Best Food Strainers of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2026

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Food strainers are an essential tool in any kitchen. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, including mesh strainers, colanders, and sieves. These strainers are perfect for removing small particles and impurities from liquids, such as broth or juice, or for straining solids like pasta or vegetables. They are also useful for sifting dry ingredients like flour or powdered sugar. Food strainers are made from various materials, including metal, plastic, and mesh, and can be found at most kitchen supply stores. They are a versatile and indispensable tool for any home cook or professional chef.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Cuisinart Set of 3 Fine Mesh Strainers Cover #TOP 1
Cuisinart Set of 3 Fine Mesh Strainers
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Winco Strainer with Single Fine Mesh Cover #TOP 2
Winco Strainer with Single Fine Mesh
ftb score rating icon 9.8
OXO Good Grips 4 Cup Fat Separator Cover #TOP 3
OXO Good Grips 4 Cup Fat Separator
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Food Strainers

Cuisinart Set of 3 Fine Mesh Strainers

CTG-00-3MS
Silver
3 Count (Pack of 1)
Cuisinart Set of 3 Fine Mesh Strainers Cover
Cuisinart Mesh Strainers, 3 Count (Pack of 1) Set, CTG-00-3MS Silver

The Cuisinart Set of 3 Fine Mesh Strainers includes 3 different sizes made from durable stainless steel mesh. They are excellent for sifting dry ingredients and easy to use. The strainers are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, and come with a limited-lifetime warranty. This product is BPA free.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel construction
Multiple versatile sizes
Fine mesh for effective straining
Easy to clean
Comfortable handles
What We Don't Like
Somewhat bulky for storage
Quinoa or small grains may get trapped
#TOP 2

Winco Strainer with Single Fine Mesh

MS3A-8S
Silver
Medium
Winco Strainer with Single Fine Mesh Cover
Winco Strainer with Single Fine Mesh, 8-Inch Diameter, Medium, Stainless Steel, Tan,Silver

With its 8-inch diameter and medium size, the Winco Strainer with Single Fine Mesh is a high-quality food strainer trusted by professionals in the foodservice and hospitality industry. Made with stainless steel, it is a reliable product that meets the high demands of any kitchen. The strainer is versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen utensil collection.

What We Like
High quality mesh
Sturdy wooden handle
Great value price
Easy to clean
Secure fit on pots
What We Don't Like
Handle connection feels flimsy
Limited heavy shaking ability
#TOP 3

OXO Good Grips 4 Cup Fat Separator

OXO
11273200
Clear
One Size
OXO Good Grips 4 Cup Fat Separator Cover
OXO Good Grips 4 Cup Fat Separator, Clear

The OXO Good Grips 4 Cup Fat Separator is a food strainer that has a built-in stopper to keep flavor in and fat out while making gravy. The strainer catches unwanted bits, and the raised shield helps prevent spilling and splashing while pouring. Measurement markings make recipes easy, and the comfortable, non-slip handle ensures a firm grip. This fat separator also has a built-in stopper storage in the strainer.

What We Like
Easy fat separation
Large capacity
Durable construction
Convenient strainer lid
Clear measurement markings
What We Don't Like
Plastic material concerns
Spout difficult to clean

Kafoor 9" Fine Mesh Strainer with Rubber Handle

9 Inch Parent
Silver
9 Inches
Kafoor 9" Fine Mesh Strainer with Rubber Handle Cover
Kafoor 9" Large Fine Mesh Strainer with Thermo Plastic Rubber Handle - Sieve Fine Mesh Stainless Steel - Ideal Kitchen Essential to Strain Pasta, Quinoa and Rice

Kafoor 9" Fine Mesh Strainer with Rubber Handle is made of high-grade stainless steel which is durable and rust-resistant. The sieve is perfect for straining pasta, quinoa, rice, fruits, dry baby cereals, tomato sauce, and more. The heat-resistant thermoplastic rubber handle provides an improved grip and protection for your hands from heat. The wide ear hook features come in handy for kitchen arrangement. It is also burr-free and scratch-free, making it safe to use.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Comfortable grip handle
Fine mesh for small grains
Easy to clean
Perfect size for small tasks
#TOP 5

Good Cook 6-Inch Strainer

24988
Black & Silver
Medium
Good Cook 6-Inch Strainer Cover
GoodCook Everyday 6 Inch Fine Mesh Strainer with Stainless Steel Frame

This 6-inch strainer from Good Cook is made of aluminum with stainless steel wire mesh. The sturdy wire frame has lips to securely sit over containers, and the black handle provides a comfortable grip. Made in the United States, it is perfect for draining pasta or washing fruits and vegetables.

What We Like
Sturdy handle and mesh
No rusting
Easy to clean
Perfect for small portions
Great value
What We Don't Like
Handle connection could be better
A little flimsy

Walfos Fine Mesh Strainers Set

3pcs fine mesh
Walfos Fine Mesh Strainers Set Cover
Walfos Fine Mesh Strainers Set, Premium Stainless Steel Colanders and Sifters, with Reinforced Frame Sturdy Handle, Perfect for Sift, Strain, Drain Rinse Vegetables, Pastas Tea - 3 Sizes

The Walfos Fine Mesh Strainers Set includes 3 different sizes (2.75", 4.65", and 7.15") of premium stainless steel colanders and sifters with a reinforced frame and sturdy handle. The seal steel ring and long handle protect you from scalding when fishing out pasta noodle from boiling water. The extra fine mesh strainers nets catch and sift, strain, or drain the smallest ingredients without wasting any food. Made of durable 304 stainless steel, these strainers are easy to clean. The product also comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.

What We Like
Multiple size options
Fine mesh filtering
Durable stainless steel
Easy to clean
Versatile use
What We Don't Like
Handles could be longer
Some strainers less deep

Zulay Stainless Steel Small Strainer

Cocktail Strainer
Silver
Zulay Stainless Steel Small Strainer Cover
Zulay Kitchen 304 Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Strainer For Kitchen - Sieve Sifters For Food, Tea, Rice, Oil, Noodles, Fruits, Vegetables - Rust-Proof, Easy to Clean Drink Strainer (Silver)

Zulay Cocktail Strainer is a must-have kitchen accessory for those who love to mix and serve cocktails. It is made of premium quality 304 stainless steel, making it durable and rust-resistant. The strainer is ergonomically designed with a 5.1-inch rod handle and front rest loop, providing extra support when placed over a glass or cocktail shaker. Its conical shape and fine mesh make precise straining easy, perfect for straining drinks without causing any spills. This lightweight strainer is not just great for cocktails but also for filtering coffee grounds, sifting flour, or dusting baked goods. It is easy to clean and can be rinsed with water or popped in the dishwasher. With a lifetime guarantee from Zulay, you can strain, pour, and enjoy with confidence.

What We Like
Sturdy stainless steel construction
Easy to clean
Fine mesh for versatile use
Convenient handle length
Fits over cups and jars
What We Don't Like
Denser mesh slows some liquids
#TOP 8

COKUMA Stainless Steel Mini Strainer

Coffee Strainer
Silver
7.8*3.3
COKUMA Stainless Steel Mini Strainer Cover
Fine Mesh Strainers for Kitchen, COKUMA Stainless Steel Metal Hand Small Mini Sieve Strainer, Cocktail Strainer Tea Coffee Juice Strainer,Food Strainer with Handlle (3.35inch, Silver)

The COKUMA Mini Strainer is designed for precision straining, ensuring that only smooth liquids make it through. Its ultra-fine stainless steel mesh traps even the tiniest particles, giving you perfectly clear tea, coffee, or juice. Made from food-grade 304 stainless steel, it resists rust and stains, guaranteeing a long-lasting kitchen tool. The ergonomic handle offers a comfortable grip, making it easy to use without tiring your hands. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, allowing for effortless cleanup after your culinary creations.

What We Like
Sturdy quality construction
Very fine mesh
Easy to clean
Affordable price
Lightweight and easy to use
What We Don't Like
Slightly larger than expected
Small capacity for some uses
#TOP 9

SUNWUKIN Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Strainers

Sunwukin
SN-021-0001
Sw-Sliver
3.35 in Small
SUNWUKIN Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Strainers Cover
SUNWUKIN 304 Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Strainers for Kitchen, Colander-Skimmer with Handle, Sieve Sifters for Food, Tea, Rice, Oil, Noodles, Fruits, Vegetable

The SUNWUKIN 304 Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Strainers are made from high-quality food-grade 304 stainless steel and feature a sturdy outer framework and handle. The mirrored, burr-free wire mesh screen won't scratch your hand while cleaning, and they are easy to clean and dishwasher safe. These strainers are ideal for straining pasta, flour, sugars, coffee, and other dry items, allowing you to remove impurities. They are also lightweight, compact, and convenient for storing in a kitchen cupboard or hanging up for easy access.

What We Like
Fine mesh quality
Sturdy stainless steel construction
Comfortable handle
Easy to clean
Versatile kitchen use
What We Don't Like
Mesh could be slightly finer
Feels lightweight
#TOP 10

YLYL 3 Pcs Super Wire Extra Fine Mesh Strainer Set

00385
Silver
YLYL 3 Pcs Super Wire Extra Fine Mesh Strainer Set Cover
3Pcs Super Wire Extra Fine Mesh Strainer with Handle, Small Medium Large Size Sifter Metal Strainer Set, Stainless Steel Sieve Fine Mesh Strainers for Kitchen Rice Juice Quinoa Food Flour Baking YLYL

The YLYL 3 Pcs Super Wire Extra Fine Mesh Strainer Set includes three strainers with diameters of 3.15", 5.5", and 7.87". Made of high-quality, food-grade 304 stainless steel, they won't rust or bend and are perfect for sifting and straining wet or dry ingredients like rice, juice, quinoa, food, flour, baking, vegetables, tea, fruits, pasta, salad, gravy, coffee, and more. The strainers are easy to clean and store, thanks to their twill mesh and dishwasher-safe construction, and are backed by a satisfaction guarantee.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Extra fine mesh
Easy to clean
Multiple sizes
Good value
What We Don't Like
Slightly shallow large strainer
A little flimsy
Buying Guide Image

How to Choose The Right Food Strainers for Your Home

Introduction

Choosing the right food strainer can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it's important to know what to look for in order to make an informed decision. In this article, we will discuss the various types of food strainers and what to consider when choosing one.

Types of Food Strainers

There are several different types of food strainers available on the market. Some of the most common types include:

  • Mesh strainers: These strainers are made of a fine mesh screen and are typically used for straining liquids or small particles from food. They are often used for sifting flour or straining soup broth.

  • Chinois: A chinois is a conical strainer with a very fine mesh screen. It is used for straining purees and sauces to achieve a smooth consistency.

  • Colanders: Colanders are large, perforated bowls that are used for draining pasta or washing fruits and vegetables.

  • Food mills: Food mills are hand-cranked strainers that are used for pureeing and straining foods. They are often used for making baby food or pureeing tomatoes for sauce.

Factors to Consider

When choosing a food strainer, there are several factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Material: Food strainers are typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or silicone. Stainless steel is the most durable option, but it can be heavy and difficult to clean. Plastic strainers are lightweight and affordable, but they are not as durable as stainless steel. Silicone strainers are flexible and easy to clean, but they may not be as durable as other materials.

  • Size: The size of the strainer should be appropriate for the task at hand. A small mesh strainer may be sufficient for sifting flour, but a larger colander may be needed for draining a pot of pasta.

  • Sturdiness: The strainer should be sturdy enough to hold up to the task at hand. A flimsy strainer may bend or break under the weight of heavy foods, resulting in a messy kitchen.

  • Ease of use: The strainer should be easy to use and clean. A strainer with a long handle or a comfortable grip can make the task of straining foods much easier.

  • Price: The price of a food strainer can vary greatly, from a few dollars for a basic plastic strainer to several hundred dollars for a high-quality stainless steel chinois. Consider your budget and the frequency of use when deciding how much to spend on a food strainer.

Conclusion

Choosing the right food strainer can make a big difference in the kitchen. By considering the type, material, size, sturdiness, ease of use, and price, you can find the perfect strainer for your needs. With the right strainer, you can easily strain liquids, puree foods, and sift flour, resulting in delicious and well-prepared meals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the different types of food strainers?

There are various types of food strainers available, including fine mesh strainers, slotted strainers, heavy-duty strainers, vibrating strainers, silicone strainers, and stainless steel strainers. These strainers serve different purposes and can be used for various food preparation tasks, such as straining liquids or separating solids from liquids. Some strainers can also be used when drinking milk.

2. How do I choose a strainer?

When choosing a strainer, consider factors such as the type of filter, particle characteristics and size, connection size and type, material, maximum operating flow, operating pressure, pressure drop, and operating costs. These factors will help you select a strainer that is suitable for your specific needs and ensures efficient filtration or straining.

3. How do I know what size strainer I need?

The size of the strainer you need depends on the drain opening and depth of your sink. Typically, sink strainers range from 3-½ inches to 4-½ inches in diameter. It's important to choose the appropriate size to prevent leaks and ensure proper functioning. Consider the depth of your sink, which typically ranges between ⅛ inch to ⅜ inches, when selecting a strainer.

4. Is a basket strainer better than a tee strainer?

Both basket strainers and tee strainers have their advantages. Basket strainers provide a larger screen open area or filtration area, making them suitable for applications where a higher flow rate is required. Tee strainers, on the other hand, cause minimal disruption to the flow of fluid, resulting in a lower pressure drop. The choice between the two depends on the specific needs of your application.

Editor's Notes

During our food strainer research, we found 24 food strainer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 348,977 customer reviews through our big data system to write the food strainers list. We found that most customers choose food strainers with an average price of $11.38.

The food strainers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of food strainers, including Cuisinart, Winco, OXO, KAFOOR, GoodCook. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.

Food Strainers Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Cuisinart Winco OXO KAFOOR GoodCook Walfos Zulay Kitchen COKUMA Sunwukin YLYL
Material Stainless Steel Stainless Steel, Wood Plastic Normal Fine Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
Color Silver Silver Clear Silver Black & Silver 3pcs (2.7", 4.6", 7.8") Strainers Silver Silver Sw-Sliver Silver
Style Art Deco industrial 4 Cup Kitchen essentials - Fine Strainer ['strainer with handle'] 3pcs (2.7", 4.6", 7.8") Strainers Casual Mesh Strainer Classic,Mesh Strainers Mesh Strainers
Is Dishwasher Safe -
Item Weight 7 ounces 0.1 Pounds 0.27 Kilograms 7 ounces - 7.4 Ounces 1.44 ounces 0.03 Kilograms 0.18 Pounds 0.26 Pounds
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.6
Where to Buy