What is the best colander for pasta? A question with a simple answer which I intend to deal with shortly. But first, another common query needs answering. Why does one need it in the first place?
Well, colanders are essential kitchen tools. Firstly, a colander can help you collect and save pasta from spills or other messes like your wooden spoon. If you have ever needed to clean out a colander in your kitchen, you know how much they can help.
Secondly, it is much more versatile than you think it to be. Besides pasta, you can use it for soups and stews, sauces, and even fruit juices. A colander is so handy because its long handle allows you to pour or shake the contents into your bowl with ease. They are available in various materials like steel, plastic, silicon, etc. You can even get one that has a basket at the bottom to hold the pasta.
Contents
Difference between Colander and Strainer
People use these terms interchangeably, assuming that both are the same. To bust this myth, I want to throw some light on the significant difference between the two terms. A strainer is a kitchen tool through which you can separate solid materials from liquid solutions. On the other hand, a colander is a tool with deep bottom and big holes that separate large food items from the liquid. Some of the key differences between the two are:
- The colander has a bowl shape with large holes, while a strainer has a spoon-like frame with tinier meshes.
- Colanders support holding heavy food like vegetables, fruits, pasta, noodles, etc. On the other hand, strainers help with light solids like lemon seeds from lemon juice, cream from milk, etc.
- Moreover, the size of the colander in comparison with a strainer is quite large.
- Significantly, a colander may have two handles on opposite sides, while strainers always have one long handle.
- Sometimes, people use the term ‘strainer’ generically for draining solids, while colander is considered a particular type of strainer.
Did You Know?
The pasta was referred first time in books in 1194. As of now, there are over 600 types of Pasta with more than 1300 different names. Several recipes of pasta are available across the world.
Moreover, if you are interested in reading more about pasta, then read this article.
Best way to clean pasta colander
To perfectly clean a colander, you need the following things – An old toothbrush, dish detergent, a kitchen towel, a large bowl, and a bristle brush. The first step is to fill a large bowl with water and add detergent to it. Afterward, let your colander soak in the solution for about 10 minutes. Then use your old toothbrush to clean minute particles of food. After that, you can rinse your colander with lots of water and clean it using a kitchen towel. Keep rotating the towel in clockwise or anti-clockwise directions to ensure all edges are clean. Henceforth, you can let your colander dry!
Alternatively, you can also use a dishwasher to clean your colander. Check out the list of best silent dishwashers for every household prepared by our professionals.
Pro-tip
Never let your colander dry out after using it. Otherwise, the starch will also dry and it will be harder to clean dry starch.
Best Colander for Pasta – A summary list
#1. Hillbond Colander Set of 3 for Draining Pasta – A vast set of three nested colanders in different sizes with easy storage and cleaning.
– The anti-slip design with versatile features is the best offering for any cook.
#3. Calypso Basics Enameled Colander – Elegant model which can decorate your kitchen and it is the best gift for kitchen beginners.
#4. Makerstep Over the Sink Colander Basket – Expandable sink colander basket with best features and fair price.
#5. Citylife 2 Sets Kitchen Plastic Colander Set – Bring home this perfect combo of utility and affordability in these two sets of colanders and bowls.
Although here I talk about the best colanders for pasta only, I have another assortment of models also dedicated to the best colanders for everyone. Go and check out!
List of Top 5 Best Colander for Pasta
#1. Hillbond Colander Set of 3 for Draining Pasta, Good Grips colander
- 【Quick-Draining Micro-Pores】 There are tiny holes on the sides and bottom of the bowl, so you don’t need to tilt the bowl to get all of the water out, and...
- 【Multi Size & Space Saving】 Hillbond 3-piece multifunctional strainers add convenience to your kitchen. With different sizes of 1.5, 3 ,5 Qt, you can easily...
- 【Humanized Design】 Hillbond kitchen strainer with durable stainless steel handles which are riveted to the bowl and will never come off, maintaining balance...
- 【Easy to Clean & Perfect for Gifts】 Each colander is made of durable metal, with BPA free and food-grade white powder coated finish so that the colander can...
- 【Your Purchase is 100% Risk Free】 If product is defective or damage upon arrival, or wrong product shipped, or you have any dissatisfaction and problems...
Bring home a multi-size set of three colanders made of food-safe powder-coated steel. It has a solid base that prevents the colanders from falling because of weighted food. Explicitly talking about its best features, the stackable colanders will save storage space. Also, it completely takes care of your comfort and ease with its riveted stainless steel handles that will never come off and support durability.
Another critical feature that impressed me greatly is the pores on the side curves, which allow quick draining and prevent food from falling. In addition to this, the micropores at the bottom prevent water backflow. Hence, I would say that it is an all-embracing amalgamation of peculiarities that any person looks for in a colander. So, try out new pasta recipes with the colander.
User Experience
Amazon users appreciate the performance and the look, which remains as good as new, even after years of regular. However, the thing that didn’t find favor with users was its rusting issue within a few uses. Nevertheless, many users vouch for this product with confidence as it’s sturdy, stackable, and drains well. The nested colanders for convenience in storage do win many accolades.
Pros
- Available in three different sizes.
- Nested colanders for convenient storage.
- Drains water faster.
- The solid and stable base will never slip.
- Riveted Stainless Steel Handles
Cons
- Expensive.
My verdict – Versatile features with elegant looks. Moreover, you will be getting three colanders of different sizes at this price.
Another exclusive product with diverse attributes to ease your draining comes from the Enido brand. In addition to a collapsible colander, you will also get measuring spoons and cups set just at this cost. Durability is at par with the best due to the perfect combination of soft and hard materials in making it. Cook like a pro using this fantastic set in which expandable colander can collapse from 5 inches to 1.4 inches high in just one push. I simply love its anti-slip design, which is wear-resistant and exceptionally durable.
My confidence in this colander comes from the fact that it is made of environment-friendly food-grade silicone, which can accommodate more than 10 quarts of your preferred pasta or spaghetti. It not only expedites effortless draining and rinsing of food but also prevents it from falling down the drain. Due to its fascinating features, it is a beautiful gift for kitchen beginners.
User Experience
One feature that users liked the most was the effortless storage of this kitchen aid. They were also in awe of the measuring cups and spoons that came with this colander set. While some were not happy with the rectangular-shaped spoons, others loved the assemblage of measuring spoons that come at no extra cost with this product. Many users also recommended using this product in RV as it takes minimal space. However, some of them were disappointed with the flimsy looks of this colander. On average, the performance of this sleek model is commendable.
Pros
- Heat resistant up to 230ºF.
- A perfect combination of soft and hard materials.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Easy to find, store and organize.
- Made from environmentally friendly food-grade silicone
- Ergonomic design.
- 11 piece set.
- Anti-slip design.
- Foldable – so they can save space.
- Drains water quickly.
- Lightweight.
- 30 days warranty.
Cons
- Don’t heat it directly on the induction cooker or any fire source.
My verdict – Appealing peculiarities outweighing the price. An ideal product to use in your kitchen.
Similarly, we have an exclusive assortment of the best collapsible colanders also, which will help you to select the best one under this category.
#3. Calypso Basics Enameled Colander, best colanders
- USES | 5 Quart Size (160oz/ 4.7 L) for big jobs & families | Prep & Strain Hot or Cold Food | Alternative Uses Such as a Fruit Bowl or Gift Basket
- SIZE | 13"L (Includes Handles) x 11" Bowl Diameter x 6½"H | Wide Base for Stability and Well Placed Holes for Quick Draining
- CARE | Hand Wash / Do Not Use Abrasives
- MATERIAL | Steel Colander, Stainless Steel Rims, Chrome Plated Handles, Powder Coated Enamel Finish | 1.84 LB Product Weight
- COLLECTION | Calypso Basic Colanders have 5 sizes to collect. You can also collect other items in matching colors such as mixing bowls, utensil, crocks,...
Purchase this white enamel beauty from amazon which is a perfect combo of elegance and utility. It is basically a steel colander with durable enamel white coating. In fact, I was pretty excited about its unique features: its chrome-plated handles, a wide base, stainless steel rim, and well-placed holes for easy draining. Additionally, it has two handles that you can use for hanging and picking the utensil with ease.
Apart from these functions, you can also use this colander as a fruit holder, planter, gift basket, etc. In fact, whenever you are not using it as a drainer, you can use this beautiful piece as a fruit basket. Indeed, it will work well as a centerpiece in your kitchen and give it an aesthetic touch.
User Experience
Firstly, users on amazon are pretty awed by its appearance and durability. However, they also felt that it was probably a bit tricky to clean. They also mentioned that it is a gorgeous colander as the color is as pictured, and the size is excellent. On the downside, some users reported rusting issues after using it for four-five years. Some buyers have also recommended buying this to enjoy for 4-6 years, dry it carefully, and enjoy its beauty, but expect to replace it in a few years.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Suitable for both hot and cold prep
- Can become a fruit basket also.
- Chrome-plated handles
- Effortless storage.
- Sufficient holes
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe.
- Chances of rusting
My verdict – Its elegance is certainly an attention grabber. I believe that it is durable and worth spending. So, green light from me!
#4. Makerstep Over the Sink Colander Basket, Stainless Steel Colander
- When Quality & Practicality Blend Into One – This professional grade oval colander strainer with fine mesh basket is your premium quality solution for variety...
- Expandable Handy Kitchen Tool – We specifically refined this oval drying sleeve to supply expandable support in your cooking adventures. Our large over the...
- Masterful Draining Solution – From straining and rinsing pasta, food, fruits and vegetables, to quick drying dishes, filtering, sifting and similar washing &...
- Easy to Clean & Store – Enjoy fast and easy maintenance as the metal oval colander strainer with mesh basket is dish washer safe. When not using, simply store...
- Quality You can Trust – Here at we are completely dedicated to producing top quality kitchen items and flawless customer service. That’s why you can rest...
Are you looking for a professional colander? Then this product is a perfect blend of premium quality material and technology. From filtering, straining, drying to draining, it is compatible with every kitchen chore. Surprisingly, this oval-shaped micro-perforated stainless steel colander is expandable as per the size of your sink. The exquisite oxo good grips of rubber will inevitably boost your cooking capability.
Furthermore, the rust-proof stainless steel mesh basket in this colander is what you need in your kitchen because cleaning is effortless, and it is dishwasher safe also. Moreover, besides the excellent customer support, the colander is backed by a money-back guarantee. Above all, I find its non-slip handles quite unique because you can effortlessly expand them up to 20-inches from the original width of 14-inches. Now, this makes it a product that can fit on all types of sinks.
User Experience
As per the reviews, many vouch for this product with confidence as it is no harder to clean than any strainer with tiny little holes. Nevertheless, one common downside faced by many users was the extremely sharp edges which gave them many cuts. But, on the whole, most agreed that it is adjustable, sturdy, and everything they’ve wanted in a colander.
Pros
- Professional-grade Advanced craftsmanship.
- Rustproof fine mesh basket
- Non-slip expandable rubber handles
- Also compatible for sifting flour and sugar.
- Easy maintenance while cooking
- Tested Food grade stainless steel.
- Dishwasher safe.
- 6-quart stainless basket
- Easy to Clean & Store
- Backed by our money-back guarantee.
- Lightweight
Cons
- Has sharp edges.
My verdict – High graded professional masterpiece at just this cost. Price totally justifies the peculiarities offered. Thumbs up!
However, the size of the holes is not suitable to rinse rice. But if you are looking for that feature, then I recommend you to go through with our list of best colanders for rice.
#5. Citylife 2 Sets Kitchen Plastic Colander Set
- 🥑DUAL-LAYER DESIGN: Includes 1 kitchen colander and 1 bowl to provide quick straining. Its integrated colander means you can rinse food in the main bowl and...
- 🥑MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: These colander sets are a great way to wash, store, and serve fresh fruits vegetables, pasta, noodle, lettuce, salad, etc. Another...
- 🥑EASY to DRAIN WATER: With enough holes to drain off the water quickly and efficiently without spilling the contents in the strainer;
- 🥑EXCELLENT QUALITY: Made of high-quality PP5 plastic, 100% food-grade, BPA-free, and odor-free. Keeping your family healthy has never been more important;
- 🥑GREAT CAPACITY: 2 sets include 2 bowls and 2 colanders. Capacity-4.2 Quart. Dimension-11.81 x 8.86 x 4.72 inches.
Decorate your kitchen with an integrated colander to rinse food in the main bowl and then drain off the excess water through the colander. Specifically, it is multifunctional where you can flush, wash, dry, store, and serve your fruits, grains, or pasta. In addition to this, it has sufficient holes, which means quick draining of water.
In fact, the plastic colander is constructed with 100% food grade and high-quality PP5 plastic, 100% of which is BPA-free and odor-free. Moreover, you will always love cleaning and using it. Also, it has not only two colanders but also two bowls.
User Experience
Reviewers on Amazon are in utter admiration of its peculiarities and claim that it is one of the best colanders with a bowl in a slight matt finish. To my surprise, I did not find any downside for this product except for some delivery issues. All in all, users loved the super easy cleaning through this colander. Its sturdy structure is undoubtedly an attention grabber.
Pros
- Multi-functional colander set for wholesome cooking
- Made of high-quality PP5 plastic, 100% food-grade.
- BPA-free, and odor-free
- Dual-layer designing.
- Quick straining.
- Sufficient holes
- Dishwasher safe.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- The size seems to be smaller than the other ones.
My verdict – To sum up, my analysis, the captivating features of this colander are fair enough as per the price. I would suggest you surely go for it.
Furthermore, we have many more options in the best plastic colanders which you should check before finalizing one.
Points to check before buying a good colander for pasta – A buying guide
1. Size
The most important thing to keep in mind when buying a colander is that it needs to be large enough to fit all your pasta. These are usually called strainers and are usually sold in sets of two. I’d recommend getting the largest one you can afford. You may think you need a big one, but really a smaller one will work just fine. Just make sure you know the measurements of the items you intend to use it for.
2. Types of the colander
Next, you’ll need to decide which type you want. There are two types that are most common. One is a manual hand crank. This one can’t be used by children and should be used instead on heavy food like meatballs and dough. Even, they can be a little difficult to clean though. The other type is a motorized one. These are the best if you’re looking for something that will last a while. They come with a long handle, which makes it easy to move them around.
A motorized pasta cleaner will have a handle so you can easily pick it up and move it without having to worry about damaging it. The manual ones tend to break very easily. Food can get stuck between the teeth of a colander and this can result in a ruined pasta dish. For this reason, you need to also purchase a pasta strainer to prevent this problem. It has a wire mesh bottom and a rack to catch any pasta that falls to the bottom. It’s usually equipped with a cutting board attachment as well.
3. Metal used
The most important thing you should look for is one made of heavy-duty metal. You don’t want something flimsy to begin with and then have a heavy object on top of it to weigh it down and compromise its durability. You’ll probably be using yours quite a bit, so you want one that’s going to last quite a while. Even many people prefer to buy stainless steel due to its non-rusting properties. So, stainless steel will be a good choice. Additionally, you can purchase a stainless steel wok as well along with a colander of the same material as it is in demand right now. Check out my list of best stainless steel woks for the latest woks.
4. Wire rack or Wooden Colander
Most of these colanders will come with either a wire rack or a wooden one. The wire ones are usually best for food that gets a little messy. A wooden one is a little more elegant, but it’s not as durable. You can also find ones that have an extra-long handle on them for when you’re ready to transport the food. These handles can be great if you’re going to be carrying it a lot since they allow you to strain the pasta without having to deal with dropping it on the way out the door. This is especially useful if you’re going to be making lots of food.
5. Depth of colander
One thing you should consider is how deep the colander will go. Some pasta makers only come with a few inches of depth. If this is important to you, then you need to make sure that you get a colander with enough depth. You can usually tell by looking at it. Colanders with too many holes are just that–they’ll only allow food to be drained properly, and that’s never good.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How to drain pasta using a colander?
I have an easy way to drain pasta using a colander. Just follow the steps in order. Place the colander in your sink and hold the pot or pan with boiled pasta. Slowly, start pouring the pasta into the colander. Here you go!
2) Why does my colander feel slimy after I use it to drain pasta?
When you boil Pasta, there is a lot of starch present in the water in which it is boiled. Subsequently, when you drain the pasta through a colander, some part of that starch sticks to the coating of the colander. To avoid that slimy surface, you can rinse your colander properly after draining. Also, for boiling pasta, I have a list of best woks which you can use.
3) Is a colander commonly used in every household?
Absolutely yes! A Colander has many uses for every kitchen. Of course, you wash fruits and vegetables daily to remove the pesticides and wax, which means that you need a colander that can be used daily. Be it washing vegetables or rinsing grains, you can use colander in every chore.
4) Should I wash the colander after making pasta?
Actually, the answer to this question depends on the condition of the colander after draining. If it looks quite clean and has no pasta impressions on it, then you can just clean it with a paper towel or cloth. But if your pasta sets in it, it will leave starch on the surface which is a carbo feast for bacteria. As a result, bacteria on cookware are not good for your health. So, you better rinse the colander properly with water. For that, you can select a dishwasher from our list of all time best dishwashers.
Moreover, you can watch this video to know the accurate usage of a colander.
Conclusion
Once you’ve determined what specific features you want in your colander, you are good to go. These peculiarities will help you to choose your colander wisely among the several choices in the market. Besides, In my review, I have taken care of all aspects by including all the best models of the colander for pasta. Therefore, my list is attributed to exclusivity and cookware with maximum utility.
Rishika Jain is an ardent writer with a great understanding for kitchen appliances and gadgets. She loves cooking and has a deep fascination for new gadgets used in the kitchen. With some experience in the content writing field, she writes well-researched blogs on kitchen appliances, which allows her audience to understand the products easily. Rishika conveys the message through her honest reviews and blogs to help the readers decide which gadget is more suitable for them. Her ability to write in multiple niches makes her stand out in the industry.
