Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Kefir is growing more popular with the general public. So finding a way to make it at home would be a much more affordable alternative. Kefir strainers are not hard to find, you only need to know what to look for. In this article, we will cover what Kefir is, how to make it at home, and how to find the perfect Kefir strainer for you.
What is Kefir?
Kefir is a Bulgarian fermented drink made of milk or water. Many people confuse it with yogurt. This is because both are made of fermented milk, but Kefir has a lighter consistency. The process is fairly simple: you add Kefir grains to milk, leave them there 24 hours and then strain it.
What are Kefir Grains?
Kefir grains have quite a deceiving name because they aren’t actually grains. They are actually colonies of yeast and lactic acid bacteria. They have the shape of little cauliflowers and are easy to use, store, and reuse.
What Health Benefits are there?
There are many benefits to drinking Kefir. First, Kefir is a great source of nutrients. It provides Protein, Calcium, Phosphorus, Vitamin B12, Riboflavin, Magnesium, and also Vitamin D.
Kefir is also a very powerful Probiotic, even more so than yogurt. Probiotics help you digest food and break down medication. They even line your gut to prevent bad bacteria from entering your bloodstream.
Because of the Calcium in it, Kefir promotes bone health and prevents Osteoporosis. But full-fat Kefir has the added bonus of providing Vitamin K2. This is essential in calcium metabolism.
Kefir is also known for improving digestion and reducing inflammation.
How do you Strain Kefir?
If you want to know how to strain kefir, then you want to keep reading. As I mentioned earlier, straining Kefir is fairly simple. All you need to do is put one spoonful of Kefir grains every 500ml of milk, and leave it to ferment overnight. You should leave the fermenting milk in a dark, dry place and seal your container properly. After it has finished fermenting, you will need a Kefir strainer and an extra container. You need to place the strainer over the opening of the clean container and make sure it is secure. After that, you carefully strain the kefir and refrigerate it. As for the remaining kefir grains, you put them in milk and begin the process once again.
Can I Make Kefir Without Milk?
Kefir can be made with milk of any kind and with water as well. Water Kefir grains have not the same bacterial properties that milk Kefir grains do. Because of this, you wouldn’t be able to make water kefir with milk kefir grains. Water kefir is often made with coconut water, fruit juice, or even sweetened water. This type of kefir comes in handy if you are lactose intolerant or on a dairy-free diet.
How Should I Store Kefir?
Storing can be pretty tricky when it comes to fermented foods. In this case, we need to worry about both the kefir and the kefir grains. How should I store them? Should I just put both in the fridge and be done with it? The answer to both questions is no. There are several ways to store kefir grains. And they are quite different from how you should store the drink.
Once you finish straining your kefir and are ready to put it in the fridge, you need to know how long to keep it there. At room temperature, kefir can last from one to two days. In the fridge, however, kefir can last from 2 to 3 weeks. And if you have a freezer and want to make it last longer, you can freeze it for 2 months.
How Do I Store Kefir Grains?
Storing Kefir grains is a little trickier than storing the drink. You need to be careful with it because you don’t want it to go bad. Storing them at cold temperatures is always a good option since it slows down the activity of the grains. I am going to name and explain two of the four ways to store the grains.
- Freezing Kefir grains is a sure way to store them for up to 6 months. Just make sure to rinse them with unchlorinated water before leaving them to dry. After a few hours, you can put them in a clan jar or bag and sprinkle them with powdered milk. You can use this method to freeze both milk and water kefir grains.
- Putting your kefir grains in a Water/sugar solution is another way to store them. You only need to put your grains in a small jar with water and a spoonful of sugar (make sure it’s diluted first). Make sure to use unchlorinated water to avoid damaging the grains. This method can make them last up to 2 months in the fridge.
Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Best Kefir Strainers
Now onto what we’re all really here for. What kind of strainer do I need? How do I know it’s the right kefir strainer for me? Do I need a strainer set?
Well, This buyer’s guide will help you answer all your questions. From which materials to look for, to the size that suits you the most.
What Materials Should I look for Kefir Strainers?
Materials are quite important in the selection process of any product. This is because it depends on what your needs are and which preferences you have.
If you are on a budget and don’t need your strainer to be dishwasher safe, you might want a plastic mesh strainer. They get the job done and are affordable, and finding sizes will not be an issue. Plastic Mesh kefir strainers are more useful if you have bigger containers. Straining kefir from a big container can take a lot of time and effort on your part. Plastic strainers solve that problem for you. They are a little cage shaped strainer where you put the kefir grains. You leave the strainer inside the container to ferment the milk. Once you are done, you pull the string attached to it to get the kefir grains out. This way, you don’t need to lift the entire jar to strain your drink.
The nylon mesh is more flexible than other materials. This makes storage and maneuvering a lot easier.
Stainless steel mesh kefir strainers are another great alternative. Stainless steel is dishwasher safe, and much more hygienic material. It may be harder to store if you have limited space available since it doesn’t bend. But stainless steel is definitely the most durable of materials.
Which Mesh Size should I Choose for Kefir Strainers??
The size of your strainer should be one that fits the opening of your container. Getting your hands on any size isn’t hard and there are many available. You should aim for a strainer that fits the opening of the container you are putting the kefir in. If you make it fit the container you are making the kefir in you might find it hard not to make a mess.
If you can’t decide on one or find that you need several sizes, you can always buy a strainer set.
Why is Handle Connection Important?
Strainers are not designed to carry a lot of weight, and buying one with a flimsy connection might make it worse. If you are making large amounts of kefir or want the strainer to last longer, you should take this into account.
What Makes Kefir Strainers Easy to Clean?
Nylon and plastic strainers are harder to clean because food tends to cling to plastic and stain it. Nylon mesh is often woven tighter than other materials, making cleaning even harder. There is no denying that the easier strainer to clean would be one made of stainless steel.
Why Should I buy Kefir Strainers With a Warranty?
Warranties allow you to get your item repaired or replaced within a certain period of time. If your item came broken, faulty, or broke after a few uses, warranties help you replace them. Some companies replace the item, others return your money, and others fix them for you. You do have to be careful, some warranties are limited. This means they may not apply if the item is broken under certain circumstances. Sometimes if you live in a different country warranties don’t apply at all.
Top 5 Kefir Strainers
1. Zesproka ZP129 Set of 3
- SMade from durable, high-quality, food-grade stainless steel that won't rust or bend
- Classic design and convenient to use, whether draining boiled vegetables, washing rice, sieving flour or filtering juice.
- Lightweight and compact enough to store in a kitchen cupboard or hang up for easy access
- Mirrored, burr-free mesh screen won't scratch your hand while you clean it
- This set of three ensures you always have the right strainer for the job. Includes 3.26", 5.78" and 7.75" strainers
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Strainer set is made of stainless steel and is lightweight and compact. It is easy to stack them together to save space and store. It is also great for any size of container you wish to strain the kefir into.
Pros
- Made of stainless steel
- Compact and easy to store
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- No warranty
- No handle reinforcement
2. Culina Nylon Mesh Strainer Set
- Nylon Mesh Strainer Set of 3 - 4 in., 5½ in. and 7 in. diameters
- Hooks on side of pot or bowl for hands free straining
- Durable nylon; will not retain odors or transfer flavors
- Convenient eyelet in handle for creative storage solutions
- 100% Culina Satisfaction Guarantee
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This nylon mesh set is very easy to store due to the flexibility of the mesh. The variety of sizes is great for various sizes of containers. If you are in need of an affordable alternative this may be the strainer set for you.
Pros
- Variety of sizes
- Easy to store
- Affordable
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Made of plastic
- Not BPA free
- No warranty
3. OXO Good Grips 3-Piece
- Non-slip ridges create a secure fit in any bottle openings
- Designed to allow airflow, which prevents splashing
- Set includes: 4 oz/120 mL funnel, 16 oz/475 mL funnel and strainer
- Strainer snaps securely inside both Funnels
- BPA-free construction withstands hot liquids
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This bottle funnel comes with a strainer. This makes straining kefir into a bottle much easier! The funnel is made of BPA free plastic. It has a comfortable grip and can endure hot temperatures.
Pros
- BPA free plastic
- Comfortable grip
- Easy to store
- Can endure hot temperatures
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- No warranty
4. U.S. Kitchen Supply – Set of 4
- 4 Professional Grade Fine Mesh Strainers: 4 sizes of premium high performance stainless steel fine mesh round strainers that are perfect for sifting and straining wet or dry ingredients. All sizes feature a sturdy outer mirror finished broad rimmed framework design, and have rust-proof firm fine mesh strainer screens with securely attached long handles. They contain a wide resting ear design for extra stability. Our durable and sturdy strainers are built to last for a lifetime.
- Essential Sizes Needed For Any Task: The right assortment of strainer sizes allows you to save time, and be more more efficient in the kitchen! Set includes 3", 4", 5.5" and 8" strainer sizes, which are the most popular and preferred sizes needed to handle all your straining, sieving, sifting, filtering and rinsing tasks. Nest the strainers together for space saving storage or hang them together within reach of where you use them the most. Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
- No Wasted Food: There's no wasted food, because the concave fine mesh nets easily catch and sift, strain or drain the smallest ingredients. The sealed steel rims also prevent food from getting trapped between the mesh and the rim. Strainers are an essential tool for busy kitchens, and are the secret to making consistent quality meals.
- Sift, Strain and Rinse: Our strainer sieves are great for sifting and filtering out impurities and breaking up clumps in dry ingredients like flour, sugar and spices. Also use them for rinsing fruits and vegetables or fine grains and pastas like quinoa, rice and orzo. Strain thick or thin wet ingredients like sauces, lumpy gravy and yogurt or for removing seeds from squeezed fruit juices.
- We assure you that our set of 4 stainless steel fine mesh strainers are built to last, and if you're not satisfied with them at anytime, we'll provide a full refund.
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Strainer set of four is made of stainless steel. It’s easy to clean and provides the variety of sizes you may need.
Pros
- Made of Stainless steel
- Easy to clean
- Variety of sizes
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- No warranty
5. Makerstep Set of 3 Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Strainers
- 3 fine mesh strainers set of the sizes: 3 3/8", 5 1/2", and 7 7/8" strainer. Get these ultimate wire sift sieves to complete your Home and Kitchen Essentials collection
- High-Quality stainless-steel fine wire that will not rust or corrode. Easy cleaning. Dishwasher safe and can handle boiling liquids when straining pasta or hot vegetables
- Black insulate non-slip handles let you easily strain hot liquids and foods without burning your hand or fingers. The handles are ergonomic and feel comfortable even for long periods of use
- Loop for Hanging built-in to the top of each strainer. Hang them for easy access and to free up more space in your kitchen cabinets and drawers. The sieves will always be right where you need them.
- Ideal for straining flour, sugars, coffee, and other dry items. Also use as sifter for baking Lets you remove impurities for safer use and improved flavor.
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This stainless steel set of three is not only easy to clean but also dishwasher safe! The non split ergonomic handle makes really easy to use without losing ay kefir grains in the process for slippery hands.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Made of stainless steel
- Non split handle
Cons
- No warranty
Final Thoughts
Our final choices when looking for kefir strainers will always depend on what we want and need. If you are on a budget but are still in need of variety, then the Culina® Nylon Mesh Strainer Set of 3-4 in., 5½ in. and 7 in. may be the one for you. It’s affordable and easy to store as well.
If you want something a little more durable, then stainless steel might be the best option for you. Both the Zesproka ZP129 Set of 3 Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Strainers for Kitchen, 3.26", 5.78", 7.75", Silver and the U.S. Kitchen Supply - Set of 4 Premium Quality Fine Mesh Stainless Steel Strainers with Wide Resting Ear Design - 3", 4", 5.5" and 8" Sizes - Sift, Strain, Drain and Rinse Vegetables, Pastas & Tea sets are made of stainless steel, and they are both easy to clean.
If you are lacking space and need something smaller, then the OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Multi-Purpose Funnel Set, White might be the choice for you. Not only does it double as a funnel, but it allows you to strain kefir into bottles of any size. It is made of BPA free plastic and has an easy grip to it.
But without a doubt the best choice would be the Makerstep Fine Mesh Strainer Set of 3, Stainless Steel 3.38", 5.5", 7.87" Strainers Wire Sieve Sifter with Insulated Handle Strainers for Kitchen Gadgets Tools Premium Colanders, Sifter. This stainless steel set is dishwasher safe and has a very comfortable ergonomic handle. If you need quality, convenience and reliability, then this is the perfect strainer for you!
