yoyo284
- 4
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Discussion Overview
The thread discusses the use of a spinner for draining pasta and removing excess grease from cooked hamburger, with participants sharing their personal experiences and opinions on the effectiveness and safety of such uses.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
Main Points Raised
- One participant mentions using the spinner for pasta but has not tried it for hamburger, expressing doubt about the baskets melting due to heat.
- Another participant shares their experience using the spinner for larger pasta shapes like rotini, noting that it works well to remove water and suggesting a method using paper towels for draining meat.
- A different participant reports successfully spinning excess grease out of lean ground beef, stating they were surprised by the amount of fat collected.
- One participant, identifying as a consultant, states that while the spinner works for certain pasta types, they would not recommend it for fatty ground beef due to concerns about grease and meat particles potentially coming through the slots.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ on the effectiveness of using the spinner for ground beef, with some participants supporting its use while others express reservations about grease and meat particles.
Contextual Notes
Participants share personal experiences and preferences regarding the use of the spinner, with varying opinions on its suitability for different food types.
Who May Find This Useful
Consultants interested in practical uses of kitchen tools and those seeking insights from fellow users about product capabilities may find this discussion relevant.
esavvymom
Staff member
- 7,881
I've used it for pasta. Never tried it for hamburger. Since it's dishwasher safe, I doubt it would melt- assuming she's rinsing both to get the extra starch (pasta) and grease (meat) off.So I don't see why it couldn't! Definitely is worth the money- just in the money saved on produce alone in my house!!
ChefBeckyD
Gold Member
- 20,320
The slots are too big for ground beef or spaghetti. It would fall through. I do use mine for larger pasta shapes - like Rotini for pasta salad. It works great to get the water out, so that you don't have watery pasta salad!Unless she did what I do for frozen spinach....lay a couple paper towels in the basket, and then put in the meat, and spin. The paper towels soak up the liquid.The usual method for removing excess grease from ground beef is to rinse it - and for that, I would recommend the new stainless colander set.
zmom58
- 397
I have spun the excess grease out of my 93% lean ground beef (no grease came out of it when I drained it). And there were no particles of beef in the bowl afterwards. I got 1/4 cup of fat (and probably some juices too). You could see the fat, it was yellow (good ole Iowa corn-fed beef!). I was really amazed. I have shared this at my shows too. Now, if you chop it super fine with your mix 'n chop, then maybe you might get some particles of ground beef, but all in all it works great.
Deb
Deb
Intrepid_Chef
Silver Member
- 5,144
Pasta: YES, esp. if you are doing Rigatoni, rotini or anything but spaghetti. The hot water will not damage the collander. (Got that answer from the test kitchens at HO.Ground beef: Personally, I would not reccomend it, esp. if the meat is fatty. Not only b/c of the issue of the meat coming through the grates (you can fix that issue by lining the basket with a paper towel) but because I personally don't like that much grease gumming up the works. I also don't like the idea of putting hot grease in ANYTHING plastic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a spinner for pasta?
Yes, you can use a spinner to help drain excess water from cooked pasta. However, be cautious as some spinners may not be designed to handle hot items. It's best to let the pasta cool slightly before transferring it to the spinner.
Can I use a spinner for greasy foods?
Using a spinner for greasy foods is not recommended, as the grease can clog the mechanism and make it difficult to clean. It's better to use a paper towel or a colander to remove excess grease from foods.
What type of spinner is best for draining pasta?
A salad spinner with a sturdy design and a secure lid is ideal for draining pasta. Look for one that has a large capacity and is easy to operate to ensure efficient draining.
How do I clean a spinner after using it for pasta?
To clean a spinner after using it for pasta, disassemble the parts and wash them with warm, soapy water. If there is any residue, let it soak for a few minutes before scrubbing gently. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry.
Are there any alternatives to using a spinner for pasta?
Yes, alternatives include using a colander to drain the pasta or simply using a pot lid to hold back the pasta while pouring out the water. Both methods are effective and do not require additional equipment.
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