A drainer is a small, usually rectangular or square tray that is used to catch and drain off excess liquid from food. It can be made out of various materials such as plastic, metal, glass or silicone, depending on its intended use and design. The purpose of a drainer is to allow the liquid to flow through small holes or slots into the tray below while keeping the food in place. This helps to prevent spills and makes it easier to serve or store the food afterwards.