This blog post will discuss the kitchen sink strainer, its purpose, what it offers, and which sink filter is the best on the market. If you are looking to buy one or finding it difficult to find the right one for your sink, then this is the right place to land.
A kitchen sink without a sink strainer is like a pizza without cheese. It is not just a strainer but also the lifeline for your kitchen sink drain. It catches and stops the solid waste of the kitchen from entering the drainage. Yet it only allows liquid to pass through it. Because of this mechanism, our drainage pipes are prevented from clogging or choking.
A strainer truly shines when something falls into your sink, and it holds it there for you. It could be your ring, locket, or a small toy that could be lost entirely or stuck inside the drain pipe if the sink strainer hadn't been there. Nowadays, information is readily available and based on that, it is easy to choose the right kitchen sink strainer that perfectly suits your needs.
How We've Selected Our Top Picks
By appearance, the kitchen sink strainer may not seem so significant; and that's why people overlook it. A poor-quality sink strainer will cost you more time and effort cleaning the dishes, apart from choking your drain pipe from time to time. To help you find the best kitchen sink strainer, we have selected a few that will work best for you.
We choose our products based on materials with long, trouble-free lifespans. Then we moved on to the stopper function, which is essential for efficient washing. We also check the perforation size of a sink strainer. Joining a sink strainer with a drainage pipe is difficult, so we picked those that can join easily. Last but not least, we also consider the depth of a sink strainer during our selection.
1. OXO 2 in-1 Sink Strainer
This OXO strainer is a perfect blend of stainless steel and silicone. Both these materials combine, which provides corrosion-free long-lasting operation. This OXO 2-in-1 sink strainer is divided into two parts.
The top part of this sink strainer is made of stainless steel. It makes a sink strainer durable, allowing it to bear the weight of cookware without losing its shape and form, which helps it remain intact in its place.
But the basket is made of silicone, which is a metalloid substance. Silicone makes a catcher soft, which allows thorough cleaning and cut-free washing of a sink strainer, as there are no sharp edges around the holes. In addition, silicone is waterproof, making it a completely rust-free perforated sink strainer. It also prevents the sink strainer from unnecessary scratch marks on the sink.
This OXO kitchen sink strainer has a twisting knob that allows you to block your drain for your dishes to soak properly and unblock it when you are done with it. The twisting knob also works as a handle for pulling it quickly from the sink.
What We Like
- Combining stainless steel and silicon makes it rust-free and has good corrosion resistance.
- Stopper function.
- The silicone basket prevents scratches on the sink.
- Easy cleaning.
What You Should Know
- It cannot directly connect with the drainage pipe.
2. Fengbao Kitchen Sink Strainer
Fengbao is an incredibly reliable and rust-proof kitchen sink strainer. It comes with two stainless steel kitchen sink strainers that have been designed with daily use in mind.
This built-in anti-clogging shield gives you a seamless flow of liquids while protecting against small food particles, like rice or pasta - something we're all too familiar with!
When it's time to empty the debris into the compost, simply tap the strainer over the bin and let it do its thing! And when this strainer needs to be cleaned, simply run it under tap water or put it in your dishwasher for a brand-new sparkle every time.
What We Like
- Comes with two strainers.
- It will never dull, rust, or corrode.
- Pop it into the dishwasher to clean it.
- Reinforced rim, so strainers fit perfectly into the sinkhole.
What You Should Know
- Some consumers found they have to clean this weekly to unclog the holes.
3. KONE Kitchen Sink Strainer
Kone's entire sink strainer is constructed from stainless steel barring the nut, which is made of plastic so it cannot rust. Because of its solid build characteristics, it can take on a heavy load of dishes without deforming or slipping away from its position, making it durable.
The depths of the removable basket strainer are immense, and with ample space in the basket, you can do your dirty dishes for a longer duration before needing to empty them. In addition, the perforated basket does not require any unnecessary use of force for pulling out of the sink, as it is accompanied by a handle that allows you to lift the basket easily.
This sink strainer has a classical-style durable stainless steel stopper cap with a knob attached to the top for easy grabs. The rubber gasket seal beneath the cap helps it stay tightly in its place while holding down the water.
What We Like
- Constructed from solid type 304 stainless steel.
- Deep strainer basket.
- Waterproof padding to eliminate leakages and provide easy installation.
- Stopper function.
What You Should Know
- More expensive than our other strainers reviewed.
4. ELKAY Kitchen Sink Strainer
This UK-based company has come up with a product that may surprise you. Sink strainers are either crafted from high-quality brass or stainless steel or cheap ones made from rubber or plastic. This kitchen sink strainer is built with polymers, which makes it unique compared to other sink strainers.
The polymer has a high toughness quality, which makes it withstand rough use while dishing. But at the same time, it is lighter than Stainless steel or brass. Polymer is a hydrophobic substance that does not absorb water and repels it. Because of that, this perforated sink strainer becomes a rust-free product. It significantly decreases corrosion and ensures a long-lasting and dependable service life.
Because of its polymer build, it comes in multiple color shades, which gives you broad options to choose from. It does not necessarily need to be matched with your kitchen sink color. Instead, you can select a color that blends perfectly with the rest of your kitchen's theme.
The ELKAY sink strainer does not lag behind its competitors in terms of practicality. This basket has decently sized gaps that allow liquid to escape to the drain pipe while holding food waste in the basket. To fill up your sink with soapy water, it has a stopper option that completely cuts off the water flow from going into the drain. So, you're left with a full sink in front of you.
What We Like
- It is crafted using a polymer which makes it a rust-free product.
- It comes in a variety of colors.
- Stopper function.
- Medium-sized holes.
What You Should Know
- More expensive than other strainers reviewed.
5. DANCO Kitchen Sink Strainer
Though this DANCO product is constructed of plastic, it outclasses all its shortcomings when you discuss its functionality and compare it with the price. This kitchen sink strainer is super light and possesses a stylish design. Being light and plastic does not mean it cannot take on heavy cookware items and slip away from its place. The plastic is of high quality and can withstand the impact and pressure of dishes.
The best part about this sink strainer is that it is made of rust-resistant stainless steel. So it can never get rusted, no matter how much exposure it gets to the water. Therefore it has good corrosion resistance. Apart from being a rust-free product, this sink strainer can tolerate hot water without deforming its shape.
It has a stopper function as well. You can activate it by twisting the cap at the top of the sink strainer with the logo. The twisting cap also works as a handle and makes it easy to pull from the sink for cleaning. It is a dishwasher-safe product and comes only in black.
Considering it is plastic, you cannot guarantee its reliability, but it is cheap. So it does not hurt you a lot.
What We Like
- Super light and modern design.
- Stopper function.
- Very budget-friendly.
- Rust-free.
- Easy cleaning.
What You Should Know
- It is not the most durable option out there.
6. WESTBRASS Kitchen Sink Strainer
No list of best kitchen sink strainers is complete without Westbrass. The moment you hold this product in your hand, you can get a feel for the rugged nature of this product. This Westbrass product is constructed of supreme-quality brass. Brass is usually preferred for plumbing-related works due to its remarkable water-resistant properties and corrosion-resistant characteristics. On top of it, brass contains solidity, which increases the service life of a product and makes it durable and reliable.
This kitchen sink strainer can take detergent water, warm water, or even cold water for long durations without losing its color. It has a knob over the sink strainer to engage the stopper function on this product.
The finish on this sink strainer is impeccable, and the edges around the holes of the sink strainer are perfectly leveled and smooth, which makes cleaning easy. Brass is durable, reliable, and elegant, making the sink look expensive because of its inclusion. This Westbrass product comes in metallic or non-metallic finishes to match your kitchen theme.
What We Like
- The use of brass makes it reliable and durable.
- Good anti-rust and anti-corrosion qualities.
- High-quality finish.
- Smooth edges.
- Easy to clean.
- Easy to install.
- It Comes in multiple metallic and non-metallic finishes.
What You Should Know
- More expensive than other options on our list.
What Should be Considered Before Buying a Sink Strainer
Material
It is better to avoid settling for cheap materials when buying a sink strainer. The sink strainer is a high-traffic zone; when it comes to cooking and cleaning. It comes under intense use during cleaning. It has to bear hot and cold water, hold debris, and withstand the load and impact of dishes.
A weak material filter, over time, would either get rusted, cracked, lose its shape, or slip from its position. This results in blockading your drainage pipe. A kitchen sink strainer made from either stainless steel or brass offers durability and reliability. They are a little expensive compared to other materials, but they should be your first choice.
Ability to Hold Water
Cleaning dishes is one heck of a task. It only gets worse if your sink strainer does not have a stopper function. The sink strainer stops water from running through the kitchen sink drain by this mechanism. Especially in winter, food remains on dishes, dries quickly, and sticks to surfaces. It's time-consuming, takes extra effort, and wastes water to clean them directly under running water. By contrast, if your sink has a strainer stopper function, fill it with warm water and detergent, and soak your dishes. This process helps loosen the stuck-on food on dishes and makes washing them more manageable. Therefore, it is necessary to have a stopper function in the kitchen sink strainer.
The Filter
It let go of water but does not let solids pass through it; the sink strainer is built with holes and gaps. As a result, the holes drain only liquid, keeping debris at bay. The market is flooded with different shapes and sizes of perforated kitchen sink strainers. It solely depends on you what size and shape fit your bill, as it is a very subjective matter, and everyone has their preferences. But we can suggest one or two things while deciding what sort of filter does what.
The sink strainer with tiny perforations virtually catches all debris and food particles and only allows liquid to pass through, minimizing the chances of clogging the drainage pipe. The downside is that it quickly fills up with solid waste, which requires frequent cleaning and visits to garbage disposal, or it will block water flow. A sink strainer with good-sized gaps or holes offers more space for liquid to dispense. Despite being full of debris, thanks to its significant gaps that allow water to drain, it can be emptied after a while. But the downside is that with time the drain pipe accumulates enough tiny debris to clog your drain. In conclusion, a better option would be a sink strainer with medium-sized holes and gaps.
Installation
Attaching a kitchen sink strainer can be tricky and takes serious plumbing skills. If it is done half-heartedly, you may end up getting leaky pipes. In addition, it causes rot in the kitchen cabinets and produces a pungent smell. It often happens when it's wrenched in a rush without adequately aligning the screw thread of a sink strainer which creates space for liquid to leak and also damages the screw thread by overlapping it forcefully. Therefore, try to buy one that is easy to install and has an anti-leaking mechanism.
Depth
Depth is crucial for a sink strainer. The bigger the depth of the kitchen sink strainer, the longer it operates before cleaning. In contrast to a less-depth sink strainer, it can hold more debris because of its greater depth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Sink Strainers
Here are the most frequently asked questions about kitchen sink strainers.
Are all sink strainers the same?
No, not all sink strainers are the same. Different sink strainers are designed to fit different types of sinks, with variations in shape, size, and materials used. For example, a regular kitchen sink strainer is typically made from stainless steel with a round design that fits into the drain opening. On the other hand, a bar sink strainer is wider and flatter than its kitchen counterpart, usually made of brass or plastic. Additionally, some sink strainers feature special designs to control water flow or block large items from entering the plumbing system. As such, there is no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to choosing a strainer for your sink; rather, one must consider factors such as the type of sink being used and personal preference before deciding on which model is best suited for their needs.
How do I choose a kitchen sink strainer?
When choosing a kitchen sink strainer, it is important to consider the type of sink strainer that will best suit your needs. Depending on the size and shape of your sink, one type may be better than another. If you have a deep, large sink, a basket strainer with a removable basket insert may be the most practical choice. These strainers are great for collecting food scraps and other debris while allowing water to pass through. If you have a shallow or medium-sized sink, a flat-bottom strainer may work best since they don't take up as much space and are less likely to become clogged. Additionally, it is important to consider what material the strainer is made of; stainless steel is popular as it is durable and easy to clean, but plastic varieties are available that may fit your budget better. Finally, make sure you measure your drain before purchasing so that you get one that fits properly.
What is the best kitchen sink drain stopper?
The best kitchen sink drain stopper for most people is likely a pop-up stopper. This type of stopper has an internal mechanism that allows it to be opened or closed with the press of a button, allowing you to control the flow of water in and out of your sink. Pop-up drain stoppers are usually made from durable materials such as chrome, stainless steel, and brass. They can be designed with stylish looks that match the interior décor of your kitchen. Additionally, they're often equipped with extra features such as overflow protection, adjustable height levels, and anti-clogging mechanisms that help keep your sink free from debris buildup. Pop-up drain stoppers are also relatively easy to install, making them one of the most convenient and efficient solutions for any kitchen sink drainage issue.
Is silicone or stainless steel better for a sink strainer?
The choice between stainless steel and silicone sink strainers largely depends on the individual's specific needs. Stainless steel is a durable, cost-effective material with longevity, strength, and corrosion resistance. On the other hand, silicone is lightweight, flexible, and won't scratch your sink, making it ideal for those who want to quickly remove and replace the strainer. Both materials are easy to clean. In terms of durability, stainless steel will generally last longer than silicone; however, depending on the amount of wear and tear the strainer experiences, one may actually outlast the other. In terms of cost-effectiveness, while both materials are relatively affordable options compared to other materials, such as cast iron or brass, stainless steel may be more economical in the long run due to its longevity and durability.
What Option of Kitchen Sink Strainers Is Best For You?
So, what did you think of our kitchen sink strainer picks?
With so many different options on the market, it can be hard to make a decision. But we hope that our article has given you some clarity and helped you narrow down your search. Remember, what works for one consumer may not work for another. So trust your gut and choose the option that you think is best for you and your home.
Thank you for reading!
Items reviewed:
2. Fengbao Kitchen Sink Strainer
4. ELKAY Kitchen Sink Strainer
