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Wet lettuce is the enemy of a good salad: dressing slides off, the leaves wilt and everything tastes watered down. A salad spinner fixes that in seconds, spinning washed greens dry so dressing clings to every leaf. It is one of the cheapest tools that makes the biggest difference – especially if you make salads like our Big Mac salad or ramen noodle salad often.
Why Use a Salad Spinner?
- Better flavour: dressing sticks to dry leaves instead of pooling at the bottom.
- Crisper salads that stay fresh longer.
- Washes and dries in one bowl – also great for herbs, berries and rinsing beans.
- Stores greens: a dry spinner basket in the fridge keeps lettuce crisp for days.
How to Choose the Best Salad Spinner
- Mechanism: pump-style is easy one-handed; pull-cord and crank models are cheaper and work well too.
- Brake button: stops the spinning instantly.
- Size: about 5 litres (5 quarts) handles a whole head of lettuce for a family.
- Non-slip base: keeps it steady on the counter.
- Bowl doubles as serving bowl: clear or stainless bowls look good on the table.
Our Recommended Salad Spinners
1. Pump Salad Spinner (OXO Good Grips style)
Press the pump to spin, press the button to brake. Easy to use with one hand and very effective.
Why we like it:
- Easy one-handed use
- Brake button
- Non-slip base
Keep in mind:
- Bulkier to store
See pump salad spinners on Amazon →
2. Stainless Steel Salad Spinner
A steel bowl that looks smart on the table and won’t cloud or crack over time.
Why we like it:
- Durable
- Bowl doubles as serving dish
Keep in mind:
- More expensive than plastic
See stainless salad spinners on Amazon →
3. Compact Collapsible Salad Spinner
Folds flat for small kitchens and drawers. Great for couples and small batches of herbs.
Why we like it:
- Saves space
- Affordable
Keep in mind:
- Smaller capacity
See collapsible salad spinners on Amazon →
How to Keep Lettuce Crisp for Days
- Separate the leaves and wash in cold water in the spinner bowl.
- Spin dry, empty the water and spin again.
- Line the basket with a paper towel, put the lid on and store in the fridge.
- Dress salads just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a salad spinner worth it?
Yes. It dries greens far better than towels, so salads are crisper and dressing sticks properly.
Can I wash herbs in a salad spinner?
Yes – it’s perfect for parsley, coriander, mint and other delicate herbs.
What size salad spinner should I buy?
A 5-litre (about 5-quart) spinner holds a full head of lettuce and suits most families.
