pulp strainer

Common materials are stainless steel and various plastics — including polypropylene and recycled polypropylene. Some listings also use the generic label “Plastic.”

Hands-free designs include small hanging/support hooks on mesh strainers, built-in feet or base stands, and expandable arms or frames that allow a colander to span and hang over a sink for draining.

Manual colanders and double-layer plastic drainers are suited to washing and rinsing vegetables, grains, and fruit. Electric tomato/food strainers are designed for processing larger volumes into smooth sauce using a motor and feed chute.

Common styles include mesh strainers with hanging holes on the handle, larger sturdy handles on plastic colanders for a secure grip, and non-slip bases or ergonomically shaped handles on several models for added stability.

Expandable over-the-sink strainers use arms or a narrow frame to span a sink so the colander can hang and drain hands-free. Narrow or similar-size strainers may instead include removable mesh inserts and a soaking tray for washing and separating produce rather than spanning the sink.

Hand and sink colanders use larger, more widely spaced holes or higher hole density for quick draining of produce. Electric food strainers use a fine filter (specified as about 1.2 mm) to produce a smooth, consistent sauce texture.