Why are Chinois cone shaped?

[french fries]

I always wondered.. why are Chinois cone shaped? What's the difference between using a Chinois and a fine mesh strainer that is shaped like a bowl? Why are Chinois more expensive than bowl shaped strainers, and what would I gain from buying one over one of the strainers? 

Thanks!

 

[mgchef]

1. Holds more
2. Since not as wide, can fit into other pots
3. Since less shallow and wide, more tall and narrow, when you have to push through strainer and stir through really hard, less of a mess is made.

 

[teamfat]

If it didn't look like that, it couldn't be called a chinois!  [ Chinese hat ]

Seriously, a spherical strainer has the least amount of straining surface per volume, a cone has a much greater straining surface per volume.  Basic geometry.

mjb.

 

[french fries]

Thanks guys. Never realized! /img/vbsmilies/smilies/smile.gif

 

[coulis-o]

i use chinoise to pass soups and stocks etc and find they work well when using a ladle to help pass the liquid through it