Kitchen Strainers

Commercial Kitchen Strainers

Commercial kitchen strainers are smallwares for food preparation that separate liquids, remove solids, and improve ingredient consistency in restaurants, bakeries, cafeterias, and catering operations. Different types of kitchen strainers support tasks ranging from refining sauces and stocks to draining pasta and rinsing ingredients, helping kitchens maintain efficient food preparation workflows.

What are the Types of Kitchen Strainers?

Types of kitchen strainers include china cap & bouillon strainers, mesh strainers, and pasta strainers. Each type serves a specific filtration or drainage function, from removing large solids in stocks to producing smooth sauces and draining cooked pasta.

• China Cap & Bouillon Strainers: China cap and bouillon strainers feature a conical design that directs liquids through a concentrated filtration point. China caps use perforated metal or coarse mesh to remove seeds, herbs, bones, and other large particles, while bouillon strainers (chinois) use ultra-fine mesh to produce smooth stocks, sauces, custards, and purées.
• Mesh Strainers: Mesh strainers feature a round basket and woven mesh construction for everyday food preparation. Single-mesh models handle light-duty sifting and rinsing; double-mesh designs provide additional strength for filtering thick sauces, fruit pulps, herbs, spices, flour, and powdered sugar.
• Pasta Strainers: Pasta strainers feature deep baskets designed for repeated use in boiling water. Commercial kitchens use these strainers to cook, blanch, and drain pasta or vegetables directly from stockpots, improving portion control and reducing handling during high-volume service.

How to Buy the Best Kitchen Strainers

Evaluate size, mesh density, construction, shape, and functional features to purchase the best kitchen strainers.

• Choose the right size: Match the strainer diameter to the volume of ingredients being prepared. Commercial kitchen strainers range from 2 in (5.08 cm) models for beverages and garnishes to 13 in (33.02 cm) models for stockpots.
• Select the proper mesh density: Choose the filtration level based on the desired texture and clarity. Coarse mesh removes larger particles quickly, while fine and extra-fine mesh create smoother sauces, stocks, custards, and purées. Double-mesh designs provide additional reinforcement.
• Prioritize durable materials: Choose stainless steel kitchen strainers for long-term commercial performance. Reinforced frames and welded handles further improve durability.
• Match the shape to the application: Identify the strainer design that best fits the preparation task. Round strainers support general food preparation, conical models improve precision filtering, and deep cylindrical basket strainers simplify pasta cooking.
• Look for functional features: Verify that the strainer includes features that improve efficiency and handling. Pan hooks support hands-free operation, hanging holes simplify storage, reinforced handles increase durability, and NSF-certified construction supports food safety compliance.

Chef's Deal offers kitchen strainers from trusted manufacturers, Brown USA, CAC China, TableCraft Products, Thunder Group, Winco, and more. Browse kitchen strainers alongside kitchen colanders, mixing bowls, food preparation trays, measuring cups, food storage containers, and other commercial smallwares to equip every prep station efficiently.