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Kitchen Tools

Best Colanders

Updated November 2023
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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Classic Look

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.

More stores

Amazon $24

$24 at Amazon
$23 at Walmart
Classic Look
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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Simple Yet Solid

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

$27 at Amazon
Simple Yet Solid
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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Best for Small Spaces

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

Check Price at Amazon
Best for Small Spaces
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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Unique Design

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

Check Price at Amazon
Unique Design
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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Most Versatile

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

$20 at Amazon
Most Versatile
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.

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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 all opinions about the products are our own. About 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.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed
September 25, 2021
57
Models
considered
14
Hours
researched
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Ade Hennis
Written by Ade Hennis

Updated November 2023

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.

Our Top Picks
Bellemain
Best of the Best
Bellemain
Micro-Perforated Stainless Steel 5-Quart Colander
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.
Shop Now
LiveFresh
Best Bang for the Buck
LiveFresh
Stainless Steel Micro-Perforated 5-Quart Colander
Bottom Line
Precision-cut ports line the base of this colander, keeping water from collecting in the bottom.
Shop Now
Comfify
Top Pick
Comfify
Set of 2 Collapsible Colanders
Bottom Line
These collapsible, space-saving colanders are great for small kitchens.
Shop Now
Kitchen Gizmo
Top Pick
Kitchen Gizmo
Snap 'N Strain Strainer
Bottom Line
This strainer clips directly into your pot so you can grip pot handles with two hands.
Shop Now
IPOW
Top Pick
IPOW
Stainless Steel Fine Tea Mesh Strainer Colander
Bottom Line
Look no further if you're trying to find a colander for rinsing dry rice or quinoa.
Shop Now
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