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14 Best Colanders (Review) In 2021

Last Updated: January 21, 2021
Best Choice
HÖLM-3-Piece-Stainless-Steel-Mesh-Colander-Set-image
HÖLM 3-Piece Stainless Steel Mesh Colander Set
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Best Value
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U.S. Kitchen Supply 3 Piece Stainless Steel Colander Set
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Premium Pick
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Rorence Powder Coated Steel Colander Set of 2
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Unclutterer
by Unclutterer
Published 04:55 am
Show Contents
Contents
  • 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
Award
Brand
Rating
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Award:

Best Choice
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Brand:

HÖLM 3-Piece Stainless Steel Mesh Colander Set

Rating:

10
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Award:

Attractive Design
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Brand:

Glotoch Silicone Collapsible Colander Set of 4

Rating:

9
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Award:

Premium Pick
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Brand:

Rorence Powder Coated Steel Colander Set of 2

Rating:

8
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Award:

Best Value
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Brand:

U.S. Kitchen Supply 3 Piece Stainless Steel Colander Set

Rating:

7
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Award:

Budget Pick
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Brand:

Chef Craft Deep Plastic Colander

Rating:

7

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

Best Choice
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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

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HÖLM 3-Piece Stainless Steel Mesh Colander Set
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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

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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

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Qimh Set of 3 Silicone Collapsible Colanders
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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

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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

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POPCO Set of 3 Large Collapsible Colanders
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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

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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

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LiveFresh Stainless Steel Micro-Perforated 5-Quart Colander
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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

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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

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Qimh 3 Piece Over The Sink Silicone Fruit & Veg Strainers
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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

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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

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ExcelSteel Heavy Duty & Self-draining Stainless Steel Colander
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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

Attractive Design
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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

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Glotoch Silicone Collapsible Colander Set of 4
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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

Premium Pick
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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

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Rorence Powder Coated Steel Colander Set of 2
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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

Best Value
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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

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U.S. Kitchen Supply 3 Piece Stainless Steel Colander Set
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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

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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

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Longzon Collapsible Silicone Colanders & Strainer Set
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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

Budget Pick
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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

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Chef Craft Deep Plastic Colander
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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

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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

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Lidard Plastic Rotating Kitchen Colander
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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

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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

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Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Clip On Silicone Colander
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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

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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

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Calypso Basics by Reston Lloyd Powder Coated Enameled Colander
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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. 

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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.

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Colander FAQ

Q: What's the difference between a colander and a strainer?

A:

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?

A:

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

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