Why I Love My Matfer Bouillon Strainer and a Tip You Don’t Want To Miss
This strainer is one of my favorite kitchen tools and worth every penny.
I have recommended this wonderful strainer in the past, but some of you are still unbelievers. Yes, it’s a bit expensive and can be challenging to store, but all is forgiven when you actually use it.
In my kitchen tools Hall of Fame, this Matfer 17360 Exoglass Bouillon Strainer ranks right up there with my Kitchen Aid mixer, Zojirushi bread machine, Reynolds Handi-Vac, and a Pyrex 2-quart batter bowl.
Google this particular strainer, and you will find various sources from Amazon to restaurant supply houses with prices ranging from $75-100 . Before you faint and click away, give me a minute to show you why I’m in love.
- No-rust stainless steel mesh
- Light-weight, especially for its size
- Balanced for easy handling
- Mesh so fine you don’t need cheesecloth for most applications
- Dishwasher-safe
- Heavy-duty and heat-resistant plastic handles and frame
- Two hooks opposite the long handle make it easy to hang on the edge of a large bowl or pan, or even a small sink
- Sturdy even when full of heavy food
- Easily holds two quarts of food
- Mesh is strong enough to withstand pressure while pushing food through it
- Metal rods surrounding mesh hold the sieve (and food) away from the bottom of the sink or pan you have under it
- Conical shape takes advantage of gravity to strain the food faster and more evenly which is especially important to yogurt and cheese makers
So how do I use my strainer? Let me count the ways.
1. Strain yogurt to make Greek yogurt.
In the past, I have encouraged Greek yogurt makers to buy this beautiful strainer to save time and aggravation when straining yogurt because no cheesecloth is needed (unless your yogurt is too thin). Sometimes beginners are unconvinced they need a quality (read expensive) strainer for this one purpose. Admittedly, there are many cheaper strainers on the market. Some will work, but I have seen none that surpass this one in terms of handling, durability, and size (will easily hold 2 quarts of yogurt). If you are addicted to making your own Greek yogurt, I can’t tell you how much you will enjoy this strainer.
The fine-mesh sieve works so well it will even strain pepper out of your bouillon.
3. Remove small seeds from berries for jellies, jams, ice cream, smoothies, etc.
The mesh is strong enough for you to press fruity pulp through it.
4. Strain grounds from iced coffee base. (I use Pioneer Woman’s recipe for those who want to know.)
Straining cold-brewed iced coffee
5. ”Unlump” your gravy, pudding, or cooked ice cream base by pushing it through sieve.
Draining whey from homemade ricotta cheese
7. Use as a colander. Ever tried to wash an entire bag of spinach in a small grocery store strainer?
Easily holds 6-ounce bag of spinach
And now, I have a tip for my yogurt-making friends.
Wet the strainer before you start.
Get your strainer wet, then shake the excess moisture off before using.
The tension in the microscopic holes created by the water helps to catch the solids when straining yogurt to remove the whey.
May I also remind you to gently place your yogurt by spoonfuls into the sieve instead of dumping the whole batch in at one time. The force of pouring it all at once may cause you to lose some solids in the beginning.
P.S. This is not a sponsored post. I just love this strainer and wanted to tell you about it.
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- Homemade Greek Yogurt
