We spent hours draining pasta, rinsing berries, and washing greens to find the best colanders for your kitchen. A good colander should be sturdy, comfortable to hold, and easy to clean-whether you prefer stainless steel or plastic. In our evaluation, we looked for balanced weight, secure grip handles, stable bases, and even perforation. We also considered how each colander handles large batches and whether it stores easily. Here are our top picks for 2026.
EXCELSTEEL Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Colander 5 Qt | Easy Grip Handles | Self-Draining Base | Mirror Polished | Dishwasher Safe | Pack of 1
We picked the ExcelSteel Heavy Duty 5 Qt because of its solid construction, comfortable stay-cool handles, and self-draining feature. It handled large pasta loads with ease and feels built to last.
- Easy grip handles
- Constructed in durable stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe, clean with ease
- Mirror polished finish for high shine
3 Pack 18/8 Stainless Steel Colander Sieves(5-Quart, 4-Quart and 3-Quart), Mesh Strainer Net Baskets with Handles & Resting Base for Strain, Drain, Rinse or Steam
The 3-pack of mesh sieves from 18/8 Stainless Steel offers three sizes for different tasks, from rinsing quinoa to draining pasta. We found the fine mesh effective for small grains, and the price for the set is outstanding.
- Food Grade Stainless Steel 18/8 Construction: Our kitchen strainer is made of first class Stainless Steel 18/8 that is BPA free, Lead and Cadmium free. It is rust free and will never affect the taste of your food!
- Sturdy: Our colanders feature a sturdy outer mirror finished wide rimmed framework design on both the top and the resting base on the bottom. The firm wire along the outer sides of the rust-proof firm mesh netting keeps the baskets in shape and sturdy while in use. Our premium handles are riveted to the bowl so it will never come off!
- Three Different Sizes: Large 5-Quart (11" x 4"), Medium 4-Quart (9 1/2" x 3 3/4") and Small 3-Quart (8 1/2" x 3 1/4"). Convenient sizes for all your cooking, straining and preparation needs. They're perfect for sifting and straining wet or dry ingredients.
- Versatile: Our colander basket strainers are perfect for draining and straining all kinds of foods, wet or dry ingredients, from pasta to produce. Sift flour, sugar and rice. Use for food preparation like rinsing and washing fruits, vegetables, grains and pastas. Use in a pot to steam vegetables, fry foods like french fries or to cook pasta.
Colander for Kitchen, 3QT, Stainless Steel Colander Strainer with Handle for Fruits Vegetables Cooking Food, Dishwasher Safe
The OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel 5 Qt colander impressed us with its sturdy stainless steel body and non-slip handles. It felt balanced and stable, even when full, making it our top premium choice.
- 【DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL】Our kitchen colander is made of 304 Stainless Steel that is Lead and Cadmium free. It is rust free and will never affect the taste of your food! Healthy and safe for your daily use, rust resistant and dishwasher safe, durable and reusable for a long-service life.
- 【THREE SIZES】3-Quart / 4-Quart / 5-Quart sizes for all your cooking, straining and preparation needs. The colander is great for washing, rinsing, draining; Perfectly used for pasta, spaghetti, vegetable, fruit, meat and others.
- 【CONVENIENT DESIGNS】Fully-perforated mesh strainer and footed design provide superior drainage, without having to tilt the colander. Easy drainage for faster preparation, a cleaner rinse, and more efficient cooking. Mesh is sturdy and will not warp, stretch, or snag even under heavy foods.
- 【SAFE & SMOOTH】The interior and exterior are smooth to the touch. There are no rough perforation edges. Our colander edges are nicely rounded over so there are no sharps, it's easy to clean & does not retain odors like some plastics.
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Colander, 5 qt. Capacity, Strainer with Non-Slip Handles, Kitchen Colander for Pasta and Vegetables, Nesting Stainless Steel Strainer and Sieve
The OXO Good Grips Plastic 3 QT colander is a lightweight alternative that still offers the same comfortable non-slip handle. We recommend it for quick tasks or for those who prefer plastic.
- Comfortable grip every time: Elevated, non-slip handles make lifting and shaking easy even with wet hands. This stainless steel colander keeps straining safe and comfortable
- Faster, thorough straining: The all-over perforated design lets water flow quickly and evenly. This stainless steel colander is ideal as a pasta strainer or sieve for everyday meal prep
- Designed for easy storage: Nests neatly inside mixing bowls for quick rinsing, straining and compact storage. This kitchen colander saves space while keeping your cooking utensils organized
- Stable when in use: Three raised feet keep the colander steady in the sink or on the countertop. This stainless steel strainer with handle stays upright as you rinse, drain or let rest between uses
OXO Good Grips 3 QT Plastic Colander
We found the 3-QT Stainless Steel colander with handle to be a solid performer at a lower price point. It drains well, has a comfortable grip, and is light enough for daily use, though it's smaller than our top picks.
- Elongated holes allow for fast water flow and efficient draining
- Non-slip handles provide a secure, comfortable grip, even when hands are wet
- Contoured feet for in-sink stability, even when straining heavy food
- Colander height and 3-qt capacity prevents water from pooling
Key buying factors
Stainless steel is durable and rust-resistant, while plastic is lightweight and won't scratch nonstick cookware.
Choose a size that fits your largest pot; 5-quart is standard for a family. Smaller sizes are good for berries or single servings.
Comfortable, ergonomic handles with good grip reduce fatigue. Look for stay-cool handles or non-slip grips.
A wide, flat base prevents tipping when set down. Some colanders have a ring base or non-slip feet.
Fine mesh is best for rinsing grains or small pasta; larger holes drain faster but may let small foods through.
Dishwasher-safe colanders save time. Stainless steel resists staining, while plastic may retain odors.
Types explained
Classic perforated metal bowl with two handles. Durable, heat-resistant, and often dishwasher safe.
Best for: Everyday pasta draining and heavy-duty use.Stainless steel mesh on a metal frame, usually with a single long handle. Ideal for rinsing small items.
Best for: Rinsing quinoa, rice, or berries.Lightweight, often in bright colors. May have a nesting design for storage.
Best for: Budget-friendly or lightweight daily use.Care & usage tips
Rinse with hot water immediately after use to prevent food from drying on. For mesh, a quick spray dislodges bits.
Use a soft sponge and mild detergent. Steel wool can scratch stainless steel and damage plastic.
Hang on a hook or nest with other bowls. Avoid stacking heavy items on top to prevent warping.
We found that handle design matters most-a secure, comfortable grip makes a big difference when handling a full colander of hot pasta.
For easy draining, tilt the colander slightly away from you while holding the handle with a kitchen towel to avoid steam burns.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a colander to steam vegetables?+
Only if it's all-metal with no plastic parts and fits securely inside your pot. We recommend a dedicated steamer basket.
How do I clean a stainless steel colander that has water spots?+
Wipe with a little white vinegar on a soft cloth, then rinse and dry immediately.
What size colander should I buy?+
A 5-quart colander works for standard pasta pots. If you often cook small batches, a 3-quart is more convenient.
Are plastic colanders safe for hot food?+
Yes, as long as they are BPA-free and rated for high heat. Avoid pouring boiling water directly on plastic.
Can I put a colander in the dishwasher?+
Most stainless steel colanders are dishwasher safe. Check the manufacturer's instructions; some plastic ones may warp.