Kitchen sinks are frequently exposed to dirt, food, and other debris, so it is very important that they don’t become clogged. Blockages in your pipes can become worse over time, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and eventually preventing your sink from draining.
A kitchen sink strainer traps this debris before it can flow down the drain, so you won’t have to worry about it blocking your home’s plumbing. Strainers are included with many modern sinks, but it is also possible to buy one separately if you want to protect your pipes.
To help you find your ideal product, we have reviewed five of the best kitchen sink strainers you can buy today. We chose these strainers based on their material, size, how much debris they stop, and how easy they are to clean.
- Micro perforations
- Two-pack
- Corrosion-resistant & rust-proof
- Flexible silicone strainer
- Can be inverted for cleaning
- Won't damage your sink
- Durable stainless steel
- Works as a strainer and stopper
- Provides easy cleaning
Product Reviews
After conducting a lot of research, we have chosen and reviewed five of the best kitchen sink strainers currently on the market. We chose these strainers based on how effectively they remove particles, how durable they are, and how easy they are to maintain.
Fengbao 2-Pack Kitchen Sink Strainer
Best Overall Kitchen Sink Strainer
The more effective a kitchen sink strainer is, the more frequently it will need to be cleaned and maintained. This is why it is very helpful that Fengbao sells this strainer in a two-pack, as you can use one while cleaning the other.
With 0.08-inch holes, this is a very effective strainer. All but the smallest food particles will be removed before they can reach your drain.
This strainer is very easy to wash, as well as durable, corrosion-resistant, and rust-proof. It is also very easy to install, making it an all-around excellent option.
What We Like
Micro Perforations
At just 0.08-of-an-inch, this strainer’s holes are so small that they will block all but the tiniest food particles. This is the most important aspect of any kitchen sink strainer.
Two-Pack
This strainer is sold in a pack of two, making it an ideal choice if you have a double-bowl kitchen sink. It is also useful if you only have one bowl, as you will still be able to use a strainer while cleaning the other one.
What We Don't Like
Clogs Easily
As the perforations are so small, it is easy for food particles to become stuck in them. This can lead to clogging, although this is preferable to food entering your drain and is easily solved by cleaning the strainer.
Product Specs
| Product Dimensions | 4.5 x 1 x 4.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Type | Drain strainer |
| Item Package Quantity | 2 |
Our Ratings
Helect 3-Pack Kitchen Sink Strainer
Best Kitchen Sink Strainer for Rust
This three-pack of Helect strainers is resistant to rust and corrosion while also being tough enough to prevent dents and other damage. This is thanks to it being made of durable stainless steel.
With each hole at 0.08-inches, this strainer is very effective at keeping food particles out of your drainage pipes.
It has an outer rim diameter of 4.5 inches and an inner filter diameter of 2.95 inches, so it will fit many modern kitchen sinks. Your purchase is also protected by a lifetime warranty, so you can buy it with confidence that it will serve you well for years.
What We Like
Three-Pack
This product is sold in a pack of three, providing excellent value for money. If you have a single-bowl kitchen sink, these three strainers should serve you for many years.
It is also an excellent option if you have a double-bowl sink or an extra kitchen sink, such as in a utility room. You should save money compared to buying three individual strainers.
Micro Perforations
This strainer’s holes are so small that they will catch all but the tiniest particles. This includes sludge, which some other strainers allow through.
Doesn’t Rust
This strainer is so durable because it is rust-resistant. As it will last a long time, you won’t waste money by replacing it.
Lifetime Warranty
Helect has enough confidence in this product to include a lifetime warranty with every purchase. You can buy it with peace of mind that your strainer will work for many years.
What We Don't Like
Imperfect Drainage
This strainer’s tiny holes mean you won’t have to worry about small particles getting through. However, it can also interfere with water draining from your sink. Tiny particles, such as those that cause sludge, can keep water from draining quickly.
Product Specs
| Product Dimensions | 4.5 x 4.5 x 0.9 inches |
| Item Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Type | Drain strainer |
| Item Package Quantity | 3 |
Our Ratings
Kone Garbage G231
Best Depth Kitchen Sink Strainer
This Kone drain assembly consists of a rubber gasket seal and a removable basket strainer. It is made using 304 stainless steel and includes a PVC waterproof pad, rubber gasket ring, and locking nut.
The depth of the basket provides space for more holes, allowing water to drain more quickly while still removing food particles. This avoids the main drawback of many kitchen sink strainers and means you might not have to clean it as frequently.
What We Like
Ease of Use
When you need to clean or empty the basket, you simply pull it out by its handle and dispose of the contents. You can then wash the basket and put it back in its place.
Holds More Food Waste
The basket is about 3 inches deep. This means it can hold a lot of food waste while still allowing water to drain through it.
What We Don't Like
Limited Compatibility
At 5.24 inches wide and 3.74 inches deep, this strainer is quite large, and not every sink will be able to accommodate it. You might require some extra technical expertise to install it into your sink.
Product Specs
| Product Dimensions | 4 x 4 x 4 inches |
| Item Weight | 9 ounces |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Type | Flange strainer |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
Our Ratings
OXO Good Grips Silicone Sink Strainer
Best Kitchen Sink Strainer for Flexibility
Kitchen strainers might seem so simple that there is little room for innovation and uniqueness, but this OXO model still manages to stand out from the competition.
This is quite an unusual strainer. While it has a stainless steel rim, the main body is made of silicone, which is more flexible than steel.
The silicone basket is easy to clean. It can be inverted from a deep bowl to stick out of your drain by pulling up the center post. You also won’t need to worry about it scratching the sink basin.
What We Like
Flexibility and Durability
Silicone is a flexible material, allowing you to bend the strainer to clean it. It also won’t rust, greatly extending its lifespan. The material won’t retain stains, so a simple wipe should remove any marks that appear on the surface.
Easy to Install
This drain strainer is one of the easiest to install as it sits on top of the drain. Although most sink strainers are very simple, this model requires even less effort than most. This makes it a great option for anyone who wants to avoid fiddling with nuts and bolts.
Won’t Damage the Sink
As this strainer is made of silicone, you won’t need to worry about it scratching the sink during installation or maintenance. This sets it apart from stainless steel models, which could cause damage to your sink if dropped.
What We Don't Like
Holes Are Too Large
Despite its clever design, this strainer’s large perforations will allow small food particles through. This does make the strainer easier to clean but means it is less effective at its primary function.
Cleaning Could Get Messy
The flexible silicone makes it easier to clean the strainer but you will need to be careful when you pull up the center post. Otherwise, you could end up launching the food waste into the rest of your kitchen.
Product Specs
| Product Dimensions | 4.5 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 2.4 ounces |
| Material | Stainless steel, silicone |
| Type | Drain strainer |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
Our Ratings
Everflow 75111 Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer
Best Dual-Purpose Kitchen Strainer
The standout feature of this Everflow kitchen sink strainer is that it serves as both a strainer and a stopper, whichever you need at the time. It is made from high-quality stainless steel with a chromium-plated post to use as a handle.
This strainer’s material makes it very durable and resistant to wear and tear. It also gives it a gleaming appearance, making it a great choice for a bright modern kitchen.
The bottom of the strainer is covered with silicone, which prevents scratches on the surface of your basin.
What We Like
Highly Durable
Stainless steel can cope with hot and cold temperatures and is resistant to wear and tear. This is an excellent option if you want a low-maintenance strainer.
Dual Purpose
As a stopper strainer, this product can filter your water or stop it completely, making it an all-in-one solution for your kitchen sink.
Easily Cleaned
The stainless steel material means dirt won’t stick to this strainer, making it easy to wipe clean.
What We Don't Like
Occasional Faults
Some users complain that it doesn’t perform the role of stopper or strainer perfectly. This is caused by damage to its structure, usually the central post.
Product Specs
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 5 x 6 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.28 ounces |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Type | Stopper strainer |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Dimensions | Weight | Material | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fengbao Kitchen Sink Strainer | Overall Pick | 4.5 x 1 x 4.5″ | 3.2 oz | Stainless steel | Drain |
| Helect Kitchen Sink Strainer | Rust | 4.5 x 4.5 x 0.9″ | 5.6 oz | Stainless steel | Drain |
| Kone Garbage G231 | Depth | 4 x 4 x 4″ | 9 oz | Stainless steel | Flange |
| OXO Good Grips Sink Strainer | Flexibility | 4.5 x 4.5 x 1.5″ | 2.4 oz | Stainless steel, silicone | Drain |
| Everflow Basket Strainer | Dual-Purpose | 6 x 5 x 6″ | 1.28 oz | Stainless steel | Stopper |
What Is a Kitchen Sink Strainer?
A kitchen strainer is a perforated device used to prevent food and other debris from falling down a sink’s drain. It acts like a sieve or filter, allowing the liquid through but stopping solid particles.
This simple piece of technology keeps dirt and solid food waste out of your drainage system. By spending a relatively small amount of money, you could avoid having to spend a lot more on hiring a plumber to fix a blocked pipe.
A strainer is also very low maintenance. You only need to empty and wash it, which should take a couple of minutes at most. Installing and removing it should also be straightforward for the majority of DIYers.
Types of Kitchen Sink Strainers
Despite being a simple piece, there are different types of kitchen sink strainers to choose from. Each strainer type has unique benefits and could prevent different materials from falling down your drain.
- Stopper Strainer: This is a dual-purpose strainer that can plug your sink or be opened to work as a filter that only allows water through. It has a mechanical switch that opens and closes the stopper.
- Drain Strainer: These are simple cup-shaped strainers that can be easily placed on the drain to serve as a filter. This is the least complicated type and requires no installation.
- Flange Strainer: This strainer uses a flange that connects to the bottom of the sink, ensuring that water doesn’t leak.
- Back Nut Strainer: These are placed at the bottom of the sink and connected to the plumbing system. A rubber seal prevents leaks while a back nut holds the components together.
- Double Cup Strainer: As the name implies, these are composed of two cups. One is secured in the sink by a nut, while the second one is easily removed and serves as a stopper.
How to Choose
There are some important factors to consider when shopping for a kitchen sink strainer:
Material
Strainers are usually made using the following materials:
- Stainless steel
- Silicone
- Rubber
Stainless steel provides excellent sturdiness and durability. It can endure water that is boiling hot or freezing cold and it is also rust-proof.
Silicone is just as resilient as steel but it has the added bonus of flexibility, which steel lacks.
Rubber is an inferior option as it can’t withstand extreme temperatures without being damaged. Silicone rubber is an exception to this, as it has higher heat resistance. (1).
Drain Size
The diameter of the strainer needs to match that of your drain. If it is too small, it won’t cover the entire drain. If it is too large, it will sit on top of the drain instead of fitting into it. An appropriately sized strainer will have a watertight seal around it so water must flow through the perforations.
Perforation Size
The smaller the perforation size, the better. The only thing you want to fall down your drain is water, so you should filter as much material out of it as possible.
Take Note
A relatively small perforation size will catch large food particles and still filter out the smaller ones.
Ease of Cleaning
Food residue can quickly block small, low-quality strainers. When food particles get stuck, they can be difficult to remove. Look for a strainer that is easy to clean and maintain.
Larger perforations are less likely to be blocked by food particles, but they might fail to filter out small particles. Smaller perforations will catch more food but particles can get trapped in them, making it harder to clean your strainer.
In terms of materials, stainless steel strainers are easier to wipe clean due to their smoother finish. Silicone is harder to clean but provides greater flexibility.
FAQs
Are Kitchen Sink Strainers Necessary?
Kitchen sink strainers may seem like a trivial household essential, but they are an important tool for helping to keep your kitchen clean.
These strainers sit at the bottom of your sink and act as a barrier to stop boiling water from boiling over or clogging your drains. They also help keep food scraps and other debris from falling through and potentially rotting inside your sink.
How Long Do Sink Strainers Last?
With proper care, quality sink strainers can last at least two decades. Sink strainers play an important role in preventing food and other debris from clogging up the drains of a kitchen sink.
While they are generally made of durable materials that can withstand heavy use, they do eventually wear out over time.
Boiling water is one key factor determining how long a sink strainer will last. Suppose boiling water is regularly poured down the drain. In that case, it can drastically increase the rate at which metals in the strainer begin to corrode.
Other factors that can affect the lifespan of a strainer include general usage patterns (how often you use your sink) and environmental factors such as exposure to harsh chemicals or pests.
Can You Wash Sink Strainer In a Dishwasher?
Most sink strainers are made from safe materials to put in the dishwasher. However, it’s best to always consult the label’s instructions.
Most manufacturers use dishwasher compatibility as a selling point for their kitchen strainers. So, if the label says the sink strainer is dishwasher safe, you can use this appliance to clean it.
How Do You Clean a Silicone Sink Strainer?
If you do not have a silicone sink strainer that’s dishwasher-safe (or you don’t have a dishwasher at home), there are other methods to clean it. Fill a bowl with warm water and put a little dish soap inside. Place the filter inside the bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Swirl the water around in the bowl to create a mild vortex. Rinse the sink strainer and look for any potential debris signs. If it’s not fully cleaned, you can repeat the process. Your kitchen sponge can also help get rid of some of that extra residue.
Which Is the Best Sink Strainer?
Fengbao’s kitchen sink strainer is the best product in its category because it offers great value for the money. You pay less than $10 and get two large-rim strainers with 4.5 inches in diameter each.
It’s made from a quality stainless steel material that withstands moisture and offers rust resistance for added durability. You can easily clean these strainers in the dishwasher or by using warm soapy water.
