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The best colander on our list is designed to solve these issues. The BeFare Colander has holes that prevent pasta and grains from escaping, yet they are spaced perfectly to allow for fast drainage, avoiding water buildup and soggy food. We voted it the #1 colander on our list. Prefer a different style? You’ll find our top picks below!

Ever drained pasta only to find half of it in the sink because it slipped through the holes? It’s a flaw in many colanders, leading to wasted food and frustration. Even worse, with some colanders, pasta clings to the sides or gets lodged in hard-to-clean mesh, making cleanup annoying.

Choosing the Best Colander: A User's Guide

A Quality Colander Will Make Your Life Easier

Anyone who's ever cooked pasta knows the precarious dance of draining boiling water without splashing or getting burned. It's a common kitchen struggle: you tilt the pot, hold the lid slightly ajar, and hope for the best while hot water threatens to spill over.

Now, picture a colander that makes this a breeze. The BeFare Colander is designed for ease and safety, with large, sturdy handles that keep your hands far from the heat and provide a secure grip. Likewise, it has evenly distributed, perfectly sized holes that ensure quick and efficient drainage, so your pasta comes out just right every time, without any sticking or extra moisture. With the BeFare—the best colander—no more kitchen acrobatics with boiling water!

What You Need to Consider When Choosing a Quality Colander

1. Material

Colanders come in stainless steel, metal, plastic, silicone, and ceramic. Stainless steel is preferred for its durability and resistance to rust. In my opinion, the best colanders are metal/stainless steel.

2. Size and Capacity

Consider the volume of food you typically need to drain or rinse. Colanders come in various sizes, and having one that's too small or too large can be inconvenient. Sizes can range significantly, so choose based on your most common needs. The best colander is usually a medium-sized colander.

3. Design

The design matters, especially the size and placement of holes or perforations for efficient draining. Also, look for colanders with sturdy, heat-resistant handles and a base or feet that provide stability when placed in a sink or on a counter.

4. Ease of Cleaning

The best colander should be easy to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher. Stainless steel, metal, and silicone are typically the easiest to maintain.

5. Durability

A good colander should withstand frequent use and the thermal shock of boiling water without deforming or cracking. Stainless steel colanders and metal are generally the most durable.

6. Versatility

The best colander can often be used for tasks beyond draining, such as washing fruits and vegetables, sifting dry ingredients, or even steaming. Some colanders come with fine mesh for rinsing quinoa or rice.

7. Stability

Look for colanders with a sturdy base or feet that prevent tipping and keep the colander above the sink bottom, allowing for more efficient draining.

8. Comfort and Safety

Handles should be comfortable to hold, even when the colander is full. They should also remain cool to the touch if the colander is used over a pot of boiling water. The best colander is made for safety and comfort.

9. Storage

If kitchen space is at a premium, consider how the colander will be stored. Some colanders are designed to be collapsible or nestable, which can save space.

Moreover, if you make a lot of pasta, consider complementing your purchase with the best pasta strainer. Likewise, a utensil rest also makes cooking easier.

The BeFare Colander Is Not Only Practical But Popular

Picture this: you're making dinner, the pasta needs to be drained now, and you're stuck with a colander that heats up, wobbles, and almost tips over. It’s annoying. That’s what I was dealing with before I found the BeFare Colander.

The BeFare is made from durable, 0.5mm thick, powder-coated metal that's food-safe and rust-resistant. Trust me, it’s built to last.

Moreover, it has wooden handles that are easy to grip and don’t heat up, so you can handle hot food without a hassle. Additionally, it's not just for draining pasta. The size and design are great for washing veggies or as a fruit basket on your counter. It looks good too, and you can choose colors that complement your kitchen. In my opinion, the BeFare is the best colander on the market!

Top Picks

  • Best Overall: Befare Colander
  • Most Unique: Kitchen Gizmo Colander
  • Fun Design: Ototo Colander
  • Best Grip: Tiawudi Colander
  • Most Innovative: Qimh Colander
  • Honorable Mention: Learja Colander
  • Best Set : U.S. Kitchen Supply Colander Set
  • Best For Space-Saving Storage: Simplified Product Title: U.S. Kitchen Supply 3-Piece Colander Set

Reviews

Best Overall
The BeFare Colander sold on Amazon

Befare Colander

A well-designed colander that is manufactured using steel and wood, this product right here is one of the best available colanders out there! The matte-finished surface gives it a premium and graceful look. As you know, it has to come in regular contact with water, so the material quality is rust-free and all such hazards are kept at bay! You can easily handle and carry it - thanks to the wooden handles. You can even pick it up when the container is extremely hot as no heating will be able to reach the insulated handles. There is no need to put it in a dish-washing machine either as you can easily wash it with your hands with simple water rinsing.
Pros Cons
  • Durable metal, resistant to rust
  • Wooden handles stay cool, ensure safe handling
  • Sturdy base prevents tipping over
  • Large capacity for various kitchen tasks

  • Not everyone has a preference for the style
Most Unique
The Kitchen Gizmo Colander sold on Amazon

Kitchen Gizmo Colander

The Kitchen Gizmo Colander is a great option for anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable strainer. This innovative product was specifically designed with convenience in mind, as it features special clips that allow it to easily snap onto round pots, pans, and bowls of all sizes, even those with lipped edges. This colander is a great time saver since it means you don’t have to transfer food to another container to strain it. Another great feature of the strainer is its compact size. It takes up about a quarter of the space that traditional colanders or sieves would require, making it ideal for those working with limited counter space. It also comes in a bright lime green color which makes it stand out among other basic strainers and colanders.
Pros Cons
  • Clips to pots for easy, no-spill straining
  • Compact design saves valuable kitchen space
  • Durable silicone withstands frequent use
  • Universal fit for pots, pans, and bowls

  • Must fit on a pot to use (popular though, 1K+ bought in past month)
Fun Design
The OTOTO Colander sold on Amazon

Ototo Colander

The Nessie Family by OTOTO is an imaginative and functional colander set that offers a unique blend of practicality, fun, and enchantment. Whether you're looking to spruce up your kitchen with cute novelty items or you need reliable kitchen tools, this three-piece bundle is sure to have something for everyone.  Made of 100% food grade, BPA-free, and dishwasher-safe material, the Nessie Family set includes a trusty silicone ladle, a mini colander, and a nifty tea infuser, all designed with convenience and usability in mind. The heat-resistant wide ladle spoon makes scooping soups easier than ever, while the colander is perfect for draining and straining pasta, fruits, and veggies quickly. To top it off, the tea infuser is ideal for brewing flavorful teas in no time! Plus, they're always a welcome addition to any household, whether you're hunting for new home gift ideas or funny kitchen gadgets to add to your collection.
Pros Cons
  • Made from 100% food-grade, BPA-free materials
  • Unique, playful designs spark kitchen conversations
  • Versatile set: colander, ladle, and tea infuser
  • Dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup

  • Comes in a set with a tea infuser and soup ladle, so more expensive
Best Grip
The Tiawudi Colander sold on Amazon

Tiawudi Colander

Stainless steel products are becoming an integral part of our lives due to their beneficial nature. This colander by Tiawudi is also manufactured using 18/8 stainless steel which is one of the bests out there! There is no use of BPA and lead, which means all of your food will remain safe for eating. The grip is extra safe and fully insulated. Plus, no heat will be transferred no matter what you put in the colander. The overall capacity is large enough to house rice or pasta for a big-sized family quite easily. Moreover, you will need the perforations that help in the quick draining of water and this colander is a tailor-made option for such a need!
Pros Cons
  • Made from durable, food-grade 18/8 stainless steel
  • Quick-draining with closely spaced micro-perforations
  • Heat-resistant, riveted handles for safe handling
  • Large 5-quart capacity suits family meals
  • Some dislike the handles; still, it holds a 4.8-star rating
Most Innovative
The QiMH Colander sold on Amazon

Qimh Colander

Not every brand cares for environmental issues while manufacturing its products. However, this top-quality colander by Qimh is manufactured using eco-friendly materials only. The sleek design and availability in multiple colors make it a must-have for your everyday tasks! This product is equally classic in style and other required qualities like durability, larger capacity, and a rust-free nature make it a must-buy! The colander is dishwasher safe, has a collapsible structure, and can be placed anywhere in your kitchen! Won’t take up much space either. Lastly, the non-slip handles prove to be icing on the cake, allowing you to drain your hot food ingredients with ease!
Pros Cons
  • Heat-resistant silicone for durable use
  • Collapsible design saves valuable kitchen space
  • Extendable handles fit over various sink sizes
  • Multifunctional: strains, washes, and stores food
  • Not everyone has a preference for the design
Honorable Mention
The Learja Colander sold on Amazon

Learja Colander

An eye-catching color combination manufactured to perfection, this collapsible colander is one of the trademark products from the family of Learja. The design is quite unique and compact as compared to multiple other available products. It shows up to 158°F/70°C of heat resistance. The sizing is so perfect that it fits with a series of sink types and you can also hang it on your sink! Your food is bound to remain free of any type of toxins. If we talk about the capacity of this colander, you can place as much as 6 quarts of food in a single go.
Pros Cons
  • Collapses to under 2 inches for easy storage
  • Large 6-quart capacity handles more food
  • Heat-resistant up to 158°F for versatility
  • Fits most sink sizes; non-slip handles
  • It's collapsible but still large
Best Set
The U.S. Kitchen Supply Colander Set sold on Amazon

U.S. Kitchen Supply Colander Set

Pros Cons
  • Three sizes for versatile kitchen tasks
  • Durable stainless steel with mirror finish
  • Supports hands-free straining and steaming
  • Easy to clean, dishwasher-safe

  • Might not match the durability of the best overall colander, yet highly rated—4.6 at the time of writing
Best for Space-Saving Storage
Simplified Product Title: U.S. Kitchen Supply 3-Piece Colander Set

Simplified Product Title: U.S. Kitchen Supply 3-Piece Colander Set

Pros Cons
  • Versatile size options
  • Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
  • Sturdy and rust-resistant
  • Colanders can be flimsy
  • Handles are spot welded
  • Set of 3 stainless steel mesh colanders
  • Premium, high-performance strainers
  • Sizes range for versatile use
  • Sturdy, wide-rimmed outer framework
  • Rust-proof, firm mesh netting
  • Handles for easy maneuvering
  • Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning

FAQs

Is a colander really necessary?
I remember the time I had to drain pasta without a colander as guests were arriving—it was a kitchen disaster! I ended up using the lid of the pot, which was risky and inefficient, spilling pasta into the sink. Ever since that day, I've realized a colander is an absolute kitchen essential. For me, the best colander is the BeFare.
What is the best colander?
The BeFare Colander with its wood handle and stable base is one of the best colanders I've used. Its durable metal construction and powder-coated finish ensure longevity and ease of cleaning, making it a standout in my kitchen. Likewise, the wooden handle provides a comfortable grip that doesn't conduct heat, enhancing safety during use.
What is the most affordable colander?
The 3-piece colander set from U.S. Kitchen Supply is an economical choice. It includes three colanders of various sizes. It's also one of the best colander sets on the market.