The 7 Best Soup Strainers
This wiki has been updated 30 times since it was first published in February of 2016. While strainers are, of course, great for soups, some have larger openings well suited for homemade jams, compotes, salsas, and sauces that call for a heartier consistency. Cone-shaped, chinois-style models are ideal for gazpacho, savory broths, and bouillon, which require a smooth finish. Our selection features options with a variety of mesh sizes, with choices suitable for every budget. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Matfer 17360 Exoglass Bouillon
2. Cuisinart Set of 3
3. RSVP Endurance
Editor's Notes
August 02, 2019:
Just like any cook needs a colander for draining water from pasta, rice, and vegetables, anyone who makes stock or broth requires a sturdy soup strainer. These feature small holes to let the cooked liquid flow through while retaining any vegetables, bone, or other items you don’t want in your finished product.
Several new additions come on board in this update. With the Cuisinart Set of 3, you’re always likely to have the proper size strainer on hand for any job. They feature durable, stainless steel mesh and can be counted on for making teas, sauces, and soups. And, cleaning them is a breeze, as they’re conveniently dishwasher safe. They’re made for the long haul, and they come in at well under $15, so you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck.
The conical RSVP Endurance is a five-inch solution for straining tea, gravy, juice, and more. It has an elegant polished silver finish that won’t dull or rust; and it’s not just a pretty face, as it stands up to frequent use, with a long, easy-grip handle and overall sturdy build. Note that it’s not dishwasher friendly, which could be a deal-breaker for some. It’s available in diameters of three, four, and five inches.
The U.S. Kitchen Supply Set comes with four sizes, each featuring a wide ear that keeps it stable when you place it on a pot or bowl. You won’t have to worry about food getting trapped in these, thanks to the strongly sealed rims. These are dishwasher safe, and they conveniently nest together for compact storage. At less than $10, they certainly won’t break the bank, either.
The Temchy Hot Pot is designed like a long spoon, and it’ll skim grease and fat from your soup, stock, and gravy like a champ. With its long, heat-resistant handle, it’s also convenient for removing vegetables from water, removing sausages from cooking grease, and more. You can buy it with confidence, thanks to a full money-back guarantee.
Leaving the selection today is the Mirro 9605000B Food Press, due to issues with availability, as well as two other models that were deemed to be too similar in design and function to the Farm to Table 5292, which features a pestle and slightly larger holes than others, making it useful for working with heartier foods like compotes and pea soups.
Special Honors
Vollrath Wire Mesh Strainers This sturdy strainer features reinforced wire rims for added strength, with two pan hooks that help keep it securely in place during use. The lacquered wooden handle is both stylish and comfortable in the hand. It comes in diameters ranging from 6-1/4 to 10 inches. vollrath.com
MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Tea Strainer As suitable for décor as it is for straining, this hand-painted piece features a porcelain handle in one of the company’s signature patterns, and it’s the perfect companion to the line of matching teapots and kettles. This handy tool makes easy work of brewing and serving loose tea. It features shiny gold embellishments and comes in a black, satin-lined box. mackenzie-childs.com
4. U.S. Kitchen Supply Set
5. Temchy Hot Pot
6. Update International CCB-08
7. Farm to Table 5292
Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.