Drainer vs. Strainer — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
A drainer allows liquids to escape from a container, often with a slotted or perforated design, while a strainer separates solids from liquids through a fine mesh, filtering out unwanted particles.
Difference Between Drainer and Strainer
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A drainer typically consists of a slotted or perforated surface to allow water or other liquids to drain from items like dishes or pasta. It is commonly used to air-dry items in kitchens, letting excess liquid flow into a sink or catch basin.
A strainer, on the other hand, uses a fine mesh to filter out solid particles from liquids, commonly used in cooking to separate ingredients like pasta from boiling water or to remove seeds from juice. This tight mesh ensures smaller solids are filtered out, allowing only the liquid to pass through.
Drainers are usually designed with large holes or slots that facilitate the easy passage of water, making them suitable for tasks like drying or draining cooked vegetables.
Strainers, by contrast, are often shaped like bowls or sieves with finer openings, making them essential for filtering broths or removing seeds from fruit purees.
While a drainer’s primary purpose is to allow items to air-dry or quickly drain excess liquid, a strainer focuses on filtration, ensuring unwanted solids do not pass through.
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Comparison Chart
Structure
Slotted/perforated surface
Fine mesh or sieve-like
Purpose
Allow liquids to drain from items
Separate solids from liquids
Uses
Air-drying dishes, draining pasta
Filtering broths, removing seeds
Filtering Level
Coarse
Fine
Typical Shape
Flat/slightly angled
Bowl-like
Compare with Definitions
Drainer
Perforated or slotted surface for draining liquids from items.
The dish drainer is full of clean plates drying.
Strainer
Mesh sieve used to separate solids from liquids.
She used a strainer to remove the pulp from the juice.
Drainer
Kitchen tool to let excess liquid escape.
After cooking pasta, she poured it into the drainer.
Strainer
Bowl-shaped kitchen tool to drain boiled pasta or vegetables.
The strainer helped separate the spaghetti from the water.
Drainer
Device or surface used to air-dry washed items.
The countertop drainer kept the dishes organized as they dried.
Strainer
Fine mesh utensil for filtering stocks or sauces.
A fine strainer was essential for making a smooth soup.
Drainer
Slotted container to remove water from cooked vegetables.
The broccoli was poured into the drainer before serving.
Strainer
Device used to filter impurities or seeds.
He used a strainer to get rid of the seeds from the puree.
Drainer
Rack for washed dishes.
He carefully placed the glasses on the dish drainer.
Strainer
Kitchen tool designed to remove unwanted solids from liquids.
The strainer is perfect for filtering loose tea leaves.
Drainer
To draw off (a liquid) by a gradual process
Drained water from the sink.
Strainer
A device having holes punched in it or made of crossed wires for separating solid matter from a liquid
A tea strainer
Drainer
To cause liquid to go out from; empty
Drained the bathtub.
Drain the pond.
Strainer
One that strains, as a device used to separate liquids from solids.
Drainer
To draw off the surface water of
The Mississippi River drains a vast area.
Strainer
A standing or fallen tree whose branches are partly submerged in a fast-flowing river, presenting a hazard to navigation or to swimmers.
Drainer
To drink all the contents of
Drained the cup.
Strainer
An apparatus for tightening, stretching, or strengthening.
Drainer
To cause (a resource or supply of something) to be used up gradually and often completely.
Strainer
A device through which a liquid is passed for purification, filtering or separation from solid matter; anything (including a screen or a cloth) used to strain a liquid.
Drainer
To fatigue or spend emotionally or physically
The day's events drained me of energy.
Strainer
A perforated screen or openwork (usually at the end of a suction pipe of a pump), used to prevent solid bodies from mixing in a liquid stream or flowline.
Drainer
(Sports) To put (a ball or shot) into a hole or basket, as in golf or basketball
Drained the putt for a birdie.
Strainer
One who strains.
Drainer
To flow off or out
Gasoline drained slowly from the tilted can.
Strainer
One who strains.
Drainer
To become empty by the drawing off of liquid
Watched the tub slowly drain.
Strainer
That through which any liquid is passed for purification or to separate it from solid matter; anything, as a screen or a cloth, used to strain a liquid; a device of the character of a sieve or of a filter; specifically, an openwork or perforated screen, as for the end of the suction pipe of a pump, to prevent large solid bodies from entering with a liquid.
Drainer
To discharge surface or excess water
The Niagara River drains into Lake Ontario. When flooded, the swamp drains northward.
Strainer
A filter to retain larger pieces while smaller pieces and liquids pass through
Drainer
To become gradually depleted; dwindle
Felt his enthusiasm draining.
Drainer
A pipe or channel by which liquid is drawn off.
Drainer
(Medicine) A device, such as a tube, inserted into the opening of a wound or body cavity to facilitate discharge of fluid or purulent material.
Drainer
The act or process of draining.
Drainer
A gradual outflow or loss; consumption or depletion
The drain of young talent by emigration.
Drainer
Something that causes a gradual loss
Interruptions that are a drain on my patience.
Drainer
That which drains.
Drainer
A frame or rack for allowing washed crockery etc to dry naturally.
Drainer
A perforated rack on which washed dishes, etc. may be placed in order to dry.
Drainer
A person who explores drains, tunnels, or sewers.
Drainer
One who, or that which, drains.
Common Curiosities
Do strainers come in different mesh sizes?
Yes, strainers have varying mesh sizes, suitable for different levels of filtration.
Which is better for drying dishes, a strainer or a drainer?
A drainer is better suited for drying dishes due to its spacious design.
Can I use a drainer to strain tea or coffee?
No, a drainer’s holes are typically too large for fine filtration like tea or coffee requires.
Is a colander the same as a drainer?
A colander, with larger holes, acts as a drainer but is distinct from a finer mesh strainer.
Can I use a strainer for deep frying?
A strainer can help lift food out of hot oil, but it's advisable to use a dedicated frying basket for safety.
Can a strainer be used as a drainer?
While it can drain liquids from solid items, a strainer’s fine mesh could slow down draining compared to a drainer.
Can a strainer filter fine powders like flour or powdered sugar?
Yes, a fine-mesh strainer can be used to sift flour or powdered sugar for baking.
Do strainers come with handles for easier use?
Yes, many strainers have handles to make it easier to hold and pour liquids or food items.
Are all drainers dishwasher-safe?
Not all drainers are dishwasher-safe; it's essential to check the manufacturer's recommendations.
Can a drainer hold a large quantity of dishes or utensils?
Yes, drainers are typically designed to hold many dishes or utensils, depending on their size and capacity.
Are drainers suitable for draining delicate foods like berries?
Some drainers are suitable, but care must be taken as their coarser holes might damage delicate items like berries.
Is stainless steel the best material for strainers and drainers?
Stainless steel is durable and rust-resistant, making it a popular choice, but other materials like plastic can be lighter and cost-effective.
Is it necessary to have both a drainer and a strainer in the kitchen?
Yes, each tool has its specific uses: a drainer for drying dishes and a strainer for finer filtration or draining tasks.
Do strainers require special cleaning methods?
Strainers should be cleaned thoroughly, especially fine-mesh ones, to prevent clogging and contamination.
Do drainers or strainers need to be replaced often?
Quality drainers and strainers can last for years with proper care, but replacements may be needed if there’s significant damage.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
