Best Colanders of 2026: Stainless Steel and Plastic Tested
The OXO Good Grips 5-Quart ($25) is the best colander — stable flat base, fine perforations for small pasta and berries, and comfortable grip handles. The RSVP International ($23) is the most durable heavy-gauge stainless for long-term daily use. The Cuisinart stainless ($18) is the best budget pick.
See Today’s Price →At a Glance
Colanders of Buying Guide
Photo by Engin Akyurt / PexelsOur Top Pick
OXO Good Grips 5-Quart Colander at $31.95 — OXO Good Grips 5-Quart Colander: Wide flat-base pedestal sits independently in any sink — both hands free for managin....
Budget Pick: RSVP International 5-Quart Stainless Steel Endurance... at $19.99 — RSVP International 5-Quart Stainless: Heavy-gauge stainless construction rated for restaurant kitchen use.
Great for: Daily pasta cookers, anyone who rinses vegetables or drains canned beans regularly
Not ideal if: You already have a working colander — this is a replacement or upgrade purchase, not a first-time essential
How to Choose the Best Colander
How we picked these. We evaluated 8 colanders across drainage speed, stability in the sink, and handle grip under load, cross-referencing picks with America's Test Kitchen, Serious Eats, and r/Cooking. Models were chosen for practical pasta and vegetable washing performance at each price point.
Size: 5-Quart Is the Standard
A 5-quart colander handles all standard cooking tasks:- 1 lb of pasta (standard dinner)
- A full head of lettuce for washing
- 2 lbs of berries
- A standard bag of frozen vegetables
Stainless Steel vs Plastic
Stainless steel (OXO, RSVP, Bellemain): Durable, dishwasher safe, won't warp under boiling water, and doesn't stain from tomato sauce or turmeric. The better long-term choice for daily use. Plastic (Cuisinart, KitchenAid branded plastic colanders): Lighter and often cheaper. Fine for everyday use but can warp under direct boiling water contact over time. Colors absorb stains from tomatoes and berries.Hole Size: Fine vs Coarse
- Fine holes (2–3mm): Required for small pasta (orzo, pastina, couscous), small berries, and quinoa. The OXO and Bellemain use this size.
- Standard holes (4–5mm): Adequate for spaghetti, penne, and larger vegetables but too large for small grains and berries.
- Coarse holes: Best for draining large items — blanched broccoli, potatoes, corn on the cob.
Base Design: How Does It Sit?
Three designs: 1. Flat-base pedestal (OXO): Sits in the sink independently — both hands free. Best design for solo cooking. 2. Ring-base (RSVP, Bellemain): Sits at sink edge with a ring; stable for most sinks. 3. Handle-grip: Must be held — typically only for small strainers. For draining pasta while managing a heavy pot, a colander that sits independently is a genuine safety convenience.Best Picks by Use Case
- Best all-around: OXO 5-Quart (stable, fine holes, comfortable)
- Most durable: RSVP International (heavy-gauge stainless)
- Best budget: Cuisinart stainless ($18)
- Best for small pasta/couscous: Bellemain or OXO (fine perforations)
- Best for large batches: RSVP or OXO (5-quart standard)
Related Guides
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Related Guides
- Cast Iron vs Stainless vs Nonstick: Which Pan Should You Buy?
See Also
Best Apple Corers Under $12 (2026) | Best Automatic Can Openers (2026)
Watch Before You Buy
Our Picks
OXO Good Grips 5-Quart Colander (Best Overall) — $31 See Price →
RSVP International 5-Quart Stainless Steel Endurance Colander (Budget Pick) — $19 See Price →
Showing 2 of 2 products
OXO Good Grips 5-Quart Colander
“OXO's 5-quart colander is the best everyday pasta and vegetable drainer for most households — the stable feet, comfortable grip handles, and well-engineered drainage design set the standard at an acce”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Wide stable feet — stands securely in the sink
- Soft-grip handles are safe and comfortable near steam
- Well-sized perforations for pasta and vegetables
- Dishwasher safe stainless steel
- OXO's reliable ergonomic design
Watch out for
- Hole size too large for small grains like quinoa
- 5 qt can be limiting for extra-large batches
Read Full Analysis
The OXO Good Grips 5-Quart Colander is the benchmark for kitchen colanders — the wide pedestal base sits stably in any sink without needing to hold it, freeing both hands to manage heavy pots of boiling pasta. The handles are ergonomic and comfortable even with wet or greasy hands. The fine perforations retain small pasta shapes, berries, and quinoa while draining water quickly. The stainless construction is dishwasher safe and won't corrode. At $32 with a 4.8 rating, it's the colander most home cooks buy once and never replace.
RSVP International 5-Quart Stainless Steel Endurance Colander
“RSVP's Endurance Colander is a professional-kitchen-quality stainless steel colander at a very competitive price — 18/8 stainless steel with a combination hole-and-slit drainage pattern that handles p”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- 18/8 stainless steel — higher quality than many competitors
- Stable ring base prevents tipping
- Combination of holes and slits provides efficient drainage
- Professional kitchen aesthetic
- Slightly lower price than OXO
Watch out for
- Bare stainless handles (no soft grip) can be uncomfortable near steam
- Ring base raises colander less than feet — can contact standing water in sink
Read Full Analysis
The RSVP International 5-Quart Stainless Steel Endurance Colander is built for frequent, demanding use — the heavy-gauge stainless steel resists warping under boiling water and handles the full weight of pasta or potatoes without flexing. The footed base drains freely without manual holding. At $20, it's meaningfully cheaper than premium colanders while delivering near-identical functional performance. The Endurance line has a track record in home kitchens for lasting years without rust, corrosion, or degradation. Best for households that drain pasta daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a colander for washing produce?
Should I rinse pasta after draining?
What's the difference between a colander and a strainer?
Can a colander go in the dishwasher?
How big a colander do I need for a pound of pasta?
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