strainer

A strainer is a device used to separate solids from liquids or to remove solid particles from a mixture by allowing liquid to pass through a perforated or porous surface. Strainers come in various sizes and shapes and can be handheld or fixed in place. They are often categorized with sieves, colanders, and filters, but the term typically refers to reusable devices designed to retain solids while permitting liquid to flow through.

Common kitchen strainers include fine-mesh metal or nylon screens set in a frame, conical sieves with a mesh surface, and perforated bowls such as colanders. Specialty varieties include chinois strainers for very fine work, tea strainers for removing leaves, and cocktail strainers used to trap ice and solid particles. In industrial and laboratory settings, strainers such as basket strainers, inline strainers, and Y-strainers serve to separate solids from liquids in piping and process streams.

Materials range from stainless steel and other metals to heat-resistant plastics and silicone. A good strainer has a rigid frame or rim and a durable mesh or perforated surface sized for its intended use. Maintenance depends on the type: metal strainers are often hand-washed and dried promptly to prevent corrosion, while silicone and plastic variants may be dishwasher-safe.

Common kitchen uses include draining pasta, rinsing grains, straining stocks or sauces, and removing seeds or pulp. Beverage uses include steeping and filtering tea or infusing cocktails, while bartenders use dedicated strainers to remove ice and solids. In professional settings, strainers help clarify liquids and separate solids in various processing steps.