Best kitchen sink strainer basket

If you tend to cook frequently, then the best kitchen sink strainer basket is any strainer basket. Essential for keeping drains clear of clogs and discouraging pests like fruit flies, the humble sink strainer is an item that should be found in every kitchen. Our best overall kitchen sink strainer basket by OXO comes in a few different configurations. We liked the all-in-one feel of their combination strainer and stopper best. Sink strainers aren't always one-size-fits-all, so we kept that in mind while rounding up our picks for the best kitchen sink strainer basket.

OXO products often find their way onto our collections of home and kitchen goods, and they earn their spot every time. Their Good Grips 2-in-1 sink strainer stopper is thoughtfully designed and dead simple to use. Cleaning its silicone basket post-wash is straightforward; flip it inside out and rinse. If you want to plug your sink and fill it, you're in luck—twist its central knob, and a watertight seal pops into place.

This particular strainer model is as basic as it gets—chances are it was already included with your kitchen sink. Highcraft's Everflow sink strainer lives up to its name, and its rubber stopper prevents water from backing up while you're washing dirty dishes. Thirty-two holes circle the central plug, allowing good water flow while protecting your plumbing from pests and clogs. It's dishwasher safe, too, so toss it in with the rest of your plates, pots, pans, and flatware.

This innovative kitchen sink strainer is made by the same company behind the cult favorite TubShroom drain insert, intended to catch hair and prevent clogs. Now your kitchen sink (and pipes) can benefit from the same clever design with their Kitchen SinkShroom strainer. While it may not act as a stopper, it excels in filtering out even the tiniest specks of food particles, making it a smart buy for folks with septic systems. Water consistently flows through the basket, even when brimming with scraps and debris.

Best for shallower, standard-diameter sink drains, Qtimal's two-strainer set keeps out even the finest particles thanks to their 1.5-millimeter perforations. Perforated 304 stainless steel mesh is far more robust than wire mesh, which can dent or tear from heavy use or overly strong water pressure. It's a cinch to empty as well, thanks to a small tab to hook your finger under—keeping your hands clean and removal struggle-free.

Commercial and home kitchens alike will benefit from KONE's kitchen sink drain assembly. If you're wondering whether you can install it on your own, you're in luck—no plumbing skills or putty are needed! All fitting instructions for the drain and strainer are included, and it won't take forever to set up. This DIY-installation drain also serves as a sanitary substitute for your garbage disposal. Rather than tossing food down your drain to (potentially) fester, this drain's capacious strainer basket catches every scrap and empties cleanly.

Bottom line

As you can see, adding a strainer to your kitchen sink isn't nearly as complicated as it initially appears. It's unquestionably logical because no one wants to deal with clogged pipes, colonies of fruit flies, or blocked drains. Our best overall kitchen sink strainer basket by OXO embodies ease of use and versatility for the right price. Twisting the central knob converts the silicone drainer into a stopper, and there's plenty of room for food scraps. 

If you prefer an all-metal strainer basket, then Qtimal's duo above should be at the top of your list. They come with a scrubber brush, unlike most filters. Since the mesh is fine enough to trap even coffee grounds, that brush will quickly become invaluable for proper cleaning.