AdvanTech50SS8F Stainless Steel Test Sieves, 8" Diameter, #50 Mesh, Full Height

Sturdy. Used for making super-smooth mashed potatoes. My friend did get mad at me for making him run potatoes through it, but it was totally worth it.

Just what I wanted!

BLUF: High quality, solidly built, and very useful. The price ($133) was higher than other stores, and the 8-inch version is cheaper but less helpful in the kitchen than the 12-inch version.I am not reviewing this sieve for it's intended purpose; I have little to no interest in sifting through dirt and rocks. I bought this on the recommendation of many modernist cooking blogs, to aid in everything from basic straining to making fluid gels. I'll break it down into two parts: The Beginner review and the Advanced review.The Advanced review -- You already know why you're buying a lab-grade testing sieve. Advantech makes good stuff, but you'll pay a high price for it. It may be worth it to consider a cheaper brand or a brass sieve (Advantech makes brass bodies with stainless steel screens, or brass bodies with brass screens. I recommend sticking with a stainless screen). #50 is a good middle ground and does wonders for things like potatoes, but you'll probably end up getting more than one size.Get the same size (diameter) for all your sieves, so you only need to buy one bottom pan.The Beginner's review -- You should already have an idea as to why you want a testing sieve for the kitchen. Here are some factors to consider. First, if you are only buying one to start, this is a good one to pick. If you are buying a set, you can start with a #20, #50, and #120 (as recommended by Modernist Cuisine), and this should cover most bases. Some will use a #200 for clarifying stocks, but you can cross that bridge later.8-inch or 12-inch? If you can afford it, and have the room in your kitchen cabinets, get the 12-inch. More space will make it easier to maneuver in the pan, and with more screen real estate you will be able to pass more product before having to unclog the screen. That being said, 8-inch works just fine. Whatever you choose, pick the same size for all your sieves so you can use only one bottom pan. The bottom pan is a glorified bowl that the sieve fits into, and will give you a solid base to work on. You can also use a bowl, but the fit may not be great, and you will need to be careful not to bend the sieve's skirt. You don't need the bottom pan if you can't afford it, but if you buy all the same size, you will only have to buy one down the road should you change your mind.You want full height. It will allow you to put more product into the sieve without spilling. When you get a bottom pan, you want that to be full height as well. You can make do with a shorter sieve, but don't downsize the bottom pan.Don't buy this if you haven't used a metal mesh strainer yet. You can get those for a few bucks, and it may suit all your needs just fine. But if you're tired of raspberry seeds passing through, or need a flat surface and smaller screen to break down fluid gels, this one will serve you well.Pros:- Great build quality- Included certification document- Deep sidewalls- Screen is labeled for quick size identification- An $120 strainer will make buying other expensive kitchen gadgets a lot easier to justify...Cons:- Expensive, even for a sieve- Takes up a lot of kitchen space- Does not make very good drum sounds when you play it with your hands