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        When it comes to draining pasta, rinsing food, and straining out solids from soups and sauces, a fine mesh sieve can be one of the best items in your kitchen. You can even use this handy kitchen tool to sift powdered sugar over baked goods and steam vegetables if needed. But did you know that professional chefs also use their wire sieves as an unexpected grilling tool?
        While grill baskets and pans are standard tools for grilling delicate foods, cooks like Christina Lecky and Daniel Holzman often use strainers. Holtzman says it’s great for grilling small seafood. “I’m a big fan of the strainer because it picks up anything that might fall off a traditional grill,” he tells us. “Whether it’s fire-roasted squid and shrimp or roasted pine nuts, you have no other choice to kiss the flame pieces.”
        Lecki also recommends using a strainer for roasting delicate foods such as peas, mushrooms and even strawberries. “I like roasting and smoking mushrooms right over the coals in a sieve,” she says. “I just add them to a little oil and salt and they taste great and have a crunchy texture. Just be patient and cook in small batches.”
        Now using a wire sieve on a hot grill wears it out faster than daily use for cooking. If you’re using fine mesh, Holtzman explains, you’ll need to cook it quickly so you don’t burn the wire. It is best to buy a fine sieve designed for grilling and leave another one for traditional sifting and straining. Lecky even chooses to replace his grill filter every year.
        Strainers come in all shapes and sizes. If you want to use it for grilling, this Winco Fine Mesh Strainer is a good choice. The wire basket is fine mesh (to prevent small debris from slipping through the grill grates) and is 8 inches in diameter (ideal size to keep food from overflowing). The added convenience of a wooden handle makes it easier to control hot coals.
        Thousands of Amazon buyers also love to use this Winco Wire Strainer. “You immediately feel how strong this filter is,” one reviewer shared, noting how much the handle supports the basket. Another enthusiastic fan commented on how it hangs over the bowl of a large sink without any slipping. “The mesh is strong and tough,” said a third. “Easy to rinse, clean and store.”
        Professional chefs love to find innovative ways to grill. These new technologies are even more enticing when it comes to everyday kitchen tools under $15. Grilling with a fine mesh sieve will help you prepare simple and delicious meals this summer. Grab Winco from Amazon for $11 and try it out for yourself.