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The Best Colanders of 2024
A good colander enhances cooking; a poor one leads to a mess
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.
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!
Our Top Picks For Colanders
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7 Best Colanders of 2024
Best Overall
With a 4.7-star rating and amazing customer reviews, the BeFare Colander blends style with functionality. Its durable metal construction, coated with food-safe powder, ensures long-term resistance against rust—even with frequent use. Likewise, the wooden handles are not only stylish but practical, offering a heat-free grip for comfortable handling—perfect for those who appreciate quality design and practicality.
Moreover, the stable base prevents tipping and makes the colander versatile enough for rinsing or displaying foods on your countertop. Additionally, its large capacity and efficient draining capabilities make it ideal for anyone looking to handle large volumes of food easily. If you value ease of cleaning alongside robust design, this colander might be the best colander for you. Ultimately, the BeFare Colander stands out as the best overall; its wooden handles and sleek matte finish elevate a kitchen’s aesthetics and ensure easy, effortless food draining.
Pros
- Durable metal, resistant to rust
- Wooden handles stay cool, ensure safe handling
- Sturdy base prevents tipping over
- Large capacity for various kitchen tasks
Cons
- Not everyone has a preference for the style
Best Set
The U.S. Kitchen Supply Colander Set stands out for its versatility, making it a strong contender as the best colander set if you’re looking for varying sizes with consistent quality. Featuring three different sizes—11″, 9.5″, and 8.5″—this set is ideal for handling various kitchen tasks, from straining pasta to sifting flour and rinsing fresh produce. Further, each colander is crafted from high-quality stainless steel mesh, ensuring durability and resistance to rust. What’s more, the sturdy wide-rimmed frames and secure base allow for stable use over pots or sinks, promoting hands-free operation—essential when multitasking in the kitchen.
Moreover, the fine mesh efficiently traps smaller food items, making these colanders excellent for wet and dry ingredients. As a bonus, they nest together for compact storage, saving valuable kitchen space.
Pros
- Three sizes for versatile kitchen tasks
- Durable stainless steel with mirror finish
- Supports hands-free straining and steaming
- Easy to clean, dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Might not match the durability of the best overall colander, yet highly rated—4.6 at the time of writing
Most Unique
If you’re someone who values kitchen efficiency and style, the Kitchen Gizmo Colander might be the best colander choice. This innovative gadget snaps onto nearly any pot, allowing you to strain liquids without the need to transfer food—perfect for those who prioritize convenience and multitasking in the kitchen.
Moreover, its compact size means it takes up minimal storage space, an essential factor for small kitchens. Additionally, the unique silicone design is not only durable but also adds a pop of color to your kitchen decor. For those who seek practicality blended with style, this strainer excels—making it a standout option.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Must fit on a pot to use (popular though, 1K+ bought in past month)
Fun Design
Dive into the playful world of kitchen gadgets with Mamma Nessie—the standout colander in the OTOTO pack. If you relish whimsical, yet practical kitchen items, this colander might be the best colander for you, especially if you enjoy designs that combine fun and function. Crafted from 100% food-grade, BPA-free materials, it ensures both safety and durability.
Moreover, its efficient design with large holes allows for quick draining, ideal for pasta, vegetables, and more, making kitchen tasks not just easier but also more enjoyable. Whether used daily or for special occasions, this fun colander brings a magical touch to your cooking.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Comes in a set with a tea infuser and soup ladle, so more expensive
Best Grip
If you’re seeking a colander that marries durability with functionality, the Tiawudi colander stands out. Crafted from food-grade stainless steel, it’s not only BPA, lead, and cadmium-free but also resistant to rust. Additionally, its micro-perforated design offers quick draining, perfect for efficiently straining anything from pasta to vegetables.
Moreover, the heat-resistant, riveted handles provide safe and comfortable handling, essential when dealing with boiling water. For those who prioritize easy maintenance, this colander is dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup. If you value a stainless steel design, this may be the best colander for you. So, whether for a bustling family kitchen or a small restaurant, this colander’s robust build and large capacity are incredibly fitting.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Some dislike the handles; still, it holds a 4.8-star rating
Most Innovative
The QiMH Colander is crafted from premium silicone, making it both heat-resistant and durable. Its collapsible design is a true space-saver; it easily folds down for compact storage, freeing up kitchen space for other essentials. Moreover, the extendable handles allow it to fit snugly over most sink sizes, facilitating effortless straining and rinsing of food items.
Additionally, its versatility extends beyond just straining; it’s also great for washing and neatly storing fruits and vegetables, making it an indispensable kitchen accessory. For those who prioritize convenience and storage in their kitchen gadgets, this might be the best colander choice.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Not everyone has a preference for the design
Honorable Mention
The Learja Colander brings practical innovation to modern kitchens with its unique blend of functionality and design. A standout feature is its compactness—collapsing to under 2 inches, it makes storage a breeze, fitting even in a cramped drawer, ideal for small spaces. Additionally, its large 6-quart capacity allows for handling substantial quantities of food, from pasta to fruits.
Furthermore, the colander is crafted from BPA-free silicone, ensuring safety and ease of cleaning as it is dishwasher-safe. If space-saving is a priority in your kitchen setup and you like the yellow-and-white design, this could be the best colander for you.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- It’s collapsible but still large
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!
Best Colander 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.
