De Buyer Chinois Strainer 20cm Stainless Steel
De Buyer Chinois Strainer 20cm Stainless Steel
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De Buyer Chinois Strainer 20cm Stainless Steel
This professional chinois strainer delivers restaurant-quality results for straining soups, sauces, and stocks. The conical "Chinese" design with 1.5mm perforations produces silky-smooth textures by effectively separating liquids from solids, seeds, skins, and fibrous material. Constructed entirely from AISI 304 stainless steel (also known as 18/10), this strainer is designed for intensive use with high resistance to deformation, making it suitable for both demanding professional kitchens and serious home cooks.
The shape is specifically designed for optimal functionality—the conical form channels liquids efficiently whilst the fine perforations create smooth, refined results. A welded steel handle, curved and unbendable, provides ergonomic grip and features a hanging hole for convenient storage. Two stainless steel brackets welded to the funnel enable you to rest the strainer securely on containers without spilling, keeping the strainer stable whilst freeing both hands for pressing ingredients through the mesh or stirring.
Key features:
- Professional AISI 304 stainless steel: High-grade material designed for intensive use
- 1.5mm perforations: Fine mesh produces smooth, professional results
- Conical chinois design: Optimal shape for straining efficiency
- Welded curved handle: Unbendable, ergonomic grip with hanging hole
- Stability brackets: Two welded brackets rest securely on containers
- High deformation resistance: Maintains shape through years of use
- Dishwasher safe: Convenient cleaning for busy kitchens
- 18.5cm inner diameter: Versatile size for home and professional use
- 40cm total length: Comfortable reach for deep containers
- Lightweight at 0.37kg: Easy handling without compromising durability
This chinois suits anyone seeking professional-quality straining results, from home cooks elevating their sauce-making to professional chefs requiring reliable equipment for daily service. Perfect for making gravies, bisques, custards, purées, and any preparation requiring silky-smooth texture.
What Customers Ask About De Buyer Chinois Strainer
What is a chinois strainer used for?
A chinois strainer excels at making smooth gravies and sauces by removing lumps and solids, straining soups and stocks for clear, refined broths, removing bones and shells from fish soup or shellfish bisque, draining vegetables or pasta, creating silky purées without seeds or skins, straining custards or crème anglaise for perfect smoothness, and filtering fruit coulis or compotes. The fine 1.5mm perforations produce professional results—smoother than standard sieves or colanders. Use with a pestle or ladle to press ingredients through, extracting maximum flavour whilst removing unwanted solids.
What size is this chinois?
The strainer measures 18.5cm top inner diameter, 16.2cm inner height, 18.4cm total height, and 40cm total length including the handle. The 20cm width (measured across the stability brackets) provides excellent stability when resting on containers. This is a medium-sized chinois—large enough for batch cooking or restaurant prep, yet compact enough for home kitchen storage. The 0.37kg weight makes it comfortable to hold and manoeuvre during extended straining sessions.
Is this dishwasher safe?
Yes, the chinois is completely dishwasher safe. The AISI 304 stainless steel construction withstands repeated dishwasher cycles without corrosion, discolouration, or damage. However, rinsing immediately after use (before food dries in the perforations) makes cleaning easier whether hand washing or using the dishwasher. The welded construction has no joints or seams where food can trap.
What are the brackets for?
The two stainless steel brackets welded to the funnel allow you to rest the strainer securely on pots, containers, or bowls. This stability prevents the chinois from tipping or slipping whilst you strain, and crucially frees both hands—one to press ingredients through with a pestle or ladle, the other to scrape the outside of the mesh where puréed food accumulates. Without brackets, you'd need to hold the strainer, limiting your ability to work efficiently.
What does AISI 304 stainless steel mean?
AISI 304 is high-grade stainless steel (also known as 18/10, indicating 18% chromium and 10% nickel content) that offers excellent corrosion resistance even in acidic environments, exceptional durability and longevity, hygienic non-porous surface, and high resistance to deformation. It's the professional kitchen standard used in restaurant equipment worldwide. This grade ensures your chinois maintains its shape and performance through years of intensive use, unlike cheaper grades that can warp or corrode.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Remove all packaging and labels. Wash the chinois in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry. This removes any manufacturing residue and prepares the stainless steel for use.
Basic straining technique: Rest the chinois on a container using the stability brackets. Pour liquid or mixture to be strained into the conical funnel. The fine 1.5mm perforations separate liquids from solids, producing smooth results. For thicker mixtures or purées, use a ladle or pestle to press ingredients against the mesh, forcing them through whilst leaving skins, seeds, or fibrous material behind.
Making smooth sauces and gravies: After cooking, pour the sauce or gravy into the chinois. Press with a ladle to extract all liquid whilst removing lumps, herbs, or vegetable pieces. Scrape the outside of the mesh where smooth sauce accumulates—this concentrated purée adds body and flavour to your final sauce. The chinois produces smoother results than standard sieves.
Straining stocks and soups: Pour hot stock or soup through the chinois to remove bones, vegetables, herbs, and impurities. For crystal-clear stock, strain twice—once through the chinois, then again through cheesecloth placed in the chinois. The fine perforations remove particles that cloud stocks, producing restaurant-quality clarity.
Creating purées: Cook vegetables or fruit until very soft. Pour into the chinois with some cooking liquid. Use a pestle or ladle to press and rub the ingredients against the mesh, forcing smooth purée through whilst seeds, skins, and fibrous material remain in the strainer. This technique produces silkier results than food processors or blenders for preparations like tomato sauce, apple sauce, or fruit coulis.
Straining custards: Pour cooked custard or crème anglaise through the chinois to remove any curdled bits, ensuring silky-smooth texture. The fine mesh catches even tiny lumps that standard sieves miss, producing professional pastry-kitchen results.
Using the stability brackets: The two welded brackets rest on the rim of pots, bowls, or containers, keeping the chinois stable and secure. This design allows you to work with both hands free—press with one hand whilst scraping or stirring with the other. Choose a container with a rim that the brackets can grip securely.
Cleaning immediately after use: Rinse the chinois under running water immediately after straining, before food dries in the perforations. Hold under the tap with water flowing from the inside outward, forcing debris out through the holes. This immediate rinse makes subsequent cleaning significantly easier. Use a soft brush if needed to clear stubborn particles from perforations.
Dishwasher cleaning: Place the chinois in the dishwasher, positioning it so water can flow through freely. The dishwasher effectively removes most stuck food. For particularly stubborn residue, soak first in warm soapy water, then dishwasher. The AISI 304 stainless steel maintains its appearance and performance through countless dishwasher cycles.
Hand washing: If preferred, wash in hot soapy water using a soft brush or sponge to clean the perforations from both sides. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. The welded construction has no joints or seams where food can trap, making hand washing straightforward.
Storage: Hang the chinois from its handle hole to save cupboard space and allow air circulation for complete drying. If storing in drawers or cupboards, ensure it's completely dry first to prevent water spots. The curved handle design allows compact storage even in limited spaces.
Maintaining performance: The AISI 304 stainless steel requires minimal maintenance. Avoid using metal scourers or abrasive cleaners that might scratch the surface (though stainless steel is quite resistant). The unbendable welded handle and high deformation resistance mean the chinois maintains its shape and functionality through years of intensive use without special care beyond regular cleaning.
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality kitchen tools and equipment. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care. We stock De Buyer because their commitment to professional-grade quality and durability aligns with our standards.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns - Even Used Items
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Damage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm not satisfied with the chinois?
Return it to us, even if you've used it for straining. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items—if it doesn't meet your needs or expectations, we'll refund you in full. This applies whether you've tested it briefly or used it extensively.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage the chinois (for example, denting or bending through misuse), we'll replace it at half the current retail price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. Photos are acceptable. This provides protection beyond normal wear and tear.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4, and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
Why is it called a chinois?
The name 'chinois' is French for 'Chinese' and refers to the conical shape resembling a traditional Chinese hat (conical straw hats worn in East Asia). This professional kitchen tool is essential in French cuisine for creating smooth, refined sauces and soups. The English term is 'conical strainer' but chinois is the widely-recognised professional name used in kitchens worldwide.
Can I use a pestle with this?
Yes, the conical shape and fine perforations work excellently with a wooden pestle, ladle, or the back of a spoon to press ingredients through. This technique—pressing and rubbing ingredients against the mesh—extracts maximum flavour whilst removing seeds, skins, and fibrous material for silky-smooth results. Many chefs use a ladle's bowl as an improvised pestle. The stability brackets keep the chinois secure whilst you press with both hands if needed.
How do I clean stuck food from the perforations?
Rinse immediately after use under running water from the inside, forcing debris out through the perforations. For stubborn residue, soak in warm soapy water for 15-20 minutes, then use a soft brush to scrub from both sides. The dishwasher effectively cleans most stuck food using high-pressure water jets. The 1.5mm perforations are large enough to clean relatively easily—unlike ultra-fine mesh that clogs permanently. Never let food dry completely in the holes if possible, as prevention is easier than cure.
Is this suitable for professional kitchens?
Absolutely. De Buyer is a professional-grade brand used in restaurant kitchens worldwide, founded in France in 1830. The AISI 304 stainless steel construction is designed for intensive daily use with high resistance to deformation, making it suitable for demanding commercial environments. The welded construction, unbendable handle, and professional-grade materials ensure this chinois withstands the rigours of busy service whilst maintaining performance for years.
What's the difference between a chinois and a regular sieve?
A chinois has a conical shape that channels liquids efficiently toward the point, whilst regular sieves are typically bowl-shaped or flat. The conical design allows you to press ingredients more effectively, and provides better control when straining into narrow containers. Chinois typically have finer, more uniform perforations than standard sieves. The stability brackets on this chinois allow hands-free straining, unlike most sieves that must be held. Chinois produce smoother, more refined results—essential for professional-quality sauces and soups.
Can I strain hot liquids through this?
Yes, the AISI 304 stainless steel construction handles hot liquids safely. The curved steel handle remains cooler than the funnel and provides safe grip even when straining boiling stock or sauce. Always use caution with hot liquids—ensure the receiving container is heatproof and stable, and be careful of splashing or steam. The chinois's professional-grade construction is specifically designed for hot kitchen applications including straining stocks and sauces straight from the stove.
How fine are 1.5mm perforations?
1.5mm perforations are fine enough to produce smooth, professional results whilst being practical to clean. They're finer than standard colanders (typically 4-8mm) but coarser than ultra-fine mesh or cheesecloth. This size effectively removes seeds from tomatoes, skins from fruit purées, small bones from fish stock, and lumps from sauces, whilst allowing smooth purée, liquid, and fine particles through. For even finer straining (crystal-clear consommé, for example), line the chinois with cheesecloth.
Will this rust?
No, AISI 304 stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance and won't rust under normal kitchen conditions. It resists corrosion even from acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus. However, if the chinois is left wet for extended periods in humid conditions, minor surface staining can occur (not true rust). Dry thoroughly after washing to maintain optimal appearance. The professional-grade stainless steel maintains its appearance and performance through years of intensive use.
Can I strain cold preparations like yoghurt or cream?
Yes, the chinois works well for straining cold preparations. Use it for draining yoghurt to make Greek-style thick yoghurt, straining whipped cream to remove over-beaten lumps, filtering cold sauces or dressings, or straining fruit juices. For very thick cold preparations, the perforations allow efficient draining whilst the conical shape and ability to press with a spatula helps speed the process. The stainless steel doesn't react with dairy or acidic ingredients.