Best Colanders

Updated January 2019
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Bellemain
Micro-Perforated Stainless Steel 5-Quart Colander
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Bottom Line

This heavy-duty, micro-perforated colander is smooth to the touch and dishwasher safe. The only thing it can't do is rinse dry rice and quinoa.

Pros

Rice and spaghetti won't fall through micro-perforations. Drains fast. Stable draining ring base won't tip. Rust-proof, dishwasher-safe 18/10 stainless steel. Riveted handles. No roughness. Cleans well. Not meant for rinsing dry rice or quinoa.

Cons

Base is solid, so if you place it in the center of your sink, it will block drainage.

Comfify
Set of 2 Collapsible Colanders
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Bottom Line

These collapsible, space-saving colanders are great for small kitchens.

Pros

Pair of collapsible colanders – 8" and 9.5" in diameter. Collapsed strainers are than 2" high. Comfortable, rubberized handles. Heat resistant up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit. BPA-free. Dishwasher safe. Side holes keep water from collecting. Handles stay cooler than metal colander. Easily fit in top rack of dishwasher.

Cons

Water tends to pool in the bottom.

Kitchen Gizmo
Snap 'N Strain Strainer
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Bottom Line

This strainer clips directly into your pot so you can grip pot handles with two hands.

Pros

Clips will fit nearly all round pots, pans, and bowls – even ones with lips. Small and compact, easy to store. BPA free, dishwasher safe, and FDA approved. Made from top-quality silicone. Will withstand straining of heavier foods like potatoes. Lets you grip pot with both hands. Doesn't scratch non-stick surfaces.

Cons

Too small for larger pots and quantities of food.

IPOW
Stainless Steel Fine Tea Mesh Strainer Colander
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Bottom Line

Look no further if you're trying to find a colander for rinsing dry rice or quinoa.

Pros

Set of three strainers measuring 2.75", 4.72", and 7". Made of sturdy anti-corrosion stainless steel. Mesh is small enough for rinsing dry rice and quinoa. Even seeds stay in the strainer.

Cons

A bit small.

Best Bang for the Buck
LiveFresh
Stainless Steel Micro-Perforated 5-Quart Colander
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Bottom Line

Precision-cut ports line the base of this colander, keeping water from collecting in the bottom.

Pros

Holes are small enough to drain cooked rice and quinoa as well as larger items. No clogging. Use to rinse, sieve, cook, and steam. Fast draining. No tipping. Solid base with precision-cut drainage ports. Made of rust-proof, dishwasher safe 18/10 stainless steel. Riveted handles. Smooth on the inside and outside.

Cons

Dents relatively easily.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

  • 18 Models Considered
  • 7 Hours Researched
  • 1 Experts Interviewed
  • 201 Consumers Consulted
    • Zero products received from manufacturers.

    We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

    Why trust BestReviews?
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.

    Colanders are one of the most necessary household items, as they offer simple yet immense help in straining water from staple foods like rice, pasta, and quinoa, and washing fresh produce. These aiding tools are available for purchase in either steel, plastic, or fine mesh forms, but all three have their pros and cons. Steel colanders are the strongest of the three, but can rust unless specified as rust-proof. Colanders made of plastic are usually the cheapest, but may not last as long as steel or mesh options. Mesh colanders are a fantastic choice for straining smaller items like rice or quinoa, but are usually smaller in diameter than steel or plastic models. Always consider the size of the colanders’ straining holes before purchasing, as they differ in width depending on your cooking needs.

    The team that worked on this review
    • Eliza
      Eliza
      Production Manager
    • Jacob
      Jacob
      Editorial Manager
    • Katie
      Katie
      Editorial Director
    • Kristin
      Kristin
      Writer
    • Melinda
      Melinda
      Web Producer
    ×

    Bellemain

    Micro-Perforated Stainless Steel 5-Quart Colander

    Bellemain

    Micro-Perforated Stainless Steel 5-Quart Colander

    This heavy-duty, micro-perforated colander is smooth to the touch and dishwasher safe. The only thing it can't do is rinse dry rice and quinoa.

    $20
    ×

    Comfify

    Set of 2 Collapsible Colanders

    Comfify

    Set of 2 Collapsible Colanders

    These collapsible, space-saving colanders are great for small kitchens.

    $12
    ×

    Kitchen Gizmo

    Snap 'N Strain Strainer

    Kitchen Gizmo

    Snap 'N Strain Strainer

    This strainer clips directly into your pot so you can grip pot handles with two hands.

    $15
    ×

    IPOW

    Stainless Steel Fine Tea Mesh Strainer Colander

    IPOW

    Stainless Steel Fine Tea Mesh Strainer Colander

    Look no further if you're trying to find a colander for rinsing dry rice or quinoa.

    $10
    ×

    LiveFresh

    Stainless Steel Micro-Perforated 5-Quart Colander

    LiveFresh

    Stainless Steel Micro-Perforated 5-Quart Colander

    Precision-cut ports line the base of this colander, keeping water from collecting in the bottom.

    $20

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