Skip to main content

The best colanders for straining pasta and washing ingredients

Colanders help wash veggies, fruits, and rice, but you’ve probably used them mainly for straining pasta. Make cooking easier with the right colander by choosing the most suitable material, hole diameter, and bowl size.

You’ll find that colanders are made of different materials from steel to plastic to silicone. They also vary in size and openings at the bottom, depending on what you’re using it for. Colanders typically have side handles for easier use and for straining hot ingredients like spaghetti noodles. They also have a bottom stand so your food doesn’t touch other surfaces or just roll away. Check out our top picks below.

KitchenAid Plastic Colander

Best colander overall

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The KitchenAid plastic colander comes in a commanding red color with a sturdy construction to match. It holds up to five quarts of food and features a scalloped design to let water escape quickly. A higher-than-average stand keeps your food off of sink bottoms and countertops. The colander’s handles are meant to be hung for storage so if you’re struggling to find space in your cupboards, this is a practical option.

LiveFresh Stainless Steel Colander

Best metal colander

Image used with permission by copyright holder

LiveFresh presents the stainless steel five-quart colander, featuring a micro-perforated surface. The extra petite holes mean you can drain various types of food without them getting caught, which drains water more efficiently than traditional colanders. It features a 304 grade stainless steel construction that resists corrosion and is guaranteed to last a lifetime.

OXO Good Grips Washing Colander

Best for washing rice

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Say goodbye to grains doing down the drain with OXO’s Good Grips Rice Colander. Rinse rice, quinoa, and other small grains efficiently with square holes that catch food and side holes that drain excess water. The non-slip handles provide extra grip and comfort in the kitchen. If grains are a staple in your kitchen, opt for OXO’s rice colander.

Colanders are handy for various kitchen needs such as washing produce and straining noodles. Conveniently, there are also colanders specifically for washing small grains. Note that most colanders will have side handles and a stand for added benefit. The right colander depends on what material you prefer and what size draining holes you need. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s aligned with what you cook most and what will make your prep time less demanding.

Editors' Recommendations

21Oak
The best taco holders to keep your plate clean and tidy
the best taco holders person eating tacos

Want to keep your tacos nice and tidy while you eat them one by one? Then grab a taco holder, such as these ones that are suitable for an adult or a kid.

Typically produced from stainless steel or plastic, a taco holder can hold three or four of the delicious Mexican concoctions. No matter if you’re an adult or a child, these leading taco holders can spruce up your next Mexican-style meal.
Aichoof Taco Holder Stand Set
Best overall

Read more
The best plate hangers for palatable home decors
Cups and plate hanging on a wooden wall In the kitchen

Use the plate hangers we’ve curated for this list to bring personality and style to an otherwise bare a boring-looking wall. Go out on a yard sale hunt, come back home with a bottle of wine, and transform your living space in an evening without breaking the bank.

Plates transform into remarkable wall art and turn into a flexible decor technique. Shape a gorgeous focal point in your home such as your dining room by displaying a mix of assorted shapes on the wall. Vintage plates are fun to find at thrift stores and can bring a shabby-chic, vintage, or rustic vibe to your house.
Hillman Plate Hangers 
Best Overall

Read more
The best mason jar lids to safely store food and beverages
the best mason jar lids for drinking and more close up of on kitchen counter

If you’re a trendsetter who started using mason jars before they became popular, you can stay ahead of the curb now with some cool and useful lids that are sure to stand out. With the right lids, you can how off your personal sense of style and make mason jars work for your individual needs.

For many, mason jars are the ultimate eco-choice for food and beverage storage. By switching up the jar lids, you can enhance these useful solutions to make them even more convenient. Whether you want to differentiate your mason jar from the others in the office fridge or are looking to color code your meal prepping, there is a jar lid that is perfect for your needs. Let’s take a look at our favorites.
Aozita Plastic Mason Jar Lids
Best overall

Read more