Foodanddrink

Experts say you should be straining your canned beans—this simple $6 tool makes it easy

Allrecipes · Jul 22, 2026 05:30 · 3 min read

It makes the process “much less messy.”

Canned goods are a convenient pantry staple that simplify so many recipes and busy weeknight dinners, but it’s no secret that many of them have high levels of sodium. And as a result, many recipes will tell you to strain and rinse canned vegetables before you add them to avoid having the dish come out too salty.

Recently, experts weighed in on whether you really need to rinse canned beans before cooking them; while it’s not strictly necessary, most agreed that you should consider straining them to significantly reduce sodium levels. The same rule could be applied to many canned foods, which is why we found a simple $6 tool that makes the job easier and “much less messy,” according to Amazon shoppers.

iAesthete Stainless Steel Can Strainer

$6 at Amazon

This iAesthete stainless steel can strainer doesn’t look like much, but it’s thoughtfully designed to fit into most standard-sized cans. The two handles make it easy to insert, remove, and hold in place while you strain canned beans, corn, peas, and more; you won’t lose stray peas down the sink drain again. It also works incredibly well for straining short cans of tuna. All you have to do is push the strainer down into the can as far as it will go, and it will press all the excess liquid out—leaving you with dry, ready-to-eat tuna. Plus, it keeps all the smelly liquid off your hands.

Constructed of food-grade stainless steel, the iAesthete can strainer is incredibly durable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. That also means it won’t hold onto any nasty residue, stains, or smells. One shopper said the metal strainer is “surprisingly useful” and has quickly “become a staple” in their kitchen, thanks to its versatility, convenience, and long-lasting durability. Another person used to struggle with draining their canned goods until they found this strainer, and discovered that it’s “super easy to use” and “lets the liquid drain out with no problem.”

Even if you already have a plastic can strainer or multipurpose colander, this under-$10 find is still worth the upgrade. One reviewer said they “did not realize” how badly their old strainer worked until they replaced it with this stainless steel version: “This new steel one is amazing as it’s a clean press, and my tuna is almost too dry now.” Another shopper even claims it’s “the kitchen tool you never knew you needed” and a “treat” to use.

With nearly 1,500 five-star ratings, the iAesthete stainless steel can strainer is a worthy addition to your repertoire of kitchen tools. Snag it now, so you never have to struggle with draining canned goods again.