Strainers
Commercial kitchen strainers are essential workhorses in busy UK restaurants, hotels and catering operations—separating the professionals from the amateurs when it comes to perfect sauces, stocks and purees. Crafted from professional-grade stainless steel with fine mesh designs, these robust strainers handle daily demands that would destroy domestic versions. After 50 years equipping commercial kitchens, we've seen how these hardworking tools complement food processors and commercial blenders brilliantly, streamlining food prep and ensuring consistently smooth results. Whether you're straining delicate consommés or sieving flour, proper commercial strainers deliver restaurant-quality results every time!
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Julep Strainer | Cocktail Strainer | Premium Bar Tool | Olympia DM218
40gIn Stock
160(H)mm
Olympia
Stainless Steel
£2.99 £5.85 -
Mesh Bar Strainer | Fine Cocktail Strainer | Stainless Steel | Olympia CF648
50gIn Stock
45H x 75W x 200D mm
Olympia
Handle is perfect for wall hanging
Features a convenient rest for stability during use
£2.99 £5.76
Commercial Kitchen Strainers for Restaurants & Catering
Brands Trusted by Industry Professionals
Key Features and Benefits
- Professional-Grade Materials Heavy-duty stainless steel construction—stands up to constant commercial use.
- Multiple Mesh Options From fine chinois to coarse colanders—perfect for every kitchen task.
- Efficient Design Optimized shapes and sizes for quick straining during busy service.
- Ergonomic Handles Comfortable grip for controlled pouring—reduces kitchen accidents.
- Heat Resistant Handles boiling stocks and sauces without warping—unlike domestic versions.
- Corrosion Resistant Withstands acidic ingredients like tomatoes and citrus—long-lasting investment.
- Precision Filtering Fine mesh options for silky-smooth sauces and clear consommés.
- Space-Saving Design Nests together for efficient storage in busy commercial kitchens.
Essential Buying Considerations
Size and Mesh Density
- Select fine mesh (0.5-1mm) for silky sauces and clear consommés.
- Medium mesh (1-2mm) suits most everyday kitchen straining tasks.
- Coarse strainers (2mm+) work brilliantly for pasta and chunky ingredients.
Material and Construction
- Commercial-grade 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel ensures longevity.
- Look for reinforced rims that prevent bending during heavy use.
- Consider sets that include colanders and sieves for complete kitchen coverage.
How Commercial Kitchen Strainers Work
Commercial kitchen strainers operate on a simple but effective principle—a mesh or perforated surface that allows liquids to pass through while capturing solids. The professional-grade stainless steel construction ensures they withstand high temperatures and acidic ingredients without warping or corroding. Most feature reinforced rims and sturdy handles designed for all-day use, with mesh sizes ranging from extra-fine to coarse depending on your filtering needs. The graduated sizes nest together for storage efficiency, while the hanging hooks keep them readily accessible during busy service. It's this combination of durability and practicality that makes commercial strainers indispensable for daily kitchen operations!
Trusted Insights from Charlotte Westwood
Chef Tools & Kitchenware Specialist
10 years experience
"Don’t underestimate a good strainer – it’s the unsung hero when you're draining pasta, sifting flour, or fishing out bones from stock. Go for stainless steel with sturdy handles – flimsy ones will have you crying into your consommé!"
Safety Guidelines
- Check Handles Ensure they're secure before handling hot contents—prevents burns.
- Stable Base Position receiving container securely—stops dangerous spills.
- Mind Steam Keep face away when straining hot liquids—avoids facial burns.
- Use Protection Wear heat-resistant gloves for hot items—safety first.
- Cool Position Rest hot strainers on heat-resistant surfaces—prevents damage.
- Handle Care Grasp wooden or insulated handles only—metal conducts heat.
Top Tips for Using Commercial Kitchen Strainers
To maximize your commercial strainers' lifespan, always rinse immediately after use—especially with dairy or protein-rich mixtures that can clog mesh. For stubborn residue, soak in warm soapy water before cleaning with a soft brush rather than abrasive scourers that damage the mesh. When straining hot liquids, place your receiving container in the sink to prevent spills, and consider pairing with conical food mills for extra-smooth purees. Finally, hang strainers rather than stacking them to prevent mesh distortion.
Benefits of Using Commercial Kitchen Strainers
- Superior Results Creates silky-smooth sauces and clear broths—elevates dish quality.
- Workflow Efficiency Speeds up food preparation—crucial during service rushes.
- Long-Term Value Outlasts domestic alternatives—better return on investment.
Did You Know?
- History The chinois strainer was invented in France—named for its Chinese hat shape.
- Lifespan Commercial strainers often last 5-7 years—domestic ones barely reach 1 year.
- Versatility Professional chefs use fine strainers for dusting desserts with icing sugar.
- Efficiency A proper strainer set reduces food waste by 15%—saving costs.
Expert Insights on Commercial Kitchen Strainers
Having supplied kitchens across the UK for five decades, we've learned what separates exceptional strainers from average ones. 'The quality of your strainer directly impacts your final dish,' explains Chef Marcus, our culinary advisor. 'In professional kitchens, we need strainers that can handle constant use without stretching or warping—it's about consistency.'
- Pros: Durability, precision filtering, professional results.
- Cons: Higher initial investment—though offset by longevity.
Who Needs Commercial Kitchen Strainers?
- Restaurants Essential for sauces, stocks and soups—quality control guaranteed.
- Hotels Perfect for high-volume food preparation across multiple outlets.
- Cafés Ideal for straining homemade syrups and cold brews.
- Bakeries Crucial for sifting flour and creating perfect glazes.
Real-World Success with Commercial Kitchen Strainers
A bustling gastropub in the Lake District shows exactly why proper kitchen strainers matter. After years of making do with flimsy domestic strainers that needed replacing every few months, they invested in a professional set from us alongside their food processors. 'It's transformed our sauce work completely,' their head chef told us. 'The fine mesh chinois gives us velvety soups that customers rave about, and we're actually saving money not replacing cheap strainers every season!'
FAQs
- What's the difference between commercial and domestic kitchen strainers? Commercial versions use thicker stainless steel and reinforced mesh—withstand daily professional use.
- How do I choose the right mesh size for my restaurant? Select fine for sauces and consommés, medium for general use, coarse for pasta and vegetables.
- Can commercial strainers go in the dishwasher? Yes, but hand washing extends mesh life—especially for fine chinois strainers.
- How many strainers does a professional kitchen need? Most kitchens need 3-5 sizes with varying mesh densities for different tasks.
- What's the best way to clean a fine mesh strainer? Rinse immediately after use, soak if needed, clean with soft brush—never abrasive scourers.
- How long should commercial kitchen strainers last? Quality strainers should last 5+ years in commercial environments with proper care.
Looking for Equipment by Business Type?
Not sure where to start? Whether you're running a bustling café, opening a pizzeria, or managing a school canteen, we've made it easy to shop by business type. Explore handpicked equipment bundles and essentials tailored to your industry—saving you time and making sure you get exactly what you need.
Other Categories You Might Find Useful
We’ve selected some closely related categories that might be essential for your setup. Whether you’re expanding your kitchen or just making sure you’ve got everything covered, these links will help you explore more equipment that fits your needs.
What our Customers Say
'These strainers have transformed our sauce consistency—absolutely superb quality!'
J James Head Chef, The Willow Tree, Bristol'Survived two years of daily use—still like new. Worth every penny!'
M Moira Kitchen Manager, Highland Hotel, Glasgow
Why Choose EasyEquipment for Commercial Kitchen Strainers?
- Trusted Supplier 50 years supplying professional kitchens—we know what works.
- Fast Delivery Next-day options UK-wide—get cooking quickly.
- Best Price Promise Found it cheaper? We'll match it—guaranteed value.
- Expert Support Talk to real kitchen experts—proper advice, not scripts.
Ready to Explore Commercial Kitchen Strainers?
Browse our complete range of professional kitchen strainers and elevate your food preparation to restaurant standards. With sizes and mesh densities for every culinary task, you'll find exactly what your kitchen needs!
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