Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
You can separate fat from drippings without a separator: for a small batch you need soon, add several ice cubes and freeze the liquid for 10 minutes, then spoon off the hardened fat. If you have more time, chill the drippings in a measuring cup; for soup or stew, chill the pot until the surface fat hardens. If the liquid must stay hot, skim it with a ladle or large spoon.
Choose a method for the amount of time and liquid you have
| Situation | What to use | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Small amount of turkey drippings; need to continue soon | Ice cubes, freezer, spoon | Add several cubes, freeze for 10 minutes, then spoon off hardened fat. Mayo Clinic gives this timing in its 2020 turkey gravy recipe; it is that recipe’s instruction, not a universal timing guarantee. Mayo Clinic |
| Drippings can wait to cool | Measuring cup and spoon | Pour the liquid into a measuring cup, chill until the fat separates, and spoon off the layer. Source |
| Larger batch of soup or stew | Refrigerator and spoon | Chill the pot until surface fat hardens, skim it, then reheat and thicken. Ice cubes can help cool the surface sooner. Government guidance |
| Liquid needs to remain hot | Ladle or large spoon | Gently skim the floating fat from the surface. This takes attention; the sources do not compare its efficiency with chilling. Perdue |
Use ice and the freezer for turkey drippings
Mayo Clinic’s turkey gravy recipe says to add several ice cubes to the drippings and place them in the freezer for 10 minutes, then remove the solidified fat. The method is useful when you need to return the liquid to cooking soon, but allow more time if the fat has not hardened enough to lift cleanly.
If the recipe calls for clear drippings, strain out solids first. Spoon off only the floating fat, not the broth beneath it. Remove the hardened fat before returning the liquid to the pan.
Chill drippings or a whole pot when time allows
Drippings in a measuring cup
Pour drippings into a measuring cup and refrigerate until the fat forms a distinct layer on top. Spoon away that layer. Food Network’s gravy directions also strain broth before separating its fat, which helps keep solids out of the finished gravy.
#1 Best Overall
- Fast & Easy Fat Removal: Quickly separates and traps floating fat from broths, soups, and stews for cleaner, leaner meals in seconds
- Works for All Pot Sizes: Effective for large commercial pots or smaller 5.5-inch pots, providing versatility for any cooking situation
- Made in the USA: Designed and manufactured by the original Fatsoff Soup Scoop inventor, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and durability
- No More Chilling: Removes fat immediately without waiting for your broth to chill, saving time and eliminating the need for traditional fat separators
- Durable & Easy to Clean: Made from sturdy, heat-resistant plastic, it's built to last and dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup
Soup, stew, or stock in a pot
For a larger quantity, government guidance recommends chilling the casserole or stew until the surface fat hardens, then skimming before reheating and thickening. Ice cubes can speed surface cooling. Use a spoon to lift off the hardened layer rather than stirring it back into the liquid.
Skim hot liquid if chilling is not an option
Run a ladle or large spoon gently across the surface, collecting the floating fat without taking much broth with it. Perdue lists a ladle as an alternative to a separator for skimming. Because this is manual, keep checking the surface and work carefully rather than assuming one pass removes all the fat.
Rank #2
- SIMPLE OPERATION: Separates fat from broth to prepare quick, mess-free gravy and sauces
- 2-CUP CAPACITY: Heat-resistant separator with pour spout measures up to 2-cups in standard and metric measurements
- BUILT-IN STRAINER: Heat-resistant strainer catches unwanted food scraps from stock and pan-drippings. Remove strainer without mess using integrated handle
- POUR SPOUT STOPPER: Silicone stopper creates an air-tight seal to prevent fat from entering the spout as the juices settle. Pour lean and flavorful broth from spout without unwanted fat
- HEAT RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION: Helps get gravy on the table faster than waiting for fat to solidify in roasting pan. Heat resistant up to 200°F
Other household options
The German Federal Centre for Nutrition describes drawing folded kitchen paper gently over the surface so fat adheres; ice in the paper can cool the fat and help it stick. Another option is to transfer warm sauce to a tall vessel, let the fat gather at the top, and spoon it away. The centre advises waiting for the liquid to cool when possible, since that makes the fat easier to remove. Collect removed fat for disposal rather than pouring it down the drain.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a separator is worth having
A fat separator is a convenience, not a requirement. Ice and chilling methods are established alternatives for drippings and larger dishes, while a ladle or spoon can skim a hot surface. A separator may be useful if you regularly need to separate fat quickly, but there is no need to buy one just to finish this batch.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Quick Recap
Best Value
- Fat Separator for Cooking with Bottom Release : Designed to separate grease, fat, and oil from soups, gravies, stocks, and sauces. The bottom release mechanism allows liquid to be dispensed from below while keeping fat collected at the top for easier cooking preparation.Comes with two loofah dish sponges for added convenience.
- 33 oz Capacity with Built-In Strainer : Features a 4-cup capacity and integrated strainer to help filter food particles while separating liquids. Suitable for preparing gravy, broth, stock, soup, and pan drippings during everyday cooking.
- BPA-Free Heat-Resistant Construction : Made from durable BPA-free plastic designed for contact with hot liquids. The material resists staining and odor retention, making it suitable for repeated kitchen use.
- Versatile Grease Separator for Multiple Uses : Ideal for separating fat from roasted meat drippings, turkey gravy, beef broth, chicken stock, and bacon grease. A practical kitchen tool for home cooking, meal preparation, and holiday recipes.
- Comfortable Handle and Easy-Pour Spout : Ergonomic handle provides a secure grip for controlled pouring. The large spout and bottom release design help transfer liquid smoothly while reducing spills and mess during use.
Rank #4
- Stopper keeps flavor in and fat out while making gravy
- Strainer catches unwanted bits
- Raised shield helps prevent spilling and splashing while pouring
- Measurement markings make recipes easy
- Comfortable, non-slip handle
Rank #3
- Quick-release mechanism for easy fat separation: enrich your dishes with less grease by simply pressing a lever on this efficient kitchen tool
- Crafted for durability: our 32 ounce (4 cup) oil separator can take on the high demands of any kitchen environment with ease
- Conceived with input from kitchen experts: this gravy separator is thoroughly vetted for quality, ensuring top-notch performance in every use
- With dishwasher-safe convenience and heat-resistant measuring marks, this oil separator and vegetable peeler set offers effortless cleanup and precise portioning
- We equip you with the essentials to cook boldly, enhancing your kitchen experience with gadgets that inspire confidence and creativity
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
