Specifications to Check 

There are a lot of different types of food strainers on the market. Among the most prevalent varieties are:

Mesh strainers: These strainers are primarily used for straining liquids or small particles from meals and are made of a fine mesh screen. They are frequently used to sift flour or separate soup broth.

Chinois: A chinois is a type of conical strainer with a fine mesh screen. It is used to achieve a smooth consistency in purees and sauces.

Colanders: Colanders are huge, perforated basins used to drain pasta or wash fruits and vegetables.

Food mills: These are hand-cranked strainers used for pureeing and straining meals. They are frequently used to make baby food or to purée tomatoes for sauce.

Consider the Following Factors

There are various variables to consider while selecting a food strainer. Here are some things to remember:

Material: Stainless steel, plastic, or silicone are the most common materials used to make food strainers. The most durable alternative is stainless steel, which is heavy and difficult to clean. Plastic strainers are lightweight and inexpensive; however, they do not last as long as stainless-steel strainers. Silicone strainers are lightweight and easy to clean, but they may not last as long as other materials.

Size: The strainer's size should be appropriate. While a tiny mesh strainer may suffice for sifting flour, a larger colander may be required to drain a pasta pot.

Sturdiness: The strainer should be strong enough to handle the job at hand. Under the weight of heavier foods, a fragile strainer may bend or shatter, resulting in a sloppy kitchen.

Usability: The strainer should be simple to use and clean. A strainer with a long handle or a comfortable grip can greatly simplify the work of straining foods.

Cost: A food strainer can range from a few dollars for a simple plastic strainer to several hundred dollars for a high-quality stainless-steel chinois. When purchasing, consider your budget as well as the frequency of use.

Top Recommended Products

Our PicksProductsAmazon Links
Professional Feature wise Best PickContiup Stainless Steel Perforated Metal Colander StrainerProduct Link
Budget BuyLADILA Multi-purpose Stainless-Steel Strainer BasketsProduct Link
Beginner FriendlyMakerstep Over the Sink Stainless Steel Food StrainerProduct Link

1. Agyvvt Oil Filter Stainless Steel Oil Strainer 

This oil filter strainer storage container is composed of sturdy and durable thick fine iron. A fine mesh strainer is useful for separating Bacon Grease from frying oil for subsequent use. Recycle oil to add flavour to popcorn, eggs, and other foods. This frying oil container has a curved pleasant grip that fits your hand well and is less likely to get heated. Ideal for storing bacon fat and oil on a conventional, keto, or paleo diet.

Features:

  • Stainless steel
  • Oil straining
  • Thick fine mesh
  • Oil storage

Specifications:

SpecificationsDetails
BrandAgyvvt 
Material Stainless Steel 
Dimensions 14L x 14W x 11.9H Centimetres
Weight1.25 Kgs
FeaturesOil straining. Thick fine mesh, Oil Storage

What we like:

  • Fine mesh: A fine mesh strainer is incorporated to gather the food "pieces" from any oil.
  • Oil storage: Using this metal container, you may wash the fryer without tossing away the oil each time.
  • Clean handling: The drip-free spout prevents oil from spilling down the edge of the pot. Like a stainless-steel oil filter pot, the outside coating protects your oil filter pot from clear fingerprints and other contaminants.
  • Price: It is worth the price

What we don’t like:

  • Quality: The steel sheet used might have been thicker, and the finish could have been better.

Overall Review: Using this metal jar food strainer, you may cleanse the fryer without having to toss away the oil each time. It is sturdy and long-lasting since it is made of high-quality stainless steel. It is an excellent purchase if you want to preserve flavours and reuse them later. It's also a good oil storage tool.

Our Rating:

  • Economic rating: 4.5/5
  • User-friendly rating: 4.2/5
  • Feature-richness rating: 4.9/5

Common Product Accessories Provided with a Stainless-Steel Food strainer:

1 filter cup

2. LADILA Multi-purpose Stainless-Steel Strainer Baskets 

This versatile stainless-steel strainer is ideal for cleaning rice and is a perfect item for an Indian kitchen. The drainer can also be used to wash vegetables, fruit, noodles, macaroni, beans, peas, grains, and other foods.

Features:

  • Stainless steel
  • Rice washing
  • Thick and sturdy
  • Multi-purpose

Specifications:

SpecificationsDetails
BrandLADILA
Material Stainless Steel
Dimensions19.5L x 2.5W x 7.5H Centimetres
Weight300 grams
FeaturesRice washing, Thick and sturdy, Multi-purpose

What we like:

  • Multi-purpose: Best for washing rice, this steel food strainer can be used to wash fruits and vegetables and even utensils, to let them sit and dry. It can be used for storage.
  • Sturdy: Its thick, high-grade stainless-steel build is sure to last long.
  • Easy to use: With its perforated design, this colander is made of high-quality stainless steel and strains and rinses easily.
  • Price: It is worth the price

What we don’t like:

  • Quality: The stainless-steel sheet used could have been thicker and the finishing more satisfactory.

Overall Review:

The closely spaced holes on every surface of this food strainer colander are ideal for efficiently draining and preventing food from becoming blocked or sliding out. This is ideal for straining rice. However, it can also strain practically any other food item.

Our Rating:

  • Economic rating: 4.9/5
  • User-friendly rating: 4.7/5
  • Feature-richness rating: 4.3/5

Common Product Accessories Provided with a Stainless-Steel Food strainer:

None

Product Link 

3. Makerstep Over the Sink Stainless Steel Food Strainer

This stainless-steel food strainer basket with Rubber Grip may be adjusted on your Kitchen Sink for easy food washing. It features a fine stainless-steel mesh suitable for noodles, spaghetti, and other similar items.

Features:

  • Stainless steel
  • Fine mesh
  • Sturdy
  • Multi-purpose

Specifications:

SpecificationsDetails
BrandMAKERSTEP
Material Stainless Steel
Dimensions 35.6L x 25.4W x 11.4H Centimetres
Weight 0.01 ounces
FeaturesMulti-purpose washing, Sturdy, fine mesh

What we like:

  • Ease of use: The rust-proof strong fine mesh and frame with feet on the bottom make drying and straining effective.
  • Multi-purpose: This fine mesh steel food strainer can be used to wash noodles, pasta, fruits, and vegetables and for drying. 
  • Sturdy: It is made from a high-grade stainless-steel build and will last long.
  • Price: The price is a bit high but it is durable

What we don’t like:

  • Quality: The stainless-steel sheet used could have been thicker.

Overall review:

The mesh on this premium quality kitchen stainless steel food strainer is fine enough to wash and sift all varieties of food. Its huge over-the-sink design, stainless steel body, and superb rubber grips will increase your cooking efficiency. It is also quick and simple to maintain.

Our Rating:

  • Economic rating: 4.7/5
  • User-friendly rating: 4.2/5
  • Feature-richness rating: 4.5/5

Common Product Accessories Provided with a Stainless-Steel Food strainer:

None

4. Colourtales 304 Food Grade Stainless Steel Round Vegetable Strainer

This stainless-steel fruits and vegetable strainer is composed of high-quality stainless steel and contains a wire mesh filter. It boasts a stylish and ergonomic shape, has side handles for a secure grasp, and is easily raised.

Features:

  • Stainless steel
  • Fine mesh
  • Multi-purpose
  • Sturdy design

Specifications:

SpecificationsDetails
Brand Colourtales
Material Stainless Steel
Dimensions 35.6L x 25.4W x 11.4H Centimetres
Weight 0.01 ounces
FeaturesMulti-purpose washing, fine mesh, durable

What we like:

  • Ease of use: The food strainer colander has a tight fine wire mesh that allows vegetables, fruits, legumes, and rice to be washed and drained quickly and. Also, avoid clogging with food.
  • Multi-purpose: Perfect for both home and commercial kitchens, this fine mesh steel food strainer can be used to wash noodles, pasta, fruits, and vegetables and for drying and storing. 
  • Sturdy: It’s made from a high-grade stainless-steel build.

What we don’t like:

  • Price: The strainer is a bit expensive. 

Overall review:

This multi-purpose fine mesh stainless steel food strainer can be used as a sieve, strainer, and to store vegetables or fruits, as well as to wash pulses, rice, and other food products. The colander has a strong base and will survive for a long time.

Our Rating:

  • Economic rating: 4.9/5
  • User-friendly rating: 4.3/5
  • Feature-richness rating: 4.2/5

Common Product Accessories Provided with a Stainless-Steel Food strainer:

None

5. Contiup Stainless Steel Perforated Metal Colander Strainer 

This smaller-sized stainless steel with Perforated Metal Colander Strainer with Long Red Silicone Sleeve Sifters is used in the kitchen for food such as pasta, noodles, spaghetti, and vegetables. The metal colander can be used for any food. It saves space and is designed to be user-friendly.

Features:

  • Stainless steel
  • Perforated
  • Handle provided
  • Multi-purpose
  • Sturdy design

Specifications:

SpecificationsDetails
BrandContiup
MaterialStainless Steel
Dimensions35.6 x 20 x 8.5 Centimetres
Weight 290 grams
FeaturesMulti-purpose washing, perforated, handle provided

What we like:

  • Ease of use: The food strainer colander has a handle to make cleaning easier.
  •  Multi-purpose: The metal colander can be used for any food. Remove the excess water and oils from your pasta in seconds, or quickly clean all your fruits and vegetables.
  • Sturdy: It has a high-grade stainless-steel build.

What we don’t like:

  • Price: The strainer is quite expensive. 

Overall review:

This Micro-perforated strainer and colander with small, closely spaced holes ensure that food does not get through the holes and that the water drains quickly without the need to tilt the bowl. The handle includes a non-slip, heat-insulating red silicone sleeve. It is a solid, albeit pricey, purchase.

Our Rating:

  • Economic rating: 4.2/5
  • User-friendly rating: 4.5/5
  • Feature-richness rating: 4.9/5

Common Product Accessories Provided with a Stainless-Steel Food strainer:

None

FAQs

1. What exactly is a stainless-steel strainer?

In general, stainless-steel strainers are used to separate coarse particles. Strainer pieces can be easily removed and cleaned. It has a long shelf life, is devoid of toxins, and may be used for various tasks such as cleaning, washing, drying, and storing.

2. What is the distinction between a fine-mesh strainer, colander, and sieve?

  • Colanders are large bowls with holes on both the bottom and sides. The pores are just large enough to keep beans, pasta, and other tiny foods from escaping while still allowing excess water to drain.
  • Fine-mesh strainers feature baskets composed of finely woven steel mesh and are commonly equipped with handles and resting hooks. These are used for separating solids from liquids (for example, while preparing stock) as well as sifting dry ingredients (for example, de-clumping and aerating wheat for baking). 

3. What is the purpose of a fine mesh strainer?

Quinoa, rice, pasta, and noodles benefit from fine mesh strainers. They are also ideal for beans, chopped potatoes, berries, etc.

4. What is a spider strainer and why do we need one?

A spider strainer features a long handle with a wire mesh basket that resembles a spider's web. They are used to scoop up food or to remove fat from the surface of a heated liquid. It should have a long enough handle to keep you from getting burned, but not so long that you lose control. The wire mesh basket should be capable of picking up and holding small food items while allowing fluids to pass through.