I love a healthy salad recipe for lunch or dinner, and if you do too, investing in one of the best salad spinners can make meal prep much easier. Greens should always be washed before eating, and a salad spinner speeds up cleaning and drying for lettuce, spinach, kale, herbs, and more.
Forget patting leaves dry with paper towels — a good spinner removes excess water quickly so you can transfer the greens straight into a bowl or storage container. Below are my top picks and practical guidance to help you choose the best salad spinner for your kitchen and routine.
Whether you’re meal prepping a week’s worth of salads or washing a single portion, the right spinner can save time and minimize soggy dressings.
My Top Picks
- What’s in My Kitchen: OXO Good Grips Large Salad Spinner – popular, reliable large-capacity model
- Best Small Salad Spinner: Cuisinart Salad Spinner – compact and budget-friendly
- Best Collapsible Salad Spinner: Progressive International Collapsible Salad Spinner – space-saving silicone design
- Best Stainless Steel Salad Spinner: OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Salad Spinner – durable option that doubles as a serving bowl
Reviews of The Best Salad Spinners
1. What’s in My Kitchen: OXO Good Grips Large Salad Spinner
This OXO Good Grips spinner is the standard I reach for at home. With a generous 6.22-quart capacity it handles multiple heads of lettuce or a large batch for meal prep. The pump-style lid is easy to operate — even one-handed — and the bowl’s non-slip base keeps it steady. A brake button stops the inner basket quickly when you’re done.
Cleaning is straightforward: the bowl, basket, and lid are dishwasher-safe and the lid disassembles for a thorough wash. The unit is somewhat bulky to store, but the pump locks down to reduce its height for storage.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.5 x 6 inches
- Capacity: 6.22 quarts
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
The Pros:
- Large capacity for batch prep
- Easy pump operation
- Non-slip base and brake button
- Dishwasher-safe components
- Lid locks down for storage
The Cons:
- Bulky for tight storage spaces
What Others Are Saying: The OXO Good Grips spinner is widely praised for its ease of use and durability and is frequently recommended by kitchen experts and reviewers.
2. Best Small Salad Spinner: Cuisinart Salad Spinner
If you typically wash single servings, the Cuisinart spinner is a compact choice with a 3-quart capacity. Its crank handle is simple to use and a drain hole in the lid makes discarding excess water convenient. The spinner sits on non-slip feet and its smaller size makes pantry storage easier. Note that some components are not dishwasher-safe, so handwashing may be required.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 8.2 x 8.2 x 7 inches
- Capacity: 3 quarts
- Material: Plastic
- Dishwasher-Safe: No (check manufacturer guidance)
The Pros:
- Affordable
- Compact for small kitchens
- Drain hole for easy pouring
- Non-skid base
- Often backed by a warranty
The Cons:
- Some parts require handwashing
3. Best Collapsible Salad Spinner: Progressive International Collapsible Salad Spinner
If storage space is limited, a collapsible spinner is a smart choice. The Progressive model uses a silicone middle that compresses to about half its height for storage while still providing a 3-quart capacity. It spins via a small crank on the lid, has a non-slip base for stability, and its pieces are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. The handle is small and the unit is lighter, so expect slightly less heft compared to solid-plastic models.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 4 inches (collapsed)
- Capacity: 3 quarts
- Material: Plastic and silicone
- Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
The Pros:
- Collapsible for compact storage
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Inexpensive
- Non-skid base
The Cons:
- Less sturdy feel than heavier models
- Small crank handle
4. Best Stainless Steel Salad Spinner: OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Salad Spinner
For a more polished look that can double as a serving bowl, the stainless steel OXO spinner is a premium option. It combines the pump-style spinning mechanism with a durable steel outer bowl and a slightly larger capacity than the plastic version. It is dishwasher-safe, robust, and ideal when presentation matters as well as function.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.5 x 6.5 inches
- Capacity: 6.34 quarts
- Material: Stainless steel and plastic components
- Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
The Pros:
- Durable stainless steel bowl
- Large capacity
- Easy to use and clean
The Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier to store
Other Salad Spinners to Consider
Gourmia Jumbo Salad Spinner
A larger crank-style model with roughly 5-quart capacity. It’s handy for big batches but takes up more storage space and is bulkier than compact spinners.
Farberware Salad Spinner
A pump-style spinner with a large capacity and a brake function. It’s stable and user-friendly, but some versions are not dishwasher-safe — check care instructions before buying.
Joseph Joseph 4-Piece Salad Making Set
An all-in-one set that includes a spinner plus attachments for slicing, grating, and spiralizing using the same bowl. Components typically nest for compact storage; verify cleaning guidance as not all pieces are always dishwasher-safe.
Dreamfarm Spina
An in-sink colander-style spinner designed to drain directly into the sink. Compact and useful when counter space is limited, but it can splash if your sink is shallow and won’t trap water for reuse.
Salad Sling
A fabric-based option made from absorbent microfiber. Place wet greens in the sling, gather the handles, and swing to centrifuge moisture out. Lightweight and very compact, but best suited for small portions.
Why You Can Trust Me
I develop recipes and manage a large collection of healthy, family-friendly dishes, including many salads. My experience preparing salads for both single meals and weekly meal prep informs my testing of kitchen tools. I prioritized models that are affordable, easy to use, clean, and store, and I cross-checked recommendations from trusted product reviewers and culinary publications.
Everything to Know Before Buying a Salad Spinner
What to Consider Before Buying a Salad Spinner
Key factors to compare when choosing a spinner:
Capacity: Small 2–3 quart spinners are ideal for single servings, while 6-quart models handle large batches and whole heads of lettuce.
Spinning Mechanism: Pump tops spin quickly and can often be used one-handed; crank handles give more control over speed but require two-handed effort.
Cleaning: Check whether the bowl, basket, and lid are dishwasher-safe. Removable lids that disassemble are easier to clean thoroughly.
Storage: Full-size spinners are bulky. If space is limited, look for collapsible models or lightweight fabric options.
How Do You Use a Salad Spinner?
Fill the inner colander with greens and place it in the outer bowl. Fill the bowl with water and gently agitate the greens to loosen dirt, then lift the colander to drain and discard the dirty water. Secure the lid and use the pump or crank to spin the colander until the leaves are as dry as you prefer. Repeat if necessary.
What Can You Put in a Salad Spinner?
Use a spinner for leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale, arugula), herbs, and even berries or grapes. The inner colander also works as a regular colander for draining pasta, canned beans, and similar items.
How Do You Dry Lettuce Without a Salad Spinner?
Lay washed greens on a clean kitchen towel and gently pat them dry with paper towels. This method is gentle and effective for small amounts, though a bit more time-consuming than using a spinner.
Is a Salad Spinner Worth It?
If you eat salads regularly, a spinner is an affordable time-saver that keeps dressings from turning soggy. For occasional salad eaters or very small kitchens, towel-drying is an acceptable alternative.
The Best Salad Recipes
A salad spinner makes preparing many salads easier. Here are a few favorites you can try:
- Autumn Kale Salad with Chicken
- Mexican Shrimp Cobb Salad
- Salmon Caesar Salad
- Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Parmesan and Pecans
- Lemony Hearts of Palm Salad with Avocado
- Watermelon, Arugula and Feta Salad
Prices and availability referenced in product descriptions were accurate at the time of publication.