Best Strainer
Everyone should consider getting at least one good quality strainer to add to their collection of kitchen tools. This simple product can come in handy when preparing various meals, including delicious desserts. For example, you can use a strainer to rinse grains and small fruits and veggies with ease, and you can also use it for sifting flour, so it is versatile and you might find yourself reaching for it more than you think.
The nice thing about strainers is they are available in multiple sizes, so you can get the one that you need or you can buy a set that consists of multiple sizes that neatly stack for easy storage. The key is to buy a strainer that is made of durable materials, just as you would do for any other kitchen utensil or tool. That way, you can get plenty of use out of it for years to come.
Colanders and Strainers: Some Basic Differences
Some people use the terms “colander” and “strainer” interchangeably, but there are some basic differences between these items. With a better understanding of these products, you can shop smarter.
Put simply, when talking about a strainer, we are referring to items that have a fine mesh so nothing can fall through. Think about the type of product that you would use to dust homemade cakes with powdered sugar and you get the general idea of what a strainer looks like. On the other hand, colanders tend to have larger holes and can be used for tasks like draining the water from pasta.
Also, a colander is typically going to be shaped like a bowl, so you can easily set it down in your sink or on the counter. On the other hand, a strainer tends to be shallower with a handle, though you can also find strainers that you can rest on your sink, as you will see below.
Basically, both of these items can be used to separate solids from liquids, but a strainer’s design will make it possible to work with smaller particles that would otherwise fall through the holes of a colander.
An Affordably Priced Kitchen Must-Have
Because of their versatility, strainers are a kitchen must-have. But when you start shopping for a strainer, don’t just buy the first one you find. Instead, take your time to carefully evaluate the materials that a strainer is made of. That way, you can ensure it is both safe to use and durable.
In addition to that, consider how easy it would be to use a strainer. If you can’t set it down over a bowl, for example, you will need to hold it the entire time you use it, and that could become tiring and inconvenient. There are many items that have handy hooks for putting your strainer down, and there are also those that feature handles that are ergonomically designed for comfort. These little extras can make a big difference, so they are worth looking for while you shop.
Ready to Learn About Some of the Top Strainers Available?
It is easy to shop for a strainer because there are many brands that make these products, and they come in various sizes. Plus, they aren’t expensive, so you can certainly consider buying more than one at the same time if you’d like to have some variety for food prep.
Because there are so many options out there, we understand that figuring out which one to go with can be tough. So, to help you find the right strainer for your needs, we put together a helpful list of options. Check out the products below to get an idea of the features that are worth looking for when buying these basic kitchen tools.
1. Editor’s Choice: Cuisinart CTG-00-3MS Set of 3 Mesh Strainers
If you don’t have any strainers at all yet, this set of three from Cuisinart can be a good place to start. Each strainer is a different size, so you can have a small, medium, and large strainer for a variety of uses. These have handles that are easy to grip, and you can also set them on a bowl for ease of use. Plus, because these are made of stainless steel, the mesh is durable.
Pros:
- The sizes included in this set of three strainers are roughly 3 inches, 5 inches, and 7 inches.
- These strainers are dishwasher safe so they are simple to clean thoroughly.
- These strainers feature a stainless steel mesh.
Cons:
- Some customer reviews state they were dissatisfied with the quality and durability of the handles on these strainers.
2. Runner Up: LiveFresh Large Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Strainer with Reinforced Frame and Sturdy Rubber Handle Grip
This is a good option to consider if you just need one good sized strainer. It features a fine mesh and measures roughly 9 inches, and it has a reinforced frame for durability. It also has hooks on one end that you can use to rest this strainer on a bowl or sink. Also, the handle has a rubberized grip, the stainless steel is durable and resistant to rust, and the sealed rims can help ensure no food particles will end up getting stuck.
Pros:
- This 9-inch strainer is large enough for a variety of tasks.
- The rubberized handle makes it easier to hold this strainer even if your hand gets wet.
- This strainer is dishwasher safe so you don’t have to worry about being able to clean it thoroughly.
Cons:
- Some customer reviews state that they have trouble getting this strainer to rest properly on their sink.
3. Best with Ergonomic Handle: KitchenAid Classic Strainer
This strainer from KitchenAid has everything that you would need and expect, such as a handle that is ergonomic so it is comfortable to hold, a lip that makes it easy to rest the strainer on a bowl when necessary, and a mesh made of stainless steel for durability. It measures 7 inches, too, so it is a good size that isn’t too big or too small.
Pros:
- This strainer features a stainless steel mesh.
- The ergonomic handle on this strainer is well-balanced and comfortable.
- You can clean this strainer in the dishwasher.
Cons:
- This strainer is shallower than others, according to some customer reviews.
4. Best Strainer Set: U.S. Kitchen Supply Set of 4 Premium Quality Fine Mesh Stainless Steel Strainers with Wide Resting Ear Design
With this set, you get four strainers, and each is a different size, so you can use these when preparing a variety of recipes and working with wet and dry ingredients. They feature a stainless steel mesh, making them durable and resistant to rust, and they also have sealed rims to keep food out. Plus, they are easy to store away without taking up a lot of space because they nest together. And these are also designed to be easy to rest on a bowl or your sink.
Pros:
- You get four strainers, measuring roughly 3 inches, 4 inches, 5½ inches, and 8 inches.
- These fine mesh strainers are made of stainless steel.
- These strainers are dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- The handles on these strainers might not be comfortable for some people.
5. Best Strainer with Wooden Handle: Weymier Fine Mesh Strainers For Kitchen
If you don’t like strainers with metal handles, you might prefer this set, as these have wooden handles that are designed to be easy to grip and hold. Because you get three strainers, you can have a small, medium, and large one available whenever you need it. And because the mesh is made of stainless steel, it is strong and resistant to rust.
Pros:
- This set of three strainers features stainless steel mesh and wood handles.
- The sizes of the strainers in this set are roughly 4.9 inches, 6.3 inches, and 7.9 inches.
- The two ears on the end of each strainer allow you to rest it on a bowl or sink.
Cons:
- Because of the wooden handles, it is best to wash these strainers by hand.
6. Best Large Strainer: Kafoor 9″ Large Fine Mesh Strainer
When you want to add a large strainer to your collection, this 9-inch option might be the perfect choice. It features a stainless steel mesh, along with a thermoplastic rubber handle that is heat resistant. Also, the wide ear is convenient whenever you need your hands to be free because it can make it easier to set this on a bowl or over your sink as you are working with it.
Pros:
- This large strainer is made of stainless steel.
- The ergonomic handle is designed to be comfortable to hold even if your hand is wet.
Cons:
- This strainer is about 3 inches deep, so it might be too shallow for some.
7. Best Small Strainer: OXO Good Grips 3-Inch Mini Strainer
When you need a really little strainer, this one might be ideal, as it measures roughly 3 inches. Like other good strainers, it has a fine mesh that is made of stainless steel, and it can be placed on the bowl or cup that you are working over. Plus, it has a non-slip handle that is comfortable to hold. And if you like this strainer, you can get it in larger sizes too.
Pros:
- This small strainer features double rod construction.
- You can wash this strainer easily in your dishwasher.
- The handle is designed to be easy to grip even when your hands are wet.
Cons:
- This strainer is priced a bit higher than others, especially considering its size.
8. Best Over the Sink Strainer: Makerstep Over the Sink Colander Strainer Basket
This large oval strainer is designed to be placed over your sink so you don’t need to hold it at all. The handles are adjustable, so you can pull them out as far as necessary to ensure the product will sit on your sink securely (it expands to about 20 inches). And it is large enough to rinse various foods easily, with a 6-quart capacity. Plus, like other strainers on this list, the fine mesh basket is made of stainless steel so you don’t have to worry about it rusting.
Pros:
- This strainer is easy to set up so it sits over your sink while rinsing fruits and vegetables or straining pasta.
- The handles on this over-the-sink strainer have rubber grips so they are non-slip, and they are expandable and adjustable.
- This product is dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- Some customer reviews state that this strainer can be hard to clean, especially if food gets stuck under the rim.
Things to look out for:
Shopping for a strainer might not seem so complicated at first, but as you can see by reading through the list above, there are a lot of different products that you can choose from. How can you tell which one is the right one to go with? Well, by keeping the following in mind, you can make a smart choice that you will be happy with:
First, consider the material that a strainer is made of. You want it to be durable, resistant to rust, and safe to use. Stainless steel is a great choice because it meets all of those criteria. Or, you might find a plastic one that you would prefer if it promises to be simple to clean and lightweight. No matter what, a strainer that will retain its shape and be easy to use and clean is definitely something that you want.
Second, ask yourself what size you need. Do you need a large strainer or a small one? These products range in size from really small for doing things like mixing cocktails, to nice and big for those times when you need to do things like rinse off a lot of ingredients quickly. As you can see in the list above, strainers can be 3 inches, 6 inches, 9 inches, or anywhere in between. And if you can’t decide or you just aren’t sure what you need, you can certainly buy a set of strainers that provides various sizes—that way, you get a good mix of options to always have on hand when you need them.
Next, consider the shape and size of the mesh. If you want to avoid any food falling through, you will want to go with a product that has a mesh with tiny holes. The larger the holes, the more likely it will be that small pieces of food will be able to fall through. Also, some strainers have a conical shape rather than a bowl shape, so this is another thing to keep in mind as you compare products and their uses.
Another design feature to look for is whether or not you will be able to rest the strainer easily on a bowl or on your sink. You might not immediately require this, depending on how you plan on using your strainer, but it could still be a nice little extra to have in case you ever do need it. Some products are designed specifically for use over a sink, and those can come in really handy when rinsing produce. Other strainers boast a classic round shape with hooks on one side so you can set them down and rest assured they’ll be stable.
Also, consider the type of handle that you would prefer. For example, does it matter if it is ergonomically designed for comfort? Or, do you want a handle that is covered in a material that creates a non-slip grip? This is important since you will likely be holding the strainer for a bit while you are working with it, and you don’t want your hand to get tired or uncomfortable. Also, if you struggle with your grip or with hand pain, the right handle can make a difference, so this is definitely a feature that is worth looking at carefully while you shop.
Yet another thing to think about is how simple it will be to clean your strainer, and whether or not food gets stuck in it easily. Being able to pop it into your dishwasher can certainly be convenient, but this may not always be possible with all of the products you come across.
Finally, keep in mind that it is wise to read product descriptions carefully so you can learn as much as possible about a product’s features. But also consider taking the time to read some customer reviews. Doing so can help you gain more perspective when it comes to whether or not a strainer is worth the price. For instance, if you come across a product that seems great but you realize a lot of customers were unhappy with how long it lasted, you may decide to keep looking.
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