Straining Grease: Pan To Container

Grease and oil can clog the arteries of the sewer system. Food particles can also get stuck in the grease, creating an even bigger problem. So, how do you get rid of it properly? Here are some tips:

- Pour the grease into a container (e.g. an aluminium can, yogurt tub, bowl, mug, or jar) and let it cool and harden. Then, throw out the whole container or scrape the grease into a bag for the trash.

- Use a coffee filter or strainer over a container to strain the grease while it's still pourable. Keep it in the fridge or freezer for future use.

- Sop up the grease with a paper towel and throw it in the trash.

- Check if your city offers curbside pickup or accepts drop-offs for recycling used cooking oil into biodiesel.

- Place a piece of foil in the bottom of your sink, with a colander on top. Pour the grease into the colander, and it will collect in the foil, which can then be thrown away.

Use a spoon to scoop out grease

Using a spoon to scoop out grease is a straightforward method to separate the grease from the pan. This method is useful when you are in a hurry and do not have the time to wait for the grease to cool down and solidify. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, prepare a container to hold the grease. It is important to choose a suitable container that can withstand the heat from the grease. Good options include an aluminium can, a glass jar, a mug, or a small bowl. Make sure the container is stable and will not tip over easily.

Next, take a spoon, preferably one with a long handle to avoid any contact with the hot grease. Carefully scoop out the grease from the pan and transfer it into the prepared container. Work slowly and be cautious to avoid any spills or splatters.

Once you have transferred all the grease, allow it to cool down completely in the container. You can place the container in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process if needed.

After the grease has solidified, you can dispose of it in the trash. If you prefer, you can also save the grease for future cooking. Bacon grease, for example, can be stored in a sealed container and reused to add flavour to other dishes.

It is important to note that this method should be approached with caution as hot grease can be dangerous. Always use oven mitts or pot holders to protect your hands and arms, and ensure that children and pets are not within the vicinity when handling hot grease.

Use a baster

Using a turkey baster is an effective way to remove grease from a pan. This method is especially useful when you want to be precise and avoid wasting the grease.

Firstly, ensure that the grease has had a few minutes to separate and rise to the top of the pan. This will make it easier to target with the baster. Next, squeeze the bulb of the baster and carefully place the tip into the grease, being careful to avoid the hot grease touching the rubber part of the baster, as this could melt it. Release the bulb to suck the grease up through the baster. Repeat this process until you have removed all the grease you want to get rid of.

If you are using a metal baster, you are unlikely to encounter issues with the top part overheating. However, if you are using a baster with a rubber bulb, you may find that the hot grease causes this to get very hot. To avoid this, consider getting a larger baster so that the grease does not come into contact with the rubber part. Alternatively, you could use a metal spoon to remove most of the grease before using the baster, reducing the amount of hot grease in the pan.

Once you have finished, you can pour the grease into a disposable container and allow it to harden before disposing of it in the trash. Do not pour grease down the drain, as this will clog your pipes.

Use a colander and bowl

Using a colander and bowl is an effective way to strain grease from a pan. This method is particularly useful if you want to reuse the grease for cooking or if you want to dispose of it without pouring it down the sink, which can cause blockages.

To start, place a glass bowl in your sink. This will help you manage any splashes that may occur during the straining process. Then, take a metal colander and place it inside the bowl. Carefully pour the grease from your pan into the colander. The grease will collect in the bowl, while any solid particles will be caught by the colander.

Once you have strained the grease, you can either reuse it for cooking or dispose of it responsibly. If you plan to reuse the grease, be sure to strain it again using a coffee filter or strainer to remove any remaining solid particles. Store the strained grease in a sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to use it again.

If you're disposing of the grease, let it cool and solidify in the bowl. Once it has solidified, use a spoon or spatula to scoop the grease into the trash. You can also line a container with foil, pour the strained grease into it, and dispose of it once it solidifies. Remember to wrap the container tightly in foil or cling film before throwing it away to prevent any leaks.

Use a pot drainer

A pot drainer is a handy tool for straining grease from a pan into a container. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use one:

Step 1: Choose the Right Pot Drainer

Pot drainers come in various materials, including silicone and plastic. Silicone pot drainers are adjustable and can fit different pot sizes, while plastic ones usually have a fixed size. Consider the size and type of your pots before making a purchase.

Step 2: Prepare the Container

Before you start straining, make sure you have a suitable container to collect the grease. You can use a jar, bowl, or even an aluminium can. Place the container near your stove to make the straining process easier.

Step 3: Attach the Pot Drainer

Hold the pot drainer against the edge of the pan and attach it securely. Pot drainers typically have clips or a silicone grip to help them stay in place. Make sure the pot drainer is firmly attached to the pan before proceeding.

Step 4: Start Straining

Once the pot drainer is in place, carefully tilt the pan and pour or strain the grease into the container. Go slowly to avoid spills. If you're using a pot drainer with fine holes, the grease will be strained as it passes through the drainer, leaving the solids behind in the pan.

Step 5: Clean-up

After you're done straining, carefully remove the pot drainer from the pan and clean it. Most pot drainers are dishwasher-safe, but you can also wash them by hand. Remember to dispose of the grease properly—let it cool and solidify, then throw it away in a sealed container or bag.

Using a pot drainer is a convenient and mess-free way to strain grease from a pan. It saves you from having to transfer the contents to a separate colander or strainer, making clean-up quicker and easier.

Use paper towels

Paper towels are a convenient and effective way to strain grease from a pan into a container. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, allow the grease to cool down slightly. It should still be in liquid form, but you don't want it to be dangerously hot. Using tongs, carefully place a folded paper towel into the pan. The paper towel will absorb the grease, so ensure it's large enough to cover the surface area of the pan. Leave the paper towel in the pan for a few minutes, allowing it to soak up the grease.

If you're dealing with a large amount of grease, you may need to use multiple paper towels. Once the first paper towel has absorbed as much grease as possible, remove it with the tongs and dispose of it in the trash. Repeat this process until you've absorbed most of the grease.

Alternatively, you can line a bowl with paper towels and pour the grease directly into it. This method is useful if you want to strain the grease quickly. However, be careful as the hot grease may spill over the sides of the bowl.

It's important to note that not all paper towels are created equal. Some may shred or disintegrate when used for straining, so opt for a durable brand. Additionally, some paper towels may be treated with chemicals that can leech into the grease, affecting the taste and safety of your food. Choose unbleached, natural, or brown paper towels to avoid this issue.

While paper towels are convenient, they may not be the most sustainable option. If you frequently strain grease, consider investing in a reusable alternative, such as cheesecloth or a wire rack and cookie sheet setup.

Frequently asked questions