Best Colanders

Updated March 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
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.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Bellemain Micro-Perforated Stainless Steel 5-Quart Colander
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.

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

Comfify Set of 2 Collapsible Colanders
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 inches in diameter. Collapsed strainers are more than 2 inches 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
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
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 inches. 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.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
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.Read more 
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.

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.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
Tiawudi
Stainless Steel Colander
HiramWare
Stainless Steel Mesh Colander
QiMH
Collapsible Silicone Colander Set
Cuisinart
Over-the-Sink Colander
Oxo
Good Grips Stainless Steel Colander
The team that worked on this review
  • Alvina
    Alvina
    Photographer
  • Amos
    Amos
    Director of Photography
  • Branson
    Branson
    Videographer
  • Ciera
    Ciera
    Digital Content Producer
  • Jacob
    Jacob
    Editorial Manager
  • Katie
    Katie
    Editorial Director
  • Kristin
    Kristin
    Writer
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
  • Steph
    Steph
    Web Producer
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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.

$17
×

Comfify

Set of 2 Collapsible Colanders

Comfify

Set of 2 Collapsible Colanders

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

$10
×

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.

$16
×

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.

$9
×

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.

$17

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