PanSpanOxo Fat Separator
Which Oxo fat separator or alternative is right for making smooth gravy, straining stock and separating fat without a long wait?
I’d choose the OXO Good Grips 4-cup separator for most home cooks: its bottom-release valve, built-in strainer and clear measurements make it the most versatile pick here. It has room for a generous batch of turkey drippings or stock, while the smaller GoodCook and Fox Run suit everyday pan sauces and smaller meals. The other 4-cup models also separate from the bottom, but differ in their release controls and how much care their materials need with very hot liquid. The key is choosing enough capacity for your usual batch, then letting the fat rise before releasing the broth.
#1 · OXO
OXO Good Grips Good Gravy Fat Separator - 4 Cup | Bottom-Release Spout Leaves Fat Behind, Ideal for Leaner Gravies, Built-In Strainer, Measurement Markings, Dishwasher Safe
Choose this OXO for the best all-round balance of capacity and control. Its 4-cup bowl, built-in strainer, measurement markings and silicone shut-off valve make it a practical choice for gravy, pan juices and stock.
#2 · VONDIOR
Fat Separator With Bottom Release, 4 Cup Gravy Separator for Cooking with Oil Strainer, Kitchen Gadgets Grease Separator Packaged with a 3-in-1 Multifunctional Peeler (Red)
Pick the VONDIOR if you want a 4-cup bottom-release separator with a thumb-operated button, or like the idea of the included peeler. It is a capable large-batch alternative, but I’d still set any bottom-release separator over the sink or a rimmed tray while using it.
#3 · IVYHOME
IVYHOME Fat Separator for cooking, 4 Cups Plastic Fat Strainers with Bottom Release, Gravy Grease Separator, Soup Oil Separator Measuring Cup
The IVYHOME is another 4-cup option for cooks who want a bottom-release plug and a strainer lid. Its easy-to-disassemble design is useful when you regularly separate rich, sediment-heavy braising liquid and want to clean the parts thoroughly.
#4 · GoodCook
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
Choose the 2-cup GoodCook for smaller batches of gravy, broth or pan sauce. Its pouring spout and silicone stopper make it the one to take if you prefer a conventional spout and usually cook for a couple of people rather than hosting a crowd.
#5 · Fox Run
Fox Run Gravy/Fat Poultry, Separator, 1.5-Cup | Thanksgiving & Holiday Cooking Essential | Gravy Making Tool | Gravy & Fat Measuring Separator Cup | 1.5 Cup Capacity & Spout
The 1.5-cup Fox Run is for occasional small batches and kitchens where compact storage matters most. It separates by letting the fat rise and pouring the broth from the spout, so it is not the pick for large amounts of turkey drippings.
Do you need a 2-cup or 4-cup fat separator?
For holiday turkey, a large roast or a pot of stock, choose one of the 4-cup models: the OXO, VONDIOR or IVYHOME. A 4-cup capacity gives you room to collect a substantial batch without filling the container to the brim. For weeknight pan sauces and smaller amounts, the GoodCook’s 2-cup size is easier to manage; the Fox Run is smaller still at 1.5 cups. The amount of drippings from a turkey varies with the bird and how it is cooked, so for hosting I’d leave yourself capacity rather than count on a precise yield.
Is a bottom drain better than a spout for gravy?
A bottom-release separator lets the broth out from beneath the layer of fat, which is handy when you want to stop pouring at a precise point. The OXO is my pick for that style because its silicone shut-off valve is designed to seal snugly; the VONDIOR uses a button release, and the IVYHOME uses a thumb-operated plug. The GoodCook and Fox Run pour from a spout instead, so you control the separation by pouring slowly and stopping before the fat reaches the spout. Whichever style you use, keep it over the sink or a tray until the valve or spout has stopped dripping.
Will the strainer catch fine sediment as well as herbs and scraps?
The built-in strainers on these models are useful for catching larger food bits, such as herbs, garlic pieces and scraps from roasting or stock-making. They are not a substitute for a fine-mesh sieve when you want very clear broth or need to remove tiny sediment. For rosemary or garlic, strain through the separator first; for a polished, clear stock, follow with a fine-mesh sieve.
Can you pour boiling stock straight into a fat separator?
I would not pour boiling liquid straight from the pot into a separator unless that particular model is explicitly rated for that temperature. The GoodCook is heat resistant up to 200°F, which is below boiling; the Fox Run advises letting very hot liquid cool first. For the other models, let the liquid cool briefly before transferring it, and avoid thermal shocks such as rinsing a hot container with cold water.
How they compare
Which one is yours
OXO: Take this for the strongest all-purpose combination of 4-cup capacity, bottom release, straining and easy-to-read measurements.
VONDIOR: Choose this if you want a 4-cup bottom-release model with a thumb button and would use the bonus peeler.
IVYHOME: Choose this if you want a large bottom-release separator that comes apart for more thorough cleaning.
GoodCook: Take this for smaller everyday batches and a conventional pour spout, with a stated heat limit to keep in mind.
Fox Run: Choose this for occasional small gravy portions when a compact, simple pour-spout separator is enough.
You will also want
Hot drippings are awkward to handle, and even a well-controlled separator can leave a greasy drop behind. A pot holder and an absorbent towel are the useful extras I’d keep nearby.
KITCHENAID Ribbed Soft Silicone Pot Holder 2-Pack Set, Matte Black, 7"x9"
A silicone pot holder helps you grip a warm roasting pan or handle while transferring drippings to the separator.
LANE LINEN 100% Cotton Kitchen Towels, Absorbent Dish Towels 6 Pack - Olive | Soft Tea Towels, Quick Drying Hand Towels for Kitchen, Durable Kitchen Towel Set, Great for Drying Hands & Wiping Spills
Keep a kitchen towel nearby to wipe splashes and greasy drips from the counter as you strain and pour.
Questions buyers ask
What makes the OXO Good Grips fat separator stand out among bottom-release models?
Among these three, choose the OXO if you want markings in cups, ounces and milliliters along with a silicone shut-off valve. The VONDIOR instead includes a peeler, while the IVYHOME can be disassembled for cleaning.
Do bottom-release fat separators leak or drip onto the counter?
A valve that is not seated correctly, or liquid still draining from the outlet, can make a mess. Close the release before filling, check that the plug is seated, and drain over the sink or a rimmed tray until the flow has fully stopped.
How do you clean a bottom-release fat separator?
Wash it soon after use so grease and meat sediment do not dry around the outlet. The OXO is dishwasher safe and has an external drain; the IVYHOME can be disassembled for cleaning, and the VONDIOR is top-shelf dishwasher safe. For any tight valve area, warm soapy water and a small brush help clear residue.
Can the strainer lid replace a fine-mesh sieve?
Not when you want very clear stock: these built-in strainers are best for larger scraps and food pieces. For fine sediment, strain the liquid through a separate fine-mesh sieve after separating the fat.
Is there a glass fat separator among these choices?
No; the choices here are the OXO, VONDIOR, GoodCook, IVYHOME and Fox Run models, not a glass separator. If you specifically want glass for hot roasting juices, check the product’s heat guidance before use; for these picks, cooling very hot liquid before transferring it is the safer habit.
How much capacity do I need for a 15-pound turkey?
The amount of usable drippings varies with the bird, roasting method and how much liquid is added to the pan, so there is no dependable one-size yield. For holiday cooking, I’d choose a 4-cup model and leave room at the top rather than assume a smaller separator will be enough.
Will greasy residue or fat make a silicone plug smell?
Grease can cling to silicone and hold odors if it sits. Wash the plug and outlet promptly with warm, soapy water, rinse well and let the parts dry fully before storing.