wire strainer

Most wire strainers shown are made from stainless steel. Product listings repeatedly identify stainless steel as the material for mesh strainers, colanders, and cocktail strainers.

Sizes range from small handheld strainers a few inches across up to large 15" strainers. Common head diameters listed include about 3 1/8", 5 1/2", 7 7/8", 5.51", and 7.6".

Fine or tightly woven mesh is the key feature—product descriptions and reviewers highlight fine mesh designs for filtering small grains, rice, quinoa, and flour.

Colanders have generously arranged holes for fast bulk draining, while mesh strainers use fine or tightly woven mesh to catch small particles and filter out finer solids.

Expandable colanders use extendable arms that adjust to hang over the sink or rest on the countertop. Many also include built-in feet so they can stand inside the sink or on a counter.