A colander is a perforated bowl that is used to rinse foods as well as remove liquids from foods (especially after cooking), and they come in all sizes according to your needs.
Given the usefulness of a colander, it’s great for those people who love to find their way around in the kitchen and practice the culinary arts to own one of these handy and practical pans. Needless to say, the majority of the foods that we prepare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner involve the use of a colander.
It’s always best to have the real kitchen utensils but, if you do not have access to a colander, there is always room for creativity by resorting to other methods of straining foods. One way is to place the food inside a clean cloth or jelly bag and squeeze it over the sink. There is no crime in being resourceful! However, I would encourage those who do not have a colander to invest in one. The cost for one is very reasonable and affordable – not to mention, it can also be a real and efficient time-saver when it comes to draining and rinsing food.
Do you ever wonder if there is the perfect colander for your kitchen? There very well might be, but it largely depends on the particular type and style of colander you’re looking for. There is a wide variety of colanders available for purchase to match any lifestyle or needs.
When purchasing a colander, you should make the most out of your purchase. Whether you use a colander every day or once in a while, you should pick the type that’s perfect for you. Let’s take a look at the top 10 Best Colanders of 2022.
View The Best Colander Below
1. LiveFresh Stainless Steel Colander
The LiveFresh Stainless-Steel Colander is one of the best colanders out there if you prepare large quantities of food. For instance, if you have a large family or a big dinner you have to prepare for, then this colander would do the trick. The holes in this colander are small, so you can strain all kinds of different small grains, such as rice and pasta, without any worries of clogging. This colander comes with a lifetime guarantee.
LiveFresh cares for its customers. If you’re not satisfied with the product, LiveFresh is more than willing to give you a full refund or send a replacement. This is one of the best colanders with the best quality. It’s dishwasher safe and has a solid base to keep the colander from tipping over. It’s made with the best heavy-duty steel, and it also has riveted handles, so that the handles can never come off.
Pros:
+ Micro-Perforated Holes
+ Heavy Duty Steel
+ Riveted Handles
+ Solid Base with Drainage Ports
+ Dishwasher Safe
Why We Liked It – Reviews regarding the LiveFresh colander are good and favorable. Customers who purchased this colander were pleasantly satisfied with how sturdy the handles are. This is as well as how fast and conveniently the boiling water drains in the colander after rinsing the food.
2. OXO Good Grips Stainless-Steel Colander
The OXO Good Grips is an excellent choice for a colander. It has more than enough capacity space, and it’s easy to store. It also has a great handle grip and comes in two different sizes. The non-slip feet help it stay level on the countertop or sink.
Pros:
+ Soft, non-slip handles that offer a good grips
+ Great nest design!
+ Five feet for stability on the sink or countertop
+ Available in 3-qt to 5-qt space capacity
+ Perforated holes for thorough straining and storing
Why We Liked It – The OXO Good Grips is the best colander because of its functionality and style. This colander is stylish and sleek. Others also favor it because of its easy use and good grip. It has great capacity and comes in two different sizes. The holes on the OXO Good Grips colander drain well. They’re much smoother so that handwashing and drying are much easier.
3. Joseph Joseph Nests Colanders Stackable Set
The Joseph Joseph Nests Colander Stackable Set is one of the best colanders for you if you don’t have a huge kitchen and need to conserve as much counter and cabinet space as you can. The angled corners of this colander mean the foods to empty much easier, and the vertical holes allow liquids to drain away quickly. This colander also has features such as a stackable design, an ergonomic vertical handle, and a non-tip design. It’s also a great space saver.
Pros:
+ Space Saver
+ Stable and non-tip design
+ Dishwasher Safe
+ Ergonomic handles
+ Easy pour corners & good grips
Why We Liked It – The Joseph Joseph Nest Colander Set is a clean, modern and sleek colander set. It functions best as a space saver and makes your usability so much easier due to those easy-pour corners. Also, having the best ergonomic handles helps with the maneuvering of the easy-pour corners.
4. KitchenAid Plastic Colander
The KitchenAid Plastic Colander has an efficient and practical way to make cooking prep ideal. It’s made with a sturdy construction so that it will last a lifetime, and the shape of the colander also makes it easy for storage. This colander can also be set on the rim of the sink instead of in the sink. This prevents any of the contents from touching the surface of the sink. This makes it one of the top colanders.
Pros:
+ Sturdy Construction
+ Drains Water Quickly
+ Convenient Storage Options
+ Elevated Base
+ Dishwasher Safe
Why We Liked It – Customers who purchased and now own the colander mentioned above liked it because of its sturdy construction, which adds to the longevity of the product. They also liked the color and size.
What matters the most is that the customer gets the best quality and durability of the product, which should come in before the color and the size. Some reviewers commented on the fact that the perforated opening holes are a perfect size; the holes are not too big or small.
A recent reviewer couldn’t stop talking about the base of this product because it stands perfectly level on the rim of the sink. They were very pleased that nothing other than water was leaking through the holes of the colander.
5. Bellemain Stainless Steel Colander
The Bellemain Stainless steel colander is said to be very strong and unique. What sets this apart from the other colanders is that it’s made with the best heavy-duty riveted handles and perforated holes for fast rinsing and draining. In other words, it’s made with high-quality steel.
Pros:
+ 5-quart capacity
+ Drains fast and no rice gets through the holes
+ Rust-proof and dishwasher-safe
+ Tabletop-ready with an advanced stability base
+ Heavy-duty riveted handles and good grips
Why We Liked It – One of the purchasers loves this product because it does all the best work of a strainer and a colander without the fuss. The colander is also made with perhaps the best quality heavy-duty stainless steel. This reviewer also loves its perforated holes, which aids in fast rinsing and draining. One other reviewer loves the stability base because it stands perfectly level on the countertop and kitchen sink.
6. The Learja Collapsible Colander
The Learja Collapsible Colander is by far the best cooking and cooking preparation colander around. It comes with transparent hooks so that you can conveniently hang it on the wall of your kitchen. This colander rinses beans and peas without the food falling through the holes. What sets it apart from the others is that it’s a great kitchen tool to take with you if you like to go camping.
This colander is ideal if you are a person who enjoys the outdoors and is always on the road either in your car, camper, or RV. It has a collapsible design and can be hung from the wall. This is a two-colander set, which is very easy to store.
Pros:
+ Two-Colander set
+ Easy to clean
+ Practical design
+ Multi-use
+ Learja Return or Refund Guarantee
Why We Liked It – The Learja Collapsible Colander has a couple of traits that are ideal for anyone in need of a colander. This colander has holes in the sides that allow water to exit quickly without it accumulating at the bottom.
The raised surface of this colander allows the water to drain even if you place it directly into your sink.
7. The U.S. Kitchen Mesh Net Strainer Basket
The U.S. Kitchen Supply Mesh Net Strainer Basket is a stainless-steel 3-quart mesh net strainer basket with resting feet, a wide polished rim, and two wide handles according to Amazon.com. It works best for straining, sifting, filtering, rinsing, and much more. It is 8¼” in diameter, 4¾” high and 10½” from handle to handle. This strainer can rest right inside your insta-pot, sink or countertop, to give you the freedom to do other things in the kitchen. It makes the best housewarming gift. It’s dishwasher safe, it’s extremely versatile, and also quite sturdy.
Pros:
+ Perforated holes that aid quick drainage
+ Cleans well
+ It rinses, steams, strains, and sifts
+ Can be used to thicken yogurt
+ Durable Handles & good grips
Why We Liked It – The U.S, Kitchen Stainless Steel Colander has many great reviews praising its function, size, and saving space. One customer who purchased this strainer was very pleased with its 3/4″ protruding legs. This allows the owner of the product to place the basket directly in the instant-pot.
If you have read the reviews on Amazon, there is one customer who uses this colander to make her yogurt thick. She uses it as a holding pot and then places it in the refrigerator. The cold from the refrigerator thickens the yogurt. Someone else complimented on how it’s the perfect size and how versatile it is. They also like how easily it can be cleaned and stored.
8. ExcelSteel 731 Colander Set
The ExcelSteel Colander Set comes in two different designs. There’s the original design with the regular round holes on the sides of the colander; then, there is a pineapple design. This is more artistically crafted with the side holes in the design of a pineapple. They both have a sturdy base to keep the colander level while you’re straining the contents of your food. This colander is made from durable stainless steel, and it has a beautiful mirror polish that you will be able to see your reflection in. This colander provides extra-large handles with a comfortable and easy grip, as well.
Pros:
+ 1-quart, 2.5-quart, and 4-quart sizes
+ Constructed durable, high-quality stainless steel
+ Sturdy base that sits on the countertop or the sink with ease
+ Comes with oversized handles to make handling food easier
+ Lightweight stainless steel for easy handling
Why We Liked It – This ExcelSteel Colander Set is a great addition to have in your kitchen, especially if you have a big family.
One reviewer mentioned how they liked the fact that this one product cames in a variety of sizes since it’s a set of three individual colanders that can accommodate the different amounts of food. Some reviewers commented on how handy and easy it is to store. Other reviewers were fascinated by the design and who could blame them? It would most likely create a great conversation piece in the kitchen. One reviewer loves how the perforated holes in the colander assist with fast rinsing and draining.
One other reviewer commented on their recent purchase of the pineapple design and how they loved the design and the three different sizes of the set.
9. The Comfify Colander Collapsible Set
The Comfify Colander Plastic Collapsible set comes with lots of options for a large family. It comes with lots of different color choices, which is one of the best elements. This always seems to lack in a product. Color shouldn’t be the most important factor, but it does complement the product and provides choices for the buyer. Although what really should matter most is the functionality and durability of the product. Customers want something they can live with, work with, and find pleasing to the eye. They want it all and who can blame them?
This colander has many different functions. It’s a colander and strainer, meaning it can drain, rinse, sift, and steam. It does it all! It also opens to fit most kitchen sinks.
It’s super easy to clean and store because it collapses back down when you are done with it. It is also dishwasher safe. This colander can hold up to six quarts of food, which is best for those with a large family. It will even provide you with enough room for you to shake it without the pasta or rice slipping or falling out.
Pros:
+ Fits most sink and shapes
+ Compact space-saver
+ Non-slip handles for a good and gentle grip
+ Dishwasher Safe & Heat Resistant
+ Made with non-toxic items and is BPA Free
+ Available in many colors
Why We Liked It – We highly recommend this colander for anyone who is looking to switch over from his or her large stainless steel colander to a more compact and practical one. This can help you best conserve your counter space in the kitchen.
One Amazon reviewer raved about all the color options to choose from. It’s not a common trait for colanders to be available for purchase with so many color options.
There were a couple of customers who raved about the space-saving design of this colander.
They are head over heels in love with this product because once they finished using their colander, they were able to fold it back up and store it in the cabinet.
One other reviewer commented on the thing they loved most about this product: the arms of the colander. They can expand to reach both sides of the sink.
There was another customer who had come up with an idea that we have never thought of before. They use their colander to capture the peels of potatoes as they were peeling their potatoes over the sink.
Colanders Buyer’s Guide
What to look for when buying a colander
After reviewing all of these different brands and colanders, which one is the best for you?
All the colanders we discussed are from the best and different brands, but isn’t it interesting how so many of these colanders have very similar features? Everyone wants to have a colander that fits their kitchen needs and functionality.
Function
When purchasing a colander, you need to make sure that it functions well with the rest of the kitchen.
For example, if your kitchen doesn’t have much counter space, you should make sure that the colander still has space for you to use it. There is nothing worse than purchasing an appliance and not having an accessible working space that you have easy access to.
One other thing you also should take into consideration is the space of your kitchen. If you have a small-sized kitchen, I would recommend looking for a colander that can either be collapsible over the sink and also can be folded or hung up in the kitchen.
If you have a medium-size or larger kitchen, you could probably get away with a more advanced or stylish colander.
For instance, let’s say you live in a one-bedroom apartment that has a kitchenette, a living room, a bedroom, and a bathroom. It would not be ideal to have numerous appliances given that space is a luxury. What would be the best colander for the limited amount of counter space you have in your apartment? You will most likely want something that looks nice but also functions best with the limited space you have.
In our opinion, the ideal product to buy is either a collapsible colander or a small one you can store in the cabinet. Or one you can use over your sink. Another possible solution you can also go with is a colander that comes with hooks so that you can hang it on the wall of your kitchen.
Dishwasher Safe
When you go shopping to buy a colander, make sure you find out if it’s “dishwasher safe” as not all colanders are.
The reason for this is that we live in an on-the-go type of world where our time is golden and very limited. We love products that are dishwasher safe. All you have to do is place it in the dishwasher. You don’t have to worry about the product being ruined or destroyed!
Stainless Steel vs. Plastic
Why does it matter whether you choose stainless steel or plastic? Stainless steel is the best when it comes to durability and heat resistance because metals have a higher melting point than plastics do. However, plastic has the best advantage in that it doesn’t dent, whereas stainless steel does.
According to the blog, “Home Revolution,” stainless steel is one of the best and safest materials that have been used in the production of many kitchen appliances. It cleans more effectively than plastic. Plastic tends to harbor more harmful bacteria, while stainless steel resists any type of harmful bacteria.
Whether you decide to purchase a stainless steel colander or a plastic colander can also depend on the color and style of your other kitchen appliances. It stands to reason that when you are purchasing a new appliance, you would want it to match the best with all of your other appliances. However, some do not have a preference as to whether it’s stainless or plastic.
Some customers are only concerned with functionality, while others are also interested in products that are stylish as well as functional. Others consider the cost as well.
Non-Slip Handles
You are cooking pasta for your family of 6, and the pasta has been in the boiling water for seven minutes. You need to drain it and shake the excess water off of the pasta over the sink. The only problem is that the handles are not non-slip, and you start shaking the colander. The colander slips out of your hand. All the pasta and boiling water slips and falls out of the colander and into the sink.
Colanders with a non-slip handle are the best because it gives you a solid grip on the handles when you start shaking the colander to drain the water.
Investing in a colander with non-slip handles can save time and avoid accidents and spills. This makes things easier for you in the kitchen when you are using this product.
Rust Resistant
When shopping around for a colander or strainer, it’s always essential to know if you will be using it outside or inside the house. If you intend to use the colander outside, you must buy a colander that is rust-resistant. If you were to buy a colander that’s not rust-resistant but decide to take it outside anyway, rain might cause the colander to start to rust. You must anticipate how and where you intend to use your colander. A colander can be a very versatile device if you choose the best one for you.
People everywhere have become increasingly creative with their kitchen utensils and appliances, so please make sure you know whether you will require a colander that is rust-free.
Capacity
How big is your family?
How many people do you live with? These questions are extremely important because they determine the size and capacity of the colander you should consider purchasing.
Capacity is very important; you’ll want to purchase a colander that will hold enough food so that you have enough room to shake the pasta. You’ll want to rinse the hot boiling water out without the pasta slipping out. Keep in mind when you buy a colander, whether the size is big enough to meet the amount and capacity of food that will go in that particular colander.
Several colanders were mentioned earlier that can hold up to five pounds of pasta. Other colanders only offer one size, like a three-quart. You can also buy a set of colanders, which includes three different sizes. The choice is yours; we would recommend you go with a colander set because a set will always give you multiple options and flexibility.
So before you decide which colander to purchase, make sure you’re aware of your required capacity in a colander. You certainly will want to avoid a disaster that will end up down the drain.
What is the difference between a colander from a strainer?
Colanders and strainers may look similar but have very different intended uses. A colander is a must-have appliance in any kitchen, whether you’re a person who cooks a lot or very little. They are ideally used for blanching veggies or draining pasta. A colander is much larger and has larger holes than a strainer. Colanders are intended for use with pasta, meat, vegetables, and fruits. Strainers, having smaller holes and are intended for use with rice, quinoa, seeds, and sifting flour.
What can be used instead of a colander if you do not own one?
What should you do if you don’t own a colander? How do you drain your pasta, fruits, and veggies?
There are a couple of kitchen tools you can find useful to drain your pasta. First, you can try using some salad tongs. This may be one of the tools that will assist the fastest. However, if you don’t have tongs, try using a fork. Using a fork may not be as helpful, as the tongs would have been and it will probably be more time-consuming,
Another possible solution is to use a large spoon. You can either spoon out the water from the pasta or remove the pasta itself, whatever is easier. It may take a while, but it does get the job done.
Last but not least, this is probably by far the most effective way to drain your pasta: use a lid. Here is what you do: leave the lid slightly askew about ¼ inch. Hold the lid down with insulated oven mitts and make sure you hold the pot away from you as much as possible to avoid steam burns. Pour out the water and allow your lid to catch the pasta.
What is the best food strainer?
The best food strainer is the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Colander due to its versatility. Not only can you use it as a colander, but it also works as a strainer. The OXO Good Grips strainer basket is made of silicone instead of stainless steel, to prevent it from scratching or damaging the sink.
Colanders and strainers have very similar characteristics, but they are different. The typical colander will have a much greater volume of food to drain and have much larger holes than a strainer. Strainers have several more uses than colanders do, such as sifting, sieving, rinsing, draining, and much more.
The OXO Good Grips feature has a non-slip handle with an easy grip. This is useful for when you go to shake all the excess water from the food. It has five small rubber feet on the bottom so that it can stand level on your countertop and in your sink. It’s made with high-quality stainless steel and has numerous tiny holes, which allows you to drain even the tiniest pieces of rice or pasta.
The OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Colander has no risk of any kind of food falling through the holes. It is dishwasher-safe. If you prefer to handwash it, you can do so with a dish sponge. The colander will not destroy the sponge, like other mesh strainers might.
Conclusion
Don’t forget to ask yourself some very important questions when looking to purchase a new colander. Before making a quick decision on a purchase, please consider style and functionality.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I want a colander or strainer?
- How big is my kitchen?
- What am I willing to spend?
- How big is my family?
- What do I prefer? Stainless Steel or BPA Free?
- How often will I be using it?
- What style am I looking for?
There you go! We just gave you some important advice as to what kind of things to look for when you go shopping for a colander. If you answer all these questions, then you should have no problem picking out the perfect colander for your kitchen.
Expert Tip # 1
Cooking With Your Colander:
So it is Saturday night, and you are planning a get-together dinner with some of your old friends from high school. On other occasions, you have wasted the boiling water and usually dump it into the sink. Don’t do that the next time! Instead, fill your colander full of veggies, set it in the sink, and pour that hot pasta water onto the veggies. The veggies will blanch quickly and nicely. Everything will be ready to start without needing another piece of cookware.
Expert Tip # 2
How to make an ad-hock salad spinner with your colander:
Colanders have come a long way, and they are no longer used for just draining, rinsing, sieving, and so on. They are used in more creative ways that you might have never thought of. We’re going to tell you how to convert your colander into an ad-hoc salad spinner. Here we go,
- You will need to nest your colander inside a mixing bowl. In the mixing bowl, add some greens and lettuce.
- Then, you will fill the mixing bowl with cool water until the greens and lettuce are completely submerged.
- Then start swishing the greens around in the water.
- Next, you will take the colander out of the mixing bowl.
- Now you can place the plate over the top of the colander, holding it right up against the handles.
- Last, shake the colander over the sink to shake excess water off the greens and lettuce.
See how creative we have become with the colander! I’ll bet you never thought you could create your salad spinner out of a colander.
Expert Tip # 3
How to keep your pasta warm after it has been cooked:
Does your pasta get cold right after you’ve cooked it? Do you make the mistake of rinsing the pasta after you take it out of the boiling and put it into the sink? Does it only stay warm a few minutes after it has finished cooking? Here is how you keep your pasta warm after you’ve cooked it:
To keep your pasta warm longer, heat the serving bowl first. Then place a colander in the serving bowl. Pour the pasta and its water into the colander and let the hot water stand in the bowl for a few seconds so that the pasta will be heated.
Now, you’re going to pour out the water, add the pasta and sauce, and you’re ready to serve your hot bowl of pasta!
Did You Know?
The inventor Ran Merkazy and Businessman Freddie Camrass both lived in London and teamed together to produce the RMDLO colander. It was a true breakthrough for the Kitchenware design. The RMDLO not only folds up, shrinking to just ten percent of its original size but also has a variety of uses.
