A squeeze-handle sifter works one-handed while the other steadies the bowl; a crank sifter needs two hands but often has a finer double mesh. Capacity matters if you regularly sift more than a couple cups at once.
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OXO
The squeeze-handle mechanism sifts one-handed, and the mesh is fine enough for cocoa and powdered sugar, not just flour. The 3-cup capacity means refilling partway through a large-batch recipe.
Cuisipro
A stainless steel double-mesh screen sifts finer and clogs less than single-mesh sifters. The crank handle takes a bit more hand strength than a squeeze trigger.
Norpro
A basic hand-crank sifter at a low price. The single-layer mesh is coarser and can clump with humid flour, but it's inexpensive and dishwasher safe.
Bellemain
A hand-crank design similar to Norpro's with a slightly finer double mesh. Still not as refined as Cuisipro's mesh, but a solid step up from the coarsest budget sifters.
RSVP International
A larger 5-cup capacity than most hand sifters, useful on big-batch bread or cake days. The larger drum is bulkier to store than the smaller 3-cup sifters.