School of Wok Metal Wok Strainer
School of Wok Metal Wok Strainer
- Low stock - 4 items left
- Inventory on the way
- Free Mainland UK delivery over £49 - No Quibble Returns
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.
- 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.
What Customers Ask About This Product
Can this strainer go in the dishwasher?
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.
What is a bird's nest strainer used for?
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.
How large is the basket?
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.
Does this come with a guarantee?
Yes, this strainer comes with a 2-year manufacturer's guarantee from Dexam.
In our experience...
A bird's nest strainer is not the same as a spider strainer. The two look similar but the basket shapes differ. A spider strainer has a flatter, wider web of wire, while a bird's nest strainer has a deeper, more rounded cup. The deeper shape is better for holding food together as you lift it from the wok.
Bamboo handles stay cooler than metal ones. Bamboo is a poor conductor of heat, which is exactly why it's used on traditional Asian kitchen tools. Even over a high flame, the handle stays comfortable to grip without the need for a cloth or glove.
The length matters more than you might think. When you're working over a very hot wok with oil at high temperature, having the handle well away from the heat source makes a real practical difference. A longer handle gives you more control and more distance from the heat.
These strainers are used throughout professional Asian kitchens. If you watch footage from any busy Chinese restaurant kitchen, you'll see the bird's nest strainer in almost constant use. It's one of those tools that has remained unchanged because it works so well.
Hand washing keeps bamboo handles lasting much longer. Bamboo is a natural material that reacts badly to sustained soaking and high dishwasher temperatures. A quick rinse and dry after each use is all it needs, and it will stay in good shape for years.
Specifications
Care & Use 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.
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality tableware and cookware. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care.
- No-quibble returns, even used items
- Half-price accidental damage replacement for two years
- Price match guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I've used it and don't like it?
Return it anyway. Our no-quibble guarantee covers used items. If it's not right for you, get in touch and we'll sort out a refund.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
If you accidentally break this item within two years of buying it, we'll replace it at half price. Just get in touch with proof of purchase and a photo of the damage.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses takes 5-7 working days, and it's free on orders over £49. Next day delivery is available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
Can I collect this item instead of having it delivered?
Yes. You can collect from our Reigate shop (72 High Street, RH2 9AP), our Cobham shop (16 Anyards Road, KT11 2JZ), or our warehouse in Redhill (40 Ormside Way, RH1 2LW). Just select click and collect at checkout. If the option isn't available, this is because there isn't enough stock in your selected collection location. Please get in touch and we can organise stock to be transferred to the right place.