If you’re searching for a reliable food mill, you’re likely seeking a tool that simplifies mashing, pureeing, and canning. The Hungry Artisan Stainless Steel Food Mill stands out as the best overall for its durability and versatility. For those focused on making jams or silky sauces, the Hungry Artisan 4-Disc Food Mill offers specialized options, while the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Food Mill provides a user-friendly experience for everyday use. The main challenge in this category is balancing performance, ease of use, and price, as some models excel in one area but fall short in others. Continue reading for a detailed comparison to help you find the best fit for your kitchen needs.
Key Takeaways
- Top picks vary by use case, from general-purpose to jam-specific models.
- Durability and ease of cleaning were key factors in determining the best overall options.
- More discs or grinding sizes provide greater versatility but can increase complexity and cost.
- Compact designs are ideal for small kitchens but may sacrifice some capacity.
- Price differences often reflect build quality and included features, making it important to prioritize your needs.
| Hungry Artisan Stainless Steel Food Mill for Tomato Sauce & Canning |  | Best Overall for Versatility and Durability | Discs: 3 interchangeable stainless steel discs | Material: Stainless steel | Use: Tomato sauce, applesauce, baby food, mashed potatoes, fruit puree, jams | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Stainless Steel Food Mill with 3 Discs, Ergonomic Rotary Design, Dishwasher Safe, Includes Multifunctional Spoon |  | Best for Ergonomic Comfort and Versatile Use | Material: Food-grade stainless steel | Discs: 3 milling discs with different pore sizes | Handle: Silicone non-slip handle | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| ExcelSteel Food Mill with 3 Grinding Sizes, 17″ x 8.25″ x 3.75″ |  | Best for Large-Scale Preparation and Quick Texture Changes | Material: Stainless Steel | Dimensions: 17″ x 8.25″ x 3.75″ | Number of Discs: 3 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Stainless Steel Food Mill with 3 Discs for Tomato Sauce and Jam |  | Best for Jam and Sauce Makers Seeking Stability | Material: Stainless steel | Number of Discs: 3 | Included Components: Mixers | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Hungry Artisan 4-Disc Food Mill for Jams, Purees & Silky Sauce |  | Best for Precise Texture Control and Everyday Cooking | Discs: 4 interchangeable stainless steel discs | Material: Stainless steel | Features: Ergonomic hand crank, double-welded support hooks | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Food Mill for Purees |  | Best for Versatility and Durability | Capacity: 2.3 quarts | Material: Stainless steel | Discs: 3 grinding discs (fine, medium, coarse) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Hungry Artisan Compact Food Mill for Applesauce & Tomato Sauce |  | Best for Small Batches and Space-Conscious Kitchens | Brand: The Hungry Artisan | Model Number: THA-113 | Unit Count: 1 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| food mill | Material | Discs |
|---|---|---|
| Hungry Artisan Stainless Steel | Stainless steel | 3 interchangeable stainless steel discs |
| Stainless Steel Food Mill with | Food-grade stainless steel | 3 milling discs with different pore sizes |
| ExcelSteel Food Mill with 3 Gr | Stainless Steel | — |
| Stainless Steel Food Mill with | Stainless steel | — |
| Hungry Artisan 4-Disc Food Mil | Stainless steel | 4 interchangeable stainless steel discs |
| OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel | Stainless steel | 3 grinding discs (fine, medium, coarse) |
| Hungry Artisan Compact Food Mi | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Hungry Artisan Stainless Steel Food Mill for Tomato Sauce & Canning
This food mill excels in providing a balanced mix of versatility and sturdy construction. Its three interchangeable discs allow for precise texture control, making it a solid choice for sauces, purees, and baby foods. Compared with the Hungry Artisan Compact Food Mill, it offers more robust build quality but may struggle with larger batches due to its limited capacity. Its ergonomic hand crank reduces fatigue during extended use, yet manual effort is still needed for bigger quantities. Clean-up is straightforward, thanks to dishwasher-safe parts. However, the smaller size limits its suitability for large-volume cooking, which could be a downside for busy kitchens.
Pros:- Versatile with three different discs for various textures
- Durable stainless steel construction ensures longevity
- Ergonomic handle reduces fatigue during use
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
Cons:- Limited capacity makes it less suitable for large batches
- Manual operation can be tiring for extended use
Best for: Home cooks who value durability and multiple texture options for small to medium batches
Not ideal for: Large families or batch cooks needing a high-capacity food mill for big projects
- Discs:3 interchangeable stainless steel discs
- Material:Stainless steel
- Use:Tomato sauce, applesauce, baby food, mashed potatoes, fruit puree, jams
- Design:Household-sized, ergonomic rotary hand crank
Our verdict“This pick is ideal for home cooks seeking a reliable, multi-texture food mill for small to medium tasks.”
Stainless Steel Food Mill with 3 Discs, Ergonomic Rotary Design, Dishwasher Safe, Includes Multifunctional Spoon
This food mill stands out for its ergonomic design, featuring a non-slip silicone handle that improves comfort during prolonged use. It includes three different discs, making it suitable for a variety of foods like tomatoes, potatoes, and jams. Compared to the Hungry Artisan Stainless Steel Food Mill, it emphasizes user comfort and ease of cleaning, being fully dishwasher safe. However, its handle design may not fit all hand sizes comfortably, and applying enough pressure for very hard foods can require extra effort. It’s a reliable choice for those who prioritize ease of use and versatility but might feel cumbersome when tackling stubborn, dense ingredients.
Pros:- Ergonomic, non-slip silicone handle for comfort
- Includes three different milling discs
- Dishwasher safe for quick cleaning
- Includes a multifunctional spoon for added convenience
Cons:- May require extra effort for very hard foods
- Handle design may not fit all hand sizes comfortably
Best for: Home cooks who want a comfortable, easy-to-clean mill for frequent, versatile use
Not ideal for: Users dealing with very hard or large batches, as the handle might not suit all hands or require extra effort
- Material:Food-grade stainless steel
- Discs:3 milling discs with different pore sizes
- Handle:Silicone non-slip handle
- Dishwasher Safe:Yes
Our verdict“This model is best suited for home cooks seeking a comfortable, versatile mill for regular use with moderate effort.”
ExcelSteel Food Mill with 3 Grinding Sizes, 17″ x 8.25″ x 3.75″
The ExcelSteel Food Mill offers a larger footprint with its 17-inch length, making it suitable for bigger batches or professional-style prep. Its three discs allow quick switching between fine, medium, and coarse textures, ideal for purees, sauces, and soups. Compared to the Hungry Artisan Stainless Steel Food Mill, it emphasizes speed and capacity but sacrifices some maneuverability in smaller kitchens due to its size. The quick disc interchange mechanism enhances efficiency, though the larger size can be cumbersome in tight spaces. It’s a solid choice for those who prioritize quick, versatile batch processing over compactness.
Pros:- Large size suitable for bigger batches
- Quick and easy disc interchange
- Durable stainless steel build
Cons:- Size may be cumbersome for small kitchens
- No mention of dishwasher safety could complicate cleaning
Best for: Serious home cooks or small commercial kitchens needing large capacity and fast texture changes
Not ideal for: Small kitchens or casual home cooks with limited storage space
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Dimensions:17″ x 8.25″ x 3.75″
- Number of Discs:3
- Uses:Purees, sauces, soups, mashed foods
Our verdict“This pick makes the most sense for cooks who need large capacity and quick texture changes in bigger batches.”
Stainless Steel Food Mill with 3 Discs for Tomato Sauce and Jam
This durable stainless steel food mill emphasizes stability with dual hooks and an ergonomic handle, making it well-suited for jam, tomato sauce, and vegetable purees. Its three discs provide coarse, medium, and fine grinding options, similar to the ExcelSteel model, but with added attention to steady operation. While it offers solid construction and ease of assembly, some customer reviews indicate it might not perform as effectively as expected for very dense or large batches, reflected in its moderate 4.3/5 rating. Compared to the Hungry Artisan Stainless Steel Food Mill, it might lack some refinement but offers dependable stability for smaller, controlled tasks.
Pros:- Sturdy stainless steel build
- Includes three grinding discs
- Dual hooks and ergonomic handle for stability
- Easy to assemble and clean
Cons:- Moderate rating suggests some users found it less effective
- No specific price info available
Best for: Home cooks focused on jam and sauce making who value stability and ease of assembly
Not ideal for: Heavy-duty batch processing or large-scale canning, due to mixed reviews on effectiveness
- Material:Stainless steel
- Number of Discs:3
- Included Components:Mixers
- Recommended Uses:Vegetables, Fruits, Tomato Sauce, Jam
- Dishwasher Safe:Yes
- Color:Silver
Our verdict“This mill suits those making jams and sauces in small batches who prioritize stability and ease of use over high capacity.”
Hungry Artisan 4-Disc Food Mill for Jams, Purees & Silky Sauce
The Hungry Artisan 4-Disc Food Mill offers the greatest variety with four different discs, allowing for highly customizable textures. Its ergonomic hand crank and double-welded support hooks provide reliable, comfortable operation, making it suitable for jams, purees, silky sauces, and baby food. Compared to other models like the Stainless Steel Food Mill with 3 Discs for Tomato Sauce and Jam, this one offers an extra disc for finer control but is slightly heavier, which could be tiring over prolonged use. Its rust and corrosion resistance make it durable for frequent use, but manual effort remains a factor for large batches.
Pros:- Four interchangeable discs for precise texture control
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Ergonomic design reduces user fatigue
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
Cons:- May be heavy for some users
- Requires manual effort for large or dense batches
Best for: Home cooks and small-scale food preservers who want maximum control over food textures
Not ideal for: Large batch processing or users with limited hand strength due to weight and manual effort
- Discs:4 interchangeable stainless steel discs
- Material:Stainless steel
- Features:Ergonomic hand crank, double-welded support hooks
- Use:Purees, sauces, jams, baby food, mashed potatoes
Our verdict“This model is perfect for those who prioritize fine-tuned textures and frequent use in small to medium batches.”
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Food Mill for Purees
This food mill stands out for its robust stainless steel build and multiple grinding discs, making it a versatile tool for purees, hot foods, and even some light canning tasks. Compared to the Hungry Artisan Compact Food Mill, it offers a larger capacity (2.3 quarts) and a more stable base due to non-slip, foldable legs, but that also means it’s bulkier for storage. The spring-loaded lever simplifies disc changes, which is a plus over models with fixed discs, though it requires more effort to process tougher foods like carrots or cooked potatoes. Its durable construction and stability make it ideal for frequent use, but the smaller capacity might limit batch size for larger families or batch cooks. Overall, this mill makes the most sense for home cooks who value durability and versatility over space-saving design.
Pros:- Durable stainless steel construction suited for frequent use
- Includes three grinding discs for various textures
- Stable with non-slip, foldable legs for easy placement
Cons:- Limited capacity makes it less suitable for large batches
- Requires some effort to process tougher or fibrous foods
Best for: Home cooks who frequently prepare purees, hot sauces, or small batches of cooked foods and need a durable, stable tool.
Not ideal for: Large-volume batch cooks or those with limited storage space, as its 2.3-quart capacity and size may be restrictive.
- Capacity:2.3 quarts
- Material:Stainless steel
- Discs:3 grinding discs (fine, medium, coarse)
- Legs:Non-slip, foldable
Our verdict“This pick is ideal for those wanting a sturdy, versatile food mill capable of handling various pureeing tasks in small to medium batches.”
Hungry Artisan Compact Food Mill for Applesauce & Tomato Sauce
This compact food mill excels in making small batches of sauces, purees, and baby food, offering excellent control with three interchangeable discs for different textures. Compared with the larger OXO model, it prioritizes space-saving with a removable handle and ergonomic hand crank, making it easy to store and operate in limited kitchen spaces. Its stainless steel construction ensures durability, and the dishwasher-safe design simplifies cleanup. However, its size limits batch capacity—it’s best suited for individual or small-family use—and manual effort can become tiring for larger quantities. This mill makes the most sense for those who prioritize storage efficiency and occasional use over high-volume processing. It’s perfect for small households, cooks making baby food, or anyone with limited space.
Pros:- Versatile with three interchangeable discs for different textures
- Compact, space-saving design with removable handles
- Durable stainless steel construction and dishwasher safe
- Ergonomic hand crank for comfortable manual operation
Cons:- Limited capacity makes it unsuitable for large batches
- Manual operation can be tiring for bigger quantities
Best for: Small households or individuals who prepare small batches of sauces, purees, or baby food and need a compact, easy-to-store tool.
Not ideal for: Large families or frequent batch cooks who need to process bigger quantities without tiring their hands or sacrificing speed.
- Brand:The Hungry Artisan
- Model Number:THA-113
- Unit Count:1
- Number of Items:3
- UPC:199284682795
- Best Sellers Rank:#9,425 in Kitchen & Dining
Our verdict“This food mill is best suited for small-scale cooking, ideal for limited storage space and occasional use in small households.”
How We Picked
Our evaluation focused on performance, durability, ease of use, cleaning convenience, and value for money. We compared how well each food mill handled different tasks like pureeing, canning, and jam-making, considering the number of discs, ergonomic design, and build quality. User feedback and expert reviews also guided our rankings, ensuring each model offers a reliable balance of functionality and affordability. The ranking reflects the overall versatility and long-term usability, helping buyers identify options that excel across multiple scenarios while acknowledging tradeoffs like price or size.| food mill | Material |
|---|---|
| Hungry Artisan Stainless Steel | Stainless steel |
| Stainless Steel Food Mill with | Food-grade stainless steel |
| ExcelSteel Food Mill with 3 Gr | Stainless Steel |
| Stainless Steel Food Mill with | Stainless steel |
| Hungry Artisan 4-Disc Food Mil | Stainless steel |
| OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel | Stainless steel |
| Hungry Artisan Compact Food Mi | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Food Mill
Choosing the right food mill involves considering several factors beyond basic features. The key is to match the tool’s capabilities to your specific kitchen tasks, whether that’s making smooth purees, hearty sauces, or jam. Understanding the tradeoffs between capacity, versatility, and ease of cleaning can help avoid common pitfalls like overspending on unnecessary features or buying a model too small for your needs. Here are the most important factors to consider:Size and Capacity
Food mills come in a variety of sizes, from compact models suitable for small batches to larger ones designed for preserving or large-scale cooking. Consider how much you typically prepare at once. Larger capacities are better for frequent canning but may be more cumbersome for everyday use, while smaller models are easier to store and handle but limit batch size. Think about your storage space and typical cooking volume when choosing.
Number of Discs and Versatility
Discs determine the fineness of your purees and the range of textures you can achieve. More discs or adjustable grinding sizes provide greater flexibility, making the mill suitable for everything from chunky tomato sauce to smooth baby food. However, more components can complicate cleaning and increase the initial cost. Balance your need for variety against ease of use.
Material and Build Quality
Stainless steel is preferred for durability and rust resistance, especially if you plan to use the mill frequently or for canning. Plastic models may be lighter and less expensive but often lack longevity. A well-built food mill with sturdy construction reduces the risk of parts breaking and ensures consistent performance over years of use.
Ease of Cleaning
Food mills with dishwasher-safe components save time and effort, but some designs feature small parts or crevices that trap food. Consider models with simple disassembly and smooth surfaces to make cleanup straightforward. If you plan to use the mill for multiple types of food, easy cleaning becomes even more critical to prevent flavor transfer and spoilage.
Price and Value
While premium models often include more features and better materials, they may not be necessary for casual cooks. Conversely, budget-friendly options can perform well for simple tasks but might lack durability or versatility. Identifying your primary uses helps determine the right balance between cost and performance, ensuring you get a food mill that meets your needs without overspending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a food mill for making baby food?
Yes, a food mill is an excellent tool for preparing smooth, pureed baby food. Its gentle crushing action preserves nutrients and provides a fine texture that’s safe for feeding. Look for models with multiple disc options to customize the fineness and ensure easy cleaning to maintain hygiene. Remember to thoroughly clean the mill after each use to prevent any residual flavors or bacteria.
Are food mills suitable for canning and preserving?
Absolutely. Food mills are commonly used for making tomato sauce, applesauce, and jams, making them ideal for canning. Choosing a durable, stainless steel model with a sturdy construction ensures it will withstand frequent use and cleaning. Make sure to select a size that fits your typical batch volume and verify that the design is easy to disassemble and sanitize.
What’s the difference between a food mill and a food processor?
A food mill gently crushes and purees food through a perforated plate, allowing control over texture and separating seeds or skins easily. A food processor, however, uses blades to chop or blend, which can produce a different consistency and may not separate unwanted parts as effectively. For tasks requiring fine, seed-free purees or delicate textures, a food mill generally provides better results and a more traditional process.
Should I prioritize models with multiple discs or sizes?
Multiple discs expand the versatility of your food mill, allowing you to adjust for coarser or finer textures depending on your recipe. If you frequently prepare a variety of foods, this feature can be worthwhile. However, it also adds complexity and cleaning considerations. For occasional use, a simpler model with a single disc may suffice and be easier to handle.
Is a larger capacity food mill worth the extra cost?
If you regularly process large batches for canning or preserving, investing in a bigger capacity model makes sense. It saves time by reducing the number of batches needed. Conversely, if you only prepare small portions, a smaller, more affordable model can be more convenient and easier to store. Consider your typical workload to determine the appropriate size.
Conclusion
For most home cooks, the Hungry Artisan Stainless Steel Food Mill offers a reliable all-around choice, combining durability, ease of use, and versatility. Those focused on preserving or making jams might prefer the Hungry Artisan 4-Disc Food Mill for its specialized features. Beginners or occasional users will appreciate the simplicity of the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Food Mill. Budget-conscious buyers should consider more basic models, while experienced cooks aiming for maximum flexibility might opt for models with multiple discs and larger capacities. Matching your specific needs with the right features ensures a satisfying purchase.
