Commonly used in Asian cuisine, spider strainers are handy kitchen tools used for many different purposes. Unfortunately, not every spider strainer is created equal. If you have ever wondered what the best spider strainer is, you have come to the right place.
This guide will look at what a spider strainer is, how to pick a good one, and what we feel are some of the best spider strainers on the market.
Let’s jump right in.
Quick Summary
Here’s a quick summary of our top picks and why we selected them:
| Product Name | Why We Picked It |
| IQCWOOD 5.3 Inch Spider Strainer Skimmer
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| Helen’s Asian Kitchen Stainless Steel Spider Skimmer Basket with Bamboo Handle, 5-Inch Diameter
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| YFWOOD Double Coil Strainer Skimmer
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| KitchenAid Classic Asian Spider Strainer
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What Is a Spider Strainer?
A spider strainer is a wide shallow basket-shaped kitchen utensil with an extended handle commonly used in East Asian cuisine. Most spider skimmers are made of metal, with the best being stainless steel or brass.
People use a spider skimmer to drain the oil from fried foods, hot liquid from cooked vegetables, and skim the foam off of broths. They get their name from the appearance of their round basket, which looks much like a spider’s web.
While they are often confused with skimmers, spider strainers differ by being made of wire mesh. A skimmer is a solid strainer. People use the two for very similar purposes, but spider strainers do a superior jog of draining foods due to their reduced surface area.
What To Look for In a Spider Strainer
As with most things, spider strainers can vary significantly in quality and features. Here we examine what we feel are some of the most important things to consider when shopping for a spider strainer.
Handle Length
Spider strainer handles come in several lengths. Which will work best for you is essentially a matter of personal taste. A shorter handled strainer might be best if you have a small kitchen. If you often fry large woks of food, you might want a long handle to stay back from the hot oil.
Evaluate your needs and choose what works for you.
Handle Material
There are usually are three different types of handles used on a spider strainer. Most heavy-duty strainers come with a metal handle. These are super sturdy but, with constant use, can become uncomfortably warm.
The second option for handles is bamboo wood. These natural materials are easy on the hand and don’t conduct heat, but some will flex under heavy loads, and they will break down over time.
The last commonly seen handle material is plastic. These are usually found on cheaper spider strainers, though some better-built models with plastic handles have good reputations.
Of course, you will also find strainers that use combinations of the above, and these are often the best option. A spider strainer with a metal-framed natural bamboo handle often offers the best of all worlds.
Basket Material
As a general rule, you will only find the best spider skimmers with two types of baskets. They will either be stainless steel or brass.
Brass is considered more traditional, and some claim has less effect on taste, but it is hard to beat the overall ease of care, durability, and strength of stainless steel. As a rule, a stainless steel basket will get our vote
Wire Spacing
There is no ideal spacing for the mesh in a spider strainer basket. People use them in too many ways, and everyone has their preferences.
A wider spaced wire pattern is better for draining foods, but thin wire mesh skimmers are better for skimming. More open strainers will allow small bits of food to fall through, but fine mesh screens can trap small debris.
Consider your cooking style and pick the best spider strainer for your needs.
Wire Gauge
The thickness of wires is measured in a gauge. Without getting too technical, smaller wires have higher gauge numbers, and larger wires have lower gauges. As an example, a fourteen gauge wire is half
the size of a seven gauge wire and is considered a lighter gauge. The seven gauge wire is the heavier gauge.
Spider strainers made of heavier gauge wires will be more sturdy and have greater load-bearing capacity.
Cost
The more you are able to spend the more options you will find in spider skimmers, but few could be considered expensive.
Bowl Size
Spider skimmers can have a basket not much bigger than an average slotted spoon and others can be larger pieces. Only you can know your needs and choose the proper size.
Top Spider Strainer Picks
IQCWOOD 5.3 Inch Spider Strainer Skimmer
Whether you are deep-frying, blanching vegetables, or draining green beans this stainless steel spider with a wooden handle is ready to step up. Available in four different sizes to fit any need, it gets our nod as a top choice for a coarse strainer.
Its open design makes it ideal for quickly removing food from hot liquids and natural wood handle with a hanging hole will protect you from both fatigue and high temperatures.
Pros
Well proportioned slots will quickly drain away fluids
The wood handle provides a comfortable grip and heat insulation
A unique design with a modern style that will look good in any home
Sturdy construction and durable stainless steel material
Cons
The largest offered (7.9 inches) is still fairly small for anyone other than home cooks
Open slot design not suitable for small pasta or fine cut blanched vegetables
Helen’s Asian Kitchen Stainless Steel Spider Skimmer Basket with Bamboo Handle, 5-Inch Diameter
If you are a cook who enjoys the feel of a traditional kitchen tool you’ll love cooking with this lightweight fine mesh strainer. A very traditional design this spider skimmer is ideal if you want to blanch vegetables in boiling water, cook french fries, or prepare classic Asian dishes.
Pros
Classicly designed spider skimmer with the traditional form of a spider’s web
Skimmer holes are small enough to catch small pasta and finely cut ingredients
Very lightweight
Cons
The handle can swell if emersed for long periods in hot liquids
Too small to handle a large amount of food at one time
Not as durable as more modern designs
YFWOOD Double Coil Strainer Skimmer
Intended for long-term use, the YFWOOD Spider Strainer comes in four sizes to fit a wide variety of food preparation needs. Their double looped reinforced handle and basket make them some of the strongest on the market and suitable for any job from dipping blanched vegetables to frying french fries in oil.
Pros
Unique design enhances the cooking experience
Very durable
As strong as any slotted spoon
Cons
Heavier than other models
KitchenAid Classic Asian Spider Strainer
An American take on a classic Asian food utensil, this spider strainer has a very comfortable handle to prevent hand fatigue during long sessions in the kitchen. They are built super strong from quality materials and deliver all durability you would expect from a KitcheAid utensil.
Pros
Overall best spider strainer on our list
It will last a lifetime with normal use
Stronger than a slotted spoon
Cons
Small for preparing large amounts of food
Wrap Up
The best spider strainer is the one that will best suit your needs and cooking style. Every chef and home cook is unique as is the food they prepare. Shope carefully, consider your options, and buy the spider strainer that best suits your needs.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
