The 11 Best Food Mills for Creating the Perfect Purée

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Even in today’s sophisticated environment, certain classic cooking tools are very coveted. For example, a food mill serves as a link between a food processor and a blender. It is often a strainer that mashes or purees soft foods such as tomatoes, boiled or cooked vegetables and lentils, and fruits such as raspberries and blackberries. The greatest food grinders eliminate the seeds, skin, fiber, and superfluous pulp, leaving just the pure meat.

If you have your own orchard or garden that produces numerous fruits year after year, you should absolutely invest in a food mill. It will be ideal for making apple sauces, jellies, and jams, among other things. Not only that, but it can mill most soft foods and even aid in the preparation of mashed potatoes. If you have a toddler and need to make baby food on a regular basis, this is an essential piece of kitchen equipment.

Best Selection

The OXO Good Grip is our top selection because it has a higher quality build, more functions, and combines utility and practicality. It is inexpensive and provides a high-quality, long-lasting product at a lower cost than high-end brands.

Budget Selection

The Mirro 50024 is our budget option because it is extremely useful and easy to use, has a solid and durable build that allows it to work effectively, and can be used for a broad range of tasks like mashing, straining, grating, and even ricing.

Quick Comparison: Top 11 Best Food Mills


Product Name Weight
(pounds)
Capacity
(quarts)
Item Dimensions
(inches)
Grade
OXO Good Grips Food Mill 3.10 2.30 14.75 x 7.25 x 10.25 A
Mirro 50024 Foley Stainless Steel Healthy Food Mill 1.85 2.00 13.87 x 8.37 x 18.62 A
Weston Stainless Steel Food Mill (61-0101-W) 1.80 2.50 8.75 x 16.75 x 6.75 B
Granite Ware Stainless Steel Deluxe Food Mill 1.55 2.00 8 x 13.75 x 9.75 B
Rösle Stainless Steel Food Mill 2.75 3.10 6.5 x 6 x 7.7 B
RSVP Endurance Stainless Steel Food Mill 1.00 1.50 7.75 x 7.75 x 4.25 A
Norpro Multi-Purpose Food Mill 1.00 2.20 4 x 14 x 7 B
GEFU Stainless Steel Food Mill 2.64 2.00 7.5 x 8 x 15.5 A
Cuisipro Deluxe Food Mill 0.39 4.00 17 x 9 x 10 A
Kuchenprofi Professional Stainless Steel 3.26 2.00 15.5 x 8.75 x 4.75 A
HIC Harold Import Co. Food Mill 1.89 2.00 16.5 x 3.66 x 8 A

1. OXO Good Grips Food Mill  

Highlighted Features

  • There are three steel discs for fine, medium, and coarse straining.
  • Legs are rubber-coated and sit firmly on bowls. Legs may be folded to save space.

Oxo’s stainless steel bowl stands up to the company’s reputation for delivering long-lasting, efficient cookware. It has three stainless steel discs with big, medium, and tiny holes designed and scattered around the surface of the discs.

The stainless steel bowl has a big capacity, allowing you to grind more food in one batch. Moreover, the stainless steel structure prevents rusting and corrosion when exposed to acidic foods such as tomatoes.

It features rubber-coated legs that grip most bowl sizes and do not wobble or slide while milling. Since the legs are collapsible, they conserve room when the device is stored. Oxo’s customer service is excellent, and they are fast to replace your goods if you get a defective one.

The complete machine is incredibly simple to put together and just takes a few minutes. The spring-loaded lever makes milling easier. Counterclockwise rotation of the level is sometimes advised for faster advancement and clearance of any blocked food.

This miller is ideal for tomato puree or sauces and milling fruits and berries for jellies. It efficiently removes unnecessary pulp and almost all of the seeds without wasting a lot of flesh. To prevent accumulation of seeds above, it is best to periodically remove the trash. You may also wish to use a spatula to remove food (if any) sticking on the underside of the blade.

Pros

  • Strong structure; well-made; long-lasting for heavy-duty usage
  • Unit is simple to build and dismantle, and all components are dishwasher safe.

Cons

  • Clogs some food on the bottom and must be cleaned on a regular basis
  • Various rubber and plastic components that may wear out after a few years
  • Not the most affordable option on the market.

2. Mirro 50024 Foley Stainless Steel Healthy Food Mill 

Highlighted Features

  • Capacity: A 2 Quart basin can contain a large amount of food for grinding.
  • Construction in gleaming stainless steel

This food mill from Mirro 50024 is composed of stainless steel, which allows it to last for a long time. The substance guards against rust, corrosion, and severe stains. It features a sturdy build that enables you to utilize it with ease. Moreover, you may use this food mill for a range of tasks like as grating and straining.

You don’t have to worry about the material leaking toxins or waste substances into the meal since it is unlikely to react with the food within the bowl. Tomato sauce or puree, mashed potatoes, applesauce, squashes, and many more dishes are simple to prepare. Since the stainless steel bowl has a capacity of 2 quarts, you may mill a modest number of fruits and vegetables in a single batch.

The handle is simple to spin, and the knob enables you to securely hold it. Also, it is pretty durable, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking anytime soon. The disc blade performs an excellent job of removing the seeds and skin from the purée, but it often becomes stuck. You may press the food through the perforated disc using a spatula. This increases the time required for food grinding.

Pros

  • Well-constructed at a modest cost
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • It does the job, but it is quite labor-intensive to get the mill up and running.
  • A black grease-like material pours from the center and directly into the meal.
  • Tough to maneuver, particularly for those with little hands.

3. Weston Stainless Steel Food Mill (61-0101-W)  

Highlighted Features

  • Long-lasting stainless steel structure
  • Three replaceable stainless steel discs with tiny and big holes

This Weston stainless steel food processor provides excellent performance at an unbelievable cheap price. It has an excellent build quality and is very solid and long-lasting. The mill comes with three replaceable disks: fine, medium, and large; the large features holes that are far larger than other discs on the market.

Since the food mill lacks legs or extensions, you may have to hold it in the air or ask for assistance. Many individuals are inconvenienced and harmed as a result of this. Using the crank also needs more effort than normal, making it labor hard for certain users.

The build quality is excellent, and the crank operates smoothly. The item is simple to assemble and just takes a few minutes. It is also quite simple to remove the pieces for cleaning. It is dishwasher-safe, although certain nooks and corners of the unit may be difficult to reach and hence difficult to clean. This food mill is not very small and takes up a lot of room.

It works best for tomatoes or fruits, removing virtually all of the seed, but it makes a mess with mashed potatoes, creating a spill and taking more effort, as well as leaving some lumps, which is undesired. Furthermore, peels and food tend to jam the machine; to dislodge trapped particles, spin the crank counterclockwise occasionally. Remove the seeds and peel on a regular basis.

Pros

  • Simple to construct and dismantle; simple to clean; dishwasher safe
  • Crank handle has a good grip and a nice grip

Cons

  • There are no legs, therefore holding the mill while grinding over the bowl is time-consuming.
  • Clogs regularly, and peels, seeds, and other debris must be cleaned on a regular basis, otherwise the crank must be spun counterclockwise.
  • It’s fantastic for sauces and jellies, but it’s a catastrophe for mashed potatoes.

4. Granite Ware Stainless Steel Deluxe Food Mill 

Highlighted Features

  • Affordably priced lightweight multifunction food mill

For its low price, this lightweight stainless steel food grinder from Granite Ware is a deal. It is outfitted with three replaceable discs. This device lacks legs or extensions for resting on bowls, however it fits well on bowls for milling. Even though the materials seem a touch fragile, this is a really well-designed tool that is strong and lasting.

The assembly is fairly labor-intensive, and even though the product comes with a manual, it can be quite the experience. Disguising is also difficult for certain users, particularly the elderly. Cleaning the device is rather simple. It also takes a lot of physical power to turn the cranks and grind the food.

Several people complain about the effectiveness of eliminating tiny seeds from food: the smallest disc given is allegedly not fine enough, and a lot of seed slips through. It is, nevertheless, excellent for canning and creating sauces. Since the discs are non-replaceable, take care not to shatter or fracture them.

Pros

  • Simple to clean: dishwasher safe

Cons

  • It does not remove all of the seeds.
  • It is difficult to build and disassemble.

5. Rösle Stainless Steel Food Mill 

Highlighted Features

  • It has two grinding disc sieves.
  • 10 stainless steel components18
  • Dishwasher-safe

This Rsle food mill is ideal for mashing and sifting soft-textured foods. This food mill has a 9.5-inch diameter and a large capacity for preparing tomato puree or even mashed potatoes. Just pour the cooked or uncooked food into the food mill and crank the knob continually to get a seedless, smooth texture.

You won’t have to spend time putting this food mill together. It comes in a single piece, so you can get started grinding food right away. The one-piece design also simplifies cleaning. There is no welding seam, and turning the handle is not difficult.

The stainless steel structure prevents it from rust and corrosion, allowing it to last longer. The food mill’s stainless steel structure also allows for simple and rapid cleaning in the dishwasher. When subjected to intense heat, there is no risk of the components warping or discoloring.

This food mill has been thoughtfully designed to maximize efficiency and convenience. The blade and disc sieve are quite near to one other, allowing you to mash food fast and simply. Also, when in operation, the food mill is unlikely to move. This is due to the fact that it is supported by three rests.

All of the components, including the handle, are exceptionally durable. It includes two kinds of disc sieves. One is 0.04 inch in diameter, while the other is 0.1 inch in diameter. This aids in the production of various textures in food.

Pros

  • It works well for eliminating seeds and skin while sifting or mashing food.
  • A lifetime warranty is included.
  • The crank-style handle is simple to operate.

Cons

  • It does not come with detailed instructions, so if you are unfamiliar with it, you may have some issues.
  • When milling food, it makes a lot of noise.

6. RSVP Endurance Stainless Steel Food Mill

Highlighted Features

  • High duty; lightweight; durable stainless steel structure
  • Innovative design and a wood handle for a greater grip
  • Hooks that may be attached to bowls to capture milled food

10 stainless steel, and despite its light weight and appearance, it is a highly industrial mill. RSVP’s food mill is an excellent addition to your cookware collection. This is not only inexpensive, but also incredibly useful. It is a heavy-duty utensil that is intended for everyday usage. It is made up of 18 pieces.

RSVP has combined design creativity with utility for this item. For a better grip, the handles are long and feature wooden layers at the top and bottom. The mill will be attached to the bowl by two metallic hooks or inserts on the two sides of the rim. Nevertheless, the hooks are situated too high, limiting their application to particularly deep bowls.

The long handle and little weight may make it challenging to maintain steady. The mill has a huge capacity: you can grind much more in a single batch. The device has three replaceable discs, the smallest measuring 2mm and the biggest measuring 5mm. Unfortunately, some customers have observed that fruit skins escape through the area where the disc is weakly attached to the holding basin. If this occurs, you may end up with a slightly grainy sauce or jelly.

Pros

  • Time-saving; handles and cranks are easy to use and rotate
  • Simple to assemble, disassemble, and clean
  • A good, usable product at a reasonable price.

Cons

  • A little too light, which may make it unsteady; extremely high holding bowl
  • The hooks are too high: a large basin is required for collecting milled food.
  • It allows some skin and peels to flow through the gaps where the discs do not fit firmly.

7. Norpro Multi-Purpose Food Mill

Highlighted Features

  • Versatile
  • 2.2-quart storage capacity
  • Construction that is stain-resistant

This Norpro food mill is a multipurpose instrument that may be used as a masher, ricer, or strainer. The bowl has a capacity of 2.2 quarts, allowing you to make a big amount of purees, mashes, or sauces at once.

Moreover, the food mill features a strong build that enables it to work effectively over time. It is highly long-lasting and simple to use. Your food mill is not going to corrode or fall apart very soon. Its high-quality design allows it to readily survive tough circumstances.

All the pieces of this food mill may be dismantled simply for a simple cleaning operation. You should have no trouble removing the seeds or other trash from the disc sieves and other sections. To access the bottom section of the food grinder, you may need to use a wrench.

Pros

  • It just weights one pound, so you can simply move it about.

Cons

  • It only comes with one kind of disc sieve.
  • The disc sieve is prone to being clogged.
  • The handle is quite tough to turn.
  • In milling food, it may yield a gray or black residue.

8. GEFU Stainless Steel Food Mill

Highlighted Features

  • It has two replaceable discs.
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • A well-planned building

10 stainless steel with a shiny finish that looks beautiful at all times. The high-quality materials also guard against corrosion and severe stains. Moreover, the food grinder is incredibly sturdy, making it ideal for daily usage. Because of its great usefulness and superb construction, this GEFU food mill deserves a place in every kitchen. It is constructed of 18

Since all of the pieces are simply removed, you will be able to clean this food mill by hand in less time. To remove the waste substances, just use warm, soapy water and clean the portions with a soft sponge. You may even put it in the dishwasher since the pieces will not warp or get damaged.

It has two replaceable perforated discs that are distinct from one another. One disc contains holes with a diameter of 2mm, while the other has holes with a diameter of 3mm. The two sizes enable you to produce a wide range of foods, including tomato purees and baby food, as well as mashed potatoes, soups, and squashes. It simply takes a few tries to get the liquid texture right.

Pros

  • enables simple installation
  • The bottom scraper avoids clogging.
  • Small size for convenient storing
  • It creates smooth surfaces.

Cons

  • Does not totally remove seeds
  • The instructions are not in English.

9. Cuisipro Deluxe Food Mill 

Highlighted Features

  • Elegant and durable stainless steel structure
  • Scraper near the disc’s bottom to remove milled food and avoid clogging
  • At one end, a hook-like handle that hooks to the bowl, and at the other end, a conventional handle for holding the mill.

The Cuisipro food mill has a powerful, resilient, and sturdy build that is designed to function. It is totally constructed of stainless steel. The knob has plastic on it, which aids in getting the most out of the mill. It comes with three replaceable discs, the smallest of which is 2mm and the largest of which is 4mm. It has a high capacity and large interiors.

The mill contains a plastic scraper at the bottom of the disc that rapidly removes ground food and keeps it from clogging. You don’t need an extra spatula for that anymore. Unfortunately, customers have complained that the scraper is rather weak and often breaks. Cuisipro does not sell components individually, but they do provide a 25-year guarantee on replacements.

The discs work well for mashed potatoes, giving them a nice texture. It also mills fruits well, however you must use the smallest disc to remove the most seeds. It is a flexible and useful piece of equipment that is made to last. It is simple to construct and dismantle, as well as clean. It is little more costly than many other mills on the market, but it is well worth it in the long term.

Pros

  • Long-lasting; high-quality materials utilized; simple to use and clean
  • Scraper quickly removes food

Cons

  • The hook-like handle is only useful on one side: During operation, the mill may wobble or become unstable.
  • The scraper is constructed of cheap plastic.

10. Kuchenprofi Professional Stainless Steel Vegetable Mill 

Highlighted Features

  • Superb stainless steel structure; strong and long-lasting design
  • Four replaceable discs: extremely fine to effectively extract the tiniest seeds
  • Attractive design and appearance: not mass-produced

With this well-made high-quality food mill, efficiency of grinding food for jams and sauces meets superb construction. It is available in two sizes, big and small, and at very reasonable prices: you do not have to empty your wallet to have the greatest engineering design on the market.

The food mill comes with three replaceable bottom discs of varied sizes, the biggest with 5mm holes and the smallest with holes slightly larger than 1mm, one of the finest sizes on the market.

10 stainless steel for heavy-duty applications. It is long-lasting and well-made. It is simple to construct and as simple to dismantle and disassemble for cleaning. It is really simple to clean. It also has an appealing sleek silver look. It is not only beautiful, but it is fully constructed of 18 carat gold.

Whilst some customers believe the discs do not fit as securely as they should towards the mill’s bottom, it works properly and effectively to remove skin and seeds. To get the greatest uniformity, use the appropriate sized disc. Milling using this saves time since it eliminates the inconvenience of clogging, cleaning, and jamming. If you can afford it and jar often, this food mill is a must-have.

Pros

  • Outstanding value for money
  • Simple to construct and dismantle; easy to clean; dishwasher safe

Cons

  • It may take some strength to start the mill; those with tiny, fragile hands may experience some pain.
  • The discs may be somewhat loose at the bottom, but there is no pulp or meat loss.

11. HIC Harold Import Co. Food Mill 

Highlighted Features

  • Has a capacity of 2 quarts.
  • 8 stainless steel components18
  • There are four kinds of disc blades.

They are made of stainless steel and are unlikely to corrode or wear out too soon. Moreover, the ergonomic crank-style handle gives a pleasant grip, allowing you to utilize this item with ease. This food mill by HIC Harold Import Co. makes it simple to produce purees, sauces, and squashes. The whole structure is built of 18 gauge steel.

The food grinder comes with four replaceable perforated disc blades with varying hole shapes. Since the multiple blades generate varied textures, you may use this food mill to prepare a variety of foods. Pasta sauces, creamed soups, fresh puree, mashed potatoes, and even applesauce may be made. Sharp enough to cut through the skin and fibrous mass of soft fruits and veggies.

The disc blades are also great at keeping the seeds separate from the purée or sauces. The disc blades separate from the base, allowing you to conveniently clean this food mill by hand. In terms of cleaning, this food mill’s components are completely dishwasher-safe. If you are short on time or feel too lazy to clean the dishes, you may save time and effort by placing the food grinder in the dishwasher.

Pros

  • It weighs just 1.89 pounds, making it easily portable.
  • This food mill may be used to prepare ground meat.
  • It comes with detailed instructions.

Cons

  • The bottom section is prone to becoming blocked.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Food Mill

Unless you are a professional canner or the parent of a toddler who uses the mills to strain baby food, you will most likely use your mill several times a year, mainly around tomato or fruit season. As a result, you need a solid and long-lasting mill that will last you at least a few years. So, what factors should you examine before purchasing a food mill for your culinary needs? Read on below to find out!

Size

Most home food grinders have capacities of 2 to 3 quarts, with some uncommon bigger ones having capacities of 3 to 4 quarts! This range is ideal for your requirements. A bigger capacity food grinder will keep the blades from becoming clogged and disrupting the operation. It will also enable you to grind more food in a single batch, eliminating the need to repeat the process. The mill’s diameters typically vary between 10 and 16 inches. This is sufficient for adding big amounts of food as well as twisting the crank.

Blade

The majority of blades are round or semi-circular, with a mild inclination. If the blade’s slope is excessively steep, food will simply be pushed to the rear of the blade and will not be milled at all. There should also be some space and height between the mill bottom (disc) and the blade since milled will fall in there and collect just momentarily.

Handles, Cranks, and Hooks

Mill handles are typically lengthy and strong since you will be holding it during milling. Depending on the material of the holding bowl, the handles are either metallic or plastic. It may have some rubber or wooden pieces for enhanced grip.

The perimeter of most food grinders will feature hook-like extensions, often known as legs. Most have three legs, while some versions have just two. They are supplied to ensure that the mill rests comfortably atop the bowl into which the ground food will be collected. It keeps the mill stable and prevents it from wobbling or slipping.

The miller’s lever is the crank, often known as the knob and handle. Since it is lengthy, it can produce significant rotational force and grind the food. It includes a spring-connected bar that connects to the disc and a roundish bulky knob-like end for easy grasping. It features crossbars on both sides that link it to the two ends of the holding basin. If the crank is overly tight or rough, it will need a lot of human work to operate.

Discs

The majority of food mills have two or three replaceable discs or bottoms. However, it will sometimes just have one. The aperture diameters of the disc vary, often ranging from 1mm to 5mm, or up to 8mm for very gritty food. For fruits, the smallest sieve may be required to achieve adequate seed removal. They feature a small dome shape at the top to make milling easier.

Scraper

This is a feature that is more widespread in earlier models and almost non-existent in modern ones. The scraper, which is made of plastic or metal, is attached to the bottom of the disc and may be used on a regular basis to remove milled food and avoid clogging.

Ease of use, handling and storing

Food mills must be built, and some machines include an instruction manual. Assembly is simple and straightforward for various devices. Others may need more work and muscle to put up. Every time you clean, you must dismantle the device.

Most mills are dishwasher safe, which decreases the amount of effort. Nonetheless, some manufacturers advocate hand washing to ensure the unit’s life.

Food mills must be small enough to store and take up as little counter space as feasible. While not in use, some include holes or hooks for hanging. For storage, the discs may be stacked on top of one another.

FAQ

How do I unclog the bottom part of the food mill?

If the disc becomes blocked, you should crank the handle anticlockwise and then clockwise. If it doesn’t work, scrape the extra away.

What type of spatula should I use?

While using the food mill, always use a wooden, plastic, or silicone spatula. Metal spatulas may damage the food mill’s stainless steel surface, making it seem unappealing.

Will I able to put raw fruits and vegetables in the food mill?

If the fruits and vegetables are not tender, you should boil or simmer them before putting them through the food mill.

Conclusion

If you don’t want to purchase store-bought purees and sauces that are rich in sugar and salt, you may want to consider buying a food mill. A food mill is very effective in removing the peel and seeds from fruits and vegetables while producing a liquid texture. The finest food mills are simple to use and contribute to a stress-free cooking experience.

FAQs

What food mill does Cooks Illustrated recommend?

Fruits and vegetables, such as squash purees, mashed potatoes, and baby food, are pureed using a food mill. Most food mills are driven by hand, which prevents delicate or starchy foods from getting overworked. Cuisipro food mill is recommended by Cook’s Illustrated.

What to look for when buying a food mill?

A good food mill should be easy to operate, easy to clean, and small in size. Moreover, it may come with a variety of disc sizes to ensure that you receive the right grind or puree size for your work. And, if properly maintained, it should survive for many years.

Which food mill disc for tomatoes?

A tiny disc (2 millimeters) may be used to remove the skin and seeds from cooked tomatoes, resulting in creamy soups and smooth purées. A medium disc (3 millimeters) mashes many vegetables and fruits nicely, while a coarser disc works well for chunkier sauces and soups.

What is the difference between a food mill and a food grinder?

Although a meat grinder is normally used to crush raw meats, a food mill may be used to handle cooked leftovers. With your food mill, grind that Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham into ground meat for salads and spreads (and a little bit of muscle).

Is cooks a jcpenney brand?

For a better understanding, JC Penney sells a range of small kitchen equipment and cookware under the brand name Cooks.

What food processor does Ina Garten recommend?

Garten said on Barefoot Contessa that she uses a Cuisinart Pro Custom 11-Cup food processor. That means she uses the device anytime she’s creating her recipes or shooting her program.

Can you run raw tomatoes through a food mill?

Place your food mill on top of a big mixing basin or saucepan. Fill the food grinder halfway with tomatoes and whirl… The tomato pulp and juice will fall through to your bowl, leaving just the skins and seeds in the food mill. It’s really that simple.

Will a food mill remove tomato cores?

Normal food mills remove the need to peel or core your veggies before making sauces and purees. They are made out of a bottomless bowl with a replaceable bottom with holes (like those of a colander).

Do you boil tomatoes before food mill?

Cook for 10 minutes, then take from the heat and pass through a food grinder set with the coarsest grating attachment. Your tomato puree is now ready for any sauce you choose to prepare.

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