Imagine giving an all-out effort baking a delicious lemon bundt cake, only to end up with a lumpy dessert as a result. This is every baker’s nightmare! The thing is, you must’ve skipped one crucial step — sifting the flour. Sifting is a baking technique that shouldn’t be overlooked as it helps yield light and fluffy baked goods. This is why keeping a flour sifter in your kitchen cabinet’s drawer is essential, both for your baking and peace of mind.
Keep reading to discover why home bakers need to include high-quality sifters in their arsenal. Now, if you don’t own a sifter yet and are looking into buying one, we also provided a list of helpful tips and the best flour sifters available in the market!
Our Favorite Flour Sifters At A Glance
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Best Overall: Bellemain Stainless Steel 3-Cup Flour Sifter
This best-selling baking sifter has convenient measurement markings and can sift both fine and coarse ingredients.READ MORE -
Best with Squeeze Handle: NPYPQ Stainless Steel Sifter
A high-quality sieve that requires only one hand to operate and has a deep filter cup that prevents the flour from spilling out.READ MORE -
Best with Crank Handle: MaMix Stainless Steel Sifter Hand Crank
This sturdy flour sifter has an easy-to-use crank handle and a stainless steel mesh screen.READ MORE -
Best Electric: Norpro Battery Operated Sifter
Save your time and effort with this food-grade electric flour sifter!READ MORE -
Best Large Capacity: ChefGiant Hand Crank Sifter
This durable kitchen sifter is made of premium stainless steel material and can hold eight cups of flour at once!READ MORE -
Best Mini: OXO Good Grips Baker’s Dusting Wand
Sprinkle your desserts with the finest powder using this hand-held sifter.READ MORE -
Best Stainless Steel: Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Hand Crank Flour Sifter
Made with high-quality stainless steel material, this sifter is rust-resistant and is perfect for long-term use!READ MORE -
Best Plastic Sifter: Prepworks by Progressive Measuring Flour Sifter
This sifter is made with high-quality plastic material and comes with a measuring cup and a non-skid base.READ MORE -
Best Sifter with Double Layers: Snowyee Flour Sifter
With its double stainless steel layers with tiny holes, your flour will be free of any clumps in no time!READ MORE -
Best Lightweight: Cuisinart Set of 3 Fine Mesh Stainless Steel Strainers
These three-set strainers are easy to lift and amazingly versatile as well.READ MORE
Best 10 Flour Sifters (A Closer Look)
Purchasing a sifter can be a little overwhelming as there’s a myriad of options to choose from. Therefore, to help you narrow down the seemingly endless choices, here’s a curated list of the top-rated flour sifters. Once you’ve taken your pick, try your hand at these sweet dessert recipes.
1. Best Overall: Bellemain Stainless Steel 3-Cup Flour Sifter
What We Love
- Affordable
- Durable and anti-rust material
- Able to sift both fine and coarse ingredients
What We Don't Love
- No covers
If you’re serious about baking, then consider getting this sturdy sifter from Bellemain. This best-selling kitchen tool will surely elevate your home baking!
With its affordable price, you wouldn’t have expected this sifter to be on top of the list. Yet, for starters, it has incredibly practical features. This baking essential allows you to sift three cups of flour or light sugar at once. And unlike other conventional sifters, it can filter out coarse foodstuffs such as bran and almond meal as well. This is, without a doubt, the perfect companion in case you want to give this amazing muffins recipe a try.
The other features of this product also shouldn’t be ignored. It comes with measurement labels carved to its side. This feature helps you easily gauge the amount of flour you’re putting through the sifter or how much more flour is left to sift. Moreover, it also has a hand crank, which allows you to sift ingredients with ease. Lastly, there is the double loop agitator, ensuring that no bits of flour or sugar are left unsifted!
The durability of this crank-handled sifter is also commendable due to its all-stainless steel material. And as a result, it’s resistant to dents, scratches, and rusts, making it ideal for long-term use. When cleaning this tool, simply wipe the dirt off with a cloth or leave it in the dishwasher. It’ll be sparkling clean in a flash!
2. Best with Squeeze Handle: NPYPQ Stainless Steel Flour Sifter
What We Love
- Sturdy and shiny structure
- Ergonomic handle
- One-hand operation
What We Don't Love
- Need some hand strength to operate
When whipping up some baked goods such as these chewy jelly cookies, the recipe instructions usually start with the mixing or sifting of the ingredients. Good thing this NPYPQ flour sifter will help you to always successfully do the job!
Most sifters require two hands to operate. But this isn’t the case when you use this sifter. Just press the handle and see how the dry ingredient is smoothly filtered out. You’ll surely rave about the adequacy of this device during the sifting process!
Does the recipe require a lot? Don’t worry! This kitchen tool can hold five cups of baking items such as flour, cake powder, and almond powder. And you can finish filtering out one whole cup of such ingredients in less than two minutes!
By now you should know that a sifting procedure can be pretty messy, so you’ll definitely love the deep filter cup that comes with this sifter. You don’t have to think about ingredients spilling out on your work surface anymore. This tool also has a double filter stainless steel mesh, allowing only the finest of particles to pass through.
With its high-quality stainless steel material, its sturdy and lustrous structure is a guarantee. How about cleaning? Just place it in the dishwasher and you’re done for the day!
3. Best with Crank Handle: MaMix Stainless Steel Sifter Hand Crank
What We Love
- Cranks smoothly
- Easy to clean
- Rust-resistant
What We Don't Love
- Has no bottom cover
Some baking sifters are equipped with an easy-to-use crank handle, and this product is clearly on top of the heap! A little weak on hand strength? The great news is that this sifter doesn’t require much gripping ability unlike other sifters with squeeze handles.
This kitchenware also features a three-cup filter, a two-wire agitator, and a stainless steel mesh screen. These are attributes that ensure the smoothness of the flour when you whip up the likes of this yummy banana pancake recipe. Pre-marked labels on its exterior are also available, which will help you get accurate measurements. Thinking about sustainability? This sifter comes with a wood handle, which can last longer than plastic.
When it comes to cleaning, simply wash it using warm and soapy water. This tool is made with heavy-duty stainless steel material, making it strongly resistant to rust.
4. Best Electric: Norpro Battery Operated Sifter
What We Love
- No need for cranking or squeezing
- Time and effort saver
- BPA-free material
What We Don't Love
- Doesn’t have measurements markings
- Needs a battery to function
Sifting can be quite tiring, especially if you’re baking a dessert like this sweet mulberry cobbler that needs an ample amount of flour. Fortunately, the Norpro Sifter is a battery-operated sifter that will save you from the tedious and time-consuming sifting process. Just press a button and the task will be done for you!
Apart from its remarkable automatic features, this white flour sifter will also look great in the kitchen. It has a stainless steel mesh screen and can filter out five cups of flour at the same time. It’s made with a BPA-free plastic material, making it food-safe. You’ll be needing a single C battery for this device to operate, though, which should be the least of your concerns!
5. Best Large Capacity: ChefGiant Hand Crank Flour Sifter
What We Love
- Large capacity
- Easy to use
What We Don't Love
- Not dishwasher-friendly
Want to bake a delicious Challah bread recipe for a filling breakfast? This recipe calls for a large amount of flour but that wouldn’t be a problem at all with this ChefGiant flour sifter. This product can hold a whopping eight cups of flour in a single mill! When you use it, you won’t have to refill over and over again.
Simply turn its crank handle to break any clumps in your flour or to turn other baking ingredients into fine powder. This kitchen tool also features a 16 fine mesh screen which has a smaller weave and holes.
Made with high-quality stainless steel material, this sifter is corrosion-resistant and has a longer lifespan. However, we suggest that you wash it by hand when you’re done baking. This is to protect the crank from possible damages during automated cleaning.
6. Best Mini: OXO Good Grips Baker’s Dusting Wand
What We Love
- Perfect for sprinkling flour on baked goods and work surface
- Dishwasher-safe
What We Don't Love
- Small capacity
Many recipes need a sprinkle of icing sugar or cocoa powder for a more delightful finish just like in this espresso smoothie recipe. And this amazing flour duster will do the trick!
We love using this hand-held tool when we need to lightly dust the work surface with flour (to avoid dough sticking onto it). This device, however, is not a great option for elaborate baking adventures as it only has a small capacity. Cleaning this mini sifter post-use is easy as it is dishwasher-friendly.
7. Best Stainless Steel: Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Hand Crank Flour Sifter
What We Love
- Sturdy stainless steel material
- Easy to use
- Affordable
What We Don't Love
- Not dishwasher-safe
A chocolate pound cake makes for the best after-dinner dessert. For it to have that iconic smooth texture, you’ll be needing this baking sifter. This top-rated product will finely sift the flour, making it easier to blend with other dry ingredients. A durable, functional, and totally affordable sifter that belongs to your kitchen!
This device comes with an easy-to-use crank handle and a fine mesh. Thus, it can perfectly remove any lumps in the flour. In terms of capacity, it’s large and sturdy enough to sift five cups of dry ingredients at the same time.
This stainless steel sifter is also resistant to rust and can be used for a long time. However, it’s best to handwash it in soapy water. Let it dry off completely before storage.
8. Best Plastic Sifter: Prepworks by Progressive Measuring Flour Sifter
What We Love
- High-quality plastic material
- Affordable
- Has anti-skid base
- Dishwasher-safe
What We Don't Love
- Doesn’t have a handle
This well-made baking tool is among every baker’s favorites for many good reasons.
What’s most striking about this sifter is that it comes with a removable measuring cup! You’ll also notice the markings on the side which guarantees an accurate measurement when baking. The rotary hand crank and a fine mesh screen are also noteworthy. These features ensure the fineness of the flour in case you’ll be using them to make some tasty potato knishes.
What’s more, its non-skid base also alleviates your worries about any unwanted movement during the sifting process. Made with a premium plastic material, this sifter is safe in the dishwasher as well.
9. Best Sifter with Double Layers: Snowyee Flour Sifter
What We Love
- Durable material
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
What We Don't Love
- Small capacity
Recipes that make use of sifted flour are more likely to have a tender and fluffy finish. And you can definitely give this delicious spice bread recipe a tender texture by using this nifty flour sieve.
This handy tool also features double stainless steel layers with tiny holes and a handle. This guarantees that you’ll be using a perfectly fine powder ingredient for your recipe. Due to its heavy-duty properties, this handy kitchen tool is resistant to rust and is dishwasher-safe as well.
10. Best Lightweight: Cuisinart Set of 3 Fine Mesh Stainless Steel Strainers
What We Love
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
What We Don't Love
- Handle is a bit fragile
We’re all raving about the versatility of this traditional flour sieve! This set includes three different-sized strainers. Each of them is a great tool for light dusting, sifting dry ingredients, and draining pasta.
The sturdy yet lightweight sieves, undoubtedly, are convenient when you need to sift flour for this delectable sponge cake recipe. Their straightforward features extend to cleaning as they are completely compatible with dishwashers!
Reasons To Have a Sifter in Your Kitchen
If you’re feeling unsure about buying a flour sifter, the following will surely convince you why it’s a reasonable purchase for your home baking.
Sifting is just as significant as the other baking procedures. A sifter, though it may seem a frivolous device for some, does wonder for your favorite treats!
If a flour bag has long been sitting on your kitchen counter, the flour will more likely form clumps. You don’t want a lump-filled batter for your angel food cake. To avoid this baking woe, all you need to do is run the flour through a sifter. This ensures that the baked treat will have a smooth and light finish. Moreover, sifting can also help get rid of unwanted elements contaminating your flour such as bugs and debris.
In the baking world, ingredient measurements have to be precise to get a perfect texture. And with the help of a sifter, you’ll get an accurate measurement every time.
You’ll also love the versatility of this baking instrument. Not only is it used for flour, but it also comes in handy when draining pasta or when separating liquids and solids. You can also use it to filter out other dry ingredients such as baking powder, confectioner’s sugar, and cocoa powder.
What Makes a Good Flour Sifter
Make sure you’re equipped with the best flour sifter for your next baking endeavor! To help you single out the most suitable product for your needs, here are key factors to consider:
Size and Capacity
When buying this kitchen essential, pick the one that best meets your baking needs. Most flour sifters can filter out three to eight cups of dry ingredients. Start from this factor and you should be on your way.
Nonetheless, here’s a simple tip. A sifter with a larger capacity is a better choice as it can hold either small quantities or ample amounts of flour at once. So, if you prefer baking in large batches, a five-cup to eight-cup sifter is perfect for you.
Material and Durability
Flour sifters have different building blocks. Most are made with premium stainless steel and plastic. Plastic sifters are usually lightweight and inexpensive. However, they can break when you drop them. On the other hand, stainless steel-made sifters are sturdier but tend to be pricier. Whatever material you choose, make sure to always handle your sifter with care.
Manual or Electric
A flour sifter is either manually operated or power-driven. Manual styles function using a squeeze handle or a hand crank, so a bit of hand strength is required. With this model, you’ll have more control over the sifting process. Electric types, meanwhile, make the sifting process easier as you just have to press a button to start working. However, this type of sifters comes with a hefty price tag compared with manual models.
Crank or Squeeze
Should you go for the manual sifters, know that they also come in two types: the crank type and the squeeze type.
Crank sifters are easy to use and are a good option for those with hand injuries or arthritis. When using this type of sifter, simply turn the hand crank to finely sift the flour. On the other hand, squeeze sifters require a bit of hand strength. You have to squeeze the handle for the flour to completely pass through the mesh screen. The good thing is, it doesn’t require two hands to operate them.
Other Notable Features
This baking equipment also has other features that’ll take your home baking to the next level.
- Lids or covers – This will prevent the foodstuffs from spilling out. We mean, less mess in the kitchen is what all we want!
- Measurement markings – With this handy feature, accurate measurement is achievable.
- Mesh screen – Sifters often come with a fine, medium, and large mesh. If you want to end up with a completely lump-free flour, go for the sifter with the finest mesh.
- Ergonomic handle – This feature lets you have a good grip as you sift, making the whole process hassle-free.
- Dishwasher-safe – Cleaning sifters post-use is easy. You can simply rinse off the remaining flour or any dirt with water. Or just put them in a dishwasher.