Prep Tools

Strainer

Separates solids from liquids when draining and rinsing

Separates solids from liquid for draining pasta, rinsing produce, and straining stock. A handled mesh strainer is nimble; a large basket handles big jobs. Choose one with feet or hooks so it rests over the sink or bowl.

A strainer separates solids from liquid for draining pasta, rinsing produce, and straining stock. A handled mesh strainer is nimble for small jobs; a larger basket handles big ones. The right one rests over the sink or a bowl on its own, so you can pour with both hands and keep your fingers out of the steam.

Types & varieties

Handled mesh strainer

A cup of mesh on a long handle with a hook rest — nimble and the most versatile.

Conical strainer (chinois)

Cone of very fine mesh for the smoothest sauces and stocks; usually used with a ladle to press through.

Coarse / perforated strainer

Larger holes for fast draining of pasta and rinsing of vegetables.

Matching mesh to the job

Coarse mesh drains and rinses fast but lets fine particles through; fine mesh gives you clear, silky liquids but clogs and drains slowly. Keep both if you can. Look for a hook or feet so the strainer balances over the sink or bowl on its own and leaves your hands free.

Coarse for draining pasta and rinsing veg
Fine for stocks, custards, and clear sauces
A rim hook or feet lets it rest hands-free
A deep basket holds more without spilling over

Common uses

Draining pasta, noodles, and boiled vegetablesRinsing rice, grains, and beansStraining stock, broth, and infused liquidsWashing berries and small produceCatching solids when pouring off cooking liquidSifting and dusting in a pinch

Tips & pitfalls

Set the strainer in the sink before you tip the pot, so you're never juggling hot weight.
Press solids gently against fine mesh with a ladle to extract more flavor from stock.
Rinse rice and grains until the water runs clear to wash off surface starch.
Strain stock twice — once coarse, then fine — for a beautifully clear result.
Hold a strainer under the faucet to rinse berries gently without bruising them.