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Colander

Utensils & kitchen tools · Strainer

Colander

A large bowl with holes and a stable base for draining pasta, vegetables and washing produce.

Essential in most kitchens · No power needed · 14 recipes

Photo: Unknown author, via Wikimedia Commons (CC0-1.0)

What it is

A deep bowl of metal, plastic or enamelled steel perforated with holes, standing on feet or a ring base, often with two handles. Its holes are bigger than a sieve's mesh, so it drains quickly but lets fine things like rice or quinoa slip through.

What it’s for: Draining large quantities of food and rinsing produce.

How to use it

  1. Set the colander in a clean sink.
  2. Pour pasta or vegetables in slowly, away from your face to avoid steam.
  3. Shake to remove excess water.
  4. Set it over a bowl if you want to save the cooking water.

Good to know

Tasks
draining pasta and potatoes, washing fruit and vegetables, rinsing beans and pulses, draining tinned foods, salting aubergine
Cooking methods
Boiled, Blanched
Materials
stainless steel, plastic, enamelled steel, silicone (collapsible)
Care and cleaning
Rinse and scrub stuck starch from the holes; dishwasher-safe for most.
Limitations
Holes too large for rice, quinoa and fine straining.

Safety

  • Pour boiling water away from you; steam rises fast.

If you don’t have one

  • Sieve / strainer — Drains smaller batches.
  • Pot lid — Hold the lid slightly ajar while pouring off water.

Equipment guide

How it works: A bowl with holes drains liquid quickly from large amounts of food. Feet or a base lift it so it does not sit in drained liquid.

MaterialGoodWatch out
Stainless steelDurable, non-reactive, dishwasher-safe, does not hold smells.Can scratch non-stick pans; conducts heat, so all-metal handles get hot.
Food-grade plastic (polypropylene, nylon)Light, cheap, gentle on non-stick surfaces.Melts or warps on contact with hot pans; scratches harbour residue; can stain and hold smells.
Enamelled steelLight, inexpensive, non-reactive and easy to clean.Thin, so hot spots and scorching are common; enamel chips and exposed steel rusts.
SiliconeFlexible, so bakes pop out; non-stick; does not rust.Poor heat conductor, so browning is weak; floppy when full and needs a tray underneath.
Footed colander
Stands in the sink.
Over-sink colander
Extends to rest across the sink.
Collapsible silicone colander
Space-saving.

Buying guidance

Starting out: A 4–5 litre stainless colander with feet.

  • Capacity for pasta for your household
  • Holes small enough not to lose rice or quinoa (micro-perforated)
  • Stable feet

No brands or prices — check current reviews before buying.

Techniques:BoilingBlanchingLayering and sealing

Related tools

Recipes that use it

2 more