- 1. HÖLM 3-Piece Stainless Steel Mesh Colander Set
- 2. Qimh Set of 3 Silicone Collapsible Colanders
- 3. POPCO Set of 3 Large Collapsible Colanders
- 4. LiveFresh Stainless Steel Micro-Perforated 5-Quart Colander
- 5. Qimh 3 Piece Over The Sink Silicone Fruit & Veg Strainers
- 6. ExcelSteel Heavy Duty & Self-draining Stainless Steel Colander
- 7. Glotoch Silicone Collapsible Colander Set of 4
- 8. Rorence Powder Coated Steel Colander Set of 2
- 9. U.S. Kitchen Supply 3 Piece Stainless Steel Colander Set
- 10. Longzon Collapsible Silicone Colanders & Strainer Set
- 11. Chef Craft Deep Plastic Colander
- 12. Lidard Plastic Rotating Kitchen Colander
- 13. Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Clip On Silicone Colander
- 14. Calypso Basics by Reston Lloyd Powder Coated Enameled Colander
The Best Colander
Very few recipes can be prepared without some kind of rinsing or straining and this makes the colander one of the hardest working cooking utensils. With the best colander in your kitchen, you can safely and efficiently rinse and drain vegetables, fruit, pasta, and a range of other foods. The best colanders should be easy to use and practical, and tough enough to stand up to the demands of a busy kitchen.
Colanders, similar to funnels, are often sold in sets that either collapse (best for traveling or if you have little storage space) or nest for easy storage. They need to be durable and easy to clean but, above all, they should efficiently drain liquid away from the food. Some are made from fine mesh but others are made from solid stainless steel or silicone with perforations at the best drainage sites. There are many colanders available on-line so to get you started, we've prepared this useful guide to help you choose the best colander for your needs.
1. HÖLM 3-Piece Stainless Steel Mesh Colander Set
Key Features
Set of three in different sizes
Ideal hole size for excellent drainage
Strong mesh
Does not warp or stretch
Durable stainless steel
Strong metal handles
The design of the HÖLM 3-Piece Stainless Steel Mesh Colander Set has been reached after painstaking research into the ideal size of the hole to provide water flow but also retain the food and offer durability. The holes in these colanders are 2.3 mm wide so the drainage is excellent but the mesh is strong enough not to warp or stretch even when used for heavy food.
In the set, you get three round colanders which are 1 quart, 2.5-quart, and 4.5-quart and which nest into each other for easy storage. Made from durable stainless steel, these colanders have strong metal handles and a sturdy base.
Pros
Three sizes to choose from
Sturdy bases for stability
Handles are strong enough for heavy food
Excellent drainage
Strong stainless steel
Cons
Holes are too large for rice
Rough surface
2. Qimh Set of 3 Silicone Collapsible Colanders
Key Features
Set of three pieces
Made from food-grade silicone
Strong enough to hold all types of fruit and vegetables
Comfortable handles
Heat resistant
Collapse for easy storage
Manufactured from non-toxic, BPA-free, and environmentally friendly materials, the Qimh Set of 3 Silicone Collapsible Colanders are round and offer both style and convenience. The brightly colored set is made from food-grade silicone and comprises two 4-quart and one 2-quart version.
The stand out feature is that they collapse when not in use to just 1.1 inches high making them easy to store. The handles are comfortable and highly heat-resistant – up to 302 degrees F.
Pros
Colander collapsible for storage
Different sizes for different tasks
BPA-free materials and non-toxic
Comfortable to hold
Heat-resistant
Cons
The legs are quite short
Flimsier than metal versions
3. POPCO Set of 3 Large Collapsible Colanders
Key Features
Set of three pieces
Available as round or square
Collapse for travel or storage
Non-toxic materials
Suitable for boiling water
Dishwasher safe
The POPCO Set of 3 Large Collapsible Colanders are brightly colored and available as round or square. The set of three 4-quart colanders collapse to 1.25 inches for easy storage in a kitchen drawer and to make them useful for camping and RV use.
They are made from food-grade, non-toxic materials and are heat resistant up to 230 degrees F so they can be immersed in boiling water. They are dishwasher-proof for easy cleaning.
Pros
Great option for traveling
Dishwasher safe for easy clean up
Can withstand boiling water
Non-toxic material
Large capacity
Cons
No small size in the set
Square ones won’t fit in a saucepan
4. LiveFresh Stainless Steel Micro-Perforated 5-Quart Colander
Key Features
Large 5-quart capacity bowl
Made from strong 18/10, 304 stainless steel
Small holes for full drainage
Solid base ring
Base ring drainage ports to prevent backflow
Strong handles
This is a large 5-quart strainer that is suitable for both home and professional use. The LiveFresh Stainless Steel Micro-Perforated 5-Quart Colander is made from heavy-duty 18/10, 304 stainless steel that is 20 percent thicker than many other models. The small holes are very close together creating a fine mesh so you do not have to tilt it to fully drain. There are no rough edges where the colander metal is pierced.
It has a solid ring base to prevent it from tipping over with built-in drainage ports so that drainage speed is maximized and there is no backflow. The strong handles are firmly riveted to the colander.
Pros
Big enough to drain large quantities of food
Strong construction – will not bend
Smooth outer surface
Drains fully – does not have to be tilted
Lifted off surface by a base ring
Cons
Does not collapse – takes up quite a lot of space
May be too large for smaller households
5. Qimh 3 Piece Over The Sink Silicone Fruit & Veg Strainers
Key Features
Collapsible sink colander
Easy to clean
Can be used for foods up to 302 degrees F
Telescopic handles
Made from BPA-free PP and TRP
Fast and efficient drainage holes
For over-the-sink draining of pasta, vegetables, and many other foods, the Qimh 3 Piece Over The Sink Silicone Fruit & Veg Strainers are a great choice. This is the best choice for you if you want to combine the convenience of a collapsible silicone colander with the durability of a metal model.
This sink colander is made from BPA-free PP and TRP that is foodgrade and non-toxic. The bottom has an anti-skid design for safety and the drainage hole perforation is designed for fast and efficient drainage. The handles open telescopically and are non-slip for safe straining.
Pros
Telescopic handles straddle the sink for no-hands draining
Comfortable handles with good grips
Drains quickly
Can be collapsed for storage and traveling
Food-grade materials
Cons
Square shape can be awkward with round bowls
Water does not entirely drain out
6. ExcelSteel Heavy Duty & Self-draining Stainless Steel Colander
Key Features
5-quart kitchen colander
Sturdy resting base for stability
Handles with a wide grip for comfort
Mirror polished surface inside and outside
Cleverly positioned drainage holes
Rust-resistant stainless steel
A traditional perforated stainless steel colander for draining and rinsing vegetables, fruits, and berries. It has a 5-quart capacity and a 10.5-inch diameter. The ExcelSteel Heavy Duty & Self-draining Stainless Steel Colander comes with a sturdy resting base and wide-grip comfortable handles that can also be used for hanging it up.
The rust-resistant stainless steel surface has been mirror polished for ease of cleaning and perforated for rapid draining and rinsing. It’s large enough for all your kitchen needs.
Pros
Dishwasher safe
Large enough for a big household
Resting base to prevent flow-back
Comfortable to hold
Highly heat resistant
Cons
Some pooling can occur
Would benefit from some more holes
7. Glotoch Silicone Collapsible Colander Set of 4
Key Features
Set of four colanders
One larger colander holds 6 quarts with telescopic handles
Collapsible for easy storage
Heat resistant up to 212 degrees F
BPA-free materials
Attractive blue design
This set of four colanders will provide all the draining capacity that a household could need. The Glotoch Silicone Collapsible Colander Set of 4 comprises 1pc 6 Quart Over the Sink Strainer, 2pc 4 Quart, and 1pc 2 Quart Round Folding Strainers in an attractive blue design.
The whole set is made from non-BPA silicone materials and will resist heat up to 212 degrees F. The handles of the larger colander extend telescopically so that it can be rested on your sink. All of the colanders collapse for easy storage. The perforated holes are extra large for rapid drainage.
Pros
Dishwasher safe
Non-toxic materials
Suitable for hot food up to 212 degrees F
Can be rested on the sink for easy drainage
Large drainage holes
Cons
Can be difficult to pour food out of
Handles do not lock into place when extended
8. Rorence Powder Coated Steel Colander Set of 2
Key Features
Set of two different size colanders
Nesting for easy storage
Large riveted stainless steel handles
Efficient drainage holes
Sturdy base for stability
Elegant powder-coated design
Made from durable and safe powder-coated steel, the Rorence Powder Coated Steel Colander Set of 2 is a premium kitchen utensil that has an elegant and timeless design to suit any kitchen decor. The set comprises two colanders; one measures 9 inches across and the other measures 10.5 inches across. The colanders nest when not in use so that they take up less room.
The solid base lifts the food up out of any drained liquid. There are cleverly placed perforated holes for efficient drainage. For gripping the colanders securely and comfortably, there are large riveted stainless steel handles.
Pros
Made from durable powder-coated steel
Two colanders nest for easy storage
Solid support at the base
Large perforated holes
Elegant, classic design
Cons
Does not collapse
Powder coating can get damaged
9. U.S. Kitchen Supply 3 Piece Stainless Steel Colander Set
Key Features
Set of three colanders that nest when stored
Made from micro-perforated stainless steel fine mesh
Rust-proof materials
Safe to clean in the dishwasher
Easy-grip handles
Can be used for rice and grains
A highly functional and three-piece set of colanders made from micro-perforated stainless steel that is great value for money. The 5, 4, and 3-quart set nest into each other for easy storage. Because the perforations are smaller than in a regular colander, they can be used when rinsing and cooking small grains and rice.
The professional-grade mesh allows you to use them for a range of kitchen tasks including sieving, rinsing, and steaming. Each colander in the U.S. Kitchen Supply 3 Piece Stainless Steel Colander Set is dishwasher-safe and rust-proof and comes with strong handles with good grips for comfort and safety.
Pros
Three sizes to choose from
Take up less room when stored
Very small perforations – can be used for small grains
Stainless steel to resist rust
Two handles – comfortable to hold
Cons
Too flimsy for heavier food
Mesh is not as durable as steel with fewer perforations
10. Longzon Collapsible Silicone Colanders & Strainer Set
Key Features
Set of strainer and colander
Wide comfortable handles
In-built hook for hanging
Collapsible for easy storage
Resists heat up to 230 degrees F
Raised ring for improved drainage
A versatile colander set comprising two pieces in an attractive grey and red designs. The Longzon Collapsible Silicone Colanders & Strainer Set consists of one 9.5 inches, 3-quart colander, and a 7.9 inch 2-quart strainer. Both have multiple holes in the bottom surface so that liquid drains rapidly.
They are made from a combination of hard and soft, food-grade silicone that is easy to clean and resists temperatures up to 230 degrees F. There is a raised ring at the bottom to assist drainage and they are collapsible for storage or camping.
Pros
Foldable and space-saving design for traveling
Ergonomic wide handles for comfort
Plenty of holes for easy drainage
Heat resistant
Durable materials and design
Cons
Drainage holes are only at the bottom
Holes are too large for many grains and for rice
11. Chef Craft Deep Plastic Colander
Key Features
Low budget functional colander
Lightweight and bright white in color
Made from non-toxic BPA-free plastic
Large drainage holes
Balanced feet for stability
5-quart capacity
A single functional colander that does the job and will not break the bank. The Chef Craft Deep Plastic Colander has a 5-quart capacity and measures 11.5 inches across. It has a smaller number of holes than some other models but they are very large for rapid drainage of larger foods.
For stability, it has balanced feet. The colander is made from non-toxic BPA-free plastic and it can be washed in the dishwasher for speed and efficiency.
Pros
Low cost and functional
Durable BPA-free plastic
Dishwasher-safe
Stable on countertop
Rapidly drains food – large holes
Cons
Looks cheaper than silicone and steel versions
Holes are too large for draining some foods
12. Lidard Plastic Rotating Kitchen Colander
Key Features
Versatile design that can be used in several ways
Lightweight and durable
Colander rotates 360 degrees in the bowl
Food grade PP material
Plenty of drainage holes
Comfortable handles
The Lidard Plastic Rotating Kitchen Colander is a uniquely designed kitchen utensil that includes a colander combined with a fruit washing bowl. They can be used separately or together in a number of ways. The set is made from non-toxic, food-grade PP that is lightweight, durable, and easy to clean
The colander fits into the bowl and has a 360-degree rotation so that the bowl can be emptied using the pouring spout with the colander still attached. There are plenty of holes for rapid drainage and the handles of the bowl are comfortable and balanced. It can withstand temperatures between -40 degrees C and 110 degrees C.
Pros
Comes with a bowl
Strong and durable
Can withstand a wide range of temperatures
Comfortable to use
Strong and stable base
Cons
Colander itself has no handles
Does not collapse
13. Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Clip On Silicone Colander
Key Features
Very compact and easy to store
Versatile – fits onto all kitchen containers
Built-in spout for efficient drainage of liquid
Snaps on quickly using two clips
Strong and durable silicone
Available in a range of colors
The Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Clip On Silicone Colander is a handy device that would be the best choice for households that want to drain food from saucepans rapidly but don’t want to spend a lot of money or take up a lot of space in the kitchen. The cleverly designed clip-on device snaps neatly onto a range of kitchen containers including all sizes of cooking pots and sauce pans. It also fits onto large and small food preparation bowls and will even fit onto bowls that have a lip.
It attaches using two clips and is very easy to use. The food is retained securely in the container while the liquid drains out – there is even a built-in spout to remove excess water. It’s made from durable silicone that does not rip or tear and it takes up just a quarter of the space that a traditional colander would need in your kitchen cupboard.
Pros
Takes up a quarter of the space of a traditional colander
Very efficient drainage
Easy to use
Easy to clean
Strong and safe material
Cons
Doesn’t fit perfectly to all pot sizes
14. Calypso Basics by Reston Lloyd Powder Coated Enameled Colander
Key Features
Attractive classic design in a range of colors
Range of sizes from 1 quart up to 7 quarts
Powder-coated enamel finish – does not flake
Deep base ring to prevent flow-back
Well-placed holes
Chrome-plated handles
A highly attractive and colorful kitchen colander that looks good enough to leave out on display in your kitchen. It has a powder-coated enamel finish on a steel base and is available in a range of attractive colors including bright turquoise and indigo with steel rim detailing.
The Calypso Basics by Reston Lloyd Powder Coated Enameled Colander is also available in a range of capacities from 1 quart all the way up to 7 quarts. It will not flake or discolor and can be used for hot and cold foods. The holes are well placed for efficient drainage and it has a deep base ring to prevent flow-back into the food. The comfortable handles are chrome plated.
Pros
Durable – will not flake or discolor
Looks good enough to leave on display
Lots of colors and sizes to choose from
Heat-resistant
Can also be used to display fruit
Cons
Hand wash only
Does not collapse
Features To Consider With Colanders
Choosing a colander for your kitchen may not be as straightforward as you imagined. There are many different shapes, sizes, and colors and some have additional features. To get you started, here are the main features that you should consider before you make a purchase.
Compactability
If you want to use your colander when you are traveling in your RV or are camping, or if you have limited space in your kitchen cupboards, you may find that a compactable (or collapsible) set will be the best colanders for you. The best options will often collapse to around one inch in depth so they take up very little space when they are not in use.
If this is not for you, you may prefer a set that fits neatly inside each other - these are called nesting. They save on space but give you the advantages of a solid colander. Some collapsible versions only have drainage holes at the bottom and some users find that this makes the drainage less efficient.
Design
The best colanders have a design that looks great and also offers excellent functionality. They need to look good and get the job done! The selection of color is very much a personal choice. There are traditional steel colanders powder coated with shiny enamel paint that can be purchased in a range of stunning colors. At the other end of the scale, there are ultra-modern silicone versions that collapse and are highly durable.
The size and placement of the holes are important because this affects the efficiency of drainage. It may be worth reading the reviews to check this out. Some come with clever additional design features such as telescopic handles that can be used to drain over a sink. There are others that clip onto a saucepan or that come with their own bowls. They can be as simple or as innovative as you choose!
One important design feature to take note of is the quality of the handles. This is important for safety and comfort. Make sure that they have good grips, that they are securely fixed or riveted into position, and that they are comfortable.
For more useful reviews for products in the kitchen, check out our guides of the best measuring spoons, measuring jugs, spatulas, steak tenderizers, mixing bowls, salad spinners and pizza cutters.
Ease Of Cleaning
The best colanders are easy to clean. They should all be able to stand up to regular hand washing because they will be in constant use. If you like to clean up in a hurry and want maximum convenience, a model that can be cleaned in the dishwasher may be the best choice for you. If you opt for stainless steel colander, then stainless steel cleaner would be of much help.
If they have a very fine mesh, this can be harder to clean and may take more effort. In general, the versions with larger holes are easier to clean.
Material
The best colanders are made from durable materials that can stand up to food preparation on a daily basis. They should be able to be dropped and thrown around without getting too damaged. Most are made from powder-coated steel or stainless steel that can resist rust and is very hard-wearing. However, it will dent if you drop it. If you chip the powder-coating you may get rust spots.
The best modern alternative is silicone. This is a highly durable and safe material that can be dropped without causing damage. However, some users find that it is not as strong as steel and can bend and warp if you are draining heavy food. Heat resistance is also important as a lot of food that needs to be drained has just been cooked.
Size
The best size for you will depend on the size of the household that you are cooking for. Sets are very useful as you will get a range of sizes that can be used for different cooking tasks. It is best to get a set with at least one larger colander of around 5 quarts capacity.
Colander FAQ
Q: What's the difference between a colander and a strainer?
The strainer vs colander debate is a lively one! The best colander or strainer for the job will depend on what you are straining. In general, a colander has fewer larger holes for rapidly draining foods such as vegetables and pasta and is more robust. A strainer, on the other hand, has a mesh that can be used for rice and grains. The mesh is not as hard-wearing and more liable to break.
Q: How long do silicone colanders last?
Silicone is one of the best materials for a colander as it is so hard-wearing. You can expect to get several years' worth of use out of it. The simpler the design, the longer you can expect it to last.
Sources
Difference Between Colander and Strainer - Difference Between