Updated: September 26, 2026
Originally published: September 29, 2020
TL;DR
A colander is more than a tool for draining pasta. The right size, material, hole pattern, and stability can make it useful for washing produce, draining canned foods, straining yogurt, stripping herbs, and other kitchen tasks.
Quick Answer
A good colander should be appropriately sized for the cookware you use, stable when placed in a sink or on a counter, and made from a material suited to your cooking habits. Stainless steel, plastic, and silicone each have different advantages.
What Is a Colander?
A colander is a perforated kitchen vessel used primarily to drain liquids from solid foods. Common uses include draining pasta, washing vegetables and fruit, and separating food from liquids.
Different colanders vary in size, hole pattern, shape, handles, feet, and materials, so choosing one depends largely on how you plan to use it.
Colander Checklist
Before buying a colander, consider:
- Size: Will it hold the amount of food you normally prepare?
- Stability: Does it sit securely in your sink or on your counter?
- Drainage: Are the holes appropriate for the foods you plan to strain?
- Material: Is it suitable for your cooking and cleaning routine?
- Storage: Will it fit comfortably in your kitchen cabinets?
- Heat resistance: If you plan to use it around hot cookware, does the manufacturer specifically rate it for that use?
- Cleaning: Can you easily clean the holes and interior?
The Best Colander Design
As unbelievable as it may seem, there are quite a few design options to consider when purchasing a colander for your kitchen.
Selecting the right one comes down largely to what you intend to use it for. Even within that category, however, you'll find plenty of different sizes, shapes, materials, and designs.
(1) Choose a colander that is appropriately sized for your pot.
A colander is primarily used to drain food that has been cooked or rinsed, so its capacity should match the amount of food you typically prepare.
If you regularly cook a large pot of pasta, for example, a small colander can make draining awkward and increase the chance of spills.
On the other hand, a very large colander may take up unnecessary cabinet and sink space if you're usually cooking smaller portions.
The goal is to find a size that comfortably handles the amount of food you normally prepare.
(2) Find a colander that can stand securely on its feet.
This may sound like a small detail, but stability makes a noticeable difference.
Feet or a stable base can elevate the colander above the bottom of a sink or another surface, giving drained liquid somewhere to go instead of allowing the food to sit in the liquid.
A stable base is especially useful when you're washing produce or draining larger quantities of food.
Some colanders are designed to sit inside a sink, while others are designed to rest over a bowl or countertop. Consider where you'll actually use yours before buying.
Once you have these basic design considerations in mind, you can start looking at the different materials available.
(3) Select the right material for your kitchen.
When it comes to colander materials, three common options are:
- Metal
- Plastic
- Silicone
Each has its advantages, so the right choice depends on your kitchen, cooking habits, storage space, and cleaning preferences.
Metal Colanders
Metal colanders, particularly stainless steel models, are commonly used for draining pasta, vegetables, fruit, and other foods.
They are generally durable and easy to clean, and stainless steel is well suited to everyday kitchen use.
When choosing one, pay attention to the hole pattern and size. Very large openings may allow smaller foods to fall through, while very fine perforations can affect drainage speed.
Plastic Colanders
Plastic colanders are lightweight and are often available at relatively low prices.
They're available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, making them convenient for everyday washing and draining.
However, heat tolerance varies between plastics. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before exposing a plastic colander to hot cookware or boiling water.
If you're primarily washing produce or draining cooler foods, a plastic colander can be a practical option.
Silicone Colanders
Silicone colanders are another versatile option.
One of their biggest advantages is storage. Many silicone designs can collapse or fold down when they're not being used, making them particularly useful in smaller kitchens.
Heat resistance also varies by product, so check the manufacturer's temperature rating rather than assuming every silicone colander is suitable for direct contact with high heat.
Using Your Colander for Straining
Draining pasta and vegetables may be what most people associate with a colander, but there are plenty of other foods you can strain with one.
A larger colander works well for pasta, vegetables, and larger quantities of food, while a smaller fine-mesh strainer or colander can be more appropriate for smaller ingredients.
For example, a fine-mesh strainer can be useful for rinsing or draining small berries.
A colander can also help drain liquids from canned foods. If you want the beans, vegetables, or other ingredients but not the liquid they're packed in, simply draining the contents can make preparation easier.
You can also use a colander when washing leafy greens. Place the greens inside the colander, rinse them thoroughly, and allow the water to drain away.
If you place the colander inside a suitably sized bowl, you can lift the colander out afterward and leave the collected water behind. While this isn't a replacement for a dedicated salad spinner, it can work as a simple alternative for washing and draining greens.
A colander and cheesecloth can also be used to strain yogurt. Place the cheesecloth inside the colander, set the colander over a bowl, add plain yogurt, and allow the liquid whey to drain.
The amount of time needed depends on how thick you want the final yogurt to be, so check it periodically rather than relying on a fixed 30-minute window.
In fact, there are plenty of fruits and vegetables that you can easily wash and drain using this simple setup.
Other Miscellaneous Kitchen Hacks
Now it is time for the kitchen tasks you might not immediately associate with a colander.
There are many herbs with leaves that need to be removed from their stems. The task can be tedious, but a colander can sometimes help.
For suitable herbs, try guiding a stem through an appropriately sized hole and gently pulling it through. The leaves may separate from the stem and collect inside the colander.
Be careful not to force thick or tough stems through the holes, and make sure the colander is stable before attempting this.
This simple technique can reduce some of the mess created when stripping herbs by hand.
Using a Colander for Steaming
A colander can also be useful when steaming vegetables, but only when the colander is specifically designed or rated for the heat and setup you're using.
Rather than assuming any plastic or silicone colander can safely sit over boiling water, check the manufacturer's instructions first.
A purpose-designed steamer basket is generally the better option for regular steaming.
If your colander is appropriate for the task, vegetables can be placed inside while steam from the boiling water below cooks them.
Always make sure the setup is stable and that handles, edges, and other parts won't become dangerously hot.
Truly, the colander can be a versatile tool in the kitchen when you use it for tasks that match its design.
Using a Colander Outside Your Kitchen
In addition to its uses inside your kitchen, a colander can be repurposed for other household and outdoor tasks.
These uses aren't necessarily part of the cooking process, but they can give an old colander a second life.
Use a Colander as an Outdoor Food Cover
If you're eating outdoors, a clean, appropriately sized colander can sometimes be placed over food as a temporary physical barrier against insects.
The colander needs to be large enough to cover the food completely, and the food should still be handled and stored according to normal food-safety practices.
A purpose-made food cover or mesh food tent may be more practical for larger meals, but a clean colander can work for smaller dishes.
Turn an Old Colander Into a Herb Planter
If you have an old colander that you no longer want to use for food preparation, consider giving it a second life as a planter.
The drainage holes that make a colander useful in the kitchen also make it naturally suited to container gardening.
Line the inside with an appropriate gardening liner if needed, add suitable potting soil, and plant herbs that are appropriate for container growing.
Place the planter somewhere with the appropriate amount of sunlight and water the herbs according to their needs.
It's a simple way to reuse an otherwise unwanted kitchen item while adding a little personality to your herb garden.
Practical Uses for a Colander
Here's a quick breakdown of some of the ways a colander can fit into your kitchen routine:
| Task | Useful Colander Type |
|---|---|
| Draining pasta | Large, sturdy colander |
| Washing vegetables | Large or medium colander |
| Washing berries | Fine-mesh strainer |
| Draining canned foods | Medium colander |
| Washing leafy greens | Large colander |
| Straining yogurt | Colander + cheesecloth |
| Stripping some herbs | Colander with suitable holes |
| Compact kitchen storage | Collapsible silicone colander |
| Outdoor food protection | Large clean colander |
| Herb planter | Retired colander |
If you're building out a practical kitchen setup, you may also want to explore our guide toĀ kitchen gadgets and tools.
How to Choose the Right Colander
Think about what you actually cook and how much you normally prepare.
If you regularly make pasta for several people, capacity should be one of your first considerations.
If you mostly wash berries, herbs, and smaller vegetables, a smaller colander or fine-mesh strainer may be more useful.
For smaller kitchens, a collapsible silicone design can make storage easier.
If durability is a priority, stainless steel is a common choice for everyday draining and washing.
And if you're considering using a colander around heat, always check the product's heat rating and instructions rather than assuming the material alone makes it heat-safe.
The best colander is ultimately the one that fits your cooking habits, storage space, and cleaning routine.
If you're putting together a more complete kitchen toolkit, explore more of our chef gear and accessories.
FAQ
What is a colander used for?
A colander is primarily used to drain liquid from solid foods. Common uses include draining pasta, washing vegetables and fruit, and separating food from liquids.
What size colander should I buy?
Choose a size based on the amount of food you typically prepare and the size of your sink and cookware. A larger colander is useful for pasta and vegetables, while smaller models work well for smaller portions and ingredients.
Is stainless steel better than plastic for a colander?
Neither material is automatically better for every kitchen. Stainless steel is durable and commonly suited to everyday draining, while plastic is lightweight and often less expensive. Consider your cooking habits and the manufacturer's care instructions.
Are silicone colanders useful?
Yes. Silicone colanders can be particularly useful in smaller kitchens because many designs collapse for easier storage. Check the manufacturer's temperature rating if you plan to use one around heat.
Can you use a colander to wash vegetables?
Yes. A colander can be used to rinse and drain vegetables, fruit, and leafy greens under running water.
Can you use a colander to make Greek yogurt?
A colander lined with cheesecloth can be used to strain yogurt and remove whey. The longer it drains, the thicker the yogurt can become, depending on the yogurt and desired consistency.
Can you use a colander as a steamer?
Only if the colander and setup are specifically suitable for the heat involved. Check the manufacturer's instructions and temperature rating, and make sure the setup is stable.
Can an old colander be reused?
Yes. An old colander can be repurposed as a planter, particularly for herbs. Its drainage holes make it naturally suited to container gardening.
Key Takeaways
- A colander is useful for much more than draining pasta.
- Choose a size that matches the foods and quantities you normally prepare.
- A stable base can make draining and washing easier.
- Stainless steel, plastic, and silicone each have different advantages.
- Fine-mesh strainers are useful for smaller ingredients.
- A colander can help wash produce and drain canned foods.
- Cheesecloth and a colander can be used to strain yogurt.
- Some colanders can help with herb preparation.
- Only use a colander around heat when its design and manufacturer instructions allow it.
- An old colander can be repurposed as an herb planter.
Colanders may not be the first kitchen tool you think of when you need something essential, but their usefulness extends well beyond draining a pot of pasta. With the right size and design, a colander can become a surprisingly versatile part of your kitchen setup.
About the Author
Keith Chiu is the founder of Chef Sac, a chef gear brand built for culinary professionals, culinary students, line cooks, caterers, private chefs, and serious cooks who care about how they carry their tools.
Chef Sac was created to give chefs a better way to organize, protect, and transport the tools of their craft. From knife bags and chef backpacks to aprons, knife guards, and everyday chef carry gear, Chef Sac is built for real kitchen workflows and the Culinary Mavericks who show up prepared.
