A perfectly smooth sauce, crystal-clear consommé, or silky fruit coulis is the mark of a refined kitchen, and the secret weapon for achieving that flawless texture is a chinois strainer. Also known as a China cap or bouillon strainer, this cone-shaped sieve is designed to remove every last seed, bit of skin, and fibrous pulp from your liquids and purees. It’s an indispensable tool for professional chefs and serious home cooks who value precision and quality in their culinary creations.
With so many models available, selecting the right chinois for your needs can be a challenge. Factors like mesh fineness, construction material, and included accessories all play a role in its performance. This guide will help you navigate the options by highlighting eight of the best chinois strainers on the market, ensuring you find the perfect tool to refine your sauces, soups, and desserts to perfection.
Our Top Picks for Chinois Strainers
- Norpro 642 Stainless Steel Chinois with Stand and Pestle Set
- New Star Foodservice 3-Piece Stainless Steel China Cap Strainer Set
- Winco CCB-8R Stainless Steel Reinforced Bouillon Strainer, 8 inch
- Royal Industries Bouillon Strainer Tin Plated, 8”, Stainless Steel
- New Star Foodservice 34110 18/8 Stainless Steel China Cap Strainer
- OXO Good Grips 3-Quart Stainless Steel Chinois
- Winco CHS-12 12-Inch Stainless Steel Chinois Strainer
- Update International 12-Inch Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Chinois
Norpro 642 Stainless Steel Chinois with Stand and Pestle Set
This comprehensive set from Norpro is an excellent starting point for any cook looking to add a chinois to their toolkit. It includes everything you need: a fine-mesh stainless steel strainer, a sturdy chrome stand, and a wooden pestle. The stand is particularly useful, holding the chinois securely over a bowl or pot, leaving both of your hands free to work with the pestle and scrape the contents.
Measuring 9 by 7 inches, this chinois is versatile for a variety of tasks, from straining stocks and sauces to pureeing fruits for jellies and desserts. The inclusion of the pestle makes it efficient for pressing soft ingredients through the mesh, ensuring you extract the maximum amount of smooth liquid. It’s a well-regarded, all-in-one solution for achieving professional results at home.
New Star Foodservice 42566 3-Piece Stainless Steel China Cap Strainer Set
Another complete set, the New Star Foodservice option provides great value with its 18/8 stainless steel construction, which promises durability and resistance to rust. The set includes a 7-inch fine mesh chinois, a wooden pestle, and a matching chrome stand, making it ready for immediate use in any kitchen.
A notable feature of this strainer is the assist handle, which allows it to rest securely on the rims of pots and large bowls. This design provides stability during use without always requiring the separate stand. Its fine mesh is ideal for creating exceptionally smooth sauces and soups, and its commercial-grade build means it can handle regular use.
Winco CCB-8R Stainless Steel Reinforced Bouillon Strainer, 8 inch
The Winco CCB-8R is a straightforward, no-fuss chinois built for reliability. Its 8-inch size is a practical choice for everyday straining tasks. The “Reinforced” aspect of its name points to its durable construction, which is designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use without bending or warping.
This model is a solid, single-piece tool that focuses on functionality. It does not come with a stand or pestle, making it a good option for those who may already have these accessories or prefer to use a different tool for pressing. Its simplicity and sturdy build make it a dependable workhorse for both home and professional kitchens.
Royal Industries Bouillon Strainer Tin Plated, 8”, Stainless Steel
The Royal Industries chinois stands out due to its specialized tin plating. This coating provides enhanced heat resistance, allowing the strainer to be used with very hot liquids without affecting the metal. It also adds a layer of durability and can contribute to a finer straining surface.
This model is designed with user stability in mind. It features two additional hooks that provide extra support when placed over a container, preventing slips and spills. Combined with its one-piece ergonomic handle, this strainer offers a secure and comfortable grip, making the process of straining large batches much more manageable.
New Star Foodservice 34110 18/8 Stainless Steel China Cap Strainer, 10-Inch
For those who need to strain larger volumes, this 10-inch chinois from New Star Foodservice offers a greater capacity. Its larger size is perfect for processing big batches of tomato sauce, soup stock, or fresh berry purees more efficiently.
Constructed from 18/8 stainless steel, this strainer is built to last and resist corrosion. It is described as having a coarse mesh, which makes it ideal for the initial straining of thicker mixtures where you want to remove large solids but don’t necessarily need a super-fine texture. It’s a great primary strainer or a first-pass tool before a finer chinois.
OXO Good Grips 3-Quart Stainless Steel Chinois
OXO is renowned for its user-friendly designs, and their chinois is no exception. While specific details are limited, products from the Good Grips line typically feature comfortable, non-slip handles that reduce hand fatigue—a significant benefit when pressing through stubborn mixtures.
The 3-quart capacity indicates a generously sized strainer, suitable for handling larger cooking projects. You can expect the quality and thoughtful design that OXO is known for, making this chinois a strong contender for cooks who prioritize comfort and ease of use during extended food preparation sessions.
Winco CHS-12 12-Inch Stainless Steel Chinois Strainer
The Winco CHS-12 is a professional-grade, heavy-duty chinois with a substantial 12-inch diameter. This large size is designed for high-volume kitchens, catering, or for home cooks who regularly preserve large harvests or make stock in bulk.
Built from sturdy stainless steel, this strainer is made to handle significant quantities without compromising its structure. Its fine mesh is capable of producing incredibly smooth and refined liquids, making it an excellent tool for tasks where clarity and texture are paramount, such as creating consommé or fine sauces.
Update International 12-Inch Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Chinois Strainer
As the name suggests, the Update International chinois is built for heavy-duty performance. Its 12-inch size places it in the professional and high-capacity category, ideal for tackling large-scale straining jobs with efficiency.
The emphasis on “heavy duty” construction means this strainer is likely reinforced to prevent flexing under the weight of dense mixtures. It is a tool designed for longevity and rigorous use, making it a sound investment for anyone who requires a reliable, large-format chinois that can perform consistently over time.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Chinois Strainer
When I’m looking for a chinois strainer to get those silky-smooth sauces and perfectly clear consommés, I focus on a few key things. The wrong choice can mean a lot of frustration and wasted effort, so it pays to be picky. Here’s what I always consider before making a purchase.
First up is the material. Most chinois strainers are made from stainless steel, and for good reason. It’s durable, resists rust, and doesn’t react with acidic ingredients like tomatoes or wine. I look for a sturdy, well-constructed frame that feels solid in my hand. The handle is important, too. Some have a comfortable metal handle, while others feature a wood or plastic grip that stays cooler. If I’m working with hot liquids for a long time, a heat-resistant handle is a game-changer.
The mesh is the heart of the strainer. I check the fineness of the weave because that directly determines how smooth my final product will be. A fine mesh is non-negotiable for tasks like straining custards or making crystal-clear broths. I also run my finger over the inside to feel for any rough spots or loose wires that could snag or come apart over time. A tightly woven, seamless mesh is what I’m after.
Then there’s the question of a stand or not. A chinois with a built-in stand or one that comes with a separate ring is incredibly useful. It lets me set the strainer over a bowl hands-free, which is essential when I’m pouring and pressing hot mixtures. Without a stand, I need a second person or a creative setup to hold it steady, which is just not practical in a busy kitchen.
Size matters more than you might think. I consider the volume of food I typically work with. A very small chinois is great for straining a cup of lemon juice, but it’s useless for a large pot of stock. Conversely, a massive one can be awkward to store and clean if I only cook in small batches. I find a medium to large size is the most versatile for general home and pro use.
Finally, I think about the overall design and how easy it is to clean. A chinois with a rounded bottom and a long handle is easier to use with a pestle for pressing. And when the job is done, I need to be able to clean it thoroughly. A mesh that food particles easily wash out of saves me a lot of scrubbing. For the best chinois strainers for sauces, I prioritize a fine, durable mesh, a stable design, and a comfortable handle that makes the straining process efficient and mess-free.
FAQ
What is the difference between a chinois and a regular strainer?
The main difference is the fineness of the mesh. A standard kitchen strainer has a relatively wide mesh, good for draining pasta or rinsing beans. A chinois, which is French for “Chinese hat” due to its shape, has an extremely fine, cone-shaped mesh. This allows it to trap the tiniest solids, like herb bits or spice granules, resulting in a perfectly smooth liquid. It’s the tool you need for the most refined sauces and consommés.
Do I need a pestle to use with my chinois?
You don’t absolutely need one, but it makes a huge difference. A pestle, which is a blunt wooden or metal tool, is used to press the solids against the mesh. This helps extract every last bit of flavor and liquid from your ingredients. Without one, you might just be waiting for gravity to do all the work, which is slow and inefficient. I always use a pestle with my chinois to get the most out of my food.
How do I clean a chinois properly?
Cleaning a chinois can be tricky because of the fine mesh. I always rinse it immediately under hot running water after use, turning it inside out to flush out any particles stuck in the weave. For stubborn bits, a soft-bristled brush, like a dedicated nylon brush, works wonders. I avoid using abrasive scouring pads or steel wool, as they can damage the delicate mesh. For a deep clean, a soak in warm, soapy water usually does the trick.
Can I use a chinois for more than just sauces?
Absolutely. While it’s a champion for sauces, its uses are much broader. I use mine for straining stocks and broths to remove impurities, puréeing fruits for jellies and coulis, and even for sifting fine powders like confectioners’ sugar or cocoa. It’s a versatile tool for any task where you need to separate very fine solids from a liquid.
Is it worth buying an expensive chinois?
Like many kitchen tools, you often get what you pay for. A cheap chinois might have a loose or uneven mesh that can tear, or a flimsy handle that bends under pressure. A higher-quality one, from a reputable brand, will typically have a more robust construction and a finer, more durable mesh that will last for years. If you make smooth sauces, soups, or jellies regularly, investing in a good one is definitely worth it for the reliability and superior results.
What size chinois should I get for home use?
For most home kitchens, I find a medium-sized chinois, with a diameter of around 7 to 9 inches at the top, is the most practical. It’s large enough to handle a standard batch of soup or stock from a 4-6 quart pot, but not so large that it’s cumbersome to store or clean. It strikes a good balance for everyday tasks. If you frequently cook in very large or very small quantities, you might consider getting two different sizes, but a medium one is a great starting point for the best chinois strainers for sauces and other kitchen projects.