Tools used for straining and draining play an essential role in every kitchen. Whether you are washing vegetables, draining pasta, separating solids from liquids, or removing excess oil from fried food, the right tools make cooking easier and more efficient. From simple colanders to fine mesh strainers, these kitchen essentials help improve texture, flavor, and presentation. Moreover, they save time and reduce mess during food preparation. In this article, we will explore different tools used for straining and draining that are commonly found in both home and professional kitchens.
List of 40 Tools used for straining and draining
- Colander
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Sieve
- Tea Strainer
- Flour Sifter
- Spider Strainer (Skimmer)
- Slotted Spoon
- Slotted Spatula
- Slotted Turner
- Pasta Strainer
- Salad Spinner
- Cheesecloth
- Nut Milk Bag
- Chinois (Conical Strainer)
- Food Mill
- Soup Strainer
- Strainer Bowl
- Draining Basket
- Steam Basket
- Frying Basket
Tools used for straining and draining with pictures
- Colander
A bowl-shaped tool with holes used to drain pasta, vegetables, and washed foods.
- Fine Mesh Strainer
A small strainer with very fine wire mesh used to filter sauces, tea, or juice.
- Sieve
A mesh tool used to separate solids from liquids or sift dry ingredients.
- Tea Strainer
A small handheld strainer used to remove tea leaves from brewed tea.
- Flour Sifter
A tool used to aerate and remove lumps from flour.
- Spider Strainer (Skimmer)
A wide, shallow mesh scoop used to remove food from hot oil or water.
- Slotted Spoon
A spoon with holes that allows liquid to drain while lifting solid food.
- Slotted Spatula
A flat utensil with slots used to lift and drain fried foods.
- Slotted Turner
A broad tool with openings used for flipping and draining food while cooking.
- Pasta Strainer
A specialized strainer designed specifically for draining cooked pasta.
- Salad Spinner
A container that spins to remove excess water from washed greens.
- Cheesecloth
A thin cotton cloth used for straining stocks, cheese, and yogurt.
- Nut Milk Bag
A fabric bag used to strain homemade nut milk or juices.
- Chinois (Conical Strainer)
A cone-shaped fine mesh strainer used for smooth sauces and soups.
- Food Mill
A manual tool that purees and strains food at the same time.
- Soup Strainer
A strainer used to separate broth from solid ingredients.
- Strainer Bowl
A bowl with small holes used for rinsing fruits, vegetables, and draining water easily.
- Draining Basket
A perforated basket used for rinsing and draining food items.
- Steam Basket
A basket insert that allows food to steam while water drains below.
- Frying Basket
A wire basket used to lift and drain fried food from hot oil.
Tools used for straining and draining in kitchen
- Oil Strainer Pot
- Juice Strainer
- Coffee Filter
- Paper Towel (for draining oil)
- Tofu Press (for draining water)
- Yogurt Strainer
- Canning Funnel with Strainer
- Ice Scoop with Holes
- Perforated Baking Tray
- Steamer Insert
- Double Boiler Insert with Holes
- Berry Colander
- Collapsible Colander
- Sink Strainer
- Gravy Strainer
- Rice Washer Bowl
- Drip Tray
- Perforated Spoon
- Metal Mesh Basket
- Straining Lid (Pot Lid with Holes)
Straining and Draining Tools used in kitchen
- Oil Strainer Pot
A pot with a built-in strainer for filtering used cooking oil.
- Juice Strainer
A mesh tool used to remove pulp and seeds from juice.
- Coffee Filter
Paper or mesh filter used to strain coffee grounds from brewed coffee.
- Paper Towel
Absorbent paper used to drain excess oil from fried foods.
- Tofu Press
A device used to remove extra water from tofu blocks.
- Yogurt Strainer
A mesh container used to thicken yogurt by draining whey.
- Canning Funnel with Strainer
A funnel with mesh used to filter liquids while filling jars.
- Ice Scoop with Holes
A scoop with perforations that drains melted water from ice.
- Perforated Baking Tray
A baking tray with holes that allow air circulation and drainage.
- Steamer Insert
An insert with holes placed inside a pot for steaming and draining.
- Double Boiler Insert with Holes
An upper insert that allows gentle cooking while separating liquids.
- Berry Colander
A small colander designed for washing and draining berries.
- Collapsible Colander
A foldable colander that drains food and saves storage space.
- Sink Strainer
A small mesh device placed in the sink to catch food particles.
- Gravy Separator
A container that separates excess fat from gravy.
- Rice Washer Bowl
A bowl with drainage holes used for rinsing and draining rice.
- Drip Tray
A tray placed under food to collect excess liquid or oil.
- Perforated Spoon
A spoon with small holes used to lift and drain food.
- Metal Mesh Basket
A sturdy wire basket used for draining fried or boiled foods.
- Straining Lid (Pot Lid with Holes)
A lid with built-in holes that allows liquid to drain without removing the lid.
