General purpose lab funnels have a wide opening to direct liquids, powders, and granules into narrow-mouth bottles and containers.

Separatory funnels are pear-shaped to divide liquids by density, allowing denser liquids to settle to the bottom. The liquid pours off when the stopcock is opened.

Buchner funnels hold filter paper to separate particles from liquids. Sometimes called filtering funnels, they have a perforated plate that allows liquid to pass through while supporting the filter paper. They're generally used with a Buchner flask or vacuum filter adapter so suction can be applied to improve filtering speed.

Fast-flow Urbanti funnels speed up nonvacuum funneling processes. Spiral ribs inside the funnel speed fluid flow, and vertical ribs on the outside of the stem prevent an air lock from forming so fluids flow smoothly through the funnel.

Antisplash funnels have a ring around the top to prevent liquids from pouring over the sides.

Covered funnels for hazardous waste attach to hazardous waste containers to contain fumes and reduce spilling. These funnels are generally left in place.