Colanders & Strainers

Colanders and Strainers Australia 

Perfect for draining pasta, rinsing fruits and vegetables, straining stocks and broths, washing grains, and more. We stock various colanders and strainers – from stainless steel to BPA Free plastic colanders from the best kitchenware brands.

What to look for in a colander

When choosing a colander or strainer, there are several factors to consider before making your choice:

• Size: First and foremost, consider the size of the colander you need. A small strainer is perfect for straining berries, while a larger one is better for pasta and rice. 
• Material: Stainless steel or metal colanders are the most popular due to their durability. However, plastic strainers and colanders are often more affordable. 
• Design: Note how closely spaced the holes on the colander are. If they're too big, smaller foods like rice could slip through; if they're too small, water may not drain quickly enough.

Types of colanders

There are various colander types available, each with unique features and advantages. Some of the most common colanders are mesh, perforated, over-the-sink, and folding.

• Mesh Colanders: These are made with a fine mesh material that is perfect for straining small grains, great as a rice strainer. 
• Perforated Colanders: These have small holes all over them, making them ideal for draining pasta or vegetables, and can be used as a noodle strainer. 
• Over-the-sink Colanders: As the name suggests, these fit over your sink so that you can easily drain water without worrying about spills.
• Folding Colanders: These are collapsible and easy to store in tight spaces when not in use, making them the perfect kitchen strainer for compact homes or apartments. 
• Handheld Colander: Also known as a strainer, this is a small, sieve-like tool that is used for rinsing and draining ingredients in smaller quantities.
• Salad Spinner: Though not a traditional colander, a salad spinner is equipped with a colander-like basket that efficiently removes excess water from washed greens and vegetables.

Colander vs strainer

Colanders have larger holes, making them suitable for draining larger items like pasta or vegetables, while strainers have finer mesh or smaller holes, making them better for straining smaller particles or separating liquids from finer ingredients like when making stock or sauces. 

Colander materials

Colanders and strainers are most commonly made from stainless steel and plastic. 

Stainless steel

Stainless steel strainers are long-lasting and easy to clean. A metal strainer or colander is rust-resistant and can withstand high temperatures, making it perfect for pasta or boiling vegetables.

Plastic

Plastic colanders are lightweight and affordable, but they may not be as durable as their metal counterparts. They are also prone to discolouration over time, especially if used with hot liquids like soup or stock.

Brands we know and love

• OXO Good Grips: Offering ergonomic and user-friendly kitchen tools with a focus on comfort and functionality, OXO Good Grips products make tasks in the kitchen a breeze. 
• Avanti: A trusted brand with innovative and high-quality kitchen tools, Avanti products bring style and efficiency to any kitchen, making them a top choice for home cooks and professionals alike.
• Joseph Joseph: Innovative and functional with unique features, making them a popular choice among modern home cooks. 
• Dreamfarm: Cleverly designed – doubling up as a salad spinner for added convenience, they also feature a collapsible handle for easy storage, making them practical and versatile tools for food preparation.

Additional kitchenware you may need when buying a colander

• Graters
• Chopping boards
• Food storage containers
• Mandoline slicers
• Can openers
• Aprons

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you use a plastic colander to steam?

Using a plastic colander for steaming is not recommended. If you want to use your colander to steam, we recommend choosing a heat-resistant colander made of metal or stainless steel as plastic colanders can get thermal shock and break from sudden temperature changes.

2. How do you clean a colander? 

To clean a colander, rinse it under warm water to remove food particles, then scrub it with a sponge or brush using dish soap. Rinse again and let it air dry completely before storing.