Kitchen Tools

A strainer can be substituted for a colander, and because it is finer than a colander, it can also be used to remove particles from thick sauces and more. It also usually offers the benefit of having a handle. The difference is that it is not usually self-standing, which makes it a little less convenient for collecting and cleaning vegetables and fruit.

You can buy multiple kinds which all will work great for you. I have a couple of strainers called china cap strainers, which I find most convenient. The reasons for this are simple. Since they have a triangular shape, they can stay upright in the sink to drain. The triangular shape is also convenient for faster cooling part of your ingredients after draining (this is especially helpful with pasta), while draining over a wide colander has the opposite effect. I find a strainer which has the diameter between 8 – 10” most convenient for households.