The 6 Best Colanders for Easy Rinsing and Straining
Whether you want stainless steel, two handles or an over-the-sink design, we have a recommendation for your needs.
Tested by Raena LoperFashion Commerce Editor
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When I'm in a rush in the morning, I tend to wash my fresh fruit in the palm of my hand, but our kitchen Lab experts recommend using a colander for a safer and more effective way to strain your ingredients. Thankfully, dishwasher-safe, easy-to-store colanders make it simple to rinse fresh produce, strain noodles or drain a can of beans. If you have limited space like me, there are even collapsible models or over-the-sink options to keep the colander out for multiple uses.
Experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab test hundreds of kitchen gadgets each year, including colanders and related accessories like salad spinners. In addition to the 37 salad spinners we've tested so far, we most recently evaluated 11 colanders. We narrowed down our selections by considering ease-of-use features, such as clear cleaning instructions, comfortable handles and sturdy feet to keep the colander in place while in use. Our pros also strain pasta in each colander to evaluate how well the food strains.
Pros
- Plenty of holes for fast draining and minimal pooling
- Long feet at the base for stability
- Comfortable handles didn't become hot
Cons
- Some pooling while straining orzo pasta
Size: 5 qt | Dimensions: 12.6" x 12.6" x 10.94" | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Why we like it: While all colanders have holes (duh), not all have enough to strain quickly. This stainless steel colander from OXO Good Grips has medium-sized holes all over the surface to provide proper draining and help prevent pooling. We appreciate the three rubber feet on the bottom of the colander, which are longer than other models and provide a sturdy base.
We tested the 5-quart size, but you can shop the 3-quart OXO colander if you have less storage space or tend to rinse smaller amounts of food at a time. Both sides are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
How it tested: It's no surprise that this colander performed well during Lab testing because OXO products win praise in many of our kitchen guides. The colander received a top score for draining fast, and the handles were comfortable to hold. We also noticed that the handles didn't get hot when we poured freshly boiled pasta into the colander. There was some pooling during our orzo straining test, but it was less than what other colanders produced.
Pros
- Affordable
- Long, easy-to-hold handle
- Nest into each other for easy storage
- Large holes drain quickly with no pooling
Cons
- Only one handle
- Not great for larger quantities of food
Size: 2 qt (large); 0.75 qt (small) | Dimensions: 9.25" x 8.7" x 5.24" (when nested) | Material: Plastic | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Why we like it: For just under $15, you get not one but two colanders. Both have long handles that nest into each other and are easy to hold. I like using a smaller colander to rinse fresh berries, while the medium-sized colander is great for washing baby potatoes or a can of chickpeas.
While neither colander is super large to tackle, say, a big batch of pasta, I appreciate the compact size and nesting design because they make for easy storage.
How it tested: When holding the strainer above a bowl to strain pasta, we felt in control of the colander. Even though each colander only has one handle, we thought the longer style provided enough stability. The larger holes excelled at draining quickly and didn't pool during our tests.
Pros
- Non-slip handles
- Drains quickly without any pooling
- Great for pasta and larger vegetables
- Finer holes mean orzo and rice are less likely to float through
Cons
- May not fit all sinks
- Larger sizes makes it more difficult to store
Size: 5.5 qt | Dimensions: 14.5" x 4.6" x 10" | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Why we like it: If you have a large enough sink, a colander with expandable handles that sit atop the edges of your kitchen sink makes the task at hand a whole lot easier.
The long, rectangular shape is great for straining large amounts of pasta or longer vegetables like carrots. I like that the non-slip handles keep the colander in place and help elevate your food from touching the bottom of your sink — which can get dirty from food bits. You can set up this colander while prepping veggies for a roast and keep it out to strain fruit for a post-dinner treat.
The stainless steel mesh means this colander has finer holes, which is ideal for orzo and rice, but this type of colander can be more challenging to clean. Check your sink's dimensions before purchasing this model, and make sure you have enough space to store it when not in use.
RELATED: Best Pasta Pots, Tested and Reviewed
How it tested: This Cuisinart colander received one of the best draining scores in our Lab test, and we observed no pooling whatsoever.
Pros
- All nine pieces nest easily for storage
- Comfortable handles on colander and mixing bowls
- Available in both stainless steel and plastic
Cons
- Pricey
Size: 3 qt | Dimensions: 6.6" x 11.1" x 11.4" (when nested) | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Why we like it: Although this nine-piece stainless steel set from Joseph Joseph is pricey, it is one of our Kitchen Lab Director's favorite colanders and comes with everything you need to meal prep, including a medium-sized colander, two mixing bowls, a sieve and five measuring cups.
We appreciate the non-slip bases and comfortable handles on the colander and mixing bowls — plus, the fact that every piece can nest into each other makes this set great if you have limited storage space in your kitchen.
If you want to spend half the price, opt for the plastic version, which is available in three colorways.
How it tested: In Lab testing, we noticed some orzo was lost while draining, so our pros recommend you be cautious when using the stainless steel or plastic version with smaller foods. As an alternative, you could use the included sieve, but it is smaller than the colander, so you may need to cook less orzo at a time. The very fine mesh may also lead to some pooling.
Pros
- Folds easily
- Feet on bottom keep the colander in place
- Wide, silicone rim is easy to grip
Cons
- Pooled slightly during Lab tests
Size: 3.5 qt | Dimensions: 12.75" x 10" x 2" | Material: Silicone | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Why we like it: I grew up using a nesting set of colanders, but one day, my Dad brought home a collapsible one that I became fixated on and would be excited to use when helping my mom in the kitchen.
Flash forward to my mid-twenties; it is the only type of colander I have in my apartment because it can collapse to save you space. This 3.5-quart option from OXO has a wide rim made from silicone that creates a good grip when pouring. We especially appreciate the feet on the bottom, as not all collapsible colanders have these.
How it tested: This colander easily folded into itself during our tests, but we observed some pooling while draining angel hair and orzo pasta.
Pros
- Sturdy base
- Nesting colanders
- No orzo fell through the holes during tests
Cons
- Three-piece set is expensive
Size: 1.5 qt, 3 qt, 5 qt | Dimensions: 5" x 4.5" (1.5 qt); 8.75" x 5.5" (3 qt); 10.25" x 6.25" (5 qt) | Material: 18/10 stainless steel | Dishwasher-safe: Top-rack only
Why we like it: Whether you want to buy a single 1.5-, 3- or 5-quart colander or a set of all three, these stainless steel colanders by All-Clad will serve you well. Each colander has a wide, sturdy base, and we like that the holes become gradually larger as you move toward the rim. If you purchase the three-piece set, all the colanders nestle inside each other.
You can expect to pay more for a stainless steel colander, but the set of three is our most expensive pick, and even the singles, depending on size, are pricey. We recommend splurging on these colanders if you cook often, want a set that will last or are looking for a gift for a newlywed couple
How it tested: The handles were comfortable to hold during testing and didn't become hot when steaming pasta was poured into it despite being made from stainless steel. Even more impressive, no orzo escaped from the holes.
How we test the best colanders
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, our experts test a range of small and large gear. When evaluating colanders, we conduct the following tests:
✔️ Ease of use: Although colanders are relatively simple in design, we look for several helpful features.
We take note of any feet on the bottom of each model and whether the colander has a rim and/or handles. For the latter, we consider the handle's material and observe how comfortable it is to hold. Our pros note if the handles become warm or hot after freshly boiled pasta is dumped inside.
Lastly, we consult the manufacturer's instructions to see if the colander is dishwasher-safe. We clean each colander and note the results.
✔️ Performance: We prepare angel hair and orzo pasta and strain both in each model. During this performance test, we observe any pooling and note if the colander slides or tips as the pasta is poured in. We also time how fast it takes for the pasta to drain in each colander and if any pasta escapes through the holes.
What to consider when shopping for the best colander
✔️ Material: The most common colander materials include stainless steel, silicone and plastic. We included options for each because the right choice for your household ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, stainless steel tends to be more durable than plastic and can have a higher heat resistance, but plastic and silicone are more affordable.
✔️ Size of holes: Think about which kinds of foods you most often need to strain. If you are straining smaller items like orzo, larger holes may result in some food loss down the drain. However, if the holes are too small, you may observe some pooling around the base of the colander.
✔️ Size of colander: A larger colander means you can strain more food at once, but it also requires more storage space. Since I have limited cabinet space in my apartment, I tend to opt for a small- or medium-sized colander — however, I have to wash ingredients in batches when using my smallest colander.
✔️ Handles: Colanders with large handles offer more stability when transporting food, especially hot items such as pasta. Larger handles also make pouring food into a pot or dish easier because you have more control. We recommend handles made from silicone or rubber because these materials give you a better grip when using the colander and can provide better heat protection when dealing with hot food. Most colanders will have two handles, but some only have one. While I have used both, two handles are easier to hold, whereas just one can become cumbersome if you are rinsing or straining heavier food.
✔️ Storage: As someone with a small kitchen with minimal storage, my primary concern regarding all kitchen gear is how easy it is to store the product. Nesting and collapsable strainers are the easiest to stow away when not in use. On the flip side, a nesting set means you may buy more colanders than you need, and collapsible strainers are made from more flexible materials that are less durable.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Elizabeth Berry is an updates editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she reports on all things home including must-have kitchen accessories. As someone who eats lots of produce and pasta, she knows how important it is to have a top-performing colander that doesn't let its contents escape.
To write this story, Elizabeth collaborated with Contributing Writer and Analyst Raena Loper, who conducted our most recent colander test in the GH Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. When she isn't evaluating kitchen gear, Raena can be found by the grill preparing BBQ entrées.
Raena Loper is the Fashion Commerce Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers emerging fashion trends, style recommendations, and more. Raena is a graduate of Montclair State University, where she earned dual degrees in fashion studies along with gender, sexuality, and women's studies. She was previously the Assistant Style Editor at O, The Oprah Magazine, where she worked on Oprah’s Favorite Things and O List. During her 10+ years in the editorial industry, she worked as an Updates Editor and Product Analyst for Good Housekeeping and Forbes, where she tested everything from BBQ grills and air fryers to self-tanners and sunscreen. Follow Raena on Instagram @raenaloper
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