The Single-Purpose Kitchen Tool Actually Worth Making Space For

Why salad spinning beats other water-wicking alternatives

Certainly! There are alternative methods to dry produce without using a salad spinner. For instance, you can press lettuce between multiple layers of paper towels, although this approach can be wasteful both environmentally and financially. You could also use kitchen towels, but our last attempt resulted in our Bibb lettuce picking up unwanted scents of laundry detergent. Another option is to spread everything out on a large cutting board, provided you don’t need the space for further cooking. Additionally, you might rinse your ingredients earlier in the day and leave them in a colander to dry gradually, but even with occasional shaking, some moisture is likely to remain in the center. A salad spinner is the only tool that effectively addresses all these issues while also saving you precious time in salad preparation.

Instead of relying on disposable products, risking the introduction of cleaning chemicals, or spending all day on the task, a salad spinner offers a cleaner, more efficient, and eco-friendly solution for achieving perfectly dry greens (and many other items). The aptly named device features dual layers—an inner basket and an outer bowl—that utilize centrifugal force to quickly remove water from whatever is being spun inside. Many models, like our OXO choice, are hand-operated, eliminating the need for electricity. Plus, it’s versatile enough to aerate unexpected foods like potatoes, enhancing your homemade french fries.