If we had to pick one kitchen tool that people tend to overlook the most, a strainer or colander comes to mind. In
fact, it is that ignored that we had to think really hard even to recall its name. You won’t appreciate its existence until you need it to drain pasta or steamed rice. Trying to strain pasta or spaghetti with big spoons or hand can be a lot of messy procedure to follow and really difficult to do when you want to strain it hot. This is where the strainers come handy and help you avoid all the unnecessary mess and wastage of time over one simple meal. We’d suggest having at least two, just in case you need to put the food into some other strainer for multiple washes.
For a kitchen tool, as simple as a strainer, you’d generally assume that it will hardly have any features worth considering or options before buying. Be aware! You are up for a surprise.
A strainer is a simple bowl-shaped tool that has numerous tiny holes in it. It allows you to separate any type of liquid from the food. Liquid drains through the holes, leaving the solid components behind. Strainers can be used in many ways, that depends on the food you are cooking.
Ways to use a strainer in cooking
To drain water – This is the most obvious use of the strainer. You can simply strain hot water, allowing water to
drain down the sink and keeping the food inside the strainer.
To separate pulp – You can use the strainer to separate juice and pulp from the fruit. It might be not the best method to do so as many juicers these days allow you to have pulp-free juice, but if you don’t have that kind of juicer, a strainer can be extremely helpful. Have you ever heard of Tamarind sauce? Strainers can be the most economical and easy option to separate the unwanted fiber and seeds from the rest of the pulp that you need to make the sauce.
Straining food – If you have ever tried to make cottage cheese at home, you know how helpful strainers can be. You only need to place the cheesecloth inside the base of the strainer, and you can strain the excess water and separate the cheese from it. Also, strainers are very much helpful in straining yogurt or stock.
Blanching and steaming – Colanders with single long handles are perfect for blanching or steaming food as these keep your hand away from heat and still allow you to handle food efficiently.
Sifting flour – Some strainer can be simply be used to sift flour or rinse vegetables. For sifting, you will need a strainer with fine mesh-like structure. Meshed strainers can also be used to strain the tea.
Clean your food – Using a strainer to wash small grains like rice and pulses can help you minimize the effort and wastage while washing. You can also wash fruits and vegetables efficiently as strainer will keep them from falling into the sink.
Features you should be aware of –
Strainers might appear the same, but they do have many differences and work differently in different aspects of cooking. So, it is really important to look for the important features that fulfill your particular purpose of buying the strainer for cooking.
Material used – The most common and popularly used material for a strainer is stainless steel that is strong
against rusting and has versatile usage. You will also find strainers made of plastic or silicone. They might be way less costly, but the durability of these strainers is questionable. Hot liquids tend to melt these plastic strainers while metal strainers can easily withstand high temperatures. Silicone strainers can compact and can be collapsed to create more space in your kitchen drawers.
Another kind of advanced metal strainers come with a rubberized or enamel coating that allows it to be colorful.
Holes – Strainers can be frustrating if the shape and size are not according to the kind of material you want to drain. For water, you can simply use almost any kind of strainer, and it can work well. However, other liquids that are denser and thicker than water might find it hard to find its way out.
Some strainers consist of holes made out in a decorative pattern. Now, they might look attractive, but they don’t make the best strainers as they slow down the pace of drainage.
Another reason that your strainer might not be that good at straining is that there aren’t enough holes. The more holes, the better will be straining. However, the number is not everything; you will need to consider the size of the holes too. If it is too big, food like small grains will drain out too with the water, and you will end up wasting hours to pass the liquid if it is too small. Also, cleaning a strainer with fine mesh is not an easy task as particles tend to get stuck in it. A standard and ideal strainer should have holes that have enough holes, and the size should range from a pencil tip to a candy.
Strainer base – A strainer’s base usually have tiny feet like structures that raise the bottom part of the strainer, ensure that drained water doesn’t come back running into the holes. Some of them consist of expandable handles that give support against the sink and allow you to drain the liquid into a bowl.
What is BPA free plastic Colander?
If you are going to use a plastic colander, it is better to use the one that has BPA free tag on it. It means the plastic won’t be leaching harmful chemicals into your food. It can be a much safer option than other kinds of plastics.
Things to remember
Always buy a size that matches your most regular cooking pot.
Always buy two or three strainers of different sizes of holes to hold different kinds of food.
P & P CHEF Colander has a stable steel construction that comes with perfect holes and handles. If you are looking
for a standard strainer that could help you with a variety of tasks in cooking, this could be the one.
Material and durability
Made of highly durable stainless steel, it is perforated with holes that allow quick drainage and yet efficiently prevent the small food from draining along the water. You can be quick in your cooking with this colander set. It has two handles that allow you to hold and strain the food even when it’s too hot. It is stainless steel, which makes it rust free and also safe to wash in a dishwasher.
Design and usage
The triple feet provided at the base of this colander set makes it stable, and you can strain your food even without holding the strainer. The overall structure is sturdy and will be there on your kitchen shelf for years. It is a 3 set strainer that comes in 3 different sizes for different usages and different quantities of food. While medium size can be used for two person’s food, the larger one is for a family.
You can use this to strain pasta, meat, vegetables, and seafood. It is a versatile tool in your kitchen that you can use even for washing, draining, and rinsing. These are so versatile that you can also you them for mixing salads or keep in your kitchen as a fruit container.
Additional Information
All of these strainers are easy to clean and keeps their shine even after an extended period. One more benefit that stainless steel provides over other plastic strainers is toxic free products. Also, food does not stick and can be easily washed with hand.
However, because handles are also made of stainless steel, you will need to be careful with touching the handle because it will be hot if you remove it from a pot.
Another wonderful alternative would be Live Fresh Stainless Steel Colander. It is large, measures 5 quarts, which is
good enough to drain an entire pack of pasta. It is a strong, solid, and highly versatile tool in your kitchen that you will be using for a long time.
Material and Durability
The entire structure is made of stainless steel except for the ergonomic rubber handles that prevent slipping of the strainer while you are handling food. It also protects you from the hotness of the food since rubber is a bad insulator of heat. So, it can be really great when you have just taken it out from a hot pot as the handles will not burn your hands. The riveted handles are constructed in a way that it will not fall apart even due to excessive heating or weight.
LiveFresh gives a lifetime warranty on this strainer, so you can get your money refunded without any question if you don’t like the product.
Design and Usage
Though the manufacturers claim that it can hold small grains, but we doubt it. The perforations are small but not small enough to hold small grains like rice. The holes are all over the body and just the base, which makes the straining process even more quick and easy. Its solid ring like the base is provided with drainage ports to prevent backflow of liquid. The ring base gives stability to the strainers so that it does not tip over even when it has to bear excessive weight. Also, the height of the base is pretty impressive as it gives good clearance and allows you to drain liquid even when you are not holding it in your hand.
Additional Information
It looks like a shiny metal hanging on your wall. It does not corrode and bends even after extended usage provided you take care well. Although we think it won’t be suitable for small grain but that issue you can fix by using cheese cloth. It is easy to clean and dries pretty quickly. You might find the holes and edge of the handle a bit sharp, but it is not a major issue. It is also easy to store and takes really small space on your kitchen counter if you are not hanging it.
Priority Chef should be your priority if you are looking for really inexpensive yet decent quality colander for your
kitchen. At this price, the product will exceed your expectation and prove itself worth considering.
Material and durability
It is entirely stainless steel body including handles and the base. It is rust proof and stain resistant and does not allow food to stick inside it. It is 3 Quart micro-perforated that does not allow even the smaller grains to pass through its holes. It is a versatile, stylish, and multipurpose product and an all-around product in your kitchen. The holes might be small and closely spaced, but they do not come in the way of water and provides easy and quick drainage.
Design and Usage
It features a strong base in the shape of a ring providing more stability than other strainers that come with feet. With evergreen and classic stainless steel look it will adorn your kitchen counter and can be used to store fruits and veggies just after you wash them. The handles are large enough to protect your hand from hot steam, but since they are made of stainless steel, you might need to handle it carefully as the handles itself tend to get hot when kept in a hot pot. Also, its size makes it comfortable and easy to use, especially when large strainers tend to seem too large.
It can be used to strain almost anything from big fruits, or chunks like pasta. It is large enough to handle a packet of noodles.
Additional Information
It is sturdy and does not dent or bend easily. Although we advise you not to order this product with any other product as it will be shipped in one box and the other products might cause damage to it. It is easy to clean, and the food does not stick to it even when you are straining something greasy. Since the quality of steel is good, it is toxic free. One problem that users had with this strainer is that the base sometimes disconnects, which is not much of an issue but it would have been better if it didn’t.
Sometimes it is best to have a colander that can be placed over the sink so that you can simply put the food and allow
it to drain while you prepare the rest of the meal. U.S Kitchen supply is a premium quality strainer that you would certainly like to have in your kitchen.
Material and Durability
It is an over the sink high-performance colander that has meshed basket with steel rims around it for extra protection from any kind of damage. The stainless steel handle is rubberized on the part from where you tend to hold the strainer. Also, the handle is expandable up to 21 inches that allows you to fit it in most of the standard size kitchen sinks. It is provided with a shiny frame that surrounds the strainer and also consists of feet that rests on the bottom and allows drainage even when you don’t hang it on the sink. It comes with a 100% lifetime satisfaction guarantee.
Design and Usage
The concave holes or mesh net is smooth and give decent space for sifting, straining, and filtering out impurities. It also helps in easy breaking of clumps in pasta or noodles, especially when they are wet. You can easily strain pulp to make sauces, soups, and gravy. It is an extremely multipurpose kitchen tool that not only works efficiently but also looks good on your kitchen counter like a small fruit basket. The size of the basket is 6 quart, which is most useful for large families or even restaurant kitchens.
Additional information
The basket can be cleaned easily with water, soap, and a dish brush and is dishwasher safe. It is great for even the smallest grain particles. We suggest cleaning it with a brush instead of a sponge to avoid leaving bits of sponge in the mesh. However, don’t worry, the food particles don’t get stuck in the mesh. Although the basket and mesh are sturdy, the metal frame that hugs the basket tends to bend if not handled with care.
Whipping your favorite sweet or mixing your salad does not have to be a messy business. With Kitchen Aid tools,
even the most amateur chefs feel like professionals. Featuring sturdy plastic construction, kitchen aid strainer comes in three different colors, the red one to give pop in your kitchen counter.
Material and Durability
It is an entirely plastic body that comes with two oversized handles for easy use. The perforations are mostly towards the base of the strainer, but few holes go up on the sides too, which makes it useful in mixing and whisking food. We know plastics are not the best choice for people but it just as durable as any other kind of colander. It does not leave any color behind and looks great. It won’t melt even if you pour the hot stock over it. Also, to relieve your nerves, there is a one-year replacement and lifetime limited warranty that speaks for how reliable this product can be in your kitchen.
Design and Usage
The overall bullet shaped structure is designed in a way that it takes less space. The handles are made large so that you can easily hang the colander on the hook against the wall. The holes do not cover the whole colander, but they are big enough to strain quickly and small enough not to let pasta or other bits of food get out of your colander. The bottom part is provided with plastic legs that do not get detached if handled with care and raise the colander from its base and allows easy straining. You will find rubber feet that prevent sliding of the colander into the sink.
Additional information
Even a child could clean it because it is lightweight and does not allow food to stick too much. You can scrub it by hand or put it in a dishwasher. It is safe either way. The plastic itself is of good quality and won’t bend easily. It is small in diameter, but the depth of the container allows you to fit a big amount of food for straining or washing.
You will find this colander in many kitchens, and the credit goes to its simplicity, perfectly round body with
numerous holes that are meant for easy and quick straining and its affordability.
Material and Durability
Bellamain will impress you with its high-quality steel integrated with riveted handles. This heavy-duty steel can take all the stress and heat of the kitchen and is made to last for years. It is thick and can be one of the most durable colanders out there. The manufacturers claim that the steel used is premium quality 18/10, which is mostly used in most professional kitchens. However, we would not go that far; we say it’s pretty average in terms of durability. Bellamain does not offer a lifetime warranty, but it does come with a complete replacement warranty.
Design and Usage
Another feature that professional chefs love about this is the ring-like ultra-wide base that provides excellent stability. Also, the company claims it to be the micro-perforated structure that is meant to strain even the smaller grains, but, users say otherwise. You will see some smaller grains like uncooked quinoa or rice escaping the holes. The holes are tiny and closely spaced so that the small size of the holes does not block drainage or make it slow. The base is high enough to allow you to dry the food in strainer itself while still keeping it inside the sink. There is no backflow. However, some users say that the base is hard to clean in the areas where it is welded to the other part of the colander.
Additional Information
Although the steel is sturdy and does not easily bend while using, it can bend if not packed carefully while shipping. However, the return and replacement are easy. Also, some users did complain about its handle, which is not so sturdy and fell off after some time in some cases.
Comfify Colander set looks nothing like your old traditional boring colanders. It is made to fit in your modern
kitchen without looking like an odd tool hanging on your wall. It looks beautiful with its vibrant five different colors.
Material and Durability
Though the material is plastic, it is BPA free and has been approved by Food Grade, which means it is safe for use and non- toxic plastic. It has a capacity of 5 quarts which means big enough to hold the whole big packet of pasta or noodles. The most noticeable attribute is its heat resistance that is up to 340 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it safe to use even in boiling water. You can drain, strain, or wash veggies in hot water, and it will not bend or melt. The handles are soft, rubberized and heat resistant up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit so that you can easily handle the strainer while doing your work.
Design and Usage
It is designed keeping your health and convenience in mind. It is one of the most compact strainers you will see in the market. It saves a lot of space in your kitchen because of its collapsible structure. When folded, it is only 1.25 inches, which allows you to stow it even in your smaller drawers or cupboard. You get two sets of strainers of 9.5 and 8 inches, which mean you can fit them in different kind of pots according to your cooking requirements.
Additional Information
The quality of the product is outstanding. The color does not fade even in sunlight. You can easily wash by hand or in a dishwasher. Despite the low price, it exceeds its value in terms of quality. One downside to it would be that it does not have holes on the sides. So you will have to move the items to drain properly. The holes on the bottom are good enough for straining, but the drainage could have been made better by providing holes on the sides. Another thing we noticed that might bother some users is that there are no feet to raise it above the base of your sink, which means water can flow back to your food.
A stainless steel meshed construction and sturdy wireframe make it one of the best bucket type strainers. ExcelSteel
Basket can be useful when you are working in an environment where you need to be careful of boiling water.
Material and Durability
The deep basket design allows you to hold food safely and handle easy serving and transfer. The long wooden handle is made to prevent any kind of kitchen accident while handling hot food. It is anti-corrosion steel and sturdy enough to last for years in your kitchen. The mesh is thick with a handle designed in a way that prevents it from dropping.
Design and Usage
With a premium grade material mesh and micro perforations, you can expect quick draining. The holes occupy almost the whole basket, which makes it a very versatile tool in your kitchen. Apart from draining and straining you can use it to stir fry (in restaurants), cook, reheat or even boil (like eggs). There is a ring base that ensures stability and minimizes the risk of accidentally tipping over the strainer. There is an additional hook at the back that means you can simply hang in against the wall or use it as side hook that allows you to keep it against the pot while straining.
Additional Information
The cleaning is effortless, and you can wash it with regular soap and water by both hand and in a dishwasher. It is durable, and you won’t have any complaints in terms of its quality. However, if you are someone who won’t need to cook a lot of food or do not have a lot of space in the kitchen, it can be a bit large for your cooking. It is best to use in big kitchens with a large family or in restaurants, but we would not recommend it for a small family. Many users find it useless because the size is too large for them.
Qimh brings you environment-friendly colander with non-toxic, BPA free and smells free plastic. Available in five
different colors, you can match them with your modern kitchen ambiance.
Material and Durability
Made of thick and quality material, this silicone collapsible colander won’t disappoint you with its convenient and ergonomic features. The plastic is food grade PP and TRP, which means it is non-toxic and won’t leach harmful chemicals in your food. The material is quite durable and won’t bend or damage for years if handled with care. You need to be extra cautious about the handles since they will bend if you strain them unnecessarily. The strainer holds 6 quarts, which is quite large and useful for the times when you are expecting guests.
Design and Usage
It is designed to be used with ease and thus provided with a telescopic handle that is extendable, contractile, and foldable. The even distribution of holes makes drainage easy and quick. You will find an anti-skid structure at the base that will allow you to handle the tossing and turning of food easier without worrying about the strainer to tip over the skin. Other than straining, you can use to keep washed fruits or mix veggies for the salad. When collapsed, it looks like a beautiful fruit basket or tray.
Additional Information
Do not use this colander if the temperature is going to be above 75 degrees Celsius, which means you cannot use it when water is boiling. You can use to keep washed fruits or mix veggies for the salad. The rubber padding on the handles and base makes it really smooth to handle. The cleaning is effortless, and the food does not stick to the plastic or silicone. Also, you won’t be worrying about the space it takes. Its foldable nature makes it one of the most compact colanders you will ever buy.
With bright colored rim on the edges, this colander from Hiramware looks attractive and stylish. If you are looking
for a colander that is inexpensive and still does the job, this can be the one for you. You have options to choose the between two neon green and pink color of plastic rim.
Material and Durability
We won’t consider it as high-quality steel, but it is good enough considering the price you pay for this colander. However, the quality is not very bad either. It strains perfectly. The holes are large but not too large. The plastic rim will stay put for a long time if you handle it with care. However, it tends to retain some water after washing and takes longer to dry. It can hold 5 quarts of food. The surface of the metal might feel a little rough due to small metal burrs around the holes.
Design and Usage
It is perfect for straining almost everything from small grains to big veggies. It can be used as a fruit or vegetable basket. It would have been better if they had legs to prevent the backflow of water. It is quite big and is very useful in large families. Due to its large size, it is easier to wash big vegetables, and tossing and turning become much easier. You can easily break the pasta apart so that it does not stick and keeps its shape intact.
Additional Information
As mentioned, the quality is not top-class, which is why many times the product gets damaged while shipping. It would be better if you don’t order this product with any other product to avoid the damage. It is easy to clean, and you can use any soap or detergent to clean it. It does not rust over time and can sustain for years if you take care properly.
ExcelSteel 242 Colander makes a fashion statement with its polished mirror exterior, brushed interiors, and rolled
edges. It might not be the best out there, but it will work for people who do not want to spend too much on a colander.
Material and Durability
The steel is polished and will look classy, sitting on your kitchen counter. It is lightweight and thin, so you have to be careful as it is not very sturdy. However, it is strong enough to hold your food for straining. It has the capacity to hold 5 quarts of food. The handles are riveted that provides the firm grip. It is not very durable, but for the price you pay, it is good enough to stay with you for at least a year if you handle it carefully. It can be a good option for people who are constantly shifting and needs to set their temporary kitchen that looks good.
Design and Usage
The holes are perfect in size and with smooth edges so that they don’t cut into your skin while washing the strainer. It can allow a few smaller grains to pass through the holes but can retain most of the food. The pedestal base looks attractive and offers stable ground that keeps the food at a distance from the sink, preventing backflow. Graduated holes allow easy drainage and help in circulating the air so that the veggies do not get soggy if you decide to prepare them before the rest of the meal.
Additional Information
It is safe to clean it in a dishwasher or otherwise. One downside to this product would be the sticker of the company that is glued to the inner side of the base and is quite difficult to remove. We suggest soaking it in water and then try to remove the sticker; it would be much easier to remove. Also, it would have been better if holes were evenly distributed as sometimes water tends to sit at the bottom and you have to tilt the colander to strain it properly.
Chef Craft 21311 is more of a washing container than a colander, but it can strain and drain a few things. It is plastic
but looks cute, and you can use it for your everyday usage.
Material and Durability
The plastic body is sturdy enough to hold your food. It is a large bowl and is around 11x 5 inches deep. You can easily put a lot of veggies or fruits in it and keep it near the sink to let them drain and air dry. Quality of the material is average, so you will need to be careful with it. Also, the manufacturers do not mention if it is BPA free, which means you should not be using it to drain food if it is too hot. It will melt, and you will also risk eating toxins. It will stay new for a long time if you take suggested precautions and use it mainly for cold water straining and washing.
Design and Usage
It is lightweight, easy to use and holes are good enough to allow straining chunks like pasta or macaroni. However, we don’t recommend using them for straining noodles, as holes are too big to prevent noodles from passing through them. The base is a bit raised and allows water to drain even when it is sitting on the shelf, not allowing water to flow back to food. Though the holes don’t go all the way up to the sides of the colander, but its broader structure allows more drainage.
Additional Information
Some customers faced issues with the products because the product they received damaged during shipping. It should not be much of an issue because you can return it if you receive a defective piece. It is best suitable for people looking for a low price colander that they can use for their normal washing and straining. It is large, so you will need some extra space in your cupboard.
If you are looking for a colander that not only save space in your kitchen but also features a single handle for single
hand usage, then Zoer silicone strainer can be the right choice for you.
Material and Durability
It is made of BPA free silicone with heat resistance up to 70 degree Celsius. Even the ergonomic handles are heat resistant, which means you won’t need to worry about burning yourself while working with hot food. The durability of the product is decent enough to last at least a year. The silicone does not feel stiff when you expand or contract it.
Design and Usage
The handle of the colander is designed in a way that it does not slip easily from your hand. Also, there is a big hole on the handle that allows you to hang it on the hooks in your kitchen. When collapsed, it set to the height of 1.6 inches, which makes it easy to store even in small space. The holes are evenly distributed on the base. However, there are no holes on the sides, which can be a little disappointing. Also, there are no feet or raised-platform to keep the water flowing back to the strainer. However, since it is a single handle strainer, chances are that you will be mostly using it while in your hand.
Additional Information
The compact size of the strainer makes it a perfect tool to keep with you while you are camping or on a trip. It can handle boiling water without melting. The size is not too large. It can hold only up to 2-3 quart of food. If you are going to use it to wash large vegetables, it does not have enough space to accommodate them all at once. You can consider washing them in small batches.
With a body of a small bucket, the U.S. Kitchen brings you the strainer that fulfills all your straining, draining and
washing requirements in one product. Made to fit in your cooker or other cooking pots, it even helps in cooking or reheating the food.
Material and Durability
The material is stainless steel in the form of a meshed net that performs well with all kinds of food. The whole structure is strong and durable. The outer part has a metal rim that is polished to give a shiny mirror-like finish. The mesh is rust proof that sustains corrosion even when it is kept in water for a long time. It comes with a 100% lifetime satisfaction guarantee, which means you will get your money back if you are not satisfied with the colander.
Design and Usage
Designed to fit in other cooking pots, the size is kept 3 quarts that can handle most of the rinsing, filtering, straining, steaming and cooking. The rims are sealed to prevent the food from getting trapped between rim and mesh. It can be best used for sifting, straining, and breaking clumps in hot or cold and wet or dry ingredients. You can even use it to prepare thick gravy or sauce. The holes are of perfect size that allows you to mash the pulp and strain it for preparation of sauce without allowing thick fiber to pass through the holes.
Additional Information
Although it is meant to fit in other pots, still the handles of the strainers become an issue when you try to fit in the container. Either you will need to use a bigger pot or snap of the handles. The handles are not welded very efficiently so you will be able to bend them easily. Also, with its three little feet, it is easy to set it inside the pot.
If one strainer is not enough for your kitchen, Qimh gives you three, in different sizes so that you can use them
according to the quantity of your food. Colander set comes in two pieces of 4 quarts and one of 2 quarts.
Material and Durability
Qimh remains dedicated to its customer health and manufactures products that are made of BPA free plastic. It is approved by the FDA for the health and safety of the users. They have used environment, friendly rubber, and plastics. There is no odd smell of plastic. Qimh has got great customer support services and also provide money back guarantee if you don’t like the product.
Design and Usage
The handle is strong, convenient, and comfortable to use. The perforations are provided on the base of the strainer and not on the sides of the strainer. Although it is not an ideal quality of strainer, the even distribution and the right size of holes allows you to ignore this minor issue. It is designed to save your space and can be collapsed to limit its size. It can be used in multiple ways, over the sink or inside or can be simply put on the counter or table.
Additional Information
The base does not have legs or feet that can keep it away from the sink, which means you will need to keep it in a dry place after the majority of water drains out. Also, you can keep it over a pot and keep it hanging there so that the rest of the water does not collect near the base. Overall, this colander is easy to clean, durable, and easy to store.
