What Is The UK’s Best Colander?
In this guide we’ll look at the best colanders for the UK market.
We’ve compared material, design, drainage ability and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
Colander Reviews
Our recommendation for the best colander is the OXO Good Grips Collapsible Colander. The perfectly sized small holes mean you can even drain rice without losing any grains. The flexible silicone opens and closes easily for tidy flat storage.
Silicone is a great alternative to traditional stainless steel. It is easy to clean, both by hand and in the dishwasher. The silicone and nylon mixed construction ensures premium heat resistance for the hottest food straight from the hob.
Two non-slip handles will let you shake out that last bit of water that never seems to drain away. Best of all, this is a deep colander so it will easily accommodate a decent pan full of food.
Our recommendation for the best colander is the OXO Good Grips Collapsible Colander. The perfectly sized small holes mean you can even drain rice without losing any grains. The flexible silicone opens and closes easily for tidy flat storage.
Silicone is a great alternative to traditional stainless steel. It is easy to clean, both by hand and in the dishwasher. The silicone and nylon mixed construction ensures premium heat resistance for the hottest food straight from the hob.
Two non-slip handles will let you shake out that last bit of water that never seems to drain away. Best of all, this is a deep colander so it will easily accommodate a decent pan full of food.
The Joseph Joseph Square Plastic Colander is a variation on the traditional round theme. It has easy-pour square corners with large vertical draining holes. The holes are cut throughout the bottom of the colander so all of the water will drain away.
The ergonomic vertical handle is comfortable to use and the square design keeps the colander stable at all times. The space-saving design will stack so it’s easy to store, unlike some conventional round colanders.
Made from BPA free plastic and available in a variety of colours, this product is safe to clean in the dishwasher. Joseph Joseph really have thought of everything.
The Joseph Joseph Square Plastic Colander is a variation on the traditional round theme. It has easy-pour square corners with large vertical draining holes. The holes are cut throughout the bottom of the colander so all of the water will drain away.
The ergonomic vertical handle is comfortable to use and the square design keeps the colander stable at all times. The space-saving design will stack so it’s easy to store, unlike some conventional round colanders.
Made from BPA free plastic and available in a variety of colours, this product is safe to clean in the dishwasher. Joseph Joseph really have thought of everything.
The BasicForm Large Size Micro-Perforated Colander is completely perforated, unlike other designs which can allow water to pool in the base. Lightweight and easy to lift from two wide, easy-grip handles, it makes light work of rinsing and draining raw and cooked foods.
The sturdy base is 1cm high so it prevents the contents of the colander from coming into contact with the counter surface. The wide design will accommodate plenty of food whilst remaining completely stable.
Made from quality stainless steel, this colander will last forever and won’t rust. It is simple to clean by hand with a brush or safe to pop in the dishwasher. Hang it up in your kitchen so it is always within easy reach.
The BasicForm Large Size Micro-Perforated Colander is completely perforated, unlike other designs which can allow water to pool in the base. Lightweight and easy to lift from two wide, easy-grip handles, it makes light work of rinsing and draining raw and cooked foods.
The sturdy base is 1cm high so it prevents the contents of the colander from coming into contact with the counter surface. The wide design will accommodate plenty of food whilst remaining completely stable.
Made from quality stainless steel, this colander will last forever and won’t rust. It is simple to clean by hand with a brush or safe to pop in the dishwasher. Hang it up in your kitchen so it is always within easy reach.
The LiveFresh Stainless Steel Mirco Perforated Colander is a super quick drain for washed fruit, vegetables and salad. The micro perforated holes allow for the exit of water with no food escapes.
The frame of this colander is premium grade stainless steel with totally secure riveted handles so it won’t tip. Somewhere between a sieve and a colander, this product from LiveFresh features drains under each handle to get rid of every last drop of water.
Simple to clean, the pierced metal is completely smooth to either hand wash or put in the dishwasher. This colander has a large capacity and will manage family pasta night with ease.
The LiveFresh Stainless Steel Mirco Perforated Colander is a super quick drain for washed fruit, vegetables and salad. The micro perforated holes allow for the exit of water with no food escapes.
The frame of this colander is premium grade stainless steel with totally secure riveted handles so it won’t tip. Somewhere between a sieve and a colander, this product from LiveFresh features drains under each handle to get rid of every last drop of water.
Simple to clean, the pierced metal is completely smooth to either hand wash or put in the dishwasher. This colander has a large capacity and will manage family pasta night with ease.
The SKERITO Silicone Collapsible Colander Set has a size for every cooking occasion. Use on a counter top or over the sink. This colander set is sturdy and made from premium silicone.
The ergonomic design has been constructed with cooks in mind. The non-slip handles are comfortable and secure to grip and will keep the colander perfectly stable however you choose to use it.
Made from BPA free silicone, you can wash a large quantity of fruit and vegetables or drain piping hot food before serving. The colander collapses down in one swift movement and is perfect for a small kitchen where storage space is at a premium.
The SKERITO Silicone Collapsible Colander Set has a size for every cooking occasion. Use on a counter top or over the sink. This colander set is sturdy and made from premium silicone.
The ergonomic design has been constructed with cooks in mind. The non-slip handles are comfortable and secure to grip and will keep the colander perfectly stable however you choose to use it.
Made from BPA free silicone, you can wash a large quantity of fruit and vegetables or drain piping hot food before serving. The colander collapses down in one swift movement and is perfect for a small kitchen where storage space is at a premium.
Colander Buyer’s Guide
A colander is possibly one kitchen item that you will almost certainly use every day. For rinsing salad, washing fruit and vegetables and draining hot food like pasta and rice, a colander is an indispensable piece of kitchen equipment.
Not sure what to look for when it comes to buying the best colander? Check out this buyer’s guide.
Material
Colanders were traditionally always made of stainless steel but there are silicone and plastic options available now which many people prefer because they are lighter when full and don’t get so hot to the touch.
Make sure if you choose a steel colander that it is quality with no sharp edges, and rust-resistant. Some designs have a fine mesh and are almost closer to a sieve. Silicone and plastic should always be food-grade and BPA free.
Size
Size matters but actually shape can be more important – colanders can be either deep or wide and shallow depending on your preference. Large colanders can be bulky to store so choose one of the collapsible varieties if space is at a premium.
Design
Choose from the traditional circular or one of the new square designs. The base is important for stability and the style of the handles for grip and ease of use. Micro-perforations are popular with some brands to optimise drainage.
There are some radical new designs out there from manufacturers who pride themselves on ergonomically styled kitchen equipment. If you are short of room then a wide handle will act as a handy hanging hook or choose a collapsible style for maximum storage efficiency.
Colanders FAQ
What is a colander used for?
A colander is used for washing and rinsing foodstuffs like fruit, vegetables and salad. It is also used for draining cooked foods such as rice, pasta and vegetables.
What is the difference between a colander and a strainer?
A strainer is a generic term which can be used to mean a sieve or a colander but is commonly applied to a fine mesh bowl-shaped kitchen aid which can have one long handle like a pan or two short handles either side.
A colander is typically circular and stands on a base or feet. It can be bigger with larger draining holes although many new designs have fine perforated holes almost like mesh so are sometimes closer in design to a sieve.