New-Style Strainers for Kitchen Sinks

Elegant Sink Strainers

• For consumers who are prepared to pay the price, manufacturers offer sophisticated basket strainers with plunging mechanisms for $140 to $150. These strainers are available in several high-end finishes, including antique brass and mahogany and oil-rubbed bronze, as well as pewter and antique copper. Homeowners who want a sleek industrial style have the option of polished chrome or titanium.

Remote Control Strainers

• For those who like high-tech gadgets or are extremely health-conscious, the remote-control strainer gives the chef the option of filling and draining the sink without even putting his hands in water. Priced at $75 to $90, these strainers come in polished chrome and nickel. Each comes with a knob that you can mount on the counter and a long control cable that allows you to open and close the drain without touching the sink.

SinkTastic Strainers

• Another option is a thermoplastic strainer and stopper that is sealed by water pressure. Simply drop this patented strainer-stopper, called SinkTastic, into the sink, and let it do its job. The SinkTastic strainer is economically priced from $6 to $8 and is available in blue, green, white, silver and black. It is also treated with antimicrobial agents and emits a fragrant scent.

Animal-Themed Strainers

• For animal lovers who like a little whimsy in their kitchens, enamel-over-pewter strainers come with cat and dog embellishments. These strainers, made in the United States, are priced from $12 to $15 and come in a variety of styles, from Bernard the cat to Petey the dog.