The bird's nest strainer is one of those tools that looks deceptively simple but genuinely earns its place once you start cooking with a wok. Made from stainless steel wire with a bamboo handle, it's designed for scooping, draining, and lifting food in and out of hot oil or boiling water without losing anything through the gaps. This version comes from the School of Wok collection, developed by Dexam in partnership with Jeremy Pang of London's School of Wok cookery school. It's the kind of utensil that serious Chinese cooking enthusiasts reach for again and again, and once you've used one you'll wonder how you managed without it.
FEATURES
Stainless steel wire construction: The wire mesh basket is made from high-quality stainless steel, so it handles repeated exposure to hot oil and boiling water without corroding.
Bamboo handle: The long bamboo handle keeps your hand well away from the heat when working over a high-temperature wok or deep pan.
Bird's nest shape: The deep, rounded basket shape lets you scoop, drain, and lift food in a single motion, making it ideal for frying, poaching, and boiling.
Hanging hole for storage: A hole at the end of the handle lets you hang the strainer on a hook or rail, which keeps it accessible and saves drawer space.
School of Wok collection: Developed with Jeremy Pang of the School of Wok cookery school, this strainer is designed with real Chinese cooking technique in mind.
SPECIFICATIONS
Material: Stainless steel wire with bamboo handle
Total length: 38cm
Basket width: 15cm
Height: 4cm
Weight: 0.095kg
Dishwasher safe: No
Manufactured in: China
Guarantee: 2 years
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Washing: Hand wash only. The bamboo handle is not suitable for the dishwasher as heat and detergent can cause it to crack and split over time. Wash in warm soapy water, rinse well, and dry thoroughly after each use.
Storage: Use the hanging hole at the end of the handle to hang the strainer on a hook or kitchen rail. This keeps it dry and accessible, and avoids the wire mesh getting misshapen in a crowded drawer.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: Can this strainer go in the dishwasher?
A: No, this strainer is not suitable for the dishwasher. The bamboo handle can crack and split with repeated exposure to dishwasher heat and detergent, so hand washing is recommended to keep it in good condition.
Q: What is a bird's nest strainer used for?
A: It's used to scoop, drain, and transfer food when frying, poaching, or boiling in a wok or deep pan. The wire mesh basket lets liquid drain away instantly while holding everything else, which makes it much quicker and easier than using a slotted spoon.
Q: How large is the basket?
A: The strainer measures 15cm wide and 38cm in total length including the handle. It's a practical size for most wok cooking tasks, whether you're lifting a portion of noodles or straining fried vegetables.
Q: Does this come with a guarantee?
A: Yes, this strainer comes with a 2-year manufacturer's guarantee from Dexam.