A sink strainer catches food scraps before they reach the drain. Some simply sit in the drain opening, while others replace the basket and body of the drain itself, so check which type you are buying before you order.
The six strainers below range from flip-inside-out silicone baskets to a stainless drain basket with a stopper. Sizes, materials and fit come from each listing page. We have not used these products ourselves. Claims about fit and durability are the makers’ own.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links, and they do not change the product information we give.
What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Drain size | Most kitchen drains are about 3.5 inches; measure yours first |
| Type | A drop-in strainer sits in the drain; a basket assembly replaces the fitting |
| Material | Silicone is soft and flexible; stainless steel is rigid |
| Stopper | Some models also hold water in the sink |
Specs at a Glance
| Strainer | Size and fit | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| OXO silicone | 4.5 in wide; 3.5 in groove | Silicone and stainless steel | Basket inverts to empty; dishwasher safe |
| OXO 2-in-1 | 4.4 in wide; 3.73 in groove | Silicone and stainless steel | Twist tab turns it into a stopper |
| Amazon Basics 2 pack | 4.4 in outer; 3 in inner | 18/0 stainless steel and silicone | Flips inside out; dishwasher safe |
| KOHLER Duostrainer | For 3.5 or 4 in outlets | Metal, polished chrome | Basket with open and close stopper |
| Fengbao 2 pack | 4.5 in overall | Stainless steel | 2 mm holes; wide flat rim |
| ZM basket | 3.5 in drain | 304 stainless steel | T-knob stopper; tool-free install |
The 6 Best Sink Strainers
1. OXO Good Grips Silicone Sink Strainer
A 4.5 inch wide strainer with a soft silicone basket and a stainless steel top that fits a 3.5 inch groove, with a basket that inverts so debris drops out and a dishwasher safe build.
Suits: a drop-in strainer for a standard drain. Strengths: flexible silicone and an easy empty. Weaknesses: no stopper function. Skip it if you also want to hold water in the sink.
View OXO Good Grips Silicone Sink Strainer on Amazon
2. OXO Good Grips 2-In-1 Sink Strainer and Stopper
A 4.4 inch wide strainer with a stainless steel top and a silicone underside that fits a 3.73 inch groove; a twist tab switches it between straining and stopping, with no installation, and the basket flips to empty.
Suits: one tool for rinsing and filling the sink. Strengths: a twist control and a flip-out basket. Weaknesses: the groove is listed at 3.73 inches, so check your drain. Skip it if you only need a plain strainer.
View OXO Good Grips 2-In-1 Sink Strainer and Stopper on Amazon
3. Amazon Basics 2pcs Kitchen Sink Strainer
A two pack of 18/0 stainless steel and silicone strainers with a 4.4 inch outer diameter and 3 inch inner diameter, a basket that flips inside out for emptying and a dishwasher safe, PVC-free build.
Suits: a spare for a second sink. Strengths: two pieces and a flip-out basket. Weaknesses: fewer maker details on fit. Skip it if you want a stopper.
View Amazon Basics 2pcs Kitchen Sink Strainer Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe on Amazon
4. KOHLER K8803-CP Duostrainer Sink Strainer Basket
A polished chrome metal basket strainer with a removable stainless steel open and close stopper, listed for sink installations with 3-1/2 inch or 4 inch outlets. It is offered separately from the K-8804 Duostrainer body.
Suits: replacing a Duostrainer basket. Strengths: a stopper that opens and closes. Weaknesses: it is a basket only, so you need a matching body. Skip it if you want a drop-in strainer.
5. Fengbao 2PCS Kitchen Sink Strainer
A two pack of stainless steel strainers 4.5 inches across, with a 2.75 inch bowl area punched with 2 mm holes, a flat two-ply metal rim that rests over the drain and a dishwasher safe finish.
Suits: a wide rim over a larger opening. Strengths: two pieces and fine holes. Weaknesses: rigid metal. Skip it if you want a flexible basket.
View Fengbao 2PCS Kitchen Sink Strainer Stainless Steel Large Wide Rim 4.5 Inch Diameter on Amazon
6. ZM Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer with Stopper
A 304 stainless steel drain basket for a 3-1/2 inch kitchen drain with a T-knob for a tighter seal, a lift-out basket that works as a strainer and water stopper, and a tool-free install per the maker.
Suits: replacing a worn drain basket. Strengths: a stopper and a lift-out basket. Weaknesses: it replaces the fitting, so it takes more effort than a drop-in. Skip it if your drain is not 3.5 inches.
View ZM Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer with Stopper, 3-1/2 Inch Drain on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Measure your drain opening before you buy.
- Empty the strainer after each wash.
- Rinse with warm soapy water or use the dishwasher where listed.
- Keep a spare on hand for a second sink.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a basket assembly when you wanted a drop-in strainer.
- Ignoring the drain size.
- Leaving scraps in the basket for days.
- Expecting a drop-in strainer to seal like a stopper.
Sink Strainer FAQ
What size drain do I need?
Many listings here mention a 3.5 inch drain. Check each listing against your own opening.
Can I use one as a stopper?
The OXO 2-in-1, the KOHLER and the ZM list a stopper function. The others only strain.
The Short Version
For a soft silicone basket, the OXO silicone. For strainer and stopper in one, the OXO 2-in-1. For a two pack, the Amazon Basics. For a Duostrainer basket, the KOHLER. For a wide rim and fine holes, the Fengbao. For a stainless basket with a stopper, the ZM.
