Cuisinart CTG-00-3MS Easy Clean Strainer Set, 3-Piece

The key to making delicious meals is having all the right tools on hand. One of those tools drains water off of food while also keeping the food intact. You can do this through the use of a bowl, also known as a colander, but a colander is best for letting water go down the drain. If you need to save the water, as in the case of draining off broth from meat, you’ll need something with a smaller surface area.

A sieve is smaller than a colander and has a handle to let you hold it over a measuring cup or bowl. You simply put the sieve in place and drop the food in. The liquid will drain into the receptacle beneath it, ready for use now or save for a later recipe. Sieves are equipped with a mesh strainer, complete with holes of varying sizes. If you choose a sieve with a fine mesh, you’ll be able to drain smaller food particles without worrying about them falling through.

In addition to size, colanders and sieves also differ dramatically in their build. While a colander typically has large holes evenly spaced throughout, a sieve uses mesh to strain items. In either case, you can drain liquid off, but the fineness of the mesh makes it easier for sorting smaller items.

There are many uses for a sieve. You can buy them in varying sizes, so in a pinch, you can use them for draining water off pasta and rice. Still, a colander is better for those purposes. You’ll often use a sieve for smaller items. They come in handy for sifting flour, for instance. The smallest types of sieves can even be used to infuse tea. If you want this type of versatility, look for a sieve that comes in a set with varying sizes to ensure you always have on hand what you need.

• Sieves come in multiple builds. You’ll find many that have round, bowl-type shapes, but there are also some that come in a cone-shaped design. A cone-shaped sieve is known as a chinois and is best for straining soups, sauces, puree and other foods that need extra straining.
• Most handle-equipped strainers have a hook on the opposite side from the handle. That hook is designed to help you set the item down on a bowl or other receptacle, giving you hands-free operation.
• The handle itself is a notable feature. While comfort is important because it makes it easier to hold the strainer without discomfort, a non-slip surface handle is even more valuable. It will help you avoid dropping your food while you’re straining it.
• Some sieves have a rim that keeps the liquid from spilling over the top. This will come in handy while you’re moving your foods from the stove to the sink or counter to strain.
• You’ll likely want a strainer you can easily clean. Stainless steel is the preferred material for sieves, providing not only durability but also allowing you to clean it in the dishwasher without having to worry about rust or warping.
• If you plan to clean your sieve in the dishwasher, make sure the handle is heat resistant.
• You may also want to invest in a pestle, which will let you mash ingredients while they’re draining. Some sieves come with a pestle.
• If you buy a cone-shaped sieve, a stand can come in handy. Otherwise, you’ll have to hold it once it’s filled or set it atop a cup or bowl.
• Sieves come in a wide variety of sizes. You can get them as large as 9 inches in diameter, making them perfect for draining entire bowls full of foods like quinoa and rice. If you don’t have a colander, a sieve can also serve as a handy backup for rinsing fruits and vegetables.