Strainers and colanders are constant-use prep tools — for pasta, vegetables, stock, fryer baskets and front-of-house cocktail service. Hospitality Connect carries the working range from Chef Inox, Wiltshire, Avanti, Zwilling, Pyrolux and Zanzi, from 90mm miniature funnels through to 285mm 5L colanders and 200mm conical chinois in 18/8 and 18/10 stainless.
Choosing the right strainer or colander
- Stainless colanders (180–285mm): Chef Inox 4mm-hole colanders with wire handles — the standard pasta and vegetable drainer.
- Conical (chinois) strainers: Fine-mesh 200–220mm cones for stocks, sauces and reductions.
- Coarse conical strainers: 175–230mm coarse mesh for pulp removal and vegetable stocks.
- Funnel strainers: 105–125mm funnels with mesh bases for decanting oils, vinegars and infusions.
- Bar strainers: Zanzi tri-julep strainers in gun metal and rose gold for cocktail service.
Material and mesh comparison
18/10 stainless mesh is the standard for fine work — it survives the dishwasher, doesn't taint stock and resists corrosion from salt and acid. 18/8 stainless is more economical and adequate for general prep. Reinforced wire gauze conical strainers are worth the price difference for kitchens running daily stock and sauce work.
Use cases and care
- Daily inspection: Check the mesh-to-rim weld for hairline tears; mesh failure mid-stock costs the batch.
- Mesh size matched to job: 0.4mm fine mesh for clear consommé, 1mm coarse for vegetable stock, 4mm hole colander for pasta drain.
- Don't bash on the bench: Tap residue out gently — banging the rim deforms the cone geometry.
- Hand-wash fine mesh: Rinse under running water and dry inverted.
Pair with
Round out the prep line with mixing paddles spoons.