For home cooks aspiring to culinary excellence, America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) stands as a beacon of reliability. Their rigorous testing, detailed explanations, and unwavering commitment to finding the best tools make them a trusted resource. One crucial tool in their arsenal, particularly when crafting rich gravies, flavorful broths, and delectable sauces, is the humble yet indispensable fat separator. But which fat separator does America’s Test Kitchen use, and why does it earn their coveted stamp of approval? Let’s dive deep into the world of fat separation and uncover the ATK’s preferred choice.
The Importance of Fat Separation in Cooking
Fat separation is a cornerstone of creating healthier and more flavorful dishes. It’s the process of removing excess fat from liquids, typically stock, broth, gravy, or braising liquids. While fat contributes flavor, too much can lead to a greasy mouthfeel and an imbalance in the final product. A good fat separator helps you achieve a cleaner, purer taste, allowing other ingredients to shine. Removing excess fat can also improve the overall health profile of your dish, reducing saturated fat content.
The Benefits of Using a Fat Separator
Using a dedicated fat separator offers several advantages over other methods, such as skimming with a spoon or chilling the liquid to solidify the fat. A separator allows for a cleaner and more efficient separation, minimizing the loss of flavorful liquid. It also speeds up the process, eliminating the need for extended chilling times. Furthermore, a good fat separator is designed to prevent the accidental pouring of fat along with the desired liquid, a common pitfall with less precise techniques. This precise separation contributes to a higher-quality finished product.
Why is Fat Separation Important for Gravies, Broths, and Sauces?
Gravies, broths, and sauces often rely on rich stocks and pan drippings for their foundational flavor. However, these sources are also high in fat. In a gravy, excessive fat can create a slick, unappetizing texture that masks the other flavors. Similarly, in a broth, too much fat can make it feel heavy and greasy, rather than clean and refreshing. In sauces, excess fat can prevent proper emulsification and create a separated, oily mess. Removing the excess fat allows these dishes to achieve their optimal texture and flavor profiles.
America’s Test Kitchen’s Preferred Fat Separator: The OXO Good Grips Fat Separator
After countless hours of testing and evaluating various models, America’s Test Kitchen has consistently recommended the OXO Good Grips Fat Separator as their top choice. This separator stands out for its thoughtful design, ease of use, and effective performance. It’s not just a fat separator; it’s a testament to well-engineered kitchen tools.
What Makes the OXO Good Grips Fat Separator Stand Out?
Several key features contribute to the OXO Good Grips Fat Separator’s exceptional performance. Its heat-resistant strainer catches unwanted solids, ensuring a smooth final product. The shield effectively prevents fat from pouring out of the spout, resulting in a clean separation. The comfortable, non-slip handle provides a secure grip, even when handling hot liquids. And the large capacity is suitable for handling substantial quantities of stock or gravy. These features, combined with its durability and ease of cleaning, make it a winner in ATK’s eyes.
The Design and Functionality of the OXO Good Grips Fat Separator
The OXO Good Grips Fat Separator is designed with both functionality and user-friendliness in mind. It features a heat-resistant plastic body with clear measurement markings, allowing you to easily monitor the amount of liquid you’re separating. The built-in strainer efficiently captures herbs, bones, and other solids, preventing them from ending up in your finished sauce or gravy. The key to its effectiveness lies in the strategically placed spout, which draws liquid from the bottom of the separator, leaving the fat behind. The shield further prevents fat from escaping, ensuring a clean and precise pour every time.
How to Use the OXO Good Grips Fat Separator
Using the OXO Good Grips Fat Separator is straightforward. First, pour the hot liquid (stock, broth, gravy, etc.) into the separator. Allow the fat to rise to the top. This may take a few minutes. Then, slowly pour the liquid from the bottom through the spout, stopping when you reach the fat layer. The shield will prevent the fat from pouring out. Discard the fat, and you’re left with flavorful, fat-free liquid.
Cleaning and Maintaining the OXO Good Grips Fat Separator
The OXO Good Grips Fat Separator is designed for easy cleaning. It is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. However, hand washing is also an option. If hand washing, use warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the plastic. Regular cleaning will help maintain its performance and prolong its lifespan.
Why America’s Test Kitchen Recommends It
America’s Test Kitchen’s rigorous testing process leaves no stone unturned. They subject each product to a battery of tests, evaluating its performance, durability, ease of use, and cleaning. The OXO Good Grips Fat Separator consistently excels in these areas, earning ATK’s enthusiastic endorsement. Its ability to efficiently separate fat, its user-friendly design, and its durability make it a valuable tool for any home cook.
Other Fat Separators Considered by America’s Test Kitchen
While the OXO Good Grips Fat Separator reigns supreme in America’s Test Kitchen’s evaluations, they have also considered and tested other models. These separators offer alternative features and price points, catering to different needs and preferences.
Alternatives and Their Pros and Cons
Other fat separators typically fall into two main categories: those with bottom-release spouts and those with top-pouring spouts. Bottom-release separators, like the OXO model, generally offer more precise separation, as they draw liquid from the bottom, leaving the fat undisturbed on top. Top-pouring separators, on the other hand, require careful pouring to avoid transferring the fat. While some top-pouring separators may be less expensive, they often sacrifice precision and ease of use. Factors like material (glass vs. plastic), capacity, and handle design also influence the overall performance and user experience.
- Glass Fat Separators: These offer a more elegant aesthetic and are generally stain-resistant, but they are also more fragile and prone to breakage.
- Plastic Fat Separators: These are more durable and lightweight, but may be susceptible to staining or warping over time.
- Different Capacity Separators: Larger capacities are suitable for large batches of stock or gravy, while smaller capacities are more convenient for smaller quantities.
Factors That Influenced ATK’s Decision
America’s Test Kitchen’s decision to recommend the OXO Good Grips Fat Separator was based on a combination of factors. Its superior fat-separating ability was paramount. The ease of use and comfortable design were also crucial considerations, as were its durability and ease of cleaning. Ultimately, ATK sought a fat separator that would consistently deliver excellent results with minimal effort, and the OXO model fit the bill perfectly. The price point also played a role, as the OXO Good Grips Fat Separator offers excellent value for its performance.
Tips and Tricks for Effective Fat Separation
While a good fat separator is essential, employing a few tips and tricks can further enhance your fat-separating efforts. These techniques complement the use of a fat separator, ensuring a cleaner and more flavorful final product.
Enhancing Your Fat Separation Process
- Chill for a Quicker Separation: While a fat separator eliminates the need for extensive chilling, briefly chilling the liquid in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes can accelerate the fat separation process. The cold temperature causes the fat to solidify more quickly, making it easier to separate.
- Use a Wider Container Initially: When cooling stocks or broths, use a wider container that allows for a greater surface area. This will help the fat solidify more quickly and evenly.
- Skim Before Separating: For particularly fatty liquids, skim off any large pieces of solidified fat from the surface before using the fat separator. This will reduce the amount of fat that needs to be separated and make the process more efficient.
- Don’t Rush the Pour: When using the fat separator, pour the liquid slowly and steadily to avoid disturbing the fat layer. This will minimize the risk of accidentally pouring fat along with the desired liquid.
- Consider Using Absorbent Paper: For small amounts of residual fat, gently blot the surface of the liquid with absorbent paper towels after using the fat separator. This can help remove any remaining traces of fat.
What to Do With the Separated Fat
The separated fat doesn’t have to go to waste. It can be used to add flavor and richness to other dishes. However, it’s important to use it judiciously, as it is high in saturated fat.
Creative Uses for Separated Fat
- Roasting Vegetables: Use rendered animal fat (such as duck or bacon fat) to roast vegetables for added flavor and crispness.
- Making Roux: Use rendered fat instead of butter or oil to make a roux for sauces or stews. This will add a deeper, more savory flavor.
- Adding Flavor to Soups and Stews: A small amount of rendered fat can be added to soups and stews for extra richness and flavor.
- Making Gravy: Use a portion of the separated fat in your gravy for an enhanced depth of flavor.
- Seasoning Cast Iron: Animal fats are excellent for seasoning cast iron cookware.
Important Considerations for Reusing Separated Fat
When reusing separated fat, it’s important to consider its source and quality. Fat from different sources will have different flavors and smoking points. For example, duck fat has a distinct flavor and a relatively high smoking point, while bacon fat has a smoky flavor and a lower smoking point. It’s also important to strain the fat to remove any solids or impurities, which can cause it to spoil more quickly. Store the fat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer storage. Be sure to label the container with the type of fat and the date it was stored.
Conclusion: Achieve Culinary Perfection with the Right Tools
Mastering the art of cooking involves understanding the nuances of flavor, texture, and technique. Fat separation is a crucial aspect of creating balanced and delicious dishes. By using the right tools, like the OXO Good Grips Fat Separator recommended by America’s Test Kitchen, and employing effective techniques, you can elevate your cooking to new heights. The OXO Good Grips Fat Separator offers a reliable and user-friendly solution for achieving professional-quality results in your own kitchen. It’s an investment in better-tasting, healthier, and more enjoyable meals. Embrace the power of effective fat separation, and unlock a world of culinary possibilities.
What is a fat separator, and why is it useful in cooking?
A fat separator is a kitchen tool designed to easily separate unwanted fat from pan drippings, stocks, and sauces. It typically features a spout that pours from the bottom, leaving the fat floating on top in the container. This allows you to collect the flavorful liquid underneath, while discarding the excess fat.
Using a fat separator promotes healthier eating by reducing the amount of fat in your dishes. It also enhances the flavor profile by concentrating the essential flavors of the dish without the greasy texture that excess fat can impart. This leads to a more refined and satisfying culinary experience.
Why does America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) consider a fat separator a “secret weapon”?
America’s Test Kitchen values precision and consistency in their recipes, and a fat separator allows them to achieve that in dishes where fat content significantly impacts the final result. By removing excess fat, they can better control the texture and flavor of sauces, gravies, and stocks, ensuring recipes are reproducible and consistently delicious.
Furthermore, the ability to isolate and remove fat enables ATK to fine-tune recipes for optimal health without sacrificing taste. This dedication to both flavor and nutritional value aligns with their commitment to providing trustworthy and reliable cooking advice to home cooks, making the fat separator a valuable and frequently used tool in their kitchen.
What features differentiate a good fat separator from a subpar one?
A good fat separator possesses a clearly marked fill line to prevent pouring out fat, a comfortable and heat-resistant handle for safe handling, and a wide spout that allows for controlled pouring of the defatted liquid. It should also be easy to clean, preferably dishwasher-safe, and made from durable, non-reactive materials like glass or BPA-free plastic.
Subpar fat separators often lack these features. They might have poorly designed spouts that dribble, unclear or missing fill lines, flimsy construction, or materials that retain odors. They might also be difficult to disassemble and clean thoroughly, making them less convenient and potentially unhygienic over time.
How does America’s Test Kitchen typically use a fat separator in their recipes?
ATK primarily uses fat separators for preparing gravies, sauces, stocks, and braising liquids. After roasting a chicken or turkey, they carefully pour the pan drippings into the separator, allowing the fat to rise to the top. They then pour the defatted stock or drippings from the bottom spout, leaving the fat behind.
This defatted liquid is then used as a base for gravies, imparting rich flavor without excess grease. In stock making, removing the fat results in a cleaner, clearer broth with better keeping qualities. For braised dishes, separating the fat allows for a lighter, more refined sauce that complements the tender meat.
What materials are fat separators typically made from, and which is considered best by ATK?
Fat separators are commonly made from glass, plastic (typically BPA-free), and stainless steel. Glass offers visibility and doesn’t react with acidic ingredients, while plastic is lightweight and durable. Stainless steel is highly durable and easy to clean but lacks visibility.
While ATK might use various materials, they generally favor glass fat separators for their clarity, inertness, and ease of cleaning. The transparency allows for clear observation of the fat separation process, ensuring efficient removal of unwanted fat. The non-reactive nature of glass also prevents any alteration of the food’s flavor.
Are there any alternative methods to using a fat separator for removing fat?
Yes, while a fat separator is efficient, other methods exist. One common technique involves chilling the liquid in the refrigerator until the fat solidifies on the surface. The solid fat can then be easily skimmed off with a spoon or spatula.
Another method involves using paper towels to soak up the fat from the surface of the liquid. This is a more tedious process but can be effective for smaller quantities. However, these alternative methods may not be as efficient or precise as using a dedicated fat separator, and chilling the liquid can alter its consistency.
How should a fat separator be properly cleaned and maintained to ensure its longevity?
Proper cleaning is essential to prevent bacterial growth and extend the lifespan of your fat separator. After each use, promptly rinse it with warm water to remove any food residue. Then, wash it thoroughly with hot, soapy water, paying particular attention to the spout and any crevices.
Most fat separators are dishwasher-safe, making cleaning even easier. However, check the manufacturer’s instructions before placing it in the dishwasher. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can scratch the surface. Store the separator in a clean, dry place to prevent odors and maintain its hygiene.
Alden Pierce is a passionate home cook and the creator of Cooking Again. He loves sharing easy recipes, practical cooking tips, and honest kitchen gear reviews to help others enjoy cooking with confidence and creativity. When he’s not in the kitchen, Alden enjoys exploring new cuisines and finding inspiration in everyday meals.