A tomato strainer is a kitchen tool used to separate tomato seeds, skins and pulp from the juice and flesh. It’s an essential gadget for making sauces, juices, soups and canned tomatoes. I’m going to explain everything you need to know about tomato strainers in this comprehensive guide.
Introduction
If you cook with a lot of fresh tomatoes, a tomato strainer can be a real game-changer in your kitchen. No more tedious and messy straining through sieves and cheesecloths! A good tomato strainer makes quick work of separating seeds and skins from the good stuff in tomatoes.
In this article, we’ll cover the following topics:
- What is a tomato strainer and why do you need one?
- Different types of tomato strainers
- Features to look for when choosing a tomato strainer
- How to use a tomato strainer
- Cleaning and caring for your tomato strainer
- Our top tomato strainer recommendations
Let’s get started!
What is a Tomato Strainer?
A tomato strainer, also sometimes called a tomato mill or tomato separator, is a tool designed specifically for removing the seeds, skins and pulp from juicy tomatoes.
It typically consists of a chute to load the tomatoes into, a screen or grate to separate the solids from the liquids, and a basin or bowl to collect the strained tomato juice and flesh.
Why Do You Need a Tomato Strainer?
There are several reasons why a tomato strainer is useful:
- Smoother sauces and soups: Removing skins and seeds results in a silkier, smoother texture.
- Less waste: You can salvage more of the tomato flesh and juice compared to straining through a sieve.
- Speed: Tomato strainers are faster than manually scooping out seeds and peels.
- Less mess: The strainer contains the seeds and skins so they’re not splattering everywhere.
- Preserves shelf life: For canned tomatoes or juice, removing the solids preserves freshness.
If you regularly cook tomato-based foods like pasta sauce, salsa, soup or canned tomatoes, a tomato strainer can streamline your workflow.
Types of Tomato Strainers
There are a few different styles of tomato strainers to choose from:
Hand Crank Strainers
Hand crank tomato strainers consist of a chute, grater, and bowl. You load tomatoes into the chute and turn the crank handle to force the tomato through the grater and into the bowl below. The grater separates out the skins and seeds from the juice and flesh.
Electric Tomato Strainers
Electric tomato strainers work the same way as hand crank versions, but they have a motorized auger that automatically pushes the tomatoes through the strainer so you don’t have to turn a crank. This allows for continuous, hands-free straining.
Food Mill Style
Some tomato strainers are based on a food mill design. You mount it over a bowl and scrape cooked tomatoes through the perforated disk with a hand crank or paddle. The perforations allow juice and flesh through while trapping seeds and skin.
Conical Sieve Strainers
These simple tomato strainers have a thick, cone-shaped sieve mounted over a bowl. You press or rub tomatoes through the mesh holes to separate the solids from liquids.
Here’s a comparison of the different tomato strainer types:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Crank |
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| Electric |
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| Food Mill |
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| Conical Sieve |
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Choosing the Best Tomato Strainer for You
Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a tomato strainer:
Capacity
How many tomatoes do you need to strain at once? Smaller hand crank strainers can hold 2-3 pounds, while larger electric models can strain 25 pounds or more in one batch.
Ease of Use
Hand crank strainers require more physical effort. Electric models are easier but pricier. Food mills and sieves are labor intensive.
Seed and Skin Separation
Conical sieve strainers leave more solids behind. Finer grater styles remove more seeds and fiber.
Construction
Look for durable stainless steel or cast iron. Plastic parts can crack over time.
Ease of Cleaning
Models with removable/dishwasher safe parts clean up faster.
Versatility
Some tomato strainers like food mills can also puree or juice other fruits and veggies.
Brand Reputation
Choose reputable brands known for quality and durability.
How to Use a Tomato Strainer
While tomato strainers vary slightly in design, here are the basic steps for using one:
- Wash tomatoes and remove stems.
- Cut tomatoes into quarters or eighths if large.
- Load tomatoes into strainer chute or hopper.
- Turn crank or switch on motor to push tomatoes through grater/sieve.
- Discard or compost skins and seeds left on grater screen.
- Collect strained tomato juice and flesh from bowl below.
- Repeat steps with remaining tomatoes.
- Use strained tomatoes right away or refrigerate/freeze.
- Clean strainer immediately after use.
Tips for getting the best results:
- Use ripe tomatoes for highest juice content.
- Cut tomatoes to fit in hopper openings.
- Let motorized strainers run until no more juice comes out.
- Press skins and seeds against grate to extract all juice.
- Work in batches for large volumes.
Cleaning and Caring for a Tomato Strainer
Proper cleaning and maintenance will keep your tomato strainer in good working order. Follow these tips:
- Disassemble: Take strainer apart into individual components for thorough cleaning.
- Remove pulp: Rinse away all tomato residue immediately after straining.
- Wash with mild detergent: Use a soft sponge and mild dish soap, then rinse.
- Soak grater: Soak removable grater/screen in detergent if pulp is stuck.
- Dry completely: Air dry all parts fully to prevent mold.
- Tighten components: Check screws, bolts, and connections are tight.
- Store properly: Keep assembled strainer in a clean, dry spot.
- Replace wear parts: Grater screens and gaskets will eventually need replacing.
Avoid harsh scouring pads, bleach or dishwasher detergent as these can damage surfaces over time. With proper care, a quality tomato strainer should provide many years of use.
Our Favorite Tomato Strainers
Based on criteria like build quality, ease of use and customer reviews, here are my top recommendations in each style of tomato strainer:
Hand Crank: OXO Good Grips Tomato Strainer
Sturdy stainless steel strainer with smooth handle cranking. Removable grater screen and bowl. Dishwasher safe.
Electric: Sauter FP-201 Tomato Strainer
Heavy duty motorized strainer processes 25 lbs in 45 seconds. Touch controls and reverse option. 3 year warranty.
Food Mill: Cuisipro Stainless Steel Food Mill
All metal construction. Interchangeable disks for fine, medium or coarse straining. Great durability.
Conical Sieve: Ritzenhoff Tomato Sieve
Compact plastic sieve perfect for squeezing juice from fresh tomatoes. Very inexpensive but effective.
Get Straining!
A tomato strainer is one of the handiest tools you can have in your kitchen when tomato season rolls around. I hope this guide has given you all the information you need to select the right tomato strainer for your needs and use it successfully for years to come. Happy tomato straining!
