Collection: Classifier Screens

Gold Classifiers & Sifting Screens: A Buyer's Guide

What is a gold classifier?

A gold classifier is a screen, or sieve, that sorts material by size before you pan. By screening out the larger rocks and gravel first, you are left with only the fine material where the gold hides, so it concentrates faster and you spend less time working oversized material in your gold pan.

What size classifier screen do I need?

Mesh size controls how fine the material gets. Most prospectors stack screens coarsest on top down to finest on the bottom and run material through in stages. Our stackable classifier sets come in a range of mesh sizes, from coarse down to 1/4 inch and finer, so you can dial in how small you sort. A full set covers every stage from first screening to fine cleanup.

How does a 5 gallon bucket classifier work?

A 5 gallon bucket classifier sits right on top of a standard bucket, so you can shovel material in, sift, and let the screened fines drop straight into the bucket to carry or process. Pair the screens with one of our heavy duty or collapsible silicone buckets for a complete sift-and-haul setup.

Classifier, sifter, or sieve, what is the difference?

They are different names for the same tool. Whether a listing calls it a gold classifier, a sifter, or a sifting sieve, it does the same job: sorting material by size through a mesh screen.

Do I need a classifier for gold panning?

You do not have to use one, but it makes a real difference. Classifying first means your pan or sluice only handles fine material, which speeds recovery and reduces the chance of losing fine gold under a layer of rock. It is one of the cheapest ways to find more color.

Can I use a classifier for rockhounding?

Yes. The same screens sort gemstone gravel and paydirt by size, which is why they cross over into rockhounding and gem sifting too.