Basket strainers (also known as T-strainers) are distinguished by their vertical, large-capacity chambers. Their design results in a larger filtration area compared to Y-strainers, which leads to a smaller pressure drop. This makes them the preferred choice for liquid applications.

Because they can hold more contaminants than a Y-type strainer, basket strainers are also used for large-diameter steam pipes. However, they can only be installed in horizontal pipes, and larger, heavier models may require a support base.

A key advantage of basket strainers is their duplex configuration, which consists of two parallel filters with a diversion valve. This is ideal for demanding applications involving chemicals or abrasive materials. The duplex design allows for uninterrupted operation: when one filter basket becomes full, the fluid flow is automatically redirected to the second one. This enables an operator to remove, clean, and replace the first basket without shutting down the entire process.