The 10 Best Basters
Special Honors
Etsy Etsy might not be top of mind when it comes to common kitchen tools like basters, but if you're looking for something handmade and unique, you can find some beautiful wooden pieces here. Outside of attractive, rustic basting brushes, there are also genuine antique collectible options and charming basting-related aprons, kitchen towels, shirts, and drink koozies with funny sayings to get you into the spirit while cooking. etsy.com
Editor's Notes
September 07, 2020:
Our latest update saw the removal of a few items in favor of more versatile ones, for instance, we said goodbye to the Zyliss Infuser, which is unable to handle high temperatures, with the Cuisinart CBP-116, a handy saucepot and lid combo that features an integrated brush. This one is ideal for those who barbecue often, as it can hold 16 ounces of homemade or store-bought sauces and eliminates the need to have a plate or napkin to set your brush down, keeping things tidy.
And while we understand that some prefer glass basters to plastic for a few reasons, we removed the Harold Import Co. 11-Inch, which many feel is too thin, in order to bring on the GrillHogs BBQ Mop, an unconventional choice that many pitmasters swear by. It's capable of soaking up thin and thick liquids better than standard brushes can, and has an extra-long handle crafted from wood that not only looks attractive but won't conduct heat or force you to get your hands too close to the grill. This length is also helpful when you're reaching into the oven to apply sauce over a roasting pan.
And while we loved the idea of the Norpro Deluxe, too many users had issues with the bulb separating and it coming apart while filled with hot juices. We supplanted it with the Miiko Barbecue, a similar, yet more reliable, stainless steel option that comes bundled with a flavor injector tip, cleaning brush, and basting brush.
March 19, 2019:
One of the most annoying things about many basters is that they tend to make a mess, but some modern versions have features designed to help keep juices on your food rather than your countertop. The Tovolo Dripless has a valve that prevents the liquid from coming out until you squeeze it, and the Oxo Good Grips has a built-in stand and an upturned tip that allow you to set it down without worrying about drips. If you're just looking for something to brush on sauce or marinade, the Hulless Stainless Steel will do the trick, and the Jokari Bottletop will make the process even easier by attaching to the top of your favorite store-bought bottle, so all you have to do is squeeze. The Vanvene Silicone is equally easy to use, with the added benefit of giving you a vessel to store leftover homemade marinades for later. Basting the outside of a roast definitely helps to keep it from drying out, but the flavor doesn't really penetrate past the surface, which is why the Zyliss Infuser and Norpro Deluxe come with injector tips that allow you to shoot your brine or marinade directly into the meat. Unlike many others, the Cuisipro 3-in-1 has a bulb that screws on, so you won't have to worry about it popping off while you're using it. And, while the Fox Run 5677 is a simple and very budget-friendly option, we decided to remove it as it tends to have a hard time keeping thin liquids from dripping out.