Fine Mesh Strainer Buying Guide

What Is It & Why You Need One

A fine mesh strainer (also called chinois if cone-shaped) strains liquids, rinses grains, sifts flour, and creates silky-smooth sauces by catching seeds, pulp, and fine particles. It's the difference between lumpy gravy and restaurant-quality smooth sauce.

Types

Fine Mesh Strainer (Most Versatile)

• Bowl or cone-shaped
• Tiny mesh holes
• Best for: Straining stocks, sauces, quinoa, tea
• Size: 6-8" diameter for home use

Chinois (Cone-Shaped)

• Professional style
• Very fine mesh or perforated
• Comes with pestle for pressing
• Best for: Smooth purées, professional sauces
• Overkill for most home cooks

Coarse Strainer/Colander

• Larger holes
• Best for: Pasta, vegetables
• Not what we're talking about here

Key Factors

1. Mesh Fineness

• Extra-fine: 200+ holes per square inch - smoothest results, slower drainage
• Fine: 100-200 holes - good balance
• Coarse: <100 holes - faster but less effective

For most uses: Fine mesh (100-200) is the sweet spot

2. Material

Stainless Steel (RECOMMENDED)

• Rust-resistant
• Dishwasher safe
• Durable
• Won't stain
• Standard choice

Avoid: Plastic (stains, warps), cheap metals (rust)

3. Size

Small (3-4"): Tea, single servings Medium (6-8"): Perfect for home kitchens, most tasks Large (10-12"): Professional kitchens, big batches Recommendation: 6-8" handles 95% of home cooking needs

4. Construction Quality

Handle:

• Should be welded or riveted (not crimped - fails quickly)
• Long enough for leverage
• Comfortable grip
• Hook for hanging on pot rim

Frame:

• One-piece construction best
• Solid, no wobble
• Reinforced rim

Mesh:

• Tightly woven
• No gaps or tears
• Securely attached to frame

5. Features

Hook/Rest:

• Fits over bowls and pots
• Essential for hands-free straining

Handle Design:

• Some have support brace under mesh
• Prevents sagging/failure

Depth:

• Deeper basket = more capacity
• 3-4" depth is good

What To Look For (AGC Likely Limited)

AGC Equipment appears to have limited fine mesh strainer selection (mostly cocktail strainers). You'll need to look elsewhere for quality kitchen strainers.

Top Recommendations

Best Overall: Rosle Fine Mesh Strainer ($40-60 AUD)

• German quality
• 18/10 stainless steel
• ~14" total length
• Reinforced construction
• Hook for pot hanging
• Worth the investment

Budget Option: IKEA IDEALISK ($15-20 AUD)

• 7" diameter
• Stainless steel
• Fine mesh
• Good value for occasional use

Premium: OXO Good Grips ($35-45 AUD)

• Comfortable non-slip handle
• Fine stainless mesh
• Dishwasher safe
• Soft grip handle

What Should You Pay?

Price	Quality
-------	---------
$10-20	Basic but functional (IKEA)
$30-50	Quality brands (OXO, Rosle), will last decades
$60-100	Premium/chinois, professional

Buying Options in Australia

Kitchen Warehouse

• Multiple brands
• Various sizes
• Free shipping >$100

Peter's of Kensington

• Premium brands
• Rosle, OXO selection

IKEA

• Budget option
• IDEALISK strainer ~$15
• Works fine for most needs

Amazon Australia

• Various brands
• Read reviews carefully

AGC Equipment Note

AGC has limited strainer selection (mainly small cocktail strainers, not kitchen strainers). You'll need to purchase a fine mesh strainer separately from Kitchen Warehouse, Peter's, or IKEA.

Making the Decision

Choose OXO or Rosle ($35-60) if:

• Cook frequently
• Make sauces, stocks
• Want tool that lasts 20+ years
• Recommended for serious home cooks

Choose IKEA IDEALISK ($15-20) if:

• Occasional use
• Budget conscious
• First strainer
• Can always upgrade later

Skip if:

• You never make stocks or sauces
• Only need pasta straining (use colander)
• Very limited storage space

Uses You Might Not Know

• Sift flour for baking (no lumps)
• Rinse quinoa (prevents bitterness)
• Strain homemade nut milk
• Remove seeds from berry sauces
• Dust powdered sugar on desserts
• Wash small berries (blueberries slip through colander)
• Drain canned goods

Care Tips

• Rinse immediately after use (prevents clogging)
• Dishwasher safe (most stainless)
• For stuck particles: Soak in warm soapy water, scrub from inside out
• Hang to dry

The Bottom Line

Best Buy: OXO Good Grips Fine Mesh Strainer ($35-45)

• Quality construction
• Comfortable handle
• Will last decades
• Good size for home use

Budget: IKEA IDEALISK ($15-20)

• Adequate for occasional use
• Good starter option

Note: Can't bundle with AGC order - buy separately from Kitchen Warehouse or IKEA.

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Last updated: October 2025