Quick answer
To use a clip-on strainer with a glass dish, attach the strainer securely to the rim of the dish before pouring. This keeps the dish stable, prevents burns, and lets you drain liquids without lifting heavy, hot glass. Always confirm the strainer fits your dish's rim thickness and shape.
clip-on strainer
Why Use a Clip-on Strainer with Glass Dishes?
A clip-on strainer attaches directly to the rim of a bowl or dish, so you can pour off water, broth, or oil without needing a separate colander. This is especially useful with glass dishes because you avoid lifting a hot, slippery container — a common cause of accidents. Misen's glass dishes, like the 8-Cup Glass Round Deep Dish, have a sturdy rim that works well with most clip-on strainers, but you should always check compatibility first.
Choosing the Right Clip-on Strainer for Your Dish
Not all clip-on strainers fit every dish. Look for one with adjustable clips or silicone grips that can accommodate different rim thicknesses. The Misen 4-Cup Glass Round Deep Dish has a similar rim profile to the 8-cup version, so a strainer that fits one will likely fit the other. For square dishes like the 5.5-Cup Glass Square Shallow Dish, a strainer with a wider clip may be needed to secure properly on the straight edges.
Step-by-Step: How to Strain with a Clip-on Strainer and Glass Dish
- Check the fit before heating: Attach the clip-on strainer to the empty, room-temperature glass dish. Make sure the clips grip the rim firmly without wobbling. If the strainer slips or sits crooked, it won't work safely when the dish is hot and full of liquid. A loose fit is a safety risk — do not proceed until the strainer is secure.
- Cook your food in the glass dish: Use the dish as you normally would — boil pasta, steam vegetables, or reheat leftovers in the microwave. Misen glass dishes are microwave-safe, so you can cook and strain in the same container. Avoid overfilling; leave at least an inch of headspace so the liquid doesn't touch the strainer clips during cooking. Overfilling can cause hot liquid to splash when you tilt the dish.
- Attach the strainer and pour carefully: Once cooking is done, let the dish cool for 30 seconds to reduce steam pressure. Clip the strainer onto the rim, holding the dish with a dry towel or oven mitt. Tilt the dish slowly over the sink, keeping the strainer pointed downward. Pour at a steady angle — not too fast, or liquid may spill over the strainer's edges. Pour slowly to avoid overflow and burns from steam.
- Remove the strainer and serve: After draining, set the dish upright on a trivet or towel. Unclip the strainer carefully — it may be hot. Use a fork or spoon to fluff the drained food. The dish is now ready to serve or store directly, saving you from dirtying extra bowls. Always place hot glass on a heat-safe surface to prevent thermal shock.
Misen Glass Dishes That Work Well with Clip-on Strainers
- 8-Cup Glass Round Deep Dish: The Misen 8-Cup Glass Round Deep Dish is a versatile food storage solution, ideal for reheating leftovers, steaming grains like rice, or meal-prepping large portions. Its round, deep shape and sturdy rim make it a great candidate for attaching a clip-on strainer, especially when draining pasta or blanched vegetables.
- 4-Cup Glass Round Deep Dish: The Misen 4-Cup Glass Round Deep Dish is a practical food storage solution, ideal for storing or reheating leftovers and steaming a quick vegetable or grain side dish in the microwave. The smaller capacity is perfect for single servings, and the same rim design means your clip-on strainer will fit securely for quick draining tasks.
- 5.5-Cup Glass Square Shallow Dish: This 5.5-Cup Glass Square Shallow Dish from Misen is a versatile addition to your kitchen, ideal for cooking bacon, green beans, or steaming asparagus in the microwave. The square shape offers a different rim geometry, so you may need a strainer with adjustable clips to ensure a snug fit on the straight edges.
