If you are looking for the best plastic colander, you have come to the right place. Depending on your cooking style, you may require two or three colanders. The good news is that there are a variety of plastic colanders to pick from, each with a specific capacity and draining hole shape and size. When you need water to drain fast, such as when making pasta, a colander with big holes is ideal. They’re also wonderful for rinsing veggies, allowing small particles of dirt and debris to readily drain away. However, when rinsing uncooked rice or draining little pasta shapes, such huge holes won’t function as well. Fine mesh strainers are meant to drain liquids while retaining the majority of the solids, making them ideal for straining soup stock, little pasta shapes, and even homemade yogurt.
Here are the best plastic colanders to help you select the ideal colander for your household and needs.
Contents
How colanders work
A colander, also known as a strainer, is a bowl-shaped device with dozens or hundreds of small holes. Any liquids you’ve poured into the strainer with the meal will drain through the holes, leaving just the food behind. Depending on what you need from the meal, you can use colanders in a variety of ways.
Draining of water: You can use the colander to drain the hot water from pasta, veggies, or other similar foods that have been cooked in water. Most of the time, you can just let the water go down the sink drain while the food is caught in the colander.
Draining of juices: You may wish to keep the juice from some foods, such as fruits, after separating it from the fruit. Place the colander in a bowl large enough to catch the juice that drains away.
Washing foods: Washing fruits, vegetables, or small grains like rice in a colander works effectively since the colander prevents the food from falling into the sink while allowing the water to drain. We have collated a list of the best colanders for rice in case you are looking for one.
If you wish to know more about how to use a colander, you can click here.
Did You Know? You can keep your berries and grapes fresh for longer, store them in a colander—not a closed plastic container—in the refrigerator. The cold air will circulate through the holes in the colander, keeping them fresh for days.
Also, take a look at the list of the best cookie press collated by our experts with a complete buying guide.
What is the difference between a colander and a strainer?
The names “colander” and “strainer” are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction.
Colanders are used mostly for draining and feature a bowl form with holes drilled or punched throughout. Colanders are more sturdy and feature larger holes than other types of strainers. They’re excellent for larger items like pasta and vegetables, and they’re less prone to clogging. They’re usually larger than strainers, but some models can be folded. However, most types can be utilized in the kitchen for a variety of functions.
On the other hand, strainers are made of fine mesh. Their smaller pores are more ideal for tiny things like berries or rice. In addition to filtering soup stock and sprinkling powdered sugar, a strainer can also be used to sift flour. It can often be used in the same way as a colander, however, it may drain a little slower.
What to Look for in a Plastic Colander
Size
A large colander will come in helpful when rinsing food for a large group, but storing can be difficult. Smaller colanders are ideal for completing small jobs, such as washing greens for a single salad or cleaning a few berries. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it might be helpful to keep more than one colander on hand to fit all the styles you cook.
Hole Size/Shape
It’s useful to have a colander with wide holes when cleaning greens, rinsing berries or washing root vegetables so the dirt and grit may simply flow through with the water. Larger holes are also more efficient because they drain faster. However, if the colander will be used to rinse rice or drain little pasta, small holes are necessary to prevent the food from draining away.
Storage Space
If you have a small kitchen, you’ll want to pick a colander that is either compact or folds up little. Some silicone colanders are collapsible and can be folded to save room in the kitchen. Some fold flat, which is convenient for laying it down and stacking goods on top of it. If you have a small kitchen, these are the best options.
When deciding on the type and size of colander you’ll need at home, keep your storage space constraints in mind.
Easy Cleaning
Choosing a dishwasher-safe colander is extremely beneficial. Once dinner is finished, you can easily pop the colander in the dishwasher to clean it without risking it being broken.
Did You Know? Colanders have been used for thousands of years, and specimens have been found that date back to at least 1300 BC. ‘Colander’ comes from the word ‘colum’, which means ‘strainer’ or ‘sieve’ in Latin.
Meanwhile, you can also check out our list of the best wine stoppers made for those who love wine like me.
Best plastic colander- A summary list
#1 Joseph Joseph Square Colander, Medium Size – Featuring a non-slip silicone handle and a softer shape, the square colander comes in two sizes and a variety of colors.
#2 OTOTO Mamma Nessie Colander Spoon – Shaped like a ladle, it’s great for rescuing an egg from boiling water or scooping pasta or vegetables from a small pot.
#3 Chef'n Bramble Berry Basket and Colander – The inner basket is removable and makes rinsing berries easy.
#4 OXO Good Grips Colander – If your colander needs are simple, this strainer fits the bill—and the budget.
#5 Chef Craft Select Plastic Deep Colander – Don’t go over its cheap price, this colander is a solid product that can withstand a decent weight of rinsed materials.
List of top 5 plastic colanders
#1 Joseph Joseph Square Colander, Medium Size
The Joseph Joseph Medium Square Colander is a budget-friendly option, yet it functions as well as the other colanders. The single vertical handle, for starters, ensures that it stays upright and sturdy in a sink and, when held, allows one hand free to operate the tap. Second, the square corners make it simple and accurate to empty rinsed food. Finally, the vertical drainage holes allow liquids to flow quickly and efficiently, and the square shape facilitates storage. The square colander comes in two sizes and a range of colors, with a non-slip silicone handle and a softer shape. The holes might be a little too large for washing rice.
User Experience
Users loved this colander and that can be seen very well in the reviews. They said it’s quite large and made with very thick plastic with a non-slip silicone handle. One of the users commented that it’s surprisingly solid and holds heavy pasta without warping or sagging. They also appreciated the fact that it is sturdy and easy to clean in the dishwasher. No significant complaints by the users.
Pros
- Minimalist design
- Nice handle
Cons
- Drains poorly
- Holes slightly too large for some foods
My Verdict: This ergonomic colander has several distinct features. Definitely work the cost.
#2 OTOTO Mamma Nessie Colander Spoon
With this OTOTO colander spoon, cute meets useful. It’s turquoise and shaped like the Loch Ness monster, and it’s both amusing and practical as a water-draining spoon. You can use it to scoop food straight from a pot, a can, or a serving bowl. The similarity to Nessie even goes to a four-legged ladle part that allows it to stand on its own.
It’s big enough to hold pasta and vegetables without being too heavy. It has little holes to keep noodles from falling through. The plastic is BPA-free and can withstand being dipped in boiling water. It can be washed in the dishwasher, and if you like it, the company also sells other Nessie family items.
User Experience
Users were really with their purchase and mentioned that it is sturdy and makes cooking a little more fun. They really liked the looks of this unique colander. Users appreciated that it was lightweight, easy to use, and dishwasher safe. One of the users commented that it’s great for medium-smaller items, great for scooping 4-5 hard-boiled eggs out of the hot water, rinsing a cup or two of berries, personal-sized pasta serving, etc. No significant complaints by the users.
Pros
- Perfect for small tasks
- Whimsical design
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Little Expensive
My Verdict: This also might be the cutest colander you’ll see, designed to look like the Loch Ness monster. We all love pasta, isn’t it? Here’s a list of the best colanders for pasta made by our experts.
If you are actually looking for a ladle, we got you. Here’s a list of the best ladles available in the market with a complete buying guide to help you pick the ideal one for yourself.
#3 Chef'n Bramble Berry Basket and Colander
It may seem excessive to use a big colander to rinse a few berries, but this 1-quart berry basket and colander is designed just for that purpose. The removable inside basket makes rinsing fruit a breeze. The basket, when left in the container, allows air to circulate around the berries, keeping them fresher for longer. The berries are protected from troublesome bugs by a clear plastic top.
The clear container and basket are appealing enough for serving and can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher for simple storage. The containers can be stacked for those who wish to keep a variety of berries on hand.
User Experience
Users really liked the looks of this colander. They appreciated how it allows them to rinse the berries and drain and then cover and refrigerate them. The fact that it’s so simple to use and versatile grabbed a lot of positive reviews on their product. One of the customers commented that this product is so great, solid plastic build, nice design, and fits well for berries. Some of the users, however, were complaining that the lid cracked after a few uses.
Pros
- Perfect for berries
- Good for storage
- Top-rack dishwasher safe
Cons
- Limited uses
My Verdict: Rinse, store and serve fresh berries with these cute containers that double as colanders. Bring home this awesome colander.
#4 OXO Good Grips Colander
If you only need a colander for a few things, this strainer will do the trick—and won’t break the bank. It’s made of white plastic and features elongated holes for quick, efficient draining on pasta night. It’s also wonderful for rinsing garden veggies. It has a 3-quart capacity. The four feet elevate it off the sink’s bottom, and the comfortable, nonslip grips make it easy to hold so you can whisk the water off your greens.
This is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, and because it’s round, it might stack with your mixing bowls for storage.
User Experience
This plastic colander was praised as “durable” by several reviewers, and one said, “I am absolutely in love with this colander!” Another reviewer who prefers plastic to metal colanders loves this one because of how easy it is to clean and, most significantly, the feet that raise the colander from the kitchen sink. The colander’s quality has been complimented by users, who appreciate the heaviness and thickness of the hard plastic used. This is the best-rated product on our list. There are absolutely no negative reviews on the product at the time of writing this.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Quick draining
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Holes might let small foods through
My Verdict: Drain pasta, vegetables, and more with this Colander. The soft, comfortable, non-slip handles provide a firm grip when you shake the Colander to drain water.
Cutting veggies for your pasta can sometimes be a hard task. We bring you the list of the best cutting boards to help you out with your cutting requirements.
#5 Chef Craft Select Plastic Deep Colander
This colander from Chef Craft is BPA-free and food-safe. While plastic is not the best material, this device is sturdy yet lightweight for longevity and ease of use. It can carry 5 quarts (or 20 cups) of liquid. The holes are larger than average, allowing for efficient drainage. However, it may be less ideal for smaller items like rice or couscous. It’s great when paired with pasta and vegetables.
A short but stable base is included in the design, allowing for hands-free draining. The handles on each side are comfortable to hold, whether you like to hook your fingers into them or lift them with your hands from the bottom. After that, all you have to do is put it in the dishwasher.
User Experience
Reviewers repeatedly referred to this colander as “heavy-duty.” Many of them mentioned they bought it because of the low price and were very pleased by the quality. “This colander is very strong, substantial, and sure to last,” one reviewer adds. According to the majority of users, despite the large holes, this works nicely. It’s perfect for rinsing and cleaning fruits and vegetables. Few of the users, on the other hand, were complaining that the holes were too big for any kind of noodles.
Pros
- 5-quart capacity
- Dishwasher safe
- Large holes
- BPA free plastic
- Cheap price
Cons
- The holes can be too big for some tasks
My Verdict: This white plastic colander is ideal for cleaning vegetables and for draining pasta. Its sturdy lightweight construction is perfect for any task.
FAQ
1. Will a plastic colander melt?
Plastic colanders can be damaged if placed on a hot surface, and some individuals are concerned that some plastics will melt if poured through too hot a boiling liquid such as oil. They can also stain if they are made of plastic.
2. Is a plastic or metal colander better?
Colanders with fine mesh are ideal for rinsing or draining small-grained foods like rice, quinoa, or orzo. Liquids won’t drain as quickly with plastic colanders since the holes are wider and often widely spread.
3. Is plastic colander safe?
Avoid using any plastic or metal strainers or colanders in your kitchen, especially if you use them frequently with hot or acidic foods. Colanders with any type of coating especially color painted or enamel coatings or marks should also be avoided.
4. Are collapsible colanders good?
Collapsible colanders can be used in the same way as regular colanders, but they take up less room. Simply select a collapsible colander made of durable materials and capable of draining and straining foods quickly. Here’s a list of the best collapsible colanders in the market to help you out.
CONCLUSION
This article on how to choose the best plastic colander for your cooking requirements comes to a close. I hope you found this article useful and that you were able to find your new product, or two. Any of the options given above will, in my opinion, be excellent choices. If you’re looking for a fresh way to drain your food, don’t put it off any longer. It’s never a good idea to create a homemade colander for boiling hot pasta. So go ahead and pick up a set of OXOs today to avoid frustration and serious burns in your kitchen. Or you can take a look at our list of best colanders and pick the one which best suits your needs.
To those who want to read honest reviews and make a solid decision which they will not regret later. Ritik is an enthusiastic writer and what makes him stand out is his extensive knowledge in the field of kitchen gadgets and appliances. Seeing his mom using different gadgets and appliances at home fascinated him more in this niche since the childhood. He loves to share his research and knowledge about all the latest kitchen gadgets and appliances being released in the market and provide his reviews along. He helps his audience decide what will fit the best in their kitchen and what not.
