Anyone who spends much time in the kitchen knows that having a proper colander set is an absolute boon.
A strainer solution offers you a hygienic, tidy, and safe way of separating water from pasta, draining vegetables, and ridding excess moisture from rice and grains. There are various styles available, including traditional metal versions, finer mesh options, and contemporary collapsible silicone choices.
Comfify collapsible colanders set
Great all-arounders with a space-saving design
These colanders are a popular option from Comfify. The two-piece set is available in a range of bright, cheerful colors. We like this orange option, but you can also get blue, yellow, purple, and red. This twin-pack gives you 2- and 3-quart-sized colanders. They are collapsible, reducing to a space-saving, less than two-inches tall when folded. These colanders are heat-resistant and dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Collapsible space saver design
- Soft handles are easy to grab
- Heat resistant plastic is safe for temps up to 212 degrees Farenheit
Cons
- Seams can crack after extended use
- Flimsy construction
ExcelSteel colander set
A traditional choice ideal for family kitchens
This three-piece set should sort all your veggie draining and salad washing needs in one purchase. This set is comprised of 1-, 2.5-, and 4-quart capacity colanders. They are made from high-quality stainless steel, featuring a sturdy base and oversized handles for safe and easy handling. These colanders have an attractive polished finish and nest together for storage.
Pros:
- Stainless steel construction
- Stacking design is easy to store
- Sturdy base for placing on counter
Cons:
- Doesn't always fully drain liquid from bottom
Holm mesh colander set
A thinner mesh design makes this ideal for smaller foodstuffs
This Holm option is great for people who cook a lot of rice or other smaller grains, such as quinoa or couscous, as the mesh-style finish offers you finer straining capabilities. There are three colanders in this traditional set: 1-quart, 2.5-quart, and 4.5-quart capacity strainers. They are made of durable stainless steel, with sturdy handles and a stable base, and can go through the dishwasher.
Pros:
- Stackable nesting design
- Stainless steel construction
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Holes are too large for small grains
Huanlemai collapsible colander set
Three-piece set includes an over-sink strainer
Offering great value, this silicone set is ideal for families on a budget. You get three strainer solutions: a traditional round colander with a 4-quart capacity, a smaller 2-quart colander with a useful handle, and a larger 6-quart colander with telescopic handles that can be used over a sink. This means you're covered for draining veggies, rinsing pasta, or washing salad stuff. This silicone set is another collapsible solution, so it will store away neatly when folded.
Pros:
- 3 sizes of colander
- Easy to clean
- Telescoping handles for easy use
Cons:
- Plastic can warp over time
Prepworks by Progressive mini colanders set
Small scale strainer solutions
These attractive colanders from Prepworks by Progressive are a mini-sized set. They measure in at just a 0.25 cup, a 0.5 cup, and 1 cup. This means they are perfectly suited for draining smaller food items, like olives, capers, and pickles. They boast a durable steel construction and are powder-coated in primary colors, giving them a hard-wearing finish for years of use.
Pros:
- Durable steel construction
- Fun colors
- Stackable design
Cons:
- Very small
- Not dishwasher safe
Joseph Joseph Nest colander set
Clever design can be used one-handed
Joseph Joseph has put a designer spin on the colander concept with this Nest solution. Available in green or grey, these colanders have ergonomic vertical handles for one-handed use. Their clever design means that they remain upright and stable if placed in a sink. The angled corners even make emptying food easier. The two sizes nest neatly together for space-saving storage but also allow you to wash and drain two different foods separately at the same time.
Pros:
- Nesting design saves space
- Ergonomic handle
- Easy to pour
Cons:
- Small capacity
OXO Good Grips nesting bowl and colander set
Prep, serve, strain, and store
This high-end option from OXO Good Grips gives you a combined mixing bowl and colander solution. There are nine pieces: a small bowl, lid, and 1-quart colander; medium bowl, lid, and 3-quart colander; and a large bowl, lid, and 5-quart colander. These pieces all stack inside each other for simple and tidy storage. The colanders have a wave-shaped base for stability and improved draining. The set is made of sturdy, BPA-free plastic.
Pros:
- All 9 pieces nest for easy storage
- Wave design ensures proper draining
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Largest bowl may not fit in all cupboards
- Rubber material at bottom can stain
Take away the strain
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All these colander sets come recommended for various reasons and suit different uses and users. Our overall staff pick, the Comfify collapsible colanders set, is a good generic set that gives you two decent silicone strainers that fold down for space-saving storage.
We also admire the clever design of the Joseph Joseph Nest colanders set. These two colanders can be used at the same time, so you can strain two different food types simultaneously. The shape of these strainers also means they will stand up in a sink.
Another sink-friendly choice is the affordable Huanlemai collapsible colander set. This colander trio drains pasta, strains vegetables, and, thanks to the extendable rectangular colander, rinses salad stuff over the sink.
What to remember when picking a colander
Not all colanders are made to the same standards, and having multiple sizes and types of colanders can ensure you always have the tool when you need, when you need it.
- Fine Mesh: Suitable for rinsing small grains and solids from liquid. However, the fine metal mesh is often difficult to clean.
- Plastic colander: Easy to clean and the most affordable option. However they can melt if in touch with heated surfaces. This option is not always suitable for properly draining liquids.
- Metal colanders: Depending on the hole punch pattern these can be slow to drain, so its worth checking.
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