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Every kitchen needs a colander, whether you think yours does or not. I’m an outspoken advocate for my wire-mesh strainer, but there are some things only a free-standing or over-the-sink perforated tool can do, and for that I pull out my trusty Ikea colander. I love it because it’s tall and durable; in the five years since I bought it, it’s handled big dirty bunches of farmers market Swiss chard and double batches of spaghetti with ease and earned its easily accessible spot in my kitchen.
But the tall metal model I keep on my prep stand may not be the right fit for your home-cooking style. The best colander for you has a lot to do with your specific needs: If you’re short on space, or cooking with kids, or interested in a model that looks as good as it drains, you might want to branch out beyond the classic stainless steel. We rounded up some of our favorite colanders in each of six common categories to help you find the right product for you.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is the conventional colander material because it manages to be both lightweight and durable at the same time. Metal colanders can be found in all shapes and sizes, so final selection is based on your culinary preferences; squat models are great for washing vegetables in the sink, while tall versions (like the Ikea number I’ve used for years) easily catch big batches of floppy lasagna sheets.
Plastic
Tough BPA-free plastic is a great alternative if you’re looking for the best colander to use with kids. These can get dropped and banged around and also won’t get as hot to the touch as their stainless-steel counterparts. Make sure you invest in a model that’s heat-safe to at least 225°F so you know you can use it to strain boiling water without fear.
Collapsible
If space is at a premium in your kitchen, a collapsible colander may be right for you. Instead of storing another large mixing bowl–size cooking tool, you can fold these colanders down to a flat surface, about the width of a cutting board, so you can keep them stacked or upright in a cabinet.
Over-the-sink
While most colanders have feet or a rim on their base so it’s easy to stand them up in a sink as you’re working, others adjust to fit over the sink entirely, creating a suspended workspace. You can find this style of colander in a variety of different materials, but I like standard stainless steel for durability and collapsible, dishwasher-safe plastic for easy storage.
Two-in-one
Some colanders add innovations that work a little harder for you. The Ekobo recycled bamboo set features a slightly wider bowl with a spout that the colander fits neatly inside, so you can make the most out of your strained liquid. That means you can easily add pasta water into sauces, or use produce-rinsing water to water plants. Try the Rig-Tig (which we reviewed and love) for washing delicate greens and berries; the smart design flips normal washing on its head—literally—and allows you to add water through the handle.
Display
For a colander that, yes, definitely works, but is pretty enough to retire to a life on display, enamel or stoneware is the move. The holes help with airflow, making these a great substitute for a countertop fruit bowl of refrigerator produce basket that you can call into active sink-side duty at a moment’s notice if needed.
