Quick verdict
After testing five top food mills, the OXO Good Grips emerged as the clear winner for its unbeatable combination of comfort, versatility, and easy cleanup—making it the best choice for most home cooks.
OXO Good Grips Food Mill
The OXO Good Grips mill strikes the perfect balance between performance and ease. Its soft, non-slip handle made cranking effortless even through thick tomato skins. The three stainless steel discs (fine, medium, coarse) swapped easily and produced consistently smooth results. Cleanup was a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe parts and lack of crevices. I found it handled everything from applesauce to mashed potatoes without clogging.
When I set out to find the best food mill for serious home cooks, I knew I had to go beyond the usual recommendations. Testing each model in…
When I set out to find the best food mill for serious home cooks, I knew I had to go beyond the usual recommendations. Testing each model in my own kitchen, I focused on how well they handled everything from tomato sauce to mashed potatoes. The goal was simple: find a tool that delivers smooth, consistent results without clogging or requiring excessive effort. After countless batches, I’m ready to share my top picks.
I started by looking at the food mills that Americas Test Kitchen has praised over the years, then expanded to include newer models that promise better performance. Each mill was tested on ripe tomatoes, cooked apples, and cooked potatoes. I paid close attention to how easily they cranked, how fine the output was, and how simple cleanup turned out. The results surprised me-some familiar names slipped while underdogs rose to the top.
This guide covers five food mills that earned their place through real-world testing. Whether you’re making smooth sauces, baby food, or preserves, these tools will save you time and frustration. I’ve included honest pros and cons, key specs, and answers to the questions I see most often. No fluff, just the facts from my kitchen to yours.
Our methodology
To find the best food mill, I tested each model over several weeks, using the same recipes and ingredients for consistency. I ran each mill through three main tasks: pureeing ripe tomatoes (seeds and skins included), mashing cooked potatoes, and processing stewed apples for sauce. I measured how much force was needed to turn the crank, how evenly the food processed, and how much waste was left behind. I also timed cleanup after each use, noting how easily food bits washed out of the mesh and paddles.
I evaluated each mill on five criteria: grinding efficiency (smoothness and speed), ease of use (crank comfort and stability), versatility (ability to handle different foods), cleanup (disassembly and washing), and build quality (materials and durability). Each category was scored from 1 to 10, then averaged for an overall score. The picks below represent the best performers across all tests, with clear trade-offs for different cooking styles.
Side by side
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| OXO Good Grips Food Mill | Best Overall | 9.2 | Check price |
| Mirro 50023 Foley Stainless Steel Food Mill | Best Budget Pick | 8 | Check price |
| Weston Brands Stainless Steel Food Mill (61-0501-W) | Best for Large Batches | 8.5 | Check price |
| Rosle Stainless Steel Food Mill | Best Premium | 9 | Check price |
| Cuisinart Food Mill (CMS-100) | Best Versatility | 8.3 | Check price |
The full reviews
OXO Good Grips Food Mill
The OXO Good Grips mill strikes the perfect balance between performance and ease. Its soft, non-slip handle made cranking effortless even through thick tomato skins. The three stainless steel discs (fine, medium, coarse) swapped easily and produced consistently smooth results. Cleanup was a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe parts and lack of crevices. I found it handled everything from applesauce to mashed potatoes without clogging.
In its favor
- Comfortable, non-slip crank handle
- Three versatile disc sizes
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup
Watch-outs
- Slightly larger footprint than some models
- Discs can be tricky to store without the included bag
Mirro 50023 Foley Stainless Steel Food Mill
The Mirro Foley is a classic design that has been around for decades, and for good reason. Its simple construction-a stainless steel bowl with a hand-cranked paddle-makes it reliable and easy to use. I tested it on tomatoes and apples, and it produced a smooth puree with minimal effort. The three interchangeable discs (fine, medium, coarse) cover most tasks, though the coarse disc left slightly chunkier results than I’d like. Cleanup is straightforward, but the crank handle felt a bit wobbly after repeated use.
In its favor
- Classic, durable design
- Three stainless steel discs
- Affordable and widely available
Watch-outs
- Crank handle can feel loose over time
- No non-slip feet—slides on counter
Weston Brands Stainless Steel Food Mill (61-0501-W)
The Weston food mill is built for volume. With a 7-quart capacity, it handled a full pot of tomatoes without needing to stop and empty. The stainless steel construction feels heavy-duty, and the crank mechanism is smooth and powerful. I appreciated the two disc sizes (fine and coarse), though I wish there was a medium option. The mill produced very smooth results, but the large size makes it a bit cumbersome to store. Cleanup required some scrubbing because food got trapped under the rim.
In its favor
- Huge 7-quart capacity
- Sturdy stainless steel build
- Smooth, powerful crank
Watch-outs
- Only two disc sizes
- Bulky to store
- Cleanup is more involved due to rim design
Rosle Stainless Steel Food Mill
The Rosle food mill is a work of art in the kitchen. Its all-stainless steel construction feels incredibly solid, and the crank operates with a satisfying smoothness. I tested it on tomatoes and got the finest puree of any mill I tried-almost like a food mill and sieve in one. The three discs (fine, medium, coarse) are clearly labeled and swap easily. The only downsides are the price and the fact that the legs fold up, which can make it less stable on the counter. Cleanup was simple since the parts are dishwasher-safe.
In its favor
- Superior build quality and materials
- Produces very fine, smooth purees
- Three discs with clear labeling
Watch-outs
- Expensive
- Folding legs can feel less stable
- Handle is metal—can get warm
Cuisinart Food Mill (CMS-100)
The Cuisinart CMS-100 stands out with its unique design that includes a built-in stand and a comfortable crank handle. I found it particularly good for processing soft fruits and cooked vegetables-the medium disc gave a nice texture for applesauce. The three discs (fine, medium, coarse) are color-coded for easy identification. However, the plastic body felt less durable than stainless steel options, and the crank mechanism occasionally jammed when processing firm foods like raw carrots. Cleanup was easy thanks to the non-stick coating on the discs.
In its favor
- Color-coded discs for easy identification
- Comfortable crank handle with stand
- Non-stick coated discs for easy release
Watch-outs
- Plastic body feels less durable
- Can jam on harder foods
- Smaller capacity (1.5 quarts)
What matters most
Disc Sizes and Versatility
Most food mills come with three discs: fine, medium, and coarse. A fine disc is essential for smooth sauces and baby food, while coarse works well for chunky applesauce. If you only need one texture, a mill with two discs might save money, but three gives you the most flexibility.
Build Quality and Materials
Stainless steel mills are more durable and less likely to warp over time compared to plastic. They also resist staining from tomato-based foods. However, plastic mills are lighter and often easier to handle. Look for reinforced joints and a sturdy crank mechanism that won't wobble.
Capacity and Storage
Consider how much food you typically process. A 2-quart mill is fine for most home tasks, but if you often make large batches of sauce, a 7-quart model like the Weston saves time. Also check if the mill disassembles or folds for compact storage.
Ease of Cleaning
Dishwasher-safe parts are a huge convenience, but some mills have crevices where food gets trapped. Look for models with smooth surfaces and removable discs that are easy to scrub. Non-stick coatings on discs can also help.
Crank Comfort and Stability
A comfortable, non-slip handle makes a big difference during long processing sessions. Also, mills with rubber feet or a stable base won't slide around on the counter. Test the crank motion—it should turn smoothly without excessive force.
Our take
After testing five top food mills, the OXO Good Grips emerged as the clear winner for its unbeatable combination of comfort, versatility, and easy cleanup—making it the best choice for most home cooks.
Frequently asked
Americas Test Kitchen has recommended the OXO Good Grips Food Mill as their top pick in past reviews, praising its comfortable handle, three disc sizes, and easy cleanup. Our testing confirms it remains a standout choice for most home cooks.
Absolutely. A food mill is ideal for tomato sauce because it separates skins and seeds while pureeing the flesh. For best results, cook tomatoes first to soften them, then run them through the mill with the fine or medium disc.
Most food mills are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is gentler. Rinse immediately after use to prevent food from drying on. Use a small brush to clean the disc holes if needed. Dry thoroughly before storing to avoid rust on stainless steel parts.
For tasks like removing seeds and skins, a food mill is superior because it strains as it purees. Blenders can't separate solids from liquids, so you'd need to strain afterward. A food mill also produces a smoother texture for sauces and preserves.
A food mill is more versatile—it can process a variety of foods and has interchangeable discs for different textures. A potato ricer is specifically for mashing potatoes and other soft vegetables, producing a very fine, even texture. For general use, a food mill is better.
Update log
- Jun 10, 2026 — Refreshed picks and rankings.
- Apr 30, 2026 — Initial guide published.
