Kitchen sink strainers might appear small, but they play one of the most important roles in your home. Keep your water system clear and functional with our guide to the best sink strainers.
There are a lot of different types of sink strainers on the market today, but not all are created equal. We have taken the time to find you some of the best options out there and break down their pros and cons so that you can decide which is right for your needs.
A strainer is a device that separates solids and liquids in the kitchen. There many different types of strainers for use in sinks, ranging from metal to plastic mesh.
Fengbao 2PCS
Let’s start this best kitchen sink strainer review with the Fengbao Kitchen Sink Strainer. If you’re pretty tired of clogging your sink and also tired of having to replace poor quality kitchen sink strainer then you are in luck.
The Fengbao Kitchen Sink Strainer is designed with 2mm holes that you may call micro-perforation to make it an effective anti-clogging shield but would still let all sorts of liquid flow right through of course. That would be seamless flow and then blockage to any food particles that would otherwise cause that sink to clog and eventually ruin or at least create some nasty problems for your plumbing.
It’s got a 4.5 inches overall diameter and with that, it should fit right into most sinks nicely. The micro-perforated area is at 2.7 inches and then it’s got a 2-ply flat metal sheet rim that will enable it to rest on your sink’s drain perfectly.
It’s made out of stainless steel of course so it’s reliable and sturdy so you won’t have to replace it anytime soon. It is dishwasher safe and works well with soapy water and will keep its shine that way. This one is guaranteed to be rust-free. Comes in a 2-pack.
Helect 3-Pack
The Helect Kitchen Sink Strainer is an affordable yet sturdy pack of 3 sink strainers that you also need to consider. It will fit on most sinks as well as garbage disposals with its outer diameter of 4.5 inches. The inner filter is at 2.95 inches and has a depth of 0.95 inches. Lastly, its micro-perforation is 0.08 inches in diameter.
Those dimensions should give you a good idea if this is what you need. Its inner filter is just a bit larger than our previous entry. This kitchen sink strainer is made out of only premium-grade stainless steel so it’s as sturdy as they come.
It is guaranteed to be non-deforming so don’t expect to replace it anytime soon plus it is trust-free. It will offer long-lasting anti-clogging protection to your sink even if you do intensely use it every day.
Any liquid should flow seamlessly and all food particles should be strained effectively. Really easy to wash with just soap and water and it should stay shiny and new for a long time.
KONE Garbage G231
Next on our list is the KONE Garbage G231 Kitchen Sink Strainer. This sink strainer is made out of 95% 304 stainless steel. And if you aren’t familiar with that material, 304 stainless steel is widely used for kitchen equipment and appliance due to its high corrosion and chemical resistance.
This is a guarantee that it’s only sturdy but also rust-free and will last for a very long time no matter what you pour down your drain. It is suitable and will fit nicely on most American kitchen sinks with the range of 3.23 inches to 4.45 inches opening.
It comes with a removable deep basket that is responsible for preventing any debris from clogging your drain pipe. And, take note that it can be easily connected to your garbage disposal system.
It is also quite easy to install, you won’t need any plumber to do it at all. It is also easy to clean and utilize. The whole package comes with a rubber gasket lid, removable basket strainer, PVC waterproof pad, rubber gasket ring, and locking nut. So it’s 95% stainless steel and the rest is rubber and plastic.
If you’d notice, this is a much more intricate kitchen sink strainer than our previous two entries. It’s a more complete set and if you think you need one then go for it. It will only cost you a few more bucks for much more efficient straining.
OXO Good Grips Silicone
From a more intricate anti-clogging system to another simple and straightforward yet effective one, the next entry on our list is the OXO Good Grips Silicone Sink Strainer.
Very affordable and comes in a package of two. But this time, this sink strainer is designed to not only be a strain but also to plug your sinks with just a simple twist. Yep, it’s double duty.
The silicone material is literally and figuratively a flexible design meant for versatile functionality. It’s so easy to use, twist to fill and then twist to drain. The silicone basket is scratch and stain proof so you know that it’s easy to clean and low-maintenance. It’s also guaranteed to be sturdy enough for long usage. It can be flipped inside and out so you may clean it in the process.
It is dishwasher safe and will trap debris effectively. Plus, the company has nice environment-friendly advocacies so you’re helping Mother Nature when you buy their products.
This should be the most convenient and functional design on our list!
Highcraft 97333 Basket
The Highcraft 97333 Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer is made out of pretty durable stainless steel too. It will fit on almost all kitchen sinks with an opening of about 3.25 to 4 inches. It’s mostly made out of stainless steel of course, and then it’s got a chrome plated fixed post plus a rubber stopper to effectively close the drain.
So with that being said, it is not just a strainer but also a stopper and it does the job rather effectively. It’s got that stylish look too so your kitchen sink would stay appealing and we guaranteed that it is highly durable.
This kitchen sink strainer is also stain-resistant and the 32 bar holes are meant to filter all of those food particles and let liquid just flow away smoothly. It’s also got a silicone underside that would not in any way scratch your sink basin.
It does not have micro-perforations but neatly designed holes with two different sizes to just let things flow and stop whatever is a threat to clog your drain and damage your plumbing.
What does a sink strainer do?
First, we need to know what a kitchen strainer does before even thinking about buying the best on the market. To put it in simple terms, a kitchen sink strainer, which is sometimes known as a crumb cup, is used to avoid debris going down the drain and potentially blocking the sink. It is an integral part of the kitchen sink that can save you a lot of stress.
If you live in an apartment where you have a typical piping system, you will realize the importance of keeping your drains clean and clear because a blocked pipe can affect many sinks. A kitchen sink strainer is often made of a perforated material that will only allow liquids to go down the drain and nothing that could potentially block the sink, such as solid objects. Filters can also regulate water usage.
There are various types of filters available on the market, and the one you choose will depend on different factors, such as the size of your sink. However, the common denominator has to be that it is effective in trapping large pieces of debris. A kitchen strainer will also help keep out different types of filth from the draining system. You don’t want kitchen debris building up and clogging the pipes. A filter will help you avoid that.
Types of sink strainers
Back Nut
The back nut kitchen sink strainer is a strainer that is held down using a back nut. This is what will keep the strainer in place. It is installed out of sight. You can adjust the nut as and when you need to. You don’t need a professional to do so. This comes in handy when you have some debris stuck in the strainer and need to clean it out. You don’t want to be calling for help each time.
Pros
- They are easy to use.
- They are affordable
- The strainer is locked in place.
Cons
- They do not do such a great job of keeping debris out.
Double Cup
This kitchen sink strainer is one of the more versatile ones. It has different ring levels made of steel and rubber as well as a double cup to strain. You can easily adjust both strainer cups. The back nut filter also makes it stay in place better. It protects the sink’s drainage system. It is also highly efficient in straining debris. Also, it is made of stainless steel, which resists rust, making it a great kitchen appliance.
Pros
- Rust resistant
- Easy to install
- Efficiently strains debris
Flange
The flange kitchen sink strainer is one of the more efficient kitchen sink strainers on the market, despite its often high price range. It will filter, as well as save water. The undercover rubber rim is what will help to stop water from flowing out unnecessarily. As such, it will save you money in the long run. It also has a back nut that helps keep it in place and empties it more accessible.
Pros
- It is efficient
- It saves water
- It has good rotating power
Cons
- It’s pricey
Sink Stopper Strainer
The sink stopper strainer is quite similar to the flange strainer. A stopper strainer has a rubber bottom where it attaches to the sink. The rubber rim stops the water from flowing out of the sink when you don’t intend it to, thereby helping you save some money on the water used. The body is made of stainless steel, which is rust-resistant and also durable.
Pros
- It’s easy to install.
- It has a rust-resistant body.
- It is affordable
Cons
- The filtering function is not as functional as it could be.
Level Strainer
A level strainer will stop the water from flowing out when the sink fills up. It has a circular plug, and this is what helps to stop the water flow. Water is kept in the sink for as long as you need it.
Pros
- It is affordable
- It’s easy to replace
- It’s not complicated
Drain Strainer
A drain strainer is a great way to ensure that debris stays out of the drain. It’s basic and easy to understand how to use. It is also one of the more common filters in most kitchens. It is secured on the kitchen sink, and this keeps it firmly in place, catching all that needs to be caught. One can say that it is more efficient than the level strainer. It will ensure nothing harmful passes through its tiny pores, except for water and liquids.
Pros
- It’s easy to install
- It’s efficient
- It’s functional
Cons
- It can be a bit pricey.
Important features
Size
Size is important; make sure that the strainer you get is compatible with your kitchen sink. You can be extra sure by measuring the kitchen sink drain before you go out and leave it to chance. To measure the drain, use its widest part.
Function
Not all strainers work the same way. Therefore think about what you wish the filter to do before settling on a particular type. Some can filter large pieces of debris while others also help maintain water loss. Others perform all functions well.
Material
Since the strainer will be in constant contact with water, it’s important to get rust-resistant and safe to use around water. Stainless steel and plastic will not rust when in contact with water. Materials such as mesh also help strain debris. However, the holes must be small enough to let liquid through.
How to use a sink strainer
You can fix the strainer on the drain, depending on the way that is made. The design of the filter will determine how you affix it. If it has a back nut, you will need to tighten it as per instruction. The integral sink strainer will capture the debris, and this can then be emptied later.
How do I keep my kitchen sink strainer clean?
You can clean a kitchen sink strainer by emptying the debris basket often. You can also make sure that it is kept unclogged by using vinegar and baking soda with a ratio of 1 is to 2. The first step is to pour down one measure of baking soda, followed by two measures of vinegar. Let the mixture bubble for about 15minutes, and this should clear the kitchen sink.
How do you replace a kitchen sink strainer?
First, you will need to remove the pipes connected to the old strainer. Using pliers, remove the old strainer. Make sure the area is properly cleaned out before you place the new strainer in place. The way that you remove the old strainer will depend on how it’s fastened. However, a pair of pliers should do the trick.
