Top 11 Best Chinois Strainer Reviews

Does the recipe for the chicken stock call for straining?

Whenever we need to strain – whether for a sauce, or a puree – what we normally use is a bowl-shaped strainer. What we don’t know is that we can still yield better results if only given the right kitchen tools.

Meet the chinois. It’s a conical-shaped traditional kitchen tool with a mesh that’s super fine, giving you better and smoother straining results. Chinois is a French adjective that means Chinese.

Interested yet?

Here, we give you 11 of the best chinois strainers to get your hands on ASAP.

No need to fret. We’ll be here to guide you.

Top 5 Best Chinois Strainer For Your Kitchen – Editor’s Pick:

Top 11 Chinois Strainer On The Market

What we are looking for are strainers that are durable, easy to care for, and those that deliver great straining results. Here are 11 of the best there is.

1. Cuisinart CTG -00-3MS Set of Three Fine Mesh Stainless Steel Strainers

First on our list is a set of three high-quality strainers that are worth your while.

These strainers come in different sizes that you can use in various tasks. For example, the largest of the three can be used for draining water from fruits and vegetables.

It can also be used for draining pasta or washing rice or other grains. The smallest of the bunch can be used for a multitude of tasks and can even be used as a tea infuser.

The largest of the set can support about 8-10 oz of pasta. It is large enough to drain food that’s good enough for when you’re cooking for the whole family.

These can also be used to sift your flour and other dry ingredients when baking. The stainless steel strainer is built with an edge that is sealed so well. In fact, it is so tightly sealed that the smaller bits of food do not get stuck in the edges. We know we always have a hard time getting these bits of food out when washing.

The strainers are made of high-quality materials. And while it is lightweight, you can always be assured of its durability.

Also, the large handle has a hook attached to it. This gives you additional support. With the hook in place, you can easily hang the strainers by the sink or anywhere near your stove – remaining easily accessible when you need them.

Not only is this convenient with its many uses, but the strainers are also dishwasher safe. It’s comfortable, easy to use, and is just perfect for your demanding culinary needs.

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2. U.S. Kitchen Supply Extra Fine Twill Mesh Stainless Steel Conical Strainers

From a company that has given the world a wide array of high-quality kitchen essentials, here is a set of amazing chinois strainers. These extra fine mesh conical strainers are just right for sifting your dry ingredients and straining your wet ingredients.

The set includes 3 strainers of varying sizes. With the different sizes, you can rest assured of being able to strain/sift ingredients depending on the amount of food you are going to cook. The mesh is also made of an extra-fine wire that’s rustproof. It also has a durable double thick twill weave that will prevent the screen from bending.

The double thick twill structure is also able to catch fine particles and provide for great performance, especially in sifting dry ingredients.

It is built with a very durable handle and resting ears. With the resting ears in place, you can now hang your strainers in a place accessible for you when you need it. Either you hang the strainers by the kitchen walls, or you can also stack all three together. Doing so saves you space in the kitchen.

The strainers are also built with sealed steel rims to avoid bits and pieces of food from getting stuck between the mesh and the rim. And speaking of food getting stuck, cleaning is easy. These are dishwasher-safe.

Durable, fine, and of great quality – these are just three of the many words that can describe this set of chinois strainers.

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3. New Star Foodservice 42566 3-Piece Stainless Steel Chinois Strainer Set

Here’s another set of strainers that may be worth your while.

Made from stainless steel fine mesh, this set comes with three strainers. The strainers are built with a stand that would allow you to strain without a fuss. Other strainers require you to hold the handle with one hand and pour the liquid with the other.

In this strainer, both hands can focus on pouring the liquid from the pot. This eliminates splatters and messy accidents in the kitchen.

The strainer is also built with an assist handle that enables it to rest on pots and large bowls. This works well, especially when blanching meats and vegetables or when deep frying.

Its handle, however, is something that needs to be improved. It’s a little bit sharp on the edges, and the comfort level when one holds the strainer may not be at par as compared to the others.

The set also comes with a wooden pestle. Now, the pestle is a game-changer as it is quite useful, especially when you need to press food through the mesh. This would be perfect for when you need to mash berries or any other fruit for your compotes.

While we greatly appreciate the inclusion of the pestle in this set, there needs to be work done on the size of the pestle versus the mesh. It does not fit well. We think this is a minor issue, but this is something that can be improved on.

Overall, the quality is OK. This may not be the best out there in terms of quality as there are others that are far more superior, but this brand can give you years of wonderful memories with you in the kitchen.

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4. LiveFresh Stainless Mesh Strainer Set

If you’re shopping for mid-range chinois strainers, this next entry may be your best choice.

This chinois strainer is a top choice for chefs, but it doesn’t mean you can’t get this as a home cook as well.

Built with a stainless steel fine mesh, this strainer is made with BPA-free materials that are FDA-tested and should last you through the heaviest kitchen jobs.

The materials are durable. You can make use of this in your steaming or blanching needs. You can also use this as a fry basket. It works well without the strainer falling apart or losing its shape.

This set of three strainers allows you to work on your straining, sifting, or sieving needs without a hassle. It comes in three sizes, and each size can be used for various kitchen jobs.

The large ones can strain your fruits and vegetables. It can also hold your pasta. The smaller ones can work with quinoa, rice, or other grains. The mesh is so fine that you don’t have to worry about wasting small ingredients like quinoa ever again.

It’s also made with a heat-resistant rubberized grip, which allows you to hold on to the strainer even when it’s getting too hot. We assure you, you won’t feel a thing. It is built sturdily with a resting hook that allows the strainer to rest on cups, pots, or the sink while you do other things.

If there’s one thing we think needs improvement, it is that the resting hooks are narrow and may not work as well as that of the other brands in terms of stability and balance.

Aside from that, all is good.

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5. HIC Harold Import Co. 43657 Chinois Fine-Mesh Sieve

Another great option is this chinois strainer from HIC Harold. The chinois strainer is built with quality in mind. It features an 18/8 stainless-steel structure that can absolutely endure many years of constant use in the kitchen.

Its construction is excellent, with the perforations small enough to allow only the liquid to smoothly pass through when straining. All solids, no matter how small, are retained by the strainer – no seeds, skins, or whatever goes through.

Aside from the hook, this is also built with a stand. The stand makes it easier for you to rest the strainer and drain excess water from your ingredients without harming the mesh. This stand also allows you to do other things in the kitchen while the ingredients drain.

It is easy to use. Aside from that, this is also very easy to store. Washing and cleaning the strainer is easy and convenient. If you so choose, you can also just toss this in the dishwasher and spend more time doing other things.

If there is one thing about this chinois strainer that needs working on, it is the handle. The wires that make up the handle can be uncomfortable, especially if you have already been using it for some time now. When this part of the construction gets improved, this would be perfect.

But we must say, this is still a good choice. Aside from the concern of the strainer’s handle, there is nothing much that could pull this strainer down, quality-wise. Thus, this would be worth your bucks.

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6. Shangpeixuan Bouillon 10.5-Inch Chinois Strainer

With its 10 1/2” fine China cap strainer, this beauty is ideal for keeping anything solid out of your stocks and purees. Its design is amazing and results in ease and convenience when it comes to food preparation.

This chinois strainer is made from durable, thickened aluminum. Its construction and design allow the strainer to maintain its shape even when straining liquids of thicker consistencies.

Plus, its conical shape makes it easier to funnel your liquids into your containers, no matter how small the opening of the container is. This allows you for mess-free food preparation in your kitchens.

It has a capacity of 5 quarts, and its holes are large enough for smoother straining of liquids but small enough to keep the solids out of the stocks and sauces.

While we may consider the strainer for home-use, you have to know, however, that this is ideal for food preps of larger quantities; sort of like cooking for the whole family or in a restaurant. If you are cooking for yourself, this may be too large for you.

The strainer can rest on stock pots and can work with hands-free straining. Its handle is professionally-welded, contributing to its durability. It’s easy to clean and can be air-dried or easily wiped with a rag.

One thing that needs to be improved is the drainage holes. The drilling of the holes is not as perfect as those of other brands and may sometimes have a little bit of a sharp edge to it. If the manufacturers can smoothen this out, this would be perfect.

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7. Onesource NEW, 8-inch Depth, China Cap Chinoise Strainer

This strainer from Onesource speaks of good-quality all throughout. It is made of stainless steel and is built well. The strainer is durable and is ideal for soups, sauces, purees, and stocks.

Also, this chinois strainer consists of a 10-inch handle and a strainer that is about 8 inches deep. The size is pretty regular. It can be used for food preparation, which is normally reserved for the whole family. However, while the size is regular, its design has something that needs to be improved.

For starters, it takes a significant amount of space during storage. You may hang this, alright, but it would still take up space in your kitchen counter. The small piece of metal that connects the perforated panels together can be a bit sharp. If this can be smoothened out, this would be better.

Finally, the mesh is really just punched holes in the metal. While this may work for some, it may not work for the others.

This may not be ideal, especially if you are looking for a strainer for sieving purposes or if you prefer a strainer that you can use to smoothen out your ground spices. But if you are on the lookout for a strainer to separate larger pieces of meat from the stock, this is an ideal choice.

While we have a few concerns about this brand, this is still a pretty decent choice. It banks mostly on its durability above all else. If the manufacturers fix the concerns we’ve pointed out, this would be one of the best strainers to look out for.

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8. Spring Chef Premium Fine Mesh

This strainer is built with a fine mesh that gives you durability and superior straining performance for a long period of time. The strong fine mesh is ideal for rinsing fruits and vegetables. It is built with thick gauge steel that enables it to handle heavy loads of food.

The mesh is also fine enough to be able to rinse grains, rice, pasta, and even smaller solids like quinoa. Its handles are long and can easily be hooked into your kitchen counter or anywhere that’s accessible. As such, there is no need for you to run around just to grab your strainer from somewhere.

Balancing the strainer on pots, bowls, or even mugs is easy for hands-free straining. Rest assured, you will be getting less or no mess at all in your kitchen during straining jobs. Not only do you get rid of the mess, but you also get the most out of your ingredients as none of them splatters down the drain.

These strainers come in three sizes, and each of them has a different purpose. It is not shallow, unlike the other strainers in the market. The smallest of the three is 3 inches deep, the medium-sized one is 5.5 inches deep, while the largest of them all is pegged at 8 inches deep.

For infusing loose tea leaves or coffee grounds, you can use the smallest of the three. The medium-sized strainer can be used for sifting flour or sugar, while the largest of the three can serve as a colander through which you can drain your pasta or noodles.

It is dishwasher safe, and so cleaning is as easy as pie.

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9. Restaurantware China Cap Strainer

One of the best chinois strainers on our list is the one from Restaurantware. If you are looking for one that is durable and could last you for years of regular use, this may be your best bet.

Just like the others, the chinois strainer is made of durable stainless steel that’s cone-shaped. It is attached to a hook that can be used to hang the strainer when not in use. When hooking the strainer on your kitchen counter is not possible, this can also be easily stored elsewhere.

This kind of strainer is made with holes that are just of the right enough size for liquids to smoothly pass through. On the other hand, these holes are small enough to capture seeds and other solids when making sauces, stocks, or purees.

Plus, aside from its straining capabilities, this can also be used when deep-frying, which is very convenient.

One of the things that we have noticed, however, is how the holes are sized. There seem to be some inconsistencies with its sizes, with some coming in a teeny-weeny bit larger than the others.

Although these do not really affect the straining performance as a whole, it would help to have these sizes consistent. A minor concern, but it needs some attention from the manufacturers, nonetheless.

In terms of its size, its regular-sized strainer may look a bit smaller, but it is sized just right. If you go one level higher in terms of size, it would already be too big; the kinds you use in restaurants or large gatherings.

Aside from these concerns, the strainers are just perfect.

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10. Farm to Table 5292 Chinois Set

Just like any other chinois strainer set, this one here includes durable 18/8 stainless steel strainers that are also ideal for your sieving and straining needs. It also comes with a wooden pestle plus a chrome stand, which makes straining more convenient and hassle-free.

These strainers are built with a fine mesh and an assist handle that would enable you to rest the strainer on pots or large bowls while you attend to other things. We think these features are pretty basic, but what sets this apart is the cost.

For the cost of another brand’s single strainer, you get three with this brand, give or take a few dollars.

The set is made up of three strainers with sizes ranging from 7 inches to 9.5 inches. Like any other strainer, you can make use of these strainers in various ways. The smallest of all three can work as a tea infuser, the medium sized as a sifter, and a colander for the largest of the three.

All three strainers are of great quality and hold well even with food of heavier weight.

There is something you need to know, though. While this is dishwasher safe, the dishwasher can only do so much. To thoroughly clean the strainers, you may have to consider hand washing. The same goes for the chrome stand and the wooden pestle, which need to be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

The required intensity of the handwashing, however, is low. Overall, the strainer set is a practical investment for a kitchen tool that is essential to everyday cooking.

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 11. Rösle Stainless Steel Conical Strainer

From a reputable German manufacturer comes a chinois strainer that, while a bit pricey, delivers the standard we all have been dreaming of.

Meet the strainer from Rösle.

This strainer is made of 18/10 stainless steel construction. The mesh is finely perforated all throughout. It has a wide rest and sturdy handle. The handle is also long enough for you to be able to reach the food you’re cooking while keeping your hand away from the steam.

It is sturdy and durable and could last you for many years of regular use. The quality of this strainer is so top-notch you will not be looking at other brands ever again. It works really well with different tasks like sifting, straining, sieving, and even frying. This German-made strainer has a capacity of 1.6 quarts.

Cleaning is easy, as this is dishwasher safe. Once washed, air dry the strainer to retain its quality. We noticed, however, that when air drying, there is a need for you to pat the strainer at least once or twice to whisk the excess water away from the perforations.

 

And the other thing you need to know is that this is pretty much expensive. But if you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks for great quality, you must go for this.

The strainer has a sturdy rim construction, a comfortable handle, and delivers great quality on its straining performance. It is no wonder this chinois strainer is rated so high by America’s Test Kitchen.

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Chinois Strainer Comparison Table

What to Look for Before Buying?

While we know you are itching to purchase your chinois kitchen strainer right now, there may be a few things you need to know. Let’s ensure you are very well guided before your purchase. Below are a few things you need to consider.

• If Possible, Get a Set Instead of a Single Strainer

Who doesn’t want a great deal?

When purchasing your chinois strainer, if possible, go for a set instead of just getting one. A set is composed of three strainers of varying sizes. One should be small, the other medium, and the other large.

With that in place, you get to make use of these strainers in many different ways. The smaller one can be tea infuser or can be used for coffee. You can make use of the medium-sized strainer for sifting while the larger ones can be used as a colander or for straining huge quantities of food.

• The Handle

The handle can make or break your strainer’s performance.

When choosing a chinois strainer, go for the one that’s comfortable to hold. It should not cause pain in your hand and should allow you to use the strainer with ease and convenience.

As such, look for ones that have long and wide handles. It should be wide enough to hold the weight and long enough to keep your hand out of the heat.

• The Mesh

A high-quality chinois strainer means it has a fine mesh.

This can ensure that the solids, even the tiniest ones, get separated from the liquid when straining.

It is also easier to clean than regular mesh.

• How Deep Is the Strainer?

The depth of your strainer would also depend on how much you are going to use it. And the manner in which you are going to use the strainer would play a role in choosing what would work best.

For example, if you plan on using the strainer for sifting, make sure that you get the one that is deep enough. A shallow strainer used for sifting may not be as effective as the deeper ones. If you plan on doing a lot of straining, you may go for a deeper, cone-shaped strainer.

Its shape would make it easier for you to strain the liquid from the pot to the storage container.

However, do not go for strainers that are very deep. It would be harder to clean.

Frequently Asked Question

We know you have additional questions. To know the answers, read on.

Q: What is a chinois strainer?

Answer: Chinois strainers are sieves that are conical in shape. It is usually made with a very, very fine mesh that is being used to strain liquids to be used for sauces, soups, purees, custards, and the likes. The result is always liquid, which is very smooth in texture.

Q: What’s the difference between a strainer and a colander?

Answer: A strainer is anything that is made of fine mesh and shaped like a bowl or cone. It comes in many sizes. And as the name itself implies, it is used for straining.

Colanders are large strainers that are bowl-shaped. They usually (although not all the time) have larger holes as well.

Q: What difference does it make to use a chinois strainer versus a regular one?

It is in the texture of your soups and purees. Chinois strainers tend to give you sauces that are smoother in texture as compared to those that have been strained using regular strainers.

Q: How do you use a chinois sieve?

First, have your liquid go through the chinois strainer to separate the solids from the liquid.

For fruits and vegetables that are larger in size and remain in the strainers, you may need the help of a wooden pestle to force them through the mesh.

The result is liquid that is smoother in texture, ideal for soups and purees.

Q: What is a China cap?

In terms of its functions, China caps are similar to chinois strainers. The only difference is that China caps tend to give out outputs that are coarser in texture. Liquids that pass through the chinois are smoother.

Final Words

Chinois strainers are just one of the kitchen tools mostly ignored by home cooks. Sadly, this is true despite the fact that they make our lives in the kitchen easier and hassle-free.

Don’t make that mistake. We have already given you the best chinois strainers out there.

Go choose one (or two) and get cooking!