The Zyliss Easy Spin Salad Spinner and the Oxo Good Grips Salad Spinner are two of the most popular options on the market, but they differ primarily in their operating mechanism and design philosophy. Zyliss focuses on high-performance Swiss engineering with a sleek, retractable pull-cord system, while Oxo prioritizes ergonomics and one-handed ease of use with its signature push-pump and non-slip base.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right salad spinner from Zyliss or Oxo for your kitchen.
Zyliss Easy Spin Salad Spinner
The Zyliss salad spinner is a high-performance kitchen tool known for its patented pull-cord mechanism that generates high spin speeds to dry greens quickly and effectively. Its design emphasizes efficiency and a modern aesthetic, with a retractable cord and locking lid that make storage more compact. It's built for cooks who appreciate premium engineering and a gadget that feels both powerful and durable.
- What it is: A salad spinner designed with Swiss engineering, featuring a high-speed pull-cord spinning mechanism.
- Key features: Patented smooth-glide, retractable pull-cord handle, brake button, locking lid for simple storage, non-slip base.
- Price: Mid-range, typically $25 to $40.
- Dimensions: Approximately 10" diameter x 5.75" high (Large version).
- Materials/Construction: Durable, high-grade BPA-free plastic bowl and basket.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and compact with functional Swiss design. Often available in a clean white with green or clear accents.
- Pros: Cord mechanism spins greens at a very high speed for extra-dry results. Retractable handle makes it easy to store. Outer bowl is attractive enough to double as a serving dish. Dishwasher safe.
- Cons: The pull-cord mechanism requires two hands to operate. The cord could potentially wear out over a very long time. The lid design can have more crevices to clean compared to Oxo.
The Zyliss spinner is perfect for those who prioritize maximum drying power and appreciate a sleek, efficiently designed kitchen tool with a premium feel.
Shop this product: https://www.amazon.com/Zyliss-Retractable-Easy-Clean-Salad-Spinner/dp/B00HSK7T4A/
Oxo Good Grips Salad Spinner
The Oxo Good Grips Salad Spinner is an iconic kitchen gadget famous for its user-centric, ergonomic design. It features a large, soft-touch push-pump that allows for easy, one-handed operation. Designed for accessibility and comfort, it's built with a non-slip base for stability and a simple brake button, making it a favorite in households that value simplicity and safety.
- What it is: An ergonomic kitchen salad spinner popular for its comfortable, one-handed push-pump operation.
- Key features: One-handed push-pump mechanism, patented brake, clear bowl with non-slip base, knob locks down for compact storage.
- Price: Mid-range, typically $20 to $35.
- Dimensions: Approximately 10.5" diameter x 6" high (Large version).
- Materials/Construction: Sturdy plastic bowl and basket, featuring soft, non-slip grips on the knob.
- Style: Functional and user-friendly with a clear, contemporary design. Cheerful and approachable aesthetics.
- Pros: Incredibly easy to use with its one-handed pump, making it accessible for everyone, including those with limited hand strength. The non-slip base provides excellent stability. Flat top with locking knob makes it stackable and easy to store. Bowl is elegant enough for serving.
- Cons: The large pump mechanism, even when locked down, can make it feel slightly bulkier than the Zyliss. May not achieve the same maximum RPMs as the Zyliss pull-cord.
This Oxo spinner is ideal for families, seniors, or any home cook who values ergonomic comfort, stability, and effortless one-handed operation above all else.
Shop this product: https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Salad-Spinner-Large/dp/B00004OCNS/
Zyliss vs. Oxo Comparison
Design & Usability
This is the biggest point of difference. The Zyliss spinner uses a retractable pull-cord similar to starting a lawnmower, which requires two hands - one to hold the unit stable and one to pull the cord. This design can generate an impressively fast and powerful spin. In contrast, the Oxo model uses a large, center-mounted pump that you press down with one hand. Its broad, non-slip silicone base keeps it firmly planted on the counter, so it won’t wobble during operation.
Aesthetically, Zyliss has a sleek, slightly more streamlined and modern profile. Oxo’s look is more about approachable functionality and comfort, with its large, soft knob and clear bowl.
Performance & Drying Ability
Both spinners do an excellent job of drying lettuce and herbs. However, the high-speed spinning action of the Zyliss pull-cord is often noted for getting greens exceptionally dry. The force generated feels more intense, which translates to superior water extraction.
The Oxo is no slouch and delivers very dry greens with just a few easy pumps. It’s highly effective for everyday family use and gets the job done without much effort. For salad perfectionists, the Zyliss might have a slight edge in raw drying power, but for most users, the difference is minimal in the final result.
Materials & Durability
Both Zyliss and Oxo build their products to last using high-quality, BPA-free plastics. Zyliss's components feel robust and tightly engineered, reflecting its Swiss design heritage. The pull-cord is designed to be durable, though it is a mechanical part with more potential for wear than a simple pump over many years of heavy use.
Oxo is renowned for its sturdy construction and "Good Grips" promise. The pump mechanism is simple and robust, and the overall unit feels solid and dependable. Both brands' spinners are resistant to cracking and staining, ensuring a long service life.
Price & Value
The two brands are very competitively priced, usually falling within the $25-$40 range. The Oxo spinner is often slightly less expensive, making it an excellent value for its ergonomic features and outstanding ease of use. The Zyliss is positioned as a slightly more premium option, and its price reflects the patented technology and powerful performance. For its cost, the Zyliss offers fantastic drying efficiency, while Oxo offers remarkable accessibility and comfort.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Zyliss and Oxo are excellent kitchen tools, but they cater to different user preferences.
Choose the Zyliss Easy Spin Salad Spinner if:
- You want the driest possible greens and prioritize maximum spinning performance.
- You appreciate a sleek, modern, and compact design.
- You prefer the tactile feel and power of a robust pull-cord mechanism.
- You are looking for a premium, Swiss-engineered tool that performs flawlessly.
Choose the Oxo Good Grips Salad Spinner if:
- Ergonomics and comfort are your top priorities.
- You need or prefer one-handed operation.
- Stability on the countertop is important to you.
- You are buying for a busy family or for someone with limited grip strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Zyliss and Oxo salad spinners?
The key differences are the mechanisms and design. Zyliss uses a powerful two-handed pull-cord for a very fast spin, while Oxo uses an easy-to-press one-handed pump and focuses on ergonomic comfort and stability.
Which salad spinner gets greens drier?
Many users report that the Zyliss salad spinner achieves a slightly higher speed and can get greens marginally drier due to its high-RPM pull-cord system. However, the Oxo is still highly effective and gets greens more than dry enough for most recipes.
Are Zyliss and Oxo salad spinners dishwasher safe?
Yes, both models are generally listed as dishwasher safe. Most manufacturers recommend placing them on the top rack for best results and longevity.
Which one is easier to store?
Both are designed with storage in mind. The Zyliss cord retracts and the handle lies flat, while the Oxo pump locks down to create a flat, stackable surface. Their dimensions are similar, but some may find the Zyliss's profile slightly more compact.
Can you serve salad in the bowl of these spinners?
Absolutely. Both models come with clear, attractive outer bowls that work perfectly as serving bowls, which means one less dish to wash.
Is the Zyliss pull-cord durable?
Yes, the cord is designed for thousands of pulls and is made from strong, synthetic materials. While any moving part can eventually wear, the Zyliss cord has a reputation for being quite robust and long-lasting.
How does the Oxo's non-slip base perform?
The Oxo's non-slip ring on its base is excellent. It grips very well to common countertop surfaces like laminate, granite, and tile, preventing the spinner from sliding around during use - a key feature for its stable, one-handed operation.
Which brand offers better value for money?
Both offer great value. Oxo often provides top-tier ergonomics and functionality for a slightly lower price point. Zyliss offers premium performance and a sleek design that many feel is well worth its price. The "better" value depends on whether you prioritize easy operation (Oxo) or maximum drying power (Zyliss).
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