The Best Plastic Funnel

Buying Guide

If you ever need to pour something into a bottle, jar or other narrow container, you’ll find that a funnel makes the process much less messy and frustrating. You can simply place an appropriately sized funnel into your container’s opening. As you pour the liquid or dry ingredient into the funnel’s mouth, it will travel down to a small hole in the funnel’s neck and then into your container.

While funnels come in other materials like metal and silicone, plastic is an economical choice that offers several benefits. First, you don’t have to worry about rust, dents or interactions with acidic ingredients like you could with a metal funnel. Second, plastic funnels are more rigid than silicone ones but still lightweight. Additionally, they are very versatile and easy to take care of.

When shopping for plastic funnels, know that they don’t differ much in functionality. However, you will want to make sure that you get the right funnel size for your intended use. This means thinking about the opening of the container you’re pouring into so you get something with the right neck size. You’ll also want to consider how much you’d like to pour at once since this determines the funnel’s ideal capacity.

If you need to pour liquids into tiny bottles, a small funnel with a very narrow neck best suits the task. On the other hand, you may want a high-capacity funnel with a wider neck to efficiently pour dry ingredients into a large container. Medium funnels are also handy since they’re versatile for different container opening sizes and offer a decent capacity. Luckily, plastic funnels usually come in sets and make it easy to get multiple sizes for flexibility.

Plastic funnels can come with special features that make them easier to use or store. For example, they’ll often have a hole you can use to hang them up or even a handle that you can grasp during use. Other funnels have special grips on the neck so that you worry less about the funnel slipping while you’re pouring. You can also find plastic funnels that include a small strainer for additional functionality.

• It’s OK to wash most plastic funnels in your dishwasher. But if you have concerns about the plastic’s durability, you might prefer to wash the funnel by hand. In either case, know that you might need to use a small brush if your funnel has some residue stuck in its crevices.
• Some plastic funnels are clear or white while others come in a rainbow of colors. While neutral colors keep things simple, you might prefer a variety if you want to easily differentiate the funnels for different uses. Additionally, brightly-colored funnels stand out for quick identification in a drawer.
• When picking a funnel for kitchen use, make sure the manufacturer lists the plastic as a food-grade material that doesn’t have anything toxic in it. Otherwise, you risk chemicals getting into the dry ingredients and liquids you pour into the funnel. You should also consider a BPA-free option.
• If you plan to use plastic funnels for both food- and non-food uses, beware of cross-contamination issues. You don’t want to pour motor oil or perfume into a funnel and then later use it with food. Rather than just washing the funnel between different uses, be safe and just set aside funnels for specific purposes.
• Make sure the plastic funnel you purchase has a steady base, feels comfortable to use and offers enough durability for everyday use.
• Plastic funnels have some downsides to know. Very hot ingredients can melt or damage the plastic, so you should let such ingredients cool down first. Plastic funnels can also accumulate odors and stains, so be careful what you pour into them. Plus, avoid pouring chemicals into the funnel that could harm the plastic.
• To avoid messy mishaps when using your plastic funnel, make sure the funnel sits securely in the container’s opening, pour slowly and don’t overfill it.
• Store your plastic funnel somewhere away from high heat or items that could damage it. Consider hanging it somewhere easy to access if it has a hanging tab.