Last Updated on February 22, 2026 by Erin Jahan Eva
What Is a Salad Spinner?
A salad spinner is a kitchen tool. It dries salad greens and other salad ingredients fast. It uses centrifugal force to spin water off wet leaves. You place your washed salad leaves inside, close the lid, and spin. The water flies off and collects in the outer salad bowl.
Many people also call it a vegetable dryer. It works for more than just salad. You can dry herbs, berries, and even cooked pasta with it.
If you have ever eaten a soggy salad, you know the pain. Wet lettuce leaves water down your dressing. It makes your salad limp and sad. A salad spinner fixes this problem in seconds.
Why You Need One in Your Kitchen
Using a salad spinner is one of the best habits you can build in cooking. Here is why:
- Drier greens taste better. Dressing clings to dry salad leaves. Wet leaves push dressing away.
- It saves time. You do not have to pat each leaf dry with a towel.
- It keeps greens fresh longer. Dry greens last up to a week in the fridge.
- It is easy to use. Even kids can spin it.
Chefs, food bloggers, and home cooks all agree. A good salad spinner is worth every penny. You can find great options on Amazon, from brands like OXO Salad, Kitexpert, and Brieftons Salad.
Parts of a Salad Spinner
Before you learn how to use one, know what you are working with. Most salad spinners have three main parts:
1. The outer salad bowl This holds the water that spins off your greens. It is also your serving bowl after drying.
2. The colander (inner basket) This is where you put your salad greens. The holes let water drain through into the outer bowl.
3. The lid The lid has the spinning mechanism. It can be a pull cord, a push button, or a hand-crank. The OXO Salad spinner uses a push-button pump. Brieftons Salad spinners often use a pull cord. Kitexpert models use a crank handle.
How to Use a Salad Spinner , Step by Step
Follow these steps every time. It takes less than two minutes.
Step 1: Wash Your Salad Ingredients
Place your salad greens or lettuce leaves in the colander. Run them under cold water. Move the leaves around to rinse off dirt, grit, and any residue. Do this for 20 to 30 seconds.
Pro tip: Soak greens in cold water for five minutes first if they are wilted. They will crisp right up.
Step 2: Place the Colander Inside the Bowl
Set the colander inside the outer salad bowl. Make sure it sits firmly. Do not overfill it. Pack the greens loosely so they can move freely when spinning.
Step 3: Attach the Lid
Place the lid on top of the colander. Press it down so it locks in place. A loose lid can pop off during spinning.
Step 4: Spin the Greens
Now spin! How you do this depends on your spinner type:
- Push-button spinners (like OXO Salad): Press the button on top fast and firmly. Do this five to seven times.
- Pull-cord spinners (like Brieftons Salad): Pull the cord out smoothly and firmly. Repeat four to six times.
- Crank spinners (like Kitexpert): Turn the handle clockwise with steady speed. Keep going for about 10 seconds.
You will see water gathering in the outer bowl. Keep spinning until no more water drips down.
Step 5: Remove the Lid and Colander
Take off the lid. Lift out the colander. Your salad greens should now look bright and feel dry to the touch.
Step 6: Empty the Water
Pour the water out of the outer salad bowl. Give the bowl a quick wipe with a towel if needed.
Step 7: Use or Store the Greens
Your greens are now ready to dress and serve. Or place a paper towel in the bottom of the colander, put the greens back in, and store in the fridge. They will stay crisp for up to five days.
Tips to Get the Best Results
These tips come from years of cooking experience and lots of trial and error.
Do not overfill the spinner. Overloading the colander stops the leaves from spinning freely. Do smaller batches if needed.
Spin twice for extra dry greens. The first spin gets most of the water. The second spin gets the rest. Two spins make a big difference.
Use cold water when rinsing. Cold water helps keep leaves firm and crisp. Hot water will wilt them.
Let gravity help first. Shake the colander gently before you spin. This removes big drops of water before you even start.
Spin your herbs too. Basil, parsley, and cilantro all dry beautifully in a salad spinner. This is a kitchen trick many home cooks do not know.
Watch YouTube tutorials. YouTube has great videos showing different spinner models in action. Watching a video can help you learn the right technique faster.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple tool like a salad spinner can trip you up. Avoid these common errors:
Spinning too gently. Slow spinning does not remove enough water. Use firm, quick pumps or cranks.
Skipping the second spin. One spin is never quite enough. Always spin at least twice.
Not locking the lid properly. A loose lid can fly off and make a mess. Always press it down before spinning.
Storing wet greens. Even with a spinner, some moisture remains. Add a paper towel to your storage container to absorb the rest.
Using a spinner that is too small. A small colander means small batches. If you cook for a family, invest in a large spinner. The OXO Salad spinner comes in different sizes. So does the Brieftons Salad spinner.
How to Clean and Store Your Salad Spinner
Keeping your spinner clean is simple. Here is how to do it right.
After each use:
- Separate the lid, colander, and salad bowl.
- Rinse each part under warm water.
- Use a soft brush to clean the colander holes.
- Air dry all parts before storing.
Once a week: Wash all parts with warm soapy water. Pay attention to the lid mechanism. Food and grime can build up in the spinning parts.
Avoid: Do not put most salad spinners in the dishwasher unless the label says it is safe. High heat can warp the plastic parts. Check your brand’s manual to be sure.
Storing: Nest the colander inside the bowl. Place the lid on top. This saves cabinet space. Some models, like the OXO Salad spinner, have a compact design made for easy storage.
Top Salad Spinner Brands to Know
There are many salad spinners on the market. Here are the most trusted ones:
OXO Salad Spinner This is one of the most popular brands. The OXO Salad spinner has a non-slip base, a push-button pump, and a brake button. It is easy to use and easy to store. You can find it on Amazon and in most kitchen stores.
Brieftons Salad Spinner The Brieftons Salad spinner uses a pull-cord design. It spins fast and is very effective. Many users say it is one of the best vegetable dryer options in its price range.
Kitexpert Salad Spinner The Kitexpert model uses a crank handle. It is sturdy and built for heavy use. It works well for large batches of salad ingredients.
All three brands are highly rated. Each one works differently, but all get the job done. Read reviews on Amazon before buying. Look for models with a wide colander and a large salad bowl for the best results.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a salad spinner for things other than salad greens?
Yes! You can use it for herbs, berries, grapes, cherry tomatoes, and even small vegetables. It works as a vegetable dryer for many kinds of produce.
Q: How many times should I spin the greens?
Spin at least twice. The first spin removes most of the water. The second spin gets the rest. Some people spin three times for very wet salad leaves.
Q: Is a salad spinner the same as a colander?
No. A colander is just a bowl with holes. You drain water through it. A salad spinner has a colander inside it plus a spinning lid. It removes far more water than a colander alone.
Q: Why do my salad leaves still feel damp after spinning?
You may be spinning too gently or not enough times. Try spinning harder and doing a second or third spin. Also check that your lid is locked properly. If water cannot escape through the colander, the spinning will not work.
Q: Which is better — a pull-cord or push-button salad spinner?
Both work well. Push-button spinners like the OXO Salad model are very smooth and easy to use. Pull-cord spinners like Brieftons Salad models tend to spin faster. It comes down to personal preference.
Q: Can I store my salad greens in the salad spinner?
Yes. After spinning, put a dry paper towel in the bottom of the colander. Place the greens on top. Put the lid on and store it in the fridge. Your salad leaves will stay fresh for up to five days.
Q: Where can I buy a good salad spinner?
You can find salad spinners on Amazon, at kitchen specialty stores, or at big-box retailers. Amazon has a wide selection of sizes and brands, including OXO Salad, Brieftons Salad, and Kitexpert spinners.
Final Thoughts
A salad spinner is one of the simplest tools in the kitchen. But used well, it makes a big difference. Dry salad greens taste better, last longer, and hold dressing perfectly.
Follow the steps in this guide every time you wash your greens. Rinse them well, spin twice, and store with a paper towel. Your salads will never be soggy again.
Whether you use an OXO Salad spinner, a Brieftons Salad model, or a Kitexpert vegetable dryer, the method is the same. Practice it a few times and it will become second nature.
Happy spinning and happy cooking!