If you have ever had to go through a pile of dirty dishes, you know the importance of good sink strainers. They are important for catching all the debris so that your drain does not get clogged down the line.
But I also think it is important that the strainer allow water to drain properly, even if it is trapping the food in the mesh. If you are looking for the best sink strainers in the market, I have reviewed a few for you to consider in the following sections:
Best Sink Strainers Reviewed
2-Pack Kitchen Sink Strainer Food Catcher 4.5 Inch Diameter
This kitchen sink strainer from the brand Solid is a great option for preventing clogged drains. This strainer has slightly larger holes that allow fine particles through but prevents large food particles from going into the drain. The larger size of the holes also ensures the strainer itself does not get clogged. The following are some of the features, pros and cons of the sink strainers:
Features
- The strainer has 2 mm diameter holes that ensure it does not clog.
- The strainer is made using 304 stainless steel which is resistant to rust and corrosion.
- The perforated bowl is 2.75 inches and has a 2-ply metal rim for easy installation.
- There are two strainers in each pack.
Pros
- The strainer is dishwasher safe so you can maintain its shine for a long time.
- You no longer have to run your hands through the sink to unclog the drain when you are washing dishes.
- The 2-ply metal rim allows you to place the strainer on the sink drain easily—it makes for the perfect fit.
- The holes in this strainer are larger than most standard ones available in the market, which ensures smaller food particles do not clog the strainer.
Cons
- While the pores are large, they are close together which can sometimes cause it to clog.
- It can at times be difficult to remove for cleaning.
You can buy the sink strainer here.
OXO Good Grips Silicone Sink Strainer, Gray
The OXO Good Grips Silicone Sink Strainer is a convenient to use and easy sink strainer that is great at trapping debris. You do not have to worry about the strainer catching rust or corrosion as the silicone will rarely require any maintenance. The following are some of the features, pros and cons of the product:
Features
- The sink strainer has a soft silicone underside that will not damage the sink.
- The rim is made of stainless steel and is easy to place over the sink.
- The strainer is stain-resistant as the silicone always remains smooth.
- There is a center rubber post which makes it easy to lift the strainer out when you want to clean it.
Pros
- The strainer is dishwasher safe, so you can keep it as shiny as it looked when it first arrived.
- The silicone can simply be inverted when it needs to be cleaned.
- The silicone underside is soft and will not scratch the sink or leave marks.
- It traps debris and food particles very easily.
Cons
- The silicone tends to get slimy after some time and may require frequent washing.
- While the strainer will not let food particles go into the drain, it also traps water and can at times flood the sink.
You can buy the sink strainer here.
Fengbao 2pcs Kitchen Sink Strainer – Stainless Steel, Large Wide Rim 4.5″ Diameter
The Fengbao kitchen sink strainer has a reliable stainless steel construction that does not rust or corrode. It is the ideal strainer to get for everyday use and has great utilitarian value. The following are some of the features, pros and cons of the product:
Features
- The strainer has 2mm diameter holes that effectively trap food debris.
- The micro-perforated bowl area measures 2.75 inches and has a 2-ply metal rim for sitting over the drain.
- The strainer is dishwasher safe.
- There are two strainers that come in the pack.
Pros
- It has an anti-clogging shield that allows water to pass through easily.
- Since the strainer is dishwasher safe, you do not have to worry about keeping it clean.
- The 2 mm diameter holes are large enough to let tiny particles through but are also adept at trapping larger pieces of food.
- The strainer is also easy to wash, you only need warm soapy water.
Cons
- The holes do not have a slope so particles tend to get caught in them, making it difficult to clean at times.
- The edges can be quite sharp.
You can buy the sink strainer here.
Things to Consider Before Buying
If you are in the market for sink strainers, the following may be useful things to keep in mind:
Perforation
How big are the holes in the micro-perforated bowl area? You do not want the holes to be so large that all kinds of foods can pass through. At the same time, you do not want the holes to be so small that even water cannot drain. 2 mm is a good size for the holes.
Durability
Most sink strainers are made of stainless steel so that they do not rust or corrode with sustained contact with water. This is important as you do not want to keep changing your sink strainer because it caught rust or became damaged. Any good stainless steel strainer should last you a few years.
Maintenance
A sink strainer should also be easy to clean with mild soap and water. It would be even more useful if the strainer is dishwasher safe. But even if that is not the case, the strainer should be easy to empty out and clean.
Final Thoughts
Sink strainers are an extremely important addition to any basin. You want to keep debris out of your drains at all costs unless you want to risk a backflow and find that your sink is clogged with dirty water.
I think a good sink strainer will be able to facilitate better drainage while also trapping large particles that have no business going into the drain and creating blockages.