Best Mesh Drain Strainer? (2024 Review)

Last Updated On April 25, 2024

Updated on January 11, 2024

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best mesh drain strainer

A drain clog in your plumbing can lead to a very uncomfortable experience when getting ready in the morning, but it doesn’t have to happen if you take the proper precautions. Prevent clogs from developing easily with a mesh drain strainer. 

In this PlumbingNav review, we cover: 

  • How do mesh drain strainers work? 
  • What are the different types of mesh drain strainers? 
  • What do you look for in the best mesh drain strainer? 
  • Review of the top mesh drain strainers

ImageProduct
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KONE Copper Kitchen Sink Strainer Basket
  • Tight seal
  • 5 color choices 
  • It fits most standard drains
  • Tight seal
  • 5 color choices 
  • It fits most standard drains
View on Amazon
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Hilltop Products Stainless Steel Bathroom Sink Strainer
  • Easy installation and cleaning
  • Multi-purpose
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy installation and cleaning
  • Multi-purpose
  • Inexpensive
View on Amazon
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Kohler K-8803-2BZ Duostrainer Kitchen Basket Strainer
  • Easy to use
  • Highly durable 
  • Fits all 3.5” and 4”
  • Easy to use
  • Highly durable 
  • Fits all 3.5” and 4”
View on Amazon
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Bathroom Sink Strainers and Stopper Plug Combo
  • Large 1” basket
  • Includes stoppers 
  • Cost-effective
  • Large 1” basket
  • Includes stoppers 
  • Cost-effective
View on Amazon
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LEKEYE Drain Hair Catcher/Bathtub Shower Drain Hair Trap
  • It fits all shower drains
  • Easy to clean
  • One-year warranty
  • It fits all shower drains
  • Easy to clean
  • One-year warranty
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On April 25, 2024

Our #1 Rated Pick: KONE Copper Kitchen Sink Strainer Basket

This stainless steel strainer with 32 holes fits most sinks in size and is made to fit into a rectangular fitting. You get to choose from five colors so that you can match your current design. Using the strainer is easy, and you don’t have to worry about the metal knob breaking off.

Our Top 5 Mesh Drain Strainers?

What's In This Guide?

      How Do Mesh Drain Strainers Work?

      A drain strainer fits into the desired drain, and it collects items too big to fit through its tiny mesh holes so that they don’t clog your drain while still letting the water flow through. When the strainer becomes full, you empty the contents in the garbage can before replacing it. 

      Mesh drains work best in the kitchen sink to collect food particles and in the bathroom sink to collect hair. HIgh-quality mesh strainers last a substantial amount of time, but if you do notice rust or damage, you can replace the strainer relatively simply yourself. 

      did you know best mesh drain strainer

      What Are The Different Types Of Mesh Drain Strainers?

      Kitchen Sink Drain Strainer 

      People who spend a lot of time in the kitchen rely on a strainer to prevent food scraps from getting down the drain or garbage disposal. While the strainer can catch large items that are still safe to go down the drain, you want to avoid putting certain items down your garbage disposal and potentially damage it. 

      Items not to put down your kitchen sink or garbage disposal include: 

      • Fibrous vegetables (ex. celery)
      • Peels
      • Coffee grounds 
      • Grease 

      Bathroom Sink Drain Strainer 

      The bathroom sink drain strainer will collect excess toothpaste and hair before it falls down the drain. 

      To reduce the likelihood of a bathroom sink clog, minimize the amount of toothpaste you use when you brush your teeth and trim long hair before shaving. 

      Bathroom sinks tend to be smaller and less intricate than kitchen sinks, making bathroom strainers more versatile. 

      Shower Drain Strainer 

      A shower drain strainer prevents you from standing in ankle-deep water while you get ready in the morning. These strainers look slightly different than a traditional drain strainer since they usually don’t have a basket. 

      You can also go for a shower drain cover and strainer combo. Using a mesh strainer regularly can help you from having to unclog a shower or bathtub drain full of hair down the road.

      What Do You Look For In The Best Mesh Drain Strainers?

      High-Quality Material 

      It’s important to have a strainer made out of material that will last through heavy usage. Instead of plastic or mesh, most people opt for stainless steel. Stainless steel is highly durable, and it doesn’t corrode as quickly as other metals, which comes in handy thanks to how much water it comes into contact with. 

      Correct Fitting 

      The strainer needs to fit into the drain perfectly, and kitchen drains come with four different types of fittings, with rectangular and circular being the most popular.

      Best Mesh Drain Strainers Reviewed

      Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.

      Our #1 Rated Pick: KONE Copper Kitchen Sink Strainer Basket

      This stainless steel strainer with 32 holes fits most sinks in size and is made to fit into a rectangular fitting. You get to choose from five colors so that you can match your current design. Using the strainer is easy, and you don’t have to worry about the metal knob breaking off.

      Pros

      • Tight seal
      • 5 color choices 
      • It fits most standard drains

      Cons

      • Rubber stopper
      • It doesn’t work with all fittings
      • Smaller than most models

      Our #2 Rated Pick: Hilltop Products Stainless Steel Bathroom Sink Strainer

      This simple yet effective strainer works well for the bathroom sink or any sink in the laundry room or utility room. However, you won’t get the best use out of it in the kitchen. Simply place it in the sink of your choice and remove to clean when it gets dirty. The stainless steel can handle daily use in high traffic sinks.

      Pros

      • Easy installation and cleaning
      • Multi-purpose
      • Inexpensive

      Cons

      • Drains somewhat slowly 
      • Not for use in the kitchen
      • Do not use with sink stopper

      Our #3 Rated Pick: Kohler K-8803-2BZ Duostrainer Kitchen Basket Strainer

      Create a perfectly tight seal with this basket strainer that fits any 3.5” or 4” kitchen drain without any concern about the shape of the holes. Kohler makes this strainer out of brass to increase the strength and reliability of the product. 

      Pros

      • Easy to use
      • Highly durable 
      • Fits all 3.5” and 4” drains

      Cons

      • More expensive 
      • Body and tailpiece sold separately
      • In-depth installation

      Our #4 Rated Pick: Bathroom Sink Strainers and Stopper Plug Combo

      When you need something that can work in multiple sinks around your home, these stainless steel strainers should do the job with their uniform size. The 1” basket catches everything that falls into the drain while the 1/16” holes ensure water continues to flow. 

      This set also comes with plugs that fit perfectly, so you know the water won’t drain. 

      Pros

      • Large 1” basket
      • Includes stoppers 
      • Cost-effective

      Cons

      • Not made for larger sinks
      • No color choices
      • It can be difficult to clean

      Our #5 Rated Pick: LEKEYE Drain Hair Catcher/Bathtub Shower Drain Hair Trap

      Put this flat strainer in your shower drain in the floor to catch hair before it goes down the shower drain. The design allows water to flow through the strainer effortlessly until you need to clean the strainer. 

      Lekeye stands behind their stainless steel product so much that they offer a one-year warranty in case you notice a defect. 

      Pros

      • It fits all shower drains
      • Easy to clean
      • One-year warranty

      Cons

      • Doesn’t work with kitchen or bathroom sinks
      • May slip
      • Some hair still goes down

      Final Thoughts On Mesh Drain Strainers

      A mesh strainer is an easy way to prevent a clogged drain by catching material before it falls down the drain. To pick the best product for the job, consider where you need it the most. A kitchen drain or tub drain may require something more specialized than standard items you can use for the bathroom drain and other sinks around your home. 

      Looking for the best drain stopper reviews instead? Read this post:

      FAQs For Mesh Drain Strainers

      What is the best bathroom sink drain strainer?

      The best strainer for a bathroom sink drain is one that will catch toothpaste and hair. It should fit, but can have larger holes vs. a kitchen strainer. We like this one: Hilltop Products Stainless Steel Bathroom Sink Strainer 

      What are the kitchen sink strainer types?

      KItchen sink strainers have different fittings that must fit the hole in the sink, which may be rectangular or circular. 

      What is the best kitchen sink strainer?

      Kitchen sink strainers should fit tightly and have smaller holes than strainers used in places like the bathroom or shower. This copper one by KONE is our fav: KONE Copper Kitchen Sink Strainer Basket

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      We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.

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