Making homemade sauces, baby food, or silky-smooth purees can be a truly rewarding experience, but separating seeds and skins from your produce can be a real chore. That’s where a fantastic kitchen gadget comes in: the Stainless steel food mill strainer. It’s your secret weapon for transforming cooked fruits and vegetables into perfectly smooth textures, effortlessly. Forget tedious peeling and deseeding by hand; these durable mills handle the hard work, leaving you with delicious, healthy results every time.
Whether you’re making classic applesauce, rich tomato puree for canning, or wholesome baby food, a good stainless steel food mill is an invaluable tool. They’re built tough, easy to clean, and designed to last, making them a popular choice for home cooks who love to prepare food from scratch. We’ve sifted through the options to bring you a list of the best models on the market, highlighting what makes each one stand out.
1. Ergonomic Food Mill Stainless Steel With 3 Grinding Discs
This food mill is a fantastic all-rounder, designed with user comfort and durability in mind. Its thoughtful construction makes it incredibly easy to use, especially for those long canning sessions. You’ll appreciate how effortlessly it purees everything from tomatoes to apples, making homemade goodness a breeze. It’s truly built to last, becoming a staple in your kitchen for years to come.
- Key Features:
- LONG LASTING STAINLESS STEEL DESIGN: Made from top stainless steel for durability, easy cleaning, and longevity. Can also be used as a colander and vegetable steamer.
- ROTARY HANDLE IS VERY EASY TO TURN: Features an ergonomic handle with a spring-loaded lever for effortless, smooth turning.
- SIDE HOOKS SECURE TO BOWLS & POTS: Double-welded hooks allow it to rest securely on nearly any pot or bowl.
- INCLUDES (3) MILLING DISCS: Comes with Fine, Medium, and Coarse 5-inch interchangeable discs for various textures.
- WON’T CLOG YOUR PANTRY OR CABINETS: Compact size (8 x 3.5 inches with a 7.5 inch handle) for easy storage.
- Pros:
- Exceptionally easy to turn handle reduces arm strain.
- Secure hooks provide stability during use.
- Versatile with three grinding discs for different food textures.
- Compact design makes storage simple.
- Durable stainless steel construction ensures longevity.
- Cons:
- Some users might prefer a larger capacity for very big batches.
- Occasional reports of small amounts of un-milled food being left behind.
- User Impressions: Users frequently praise the smooth-turning handle and the sturdy hooks that keep it stable on various bowls. Many find it incredibly easy to use for canning and baby food, though a few mention a slight learning curve for optimal efficiency.
2. OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Food Mill For Purees, Silver
The OXO Good Grips Food Mill brings a touch of design excellence and practicality to your kitchen. Known for their user-friendly products, OXO delivers a food mill that’s not only efficient but also incredibly stable. Its thoughtful design, especially the non-slip legs, ensures a smooth and secure operation, making it a reliable choice for any culinary task.
- Key Features:
- Stainless steel bowl is ideal for hot foods and prevents staining.
- Includes 3 stainless steel grinding discs for fine, medium, and coarse textures.
- Simple, spring-loaded lever for easy disc exchange and disassembly.
- 3 non-slip legs secure placement over bowls and pots up to 11″ in diameter, preventing spills.
- Legs fold for easy storage.
- Approximately 2.3-quart capacity.
- The OXO Better Guarantee for repair or replacement.
- Pros:
- Excellent stability due to non-slip legs.
- Easy to switch between grinding discs with the spring-loaded lever.
- Stainless steel bowl resists staining, especially with acidic foods like tomatoes.
- Legs fold for convenient storage.
- Backed by OXO’s customer guarantee.
- Cons:
- The capacity, while decent, might be limiting for very large batches.
- Some users find the cleaning of the nooks and crannies a bit challenging.
- User Impressions: Customers consistently highlight the stability of this mill thanks to its non-slip legs, preventing any wobbling during use. They appreciate the ease of changing discs and the overall build quality, though a few noted that some parts can be tricky to clean thoroughly.
3. Mirro 50024 Foley Stainless Steel Healthy Food Mill
For those who appreciate classic design combined with robust functionality, the Mirro 50024 Foley food mill is a fantastic option. This mill is a testament to timeless kitchen tools that simply get the job done. Its durable stainless steel construction ensures it will be a reliable partner in your kitchen for many years, handling various fruits and vegetables with ease.
- Key Features:
- COOKING CAPACITY: 2 quart capacity for preparing batches of sauces, soups, and purees.
- DURABLE AND PRACTICAL: Made from durable stainless steel with an elegant, easy-to-clean design.
- EFFICIENT AND FUNCTIONAL: Equipped with multiple milling discs for mashing, straining, grating, and ricing.
- CULINARY OPTIONS: Ideal for processing tomatoes, apples, potatoes, and more for fresh sauces, soups, and purees.
- COOKING ESSENTIAL: A durable and essential tool for home cooks who love making homemade sauces and purees.
- Pros:
- Solid 2-quart capacity suitable for everyday cooking.
- Extremely durable stainless steel construction for longevity.
- Versatile with multiple discs for various food preparation tasks.
- Simple and classic design is easy to clean.
- Cons:
- Might not have the advanced ergonomic features of some newer models.
- Some users find the grinding action requires more effort compared to spring-loaded designs.
- User Impressions: Many users love the dependable, classic design and the robustness of the stainless steel. They often comment on its effectiveness for staples like applesauce and mashed potatoes, appreciating its straightforward functionality, even if it requires a bit more elbow grease than some alternatives.
4. Johnny Apple Sauce Maker, Tomato Sauce Maker, Remove Skins
The Johnny Apple Sauce Maker is a true workhorse, built for serious home canners and large batches. What truly sets this model apart is its versatility and incredible durability, boasting a sturdy cast aluminum body and the option to add an electric motor for hands-free operation. If you’re processing a lot of produce, this machine is designed to make your life significantly easier.
- Key Features:
- NOT JUST FOR APPLE SAUCE AND TOMATO SAUCE: Great for purees, pie fillings, juices, jams, cream soups, baby foods, sauces, and more; easily separates skins and seeds.
- HAND CRANK WITH OPTIONAL ELECTRIC MOTOR: Designed for hand crank use, but can be upgraded with an optional electric motor (sold separately).
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: Comes with Apple/Tomato Screen (1.3mm holes) and Standard Spiral (6-3/4” long) for immediate use.
- SUPERIOR DURABILITY AND 5 YEAR WARRANTY: Sturdy cast aluminum body, stainless steel screens, BPA-free plastic components, and a 5-year warranty.
- SECURE CLAMP MOUNT: Sturdy clamp design mounts to countertops from 3/4″ to 2-1/8″ thick for a stable foundation.
- Pros:
- Exceptional durability with a cast aluminum body and long warranty.
- Option for an electric motor greatly reduces effort for large batches.
- Effectively separates seeds and skins, saving time.
- Secure clamp mount ensures stability on countertops.
- Versatile for a wide range of fruits and vegetables.
- Cons:
- The electric motor is a separate purchase, adding to the overall cost.
- Requires counter space for clamping securely.
- User Impressions: This food mill is highly praised by users for its heavy-duty construction and its efficiency in processing large volumes of produce. The optional electric motor is a huge plus for many, though some hand-crank users note it can still require significant effort for tough items. Its ability to effortlessly separate skins and seeds is a consistent highlight.
5. Mirro 50025 Foley Stainless Steel Healthy Food Mill
If you loved the Mirro 50024 but need more capacity, the Mirro 50025 steps up with a significantly larger bowl. This is the perfect choice for avid canners or anyone who finds themselves processing substantial amounts of produce at once. It maintains the trusted Mirro durability and efficiency, simply scaled up for bigger jobs, making large-batch pureeing more manageable.
- Key Features:
- LARGE COOKING CAPACITY: Generous 3.5-quart capacity, perfect for handling large batches of fruits and vegetables.
- DURABLE AND PRACTICAL: Constructed from durable stainless steel with a sleek design for easy cleaning and long-term reliability.
- EFFICIENT AND FUNCTIONAL: Equipped with multiple milling discs, excels at mashing, straining, grating, and ricing.
- DIVERSE OPTIONS: Used for processing ingredients like tomatoes, apples, and potatoes, excellent for creating smooth sauces, purees, and other culinary delights.
- COOKING ESSENTIAL: Ideal for home cooks who enjoy making fresh sauces and purees, combining durability and functionality.
- Pros:
- Ample 3.5-quart capacity is excellent for large-scale canning or cooking.
- Built with durable stainless steel for lasting quality.
- Versatile with multiple discs for various food preparation needs.
- Easy to clean design.
- Cons:
- Its larger size might require more storage space.
- Similar to its smaller counterpart, it relies on manual turning which can be tiring for very tough or large quantities.
- User Impressions: Customers are thrilled with the generous capacity, making it a go-to for large canning projects and big family meals. They find it sturdy and reliable, praising its consistent performance for pureeing various foods, though some note its size requires dedicated storage.
6. Stainless Steel Ergonomic Food Mill with 3 Grinding Discs
This ergonomic food mill is a modern take on the classic design, focusing on user comfort and enhanced performance. It stands out with its thoughtfully designed features, like the soft silicone-covered handle and upgraded blades, ensuring a more comfortable and efficient milling experience. If you’re looking for a balance of sturdy build and user-friendly enhancements, this one’s a strong contender.
- Key Features:
- 【STURDY STAINLESS STEEL】: Made of high-quality, mirror-polished stainless steel, with a soft silicone-covered crank handle for non-slip grip.
- 【3 BLADES FOR ALL MEAL PREP】: Includes three interchangeable grinding pans (coarse, medium, fine) with upgraded, larger blades that reach more food and improve grinding efficiency.
- 【ERGONOMIC DUAL HOOK DESIGN】: Two side hooks securely hold deep or shallow pots and bowls, while the ergonomic handle with soft silicone knobs ensures comfortable cranking.
- 【EASY TO CLEAN AND STORE】: Very easy to assemble and disassemble; food-grade steel is dishwasher safe, stain and corrosion resistant; round hole design on handle for hanging storage.
- 【VERSATILE DESIGN】: Equipped with three grinding discs for mashed potatoes, tomato sauce, fruits and vegetables, complementary foods, and more.
- Pros:
- Enhanced ergonomic handle with silicone provides comfortable, non-slip grip.
- Upgraded larger blades increase grinding efficiency.
- Dual hooks offer excellent stability on various bowls.
- Easy to assemble, disassemble, and clean (dishwasher safe).
- Versatile for a wide range of food preparations.
- Cons:
- Some users report that the mill might still leave a small amount of residue after processing.
- The upgraded blades, while efficient, may require a specific technique for optimal results.
- User Impressions: Users highly rate this mill for its comfortable, ergonomic handle and the improved efficiency brought by the larger blades. Many find it easy to clean and appreciate its stability on pots, making it a favorite for homemade baby food and sauces, despite minor issues with residue.
7. Stainless Steel Food Mill With 3 Milling Discs, Ergonomic
This stainless steel food mill emphasizes both durability and a thoughtful design, making it a robust and user-friendly option for your kitchen. Its upgraded blade design and stable dual-hook structure mean you can process foods with greater efficiency and less effort. Plus, it comes with handy extra accessories, adding even more value to your cooking tasks.
- Key Features:
- ✅【DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL DESIGN】: Made of high-quality food-grade stainless steel, sturdy, with a mirror-polished surface. Great for tomato sauce, potatoes, and canning; can also be used as a colander and vegetable steamer.
- ✅【Dual hook design】: Dual hook design and handle form a stable triangle structure, firmly attaching to the mixing bowl; unified handle and crank covered with soft silicone for non-slip use.
- ✅【 Upgraded Blades】: Single large blade reaches more food, improving grinding efficiency; includes a multi-purpose kitchen cooking spoon to press food and scrape stuck residue.
- ✅【Multifunctional design】: Equipped with three milling trays with different pore sizes for ketchup, mashed potatoes, fruits and vegetables, and wiping off seeds; includes Multifunctional blue Spoon, Wide Mouth Funnel, and Measuring Spoon.
- ✅【Easy clean & assemble】: Easy to clean and assemble, dishwasher-safe; handle has a round hole for easy hanging storage.
- Pros:
- Highly durable and rust-resistant stainless steel construction.
- Excellent stability with its dual-hook design.
- Upgraded blade design improves processing speed and thoroughness.
- Includes useful bonus accessories like a spoon, funnel, and measuring spoon.
- Easy to clean and store.
- Cons:
- Some users might find the included accessories redundant if they already own similar items.
- The capacity might be standard, not ideal for extremely large, commercial-scale batches.
- User Impressions: Reviewers appreciate the sturdy build quality and the stability provided by the dual hooks. The upgraded blades are frequently mentioned for their efficiency, and the included bonus accessories are a pleasant surprise for many. Most users find it very effective for a variety of homemade purees.
Conclusion
Choosing the best stainless steel food mill strainer depends on your specific needs, whether you’re making small batches of baby food or tackling a mountain of tomatoes for canning. The Ergonomic Food Mill with 3 Grinding Discs and the Stainless Steel Ergonomic Food Mill with 3 Grinding Discs (Product #6) offer excellent comfort and versatility for everyday use, while the OXO Good Grips stands out for its stability. For larger quantities, the Mirro 50025 is a fantastic high-capacity option, and the Johnny Apple Sauce Maker is the heavy-duty champion, especially with its optional motor.
Each of these mills brings something unique to the table, but all share the common benefit of durable stainless steel construction and efficient food processing. Pick the one that best fits your kitchen adventures and get ready to enjoy perfectly smooth, homemade creations!
Still deciding? Start with our top pick – check it out here
FAQ
Q. What is a stainless steel food mill strainer used for?
A. A stainless steel food mill strainer is primarily used to puree and strain cooked fruits and vegetables, separating skins, seeds, and fibrous material from the pulp. It’s perfect for making applesauce, tomato sauce, mashed potatoes, baby food, and smooth soups.
Q. Why choose a stainless steel food mill over other materials?
A. Stainless steel food mills are highly durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and do not stain or retain odors, especially when processing acidic foods like tomatoes. They are also typically dishwasher safe and built to last for many years of use.
Q. How do I clean a stainless steel food mill?
A. Most stainless steel food mills are very easy to clean. They typically disassemble into a few parts (bowl, grinding discs, crank), which can then be washed by hand with soap and water or placed in the dishwasher.
Q. Can a food mill be used for raw foods?
A. Generally, food mills are designed for cooked, softened foods. Trying to mill raw or very hard foods can damage the mill or be very difficult to operate. For raw foods, a blender or food processor is usually more suitable.
Q. What’s the difference between a food mill and a food processor/blender?
A. A food mill specifically separates solids (like skins and seeds) from the pureed pulp, resulting in a very smooth texture without bits. Food processors and blenders chop and blend everything, including skins and seeds, which often results in a chunkier texture unless strained manually afterward.
Q. How do the different grinding discs work?
A. Food mills come with interchangeable discs that have different sized holes (fine, medium, coarse). The finer discs produce smoother purees (e.g., baby food), while coarser discs are good for thicker sauces or mashed potatoes, allowing you to control the texture.
Q. Can I make jam or jelly with a food mill?
A. Yes, food mills are excellent for making jams and jellies. They effectively remove seeds and skins from cooked fruits (like berries or grapes), producing a smooth pulp perfect for jelly making.
