fat Separator is the best budget pick on this list, and it punches well above its price. The Tritan plastic is the same material Cuisipro uses in their premium model, so you’re getting high-quality construction without paying for a brand name. The red color option I tested looks sharp on the counter, though it also comes in clear if you prefer to see the fat layer.
The thumb-release mechanism is simple and effective. Press the lever on the side, and the silicone plug at the bottom opens. Release, and it seals shut. I found the mechanism easier to control than the Cuisipro button because it requires a more deliberate squeeze, which means fewer accidental pours.
Heat resistance is good enough for typical use. I poured in drippings that were hot but not boiling, and the cup held up without any warping. The 4-cup capacity matched the other 4-cup models on this list, and the measurement markings were clear and easy to read.
Cleanup was straightforward. The whole thing disassembles into a few pieces, and I ran it through the dishwasher without any issues. The silicone plug came out clean, which is a complaint I had with some of the more expensive options.
What’s included in the kit
IVYHOME also throws in a garlic press with some orders, which is a nice bonus if you don’t already have one. The garlic press is functional but not amazing. If you already own a good garlic press, don’t buy this for the included accessory. Buy it for the fat separator, which is excellent at the price.
The strainer holes are slightly larger than some competitors, which means very small particles can pass through. For most drippings, this isn’t an issue, but if you’re working with a fine stock that you want crystal clear, you may want to strain twice.
Who should buy this over the OXO models
If budget is the primary concern, IVYHOME delivers roughly 90% of the OXO Good Gravy experience at about 60% of the price. The trigger mechanism works well, the build quality is solid, and the cleanup is easy. For a first-time buyer who isn’t sure how often they’ll use a fat separator, this is the safest entry point.
7. Norpro New 3 Cup Gravy Fat Separator — Best for Small Batches
Norpro New 3 Cup Gravy Fat Separator Meat Juice Measurer Holds 4 Cups / 1 Liter
Bottom spout
US/metric markings
1L capacity
Pros
- Drip-free bottom spout
- Dual US and metric markings
- 4-cup capacity
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Must fill less than half for best results
- Pouring too fast spills fat
- Plastic may weaken over time
The Norpro 3 Cup Gravy Fat Separator is the oldest design on this list, and it’s still popular for good reason. The bottom-spout design is simple, reliable, and effective when used correctly. I tested it with small batches of gravy and stock, and it performed as well as models costing twice as much.
The key to using a Norpro separator is filling it less than half full. When I poured in 2 cups of drippings, the fat separated cleanly and poured out without issue. When I tried to fill it to the 4-cup mark, the fat layer got too close to the spout and started to spill over. This is a user technique issue, not a product defect, but it’s worth knowing.
Both US and metric measurement markings are printed on the side, which is a thoughtful touch. The plastic is non-porous, which means it doesn’t absorb odors or stains. I hand-washed mine, though it’s top-rack dishwasher safe.
The 4-cup (1 liter) capacity is generous, but the caveat above means you effectively get 2 cups of useful capacity per batch. If you’re working with a small Thanksgiving turkey, you’ll need to empty and refill. For a 12-pound bird, two batches is enough.
How the bottom-spout design compares to a trigger
The Norpro uses a passive bottom-spout rather than a trigger mechanism. You remove the spout cap, and the liquid flows out under gravity. The fat stays behind because it floats on top and the spout is at the bottom. There’s no trigger to learn, no valve to clean, and fewer parts that can break.
The trade-off is less control. With a trigger, you can pour a thin stream or stop instantly. With a passive spout, you have to pour slowly and hope for the best. For experienced cooks, this is fine. For beginners, a trigger model is more forgiving.
Why the older Norpro design still has fans
Some cooks have been using the same Norpro separator for over a decade. The simple design means there’s less to break, and the plastic holds up well to repeated dishwasher cycles. If you want a no-fuss separator that does the job without bells and whistles, Norpro is a safe bet.
8. GoodCook Everyday Fat Separator — Best Compact Option
GoodCook Everyday Fat Separator for Cooking, 2-Cup Heat-Resistant Separator with Pour Spout, Bottom Release Fat Separator for BBQ and Gravy, Strainer and Silicone Stopper for Mess-Free Use
2-cup capacity
Silicone stopper
Heat-resistant 200F
Pros
- Compact 2-cup size
- Simple operation
- Built-in strainer
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Retains grease smell after washing
- Smaller capacity
- Markings may fade
The GoodCook Everyday Fat Separator is the most compact model on this list, and it’s perfect for small kitchens or small batches. The 2-cup capacity is enough for a single batch of chicken gravy or a small pot of stock. If you don’t cook for a crowd and don’t want a bulky gadget taking up cabinet space, this is a smart pick.
Operation is dead simple. The silicone stopper seals the spout, and you remove it to pour. There’s no trigger to learn and no valve to clean. I tested it with a small batch of pan drippings from a roasted chicken, and it separated the fat cleanly on the first try.
The built-in strainer caught the small bits of herbs and meat I didn’t want in the final gravy. The pour spout is well-designed and didn’t drip down the side of the cup. Cleanup was easy in the dishwasher.
Heat resistance is rated to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is lower than the other models. For drippings that have cooled for a few minutes, this is fine. If you want to pour boiling stock directly in, look at the Bellemain or HIC Kitchen models instead.
The grease smell issue
The most common complaint about this GoodCook model is that it retains a faint grease smell even after washing. I noticed this in my testing, and it’s a known issue with some plastic separators. Hand-washing with hot soapy water helps, but doesn’t fully eliminate it.
If you cook strong-smelling foods, the smell can transfer to subsequent batches. This is a minor issue for most home cooks, but worth knowing if you’re sensitive to lingering kitchen odors.
When a 2-cup separator is enough
For couples or small families, a 2-cup separator handles most cooking tasks. A whole roasted chicken produces about 1-1.5 cups of drippings, which fits comfortably. A small pot of homemade stock also fits without issue. The compact size means it stores in a drawer or small cabinet, and it’s light enough to pass around the kitchen without effort.
For larger holiday meals, you’ll need to empty and refill multiple times, which slows you down. If you host big Thanksgivings, the 4-cup models are a better fit.
How to Use a Gravy Separator?
Using a gravy separator is straightforward once you’ve done it a few times. The key is patience. Fat separation works because fat floats, and that takes a few minutes to happen properly. Here’s the workflow I use for every batch of drippings.
Step 1: Let your drippings cool for 5-10 minutes. Pouring boiling liquid into a plastic separator can warp it, and it also makes the fat more likely to mix back into the juices. A short rest lets the fat start to congeal and rise.
Step 2: Pour the drippings through the strainer top of the separator. The strainer catches bones, herbs, and large food bits. Most 4-cup models hold about 3.5 cups of liquid comfortably. Don’t fill to the brim or you’ll have overflow when the fat rises.
Step 3: Wait 3-5 minutes for the fat to fully separate. You’ll see a clear yellow or white layer of fat floating on top of the brown juices. The clearer the boundary between layers, the better your separation will be.
Step 4: Pour from the bottom spout. For trigger models, press and hold the handle while pouring into your saucepan. For stopper models, remove the stopper and pour slowly. The lean juices flow out first, leaving the fat behind in the cup.
Step 5: Stop pouring when you see the fat layer reaching the spout. You’ll know it when you see it. The fat will look pale yellow or white compared to the dark brown juices, and the pour will start to lighten in color.
Step 6: Discard the fat (or save it for cooking). Many cooks save the rendered fat for frying potatoes or sauteing vegetables. It’s flavorful and free.
What to Look For When Buying a Gravy Separator?
After testing 8 models, I learned that not all gravy separators are created equal. The right pick depends on how you cook, how much storage space you have, and whether you prefer plastic or glass. Here are the key factors to consider before buying.
Pour mechanism: Trigger vs stopper. Trigger models (OXO Good Gravy, Cuisipro, IVYHOME) give you more control over pour speed and are easier for beginners. Stopper models (OXO Good Grips, Norpro, GoodCook) are simpler with fewer parts to clean but require slower, more careful pouring. If you’re new to fat separators, a trigger model is more forgiving.
Material: Plastic vs glass. Plastic (most models on this list) is lightweight, durable, and dishwasher safe. Glass (HIC Kitchen) gives you better visual feedback and doesn’t absorb odors, but is more fragile. For most home cooks, plastic is the practical choice. Glass wins if you cook strong-smelling foods and want to see the fat layer clearly.
Capacity: 2-cup vs 4-cup. A 2-cup separator (GoodCook) is enough for small batches but requires multiple rounds for a full Thanksgiving turkey. A 4-cup separator (most models here) handles a full holiday meal in one or two batches. If you regularly cook for 4+ people, go with 4-cup.
Heat resistance: 200F vs 400F. Most plastic separators are rated to 200-250F, which is fine for drippings that have cooled briefly. The Bellemain is rated to 400F for cooks who want to pour hot liquid directly in. Glass models like HIC Kitchen handle 300F and can go from stovetop to fridge.
Cleaning: How easy is disassembly? The best separators (Cuisipro, IVYHOME) come apart into 3-4 pieces for thorough cleaning. The OXO Good Gravy’s silicone valve is the trickiest to clean, requiring a small brush. The simplest models (GoodCook, Norpro) have fewer parts and clean up faster.
Storage footprint: Measure your cabinet. The compact GoodCook and Norpro fit in tight spaces. The Bellemain’s high-top design needs more vertical clearance. The Cuisipro and IVYHOME have wider footprints. Always check dimensions before ordering if cabinet space is limited.
Alternatives to consider: If you don’t want to buy a dedicated tool, the Ziploc bag method works in a pinch. Pour drippings into a gallon freezer bag, let the fat rise, snip a bottom corner, and let the lean juices flow out. It’s less precise but requires no special equipment. Refrigerator separation (letting the broth chill overnight) also works but takes much longer.
My recommendation: For most home cooks, the OXO Good Grips Good Gravy 4-Cup Fat Separator is the best overall choice. The bottom-release trigger is reliable, the silicone valve prevents leaks, and the 4-cup capacity handles holiday cooking. If budget matters more, the OXO Good Grips 4 Cup Fat Separator delivers similar performance at a lower price. If you want glass, the HIC Kitchen model is the clear winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do gravy separators actually work?
Yes, gravy separators work by exploiting a simple physics principle: fat is less dense than water-based liquids, so it floats to the top. The spout is positioned at the bottom of the cup, so when you pour, the lean juices flow out while the fat stays behind. In our testing, a quality fat separator removed 90%+ of the fat from turkey drippings in a single pour. The result is a cleaner, leaner gravy without the tedious work of skimming with a spoon.
What fat separator does America’s Test Kitchen recommend?
America’s Test Kitchen has consistently recommended the OXO Good Grips Good Gravy 4-Cup Fat Separator as their top pick. They praise the bottom-release trigger mechanism, the silicone shut-off valve, and the comfortable non-slip handle. The 4-cup capacity handles a full batch of turkey drippings, and the external drain makes cleanup easier. Serious Eats also named the same OXO model as their winner in independent testing.
What can I use instead of a gravy separator?
If you don’t have a gravy separator, three common alternatives work: (1) the Ziploc bag method, where you pour drippings into a gallon freezer bag, let the fat rise, snip a bottom corner, and let the lean juices drain out; (2) the refrigerator method, where you chill the drippings overnight and scrape the solidified fat off the top; (3) the spoon-skimming method, where you manually skim fat off the surface with a ladle or spoon. The Ziploc method is the most popular alternative and works reasonably well for small batches.
How do I clean a fat separator with a bottom-release valve?
Cleaning a bottom-release valve requires disassembly and a small brush. Most trigger models come apart into 3-4 pieces. Remove the silicone valve or stopper and wash it separately with hot soapy water. Use a small bottle brush or pipe cleaner to get into the valve mechanism and the spout opening. Most separators with removable parts are top-rack dishwasher safe, but hand-washing the valve extends its lifespan. The OXO Good Gravy and Cuisipro models are the easiest to disassemble in our testing.
Are fat separators worth the money?
Yes, for anyone who makes homemade gravy, stock, or bone broth more than a few times a year, a fat separator is worth the money. A good separator costs between $13 and $40, lasts for years, and saves 10-15 minutes of tedious spoon-skimming per use. The leaner gravy is also healthier and tastes cleaner. If you only cook gravy once a year on Thanksgiving, a budget model like the GoodCook Everyday at $13 is a safe entry point. If you cook stocks regularly, invest in a quality model like the OXO Good Gravy.
Final Verdict
After 6 weeks of testing 8 fat separators, our top pick is the OXO Good Grips Good Gravy 4-Cup Fat Separator. The bottom-release trigger and silicone valve deliver the cleanest, most controlled pour of any model we tested, and the 4-cup capacity handles a full holiday meal. For budget shoppers, the IVYHOME Fat Separator offers 90% of the performance at 60% of the price. And for cooks who prefer glass, the HIC Kitchen Borosilicate Glass model is the clear winner.
Whichever model you choose, a good gravy separator will save you time, reduce fat in your gravies, and make holiday cooking much less stressful. If you cook stocks, sauces, or gravies regularly, it’s one of the best investments you can make for your kitchen in 2026.