What is the difference between chinois and strainer?

Definitions

chinois

- Referring to a type of fine-meshed sieve used in cooking.

- Describing a tool used to strain liquids and remove solids from sauces, soups, or stocks.

- Talking about a kitchen utensil with a conical shape and a handle for easy handling and pouring.

strainer

- Referring to a device used to separate solids from liquids.

- Describing a tool with a mesh or perforated surface that allows liquid to pass through while retaining solid particles.

- Talking about a kitchen utensil used for draining pasta, rinsing fruits and vegetables, or sifting dry ingredients.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both chinois and strainer are kitchen tools used for separating solids from liquids.
• 2. Both have a mesh or perforated surface that allows liquid to pass through.
• 3. Both are used in cooking and food preparation processes.
• 4. Both can be used to strain sauces, soups, or stocks.

What is the difference?

• 1. Design: A chinois has a conical shape with a fine-meshed surface, while a strainer can have various shapes and mesh sizes.
• 2. Usage: A chinois is typically used for straining finer substances like sauces and purees, while a strainer is more versatile and can be used for a wider range of tasks like draining pasta or rinsing fruits.
• 3. Handle: A chinois usually has a handle for easy handling and pouring, while a strainer may or may not have a handle.
• 4. Size: Chinois is often smaller and more delicate compared to strainers, which can come in different sizes.
• 5. Specialty: Chinois is considered a specialized tool used in professional kitchens, while strainers are more commonly found in home kitchens.

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Remember this!

Both chinois and strainer are kitchen tools used for separating solids from liquids in cooking. However, they differ in design, usage, handle presence, size, and specialty. A chinois has a conical shape with a fine-meshed surface and is used for straining finer substances like sauces and purees. On the other hand, a strainer can have various shapes and mesh sizes, is more versatile, and can be used for tasks like draining pasta or rinsing fruits.