The Oxo Steel Salad Spinner and its Plastic counterpart both dry leafy greens with the brand's popular one-handed pump, but they differ in materials, aesthetics, durability, and price. The Steel Spinner features a durable and stylish stainless steel bowl that doubles for serving, justifying its higher price, while the Plastic Spinner offers proven performance in a lightweight, budget-friendly package.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Oxo salad spinner for your kitchen.
Oxo Steel Salad Spinner
The Oxo Steel Salad Spinner is the brand’s premium option, designed for cooks who want superior durability and a modern aesthetic. Its standout feature is the stainless steel bowl, which not only looks sleek on the countertop but is also perfect for serving salad directly at the table. It's built to withstand frequent use while adding a touch of style to your kitchen tools.
- What it is: A high-performance salad spinner featuring a stainless steel bowl, an inner colander basket, and a clear plastic lid with Oxo's signature pump mechanism.
- Key features: One-handed push-pump operation, patented brake button, clear lid for viewing, non-slip base for stability, and a stainless steel bowl that can be used for serving.
- Price: Typically ranges from $40 to $50.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and upscale. It’s designed to complement appliances and contemporary kitchen decor.
- Materials/Construction: The bowl is made of durable stainless steel, while the lid and inner basket are created from high-quality, BPA-free plastic.
- Pros: Extremely durable and resistant to rust, stains, and warping. The bowl doubles as an attractive serving piece. Sleek design looks great on the counter. The weight provides excellent stability during spinning.
- Cons: Carries a significantly higher price tag. The metal bowl is heavier than its plastic counterpart. Stainless steel finish can show fingerprints.
This spinner is ideal for anyone who values longevity and style and wants a multi-functional kitchen tool that transitions from prep to serving.
Shop this product: oxo.com/collections/salad-spinners
Oxo Plastic Salad Spinner
The Oxo Plastic Salad Spinner is the classic, widely-loved workhorse that made the brand a household name for this category. It delivers reliable, efficient performance in a lightweight and affordable design. This is the go-to choice for everyday cooks who prioritize straightforward functionality and value above all else.
- What it is: A lightweight, BPA-free plastic salad spinner with a clear bowl, basket, and lid that features the same one-handed pump as the steel version.
- Key features: Signature one-handed pump and patented brake system, non-slip base, clear bowl that allows you to see the contents, and components that are all top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Price: Generally priced between $20 and $30.
- Style: Functional and classic kitchen-tool design. The clear and white aesthetic fits into any kitchen.
- Materials/Construction: The entire unit - bowl, basket, and lid - is made from durable, BPA-free plastic.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly. Lightweight design makes it easy to handle and store. Performs exceptionally well at drying greens. Simple to clean and completely dishwasher safe.
- Cons: Plastic bowl can scratch, cloud, or stain over time, especially with pigmented vegetables. It's less durable long-term compared to the steel version. The look is more functional than display-worthy.
This spinner is perfect for budget-conscious home cooks who need a dependable, easy-to-use tool for preparing salads daily.
Shop this product: oxo.com/collections/salad-spinners
Oxo Steel Salad Spinner vs. Oxo Plastic Salad Spinner Comparison
Materials & Durability
The most significant difference lies here. The Steel Salad Spinner uses a stainless steel bowl that is built to last. It resists stains from foods like beets, won't rust, and is far less likely to crack or warp after years of use and cycles through the dishwasher. It feels substantial and sturdy.
The Plastic Salad Spinner is made from high-quality, BPA-free plastic, which is sturdy enough for regular use but is more susceptible to wear and tear. Over time, the plastic bowl can acquire scratches from utensils or develop a cloudy appearance. It may also stain from brightly colored vegetables. The steel spinner is the clear winner for long-term durability.
Style & Aesthetics
Your kitchen's style may influence your decision. The Steel Spinner has a sleek, polished look that fits perfectly in modern kitchens alongside stainless steel appliances. Its elegant bowl is designed to be seen, making it a proud countertop fixture that doubles as a serving dish.
The Plastic Spinner has a more utilitarian, classic aesthetic. It’s clean and simple, but it doesn't offer the same high-end feel as its steel counterpart. It's a tool designed for function that you'll likely store in a cabinet when not in use.
Price & Value
There's a noticeable price gap between the two. The Plastic Spinner is the affordable option, typically costing around $20-$30. It provides incredible value, delivering top-tier performance at an accessible price point.
The Steel Spinner costs nearly double, at around $40-$50. While the upfront cost is higher, its value comes from its superior longevity and dual-functionality as a serving piece. If you see it as a long-term investment, the price is justified. For pure function on a budget, the plastic model offers better immediate value.
Ease of Use & Cleaning
In terms of operation, both models are identical and equally user-friendly. They share Oxo's excellent one-handed pump and brake system. The main difference in handling is weight - the plastic version is much lighter, which can be a bonus for some users.
Both spinners are top-rack dishwasher safe, making cleanup simple. However, the stainless steel bowl resists odors and stains better than the plastic one. While the steel is dishwasher safe, hand washing is often recommended to maintain its pristine, shiny finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Oxo salad spinners are fantastic tools, but they cater to different kitchen needs and priorities.
Choose the Oxo Steel Salad Spinner if:
- You're looking for a long-lasting kitchen tool that will resist staining and cracking for years.
- Modern kitchen aesthetics are important to you, and you want a spinner that looks great on your counter.
- You value multi-functional tools - the steel bowl can go straight from prep to the dinner table.
- You're willing to invest more for premium quality, an upscale feel, and enhanced durability.
Choose the Oxo Plastic Salad Spinner if:
- You're on a budget and want the best performance for the price.
- You prefer a very lightweight tool that is easy to lift, manage, and store.
- Pure functionality is your top priority over countertop style.
- You need a dependable, no-fuss spinner for frequent, everyday salad preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Oxo Steel and Plastic spinners?
The primary difference is the material of the outer bowl. The Steel model uses a durable, stylish stainless steel bowl, while the Plastic model uses a lightweight BPA-free plastic bowl. This main difference affects their price, durability, and overall kitchen aesthetic.
Is the Oxo Steel spinner worth the extra money?
If you prioritize longevity and style, then yes. The stainless steel construction prevents staining and cracking, and it doubles as an elegant serving bowl. For those looking for a tool that will last a decade or more, the investment is often worth it.
Can the stainless steel bowl be used for serving salad?
Absolutely. This is one of the key selling points of the steel model. The bowl is attractive enough to take directly to the dining table, saving you another dish to wash.
Are both Oxo salad spinners dishwasher safe?
Yes, all components of both the steel and plastic spinners are top-rack dishwasher safe. However, to preserve the shiny finish of the stainless steel bowl, hand washing is sometimes recommended.
Do both spinners use the same pump mechanism?
Yes, both models feature Oxo's famous and highly praised one-handed push pump and patented brake button for easy operation.
Which version is more durable?
The Oxo Steel Salad Spinner is significantly more durable. Stainless steel is resistant to impacts, rust, warping, and staining, whereas the plastic bowl can get scratched or stain over time.
Is the plastic in the Oxo spinner BPA-free?
Yes, Oxo confirms that the materials used in its plastic salad spinner, including the clear bowl, are BPA-free, making it safe for all food prep.
Do they come in different sizes?
Both the steel and plastic spinners are generally sold in a standard, family-friendly size that has about a 5 to 6-quart capacity, which is ample room for drying a large head of lettuce or multiple servings of greens at once.
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