by Elsha
Over the course of my lifetime I've used many, many strainers. As I would assume most people have. But I have a favorite, and it's the one I grew up using. One of these:
{photo credit: amazon.com} (Ours is yellow.)
It doesn't seem like anything special, but if it's clean it's always the one I'll use. The handle lets you hang on to the strainer without worrying about steam burns, and it's relatively small so it's not awkward for one person to use. I use it for everything from straining pasta to washing fruit or rinsing canned beans. And I love it.
Do you have a preference when it comes to strainers? Also, do you call them strainers or colanders? I always say strainer (as evidenced by this post).
I grew up using one just like that (Tupperware!). My current favorite is one that's big enough to stand on it's own and not tip as I'm pouring something, so I don't have to hold a handle.
Posted by: Jesabes | January 25, 2012 at 02:29 PM
I had a yellow one like that for many many years. tupperware right? It was great. And even though I've spent money on fancy metal ones, it's always the cheap dollar store plastic ones I find myself using. Plus they don't rust.
Posted by: Carrisa | January 25, 2012 at 03:43 PM
I have always wondered the difference (if there is one) between the terms strainer and colander. The only thing I can see is that colanders usually are the ones with the little "foot" kind of pedestal where they can sit in the sink by themselves? And possibly the ones like in your picture are strainers because you hold them? Or is it the size of the holes? This may be me just making things up in my own mind. Does anyone who is a real cook know if it matters?
Posted by: J | January 25, 2012 at 03:55 PM