Colanders and strainers

Kitchen sieves, strainers and colanders are the utensils for straining, filtering, draining and sifting food day to day. In this category you'll find chinois strainers, spherical and half-ball strainers, mesh sieves, sink and pot drainers, potato drainers, salad spinners, sifters and straining cloths, made from 18/10 stainless steel, reinforced mesh, folding silicone and 100% cotton.

Types of sieve, strainer and colander

Each kitchen task calls for a different utensil, so it's worth knowing the main families:

Chinois strainers

The chinois has a conical shape and fine mesh. It's the go-to utensil for straining sauces, stocks, creams and purées to leave them lump-free. It comes with a wooden pestle or mallet to press the food against the mesh, and a steel support triangle to rest it over the pot.

Spherical and half-ball strainers

Spherical strainers and half-ball strainers are used to rinse pulses, drain pasta or wash vegetables. The 18/10 stainless steel models with hard-wearing mesh stand up to heavy-duty use in catering.

Drainers and colanders

For the sink there are extendable and roll-up drainers; for cooking, pot drainers and inserts and potato drainers. Salad spinners drain the leaves with a crank or spinning action and leave them ready to dress.

Sieves, straining cloths and gravy separators

Cotton straining cloths and Superbag-style bags filter stocks, plant-based milks and cheesemaking preparations. The gravy separator jugs and fat separators remove fat from stocks and roasts with ease.

Materials and brands

18/10 stainless steel is the most durable material: it resists corrosion, doesn't transfer flavours and cleans up well. Folding silicone saves space, and the cotton of the straining cloths is reusable and food safe. We work with specialist brands such as Lacor, Ibili, Pujadas, Gefu, Inoxibar, Ilsa, Westmark and Joseph Joseph, with ranges for both the home and professional use.

Frequently asked questions about sieves, strainers and colanders

What's the difference between a chinois and a spherical strainer?

The chinois is conical with a very fine mesh, designed to refine sauces, creams and purées. The spherical or half-ball strainer has a rounded shape and is used to rinse and drain foods such as pasta, pulses or vegetables.

Which is the best material for a strainer?

18/10 stainless steel is the strongest and most durable, doesn't rust and is suitable for professional use. Folding silicone is handy for kitchens with little space, and cotton cloths are ideal for filtering fine liquids.

What is a straining cloth or Superbag used for?

It's used to filter stocks, clarify liquids, make plant-based milks and produce fresh cheeses. Made from cotton, it's reusable and lets you drain and press food.

What does a salad spinner do?

It spins the water off washed salad leaves and vegetables using a crank or spinning system, leaving them dry so the dressing sticks better.

Are there strainers suitable for professional use?

Yes. The professional ranges from Lacor and Pujadas in 18/10 stainless steel with reinforced mesh are designed for continuous use in catering and hospitality.