The $4.99 ALDI Find I Wish I Bought Sooner

I’ve been eyeing clip-on strainers for a long time. Every time I use the pot lid and a towel (something I saw my mother do for years) to strain a steaming pot of veggies over the sink, skirting the edge of a second-degree burn, I tell myself I need a better solution.

But whenever I browse online, the price always gives me pause. Clip-on strainers retail for anywhere from $7 to $22, with most landing in the $12 to $15 range, and it just never felt worth it. Or maybe I was just being stingy?

Either way, the minute I saw that ALDI was selling the coveted silicone clip-on strainer by Crofton for just $4.99, I knew I had to grab it. Sometimes, the universe (or, in this case, ALDI) sends you exactly what you need at precisely the right price. Let’s be real—it’s almost always ALDI.

Why I Love ALDI’s Silicone Clip-On Strainer

This strainer is so simple but so brilliant. It clips onto the edge of my pots, pans, and bowls, letting me strain pasta, beans, or blanched veggies without dirtying another dish or accidentally giving myself a steam facial. 

I also use it for rinsing fruit, draining larger grains like farro or barley, straining homemade broth, and even skimming fat off cooled stock. 

Compared to my long-handled sieves, I appreciate that it frees up one of my hands, which I often desperately need during the dinner rush. And unlike my bulkier colanders, it doesn’t hog sink space when rinsing or draining small portions.

How To Use the ALDI Silicone Clip-On Strainer

It’s compact enough to fit in a kitchen drawer and light enough to clip onto heavier cookware without slipping. It’ll also be great for camping trips or vacation rentals because it takes up almost no space but adds serious functionality. 

It’s dishwasher-safe and heat-resistant up to 446°F. It also comes in two soft colors—blue and green—that match the other Crofton silicone tools you may already have. But honestly, it’s so easy to rinse clean that I usually just hand-wash it and call it a day.

For just $4.99, this strainer does everything the more expensive versions promise—and now that I know how useful it is, I’d even pay full price. But the fact that I got it for under five bucks? Chef’s kiss. Like all ALDI Finds, it won’t be around forever. So, if you’re looking for a sign to upgrade your straining setup, this is it. Don’t wait.

_{To learn more about our approach to product recommendations, see HERE.}