A yogurt strainer turns plain yogurt into thick Greek-style yogurt by letting the whey drain away. The tools come in a few forms: a lidded tub with a mesh basket that sits in the fridge, a version with a spring press on top, or a fine mesh pouch that lines a colander you already own.
The six picks below cover all three styles. Capacities, materials and sizes come from each product’s listing page, and straining times are the makers’ own figures. We have not used these strainers ourselves, so read the weaknesses before you choose.
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 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Match it to the batch you make each week |
| Mesh fineness | Finer mesh holds back more solids |
| Fridge footprint | Tubs sit on a shelf, pouches need a colander and a bowl |
| Cleaning | Removable parts and dishwasher notes differ by model |
Specs at a Glance
| Strainer | Size and capacity | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoxxu 1800ml | 5 x 4.25 x 7.5 in; 1800 ml | Plastic with a stainless steel sieve | Vented lid with silicone ring; listing says not dishwasher safe |
| BREEZHAVN | 4.33 x 4.33 x 6.65 in; 1300 ml | Clear PP plastic | Vent lid; removable inner basket |
| LZLOOK 2 QT | 8 x 8 x 6.3 in; 2 quarts | Polyethylene | Spring press and pressure plate included |
| Generic 1.5 QT press | 7.8 x 7.8 in; 1.5 quarts | Plastic | Spring-loaded pusher; top-rack dishwasher note on the listing |
| Kleynhuis nylon pouch | 16 x 9 in pouch | 100 micron nylon | Fits colanders up to 10.5 in wide; cord lock |
| Kleynhuis cotton pouch | 16 x 9 in pouch | Organic cotton | Same size and cord lock as the nylon pouch |
The 6 Best Yogurt Strainers
1. Hoxxu Greek Yogurt Strainer, 1800ml
A 5 by 4.25 by 7.5 inch tub with a removable stainless steel mesh basket, a lid with vents that can be closed and a built-in silicone sealing ring. The maker describes a fridge routine of about 48 hours, with longer straining for thicker results.
Suits: larger batches in the fridge. Strengths: 1800 ml volume and a steel sieve. Weaknesses: the listing says it is not dishwasher safe. Skip it if you want a quick overnight drain.
View Greek Yogurt Strainer, 1800ml Fine Mesh Strainer with Bag and Lid on Amazon
2. BREEZHAVN Yogurt Strainer, 1.37 Quarts
A compact clear PP plastic tub, 4.33 by 4.33 by 6.65 inches, with an inner filter basket, an outer container that catches the whey and a lid with a switchable vent. The listing also mentions nut milk, juice and kefir.
Suits: small batches and tight fridge shelves. Strengths: a clear body that shows progress. Weaknesses: the listing gives no mesh grade. Skip it if you want a large capacity.
3. LZLOOK Greek Yogurt Strainer, 2 QT With Spring Press
An 8 by 8 by 6.3 inch polyethylene set with a mesh filter, a pressure plate and a spring. The maker says the spring adds steady downward pressure so you do not need cheesecloth or hand squeezing.
Suits: weekly batches. Strengths: 2 quart capacity and a built-in press. Weaknesses: a wider footprint in the fridge. Skip it if shelf space is tight.
View Greek Yogurt Strainer 2 QT Ultra-Fine Mesh Filter with Spring Press on Amazon
4. Greek Yogurt Strainer With Press, 1.5 QT
A white plastic 7.8 by 7.8 inch strainer that includes a lid, spring, pusher and inner and outer containers. The listing says the parts come apart for cleaning and are top-rack dishwasher safe, and it claims an overnight drain of about 8 hours.
Suits: single households. Strengths: a press and removable parts. Weaknesses: a generic brand with little detail. Skip it if you want a named maker.
View Greek Yogurt Strainer with Press, 1.5 QT on Amazon
5. Kleynhuis Ultra-Fine Nylon Strainer Pouch
A 16 by 9 inch pouch of 100 micron nylon that lines most colanders up to 10.5 inches wide and 6.5 inches tall. The maker says it holds about a gallon when open and about three quarts when cinched, using a cord lock.
Suits: cooks who already own a colander. Strengths: fine mesh and a flat, easy-to-store shape. Weaknesses: you must supply a colander and a bowl. Skip it if you want a self-contained tub.
View Greek Yogurt Strainer Pouch, Ultra-Fine 100 Micron Nylon (16″X9″) on Amazon
6. Kleynhuis Organic Cotton Strainer Pouch
The same 16 by 9 inch liner in organic cotton, sold as a reusable alternative to cheesecloth. The listing states GOTS certified cotton, with seams sewn to the outside, and the same cord lock and colander fit.
Suits: a natural-fibre cloth. Strengths: reusable and compact. Weaknesses: no micron figure on the listing. Skip it if you prefer nylon mesh.
Care and Setup
- Rinse mesh right after use so milk solids do not dry on.
- Check each listing before using a dishwasher.
- Keep the tub level on the shelf so whey collects evenly.
- Save the whey if you like to use it in baking.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a tub that is too large for your fridge shelf.
- Forgetting that a pouch needs a colander and a bowl.
- Assuming every plastic part is dishwasher friendly.
- Leaving the lid vent in the wrong position for storage.
Yogurt Strainer FAQ
How long does straining take?
The makers give figures from about 8 hours to 48 hours. The longer it drains, the thicker the result.
Can I use these for other foods?
Several listings mention nut milk, juice, kefir or cheese. Check the one you buy.
The Short Version
For a big fridge tub, the Hoxxu. For a compact one, the BREEZHAVN. For a 2 quart spring press, the LZLOOK. For a simple press set, the 1.5 QT model. For fine nylon mesh, the Kleynhuis nylon pouch. For cotton, the Kleynhuis organic pouch.
