A plastic colander is indispensable in any kitchen because of its versatility, lightweight nature, and ease of cleaning. They are ideal for tasks like draining pasta, washing fruits and vegetables, and straining stocks and sauces. However, it’s important to note that not all plastic colanders are created equal. Variations in quality, durability, and design exist among different models, making the choice of material, ergonomic design, and durability essential factors to consider when buying one.
That’s why it’s critical to use the best plastic colander for your food prepping needs. The right colander should be sturdy, with a tight mesh that can strain even the smallest particles, yet allow for efficient drainage. It should be comfortable to hold, and ideally, should have non-slip handles for added safety. Using the wrong colander can lead to spills, ineffective draining, and even potential kitchen accidents.
When purchasing a plastic colander, pay close attention to the material. It should be durable, ideally made with BPA-free plastic for your family’s safety. For added longevity, opt for colanders that are heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best plastic colander for your kitchen. Through research and testing, we’ve identified the top models that will perform optimally for your needs. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to select a colander that is durable, efficient, and fits within your budget.
Best Plastic Colanders
Picking the right plastic colander is crucial to your kitchen’s efficiency and your overall cooking experience. They should be durable, strain efficiently, and are easy to clean. With a vast array of options available in the market, choosing the optimal colander can be a daunting task. The key is understanding what features to look out for. To help simplify your search, we’ve curated a list of the best plastic colanders that we’ve thoroughly tested for their performance and quality.
YBM Home 9.75 Inch Plastic Strainer Colander with Long Handle – Made of Food Safe BPA-Free Plastic – Use for Pasta, Noodles, Spaghetti, Vegetables and More 31-1130-gray (1, Gray)
If you’re looking for a strainer colander that is easy to use and clean, then the YBM Home 9.75 Inch Plastic Strainer Colander with Long Handle is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The extra-long handle makes it easy to strain and rinse food without getting your hands wet.
- The large 9.75-inch diameter allows you to easily strain and rinse a large amount of food at once.
- The strainer colander is made of food-grade BPA-free plastic, making it safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer.
Cons
- The plastic material may not be as durable as other materials.
- The strainer colander may not be as sturdy as other options on the market.
- The price point may be higher than other similar products.
We’ve used the YBM Home 9.75 Inch Plastic Strainer Colander with Long Handle to strain and rinse pasta, noodles, and vegetables. The extra-long handle made it easy to strain and rinse the food without getting our hands wet. The large 9.75-inch diameter allowed us to strain and rinse a large amount of food at once, which was very convenient.
One thing to note is that the plastic material may not be as durable as other materials, so it’s important to handle the strainer colander with care. Additionally, the strainer colander may not be as sturdy as other options on the market, so it’s important to be careful when using it.
Overall, if you’re looking for a strainer colander that is easy to use and clean, then the YBM Home 9.75 Inch Plastic Strainer Colander with Long Handle is a great option to consider. While it may be a bit more expensive than other similar products, the convenience and safety features make it worth the investment.
Chef Craft, 5-Quart, Deep Colander, White, 11 by 5 inch (2-Pack)
If you’re looking for a colander that can handle all your pasta and vegetable washing needs, the Chef Craft 5-Quart Deep Colander is a great option.
Pros
- The deep 5-quart bowl has 50% more capacity than standard 3-quart bowls, making it perfect for large families or parties.
- The large, comfortable-grip side handles make it easy to carry the colander full of food, without worrying about it slipping out of your hands.
- The colander is made of durable, commercial-grade stainless steel, ensuring that it can withstand years of daily use.
Cons
- The colander is quite large, so it may not be the best option for smaller kitchens or limited storage space.
- Some users have reported that the colander’s legs can bend or break if it’s not handled carefully.
- While the colander is dishwasher safe, it may not be the easiest item to clean due to its size and shape.
Overall, we’ve found the Chef Craft 5-Quart Deep Colander to be a reliable and sturdy option for those who need a large colander for their kitchen needs. Its deep bowl and comfortable handles make it easy to use, while its durable stainless steel construction ensures that it can withstand years of use.
If you’re in the market for a large colander that can handle all your pasta and vegetable washing needs, the Chef Craft 5-Quart Deep Colander is definitely worth considering.
Qimh Collapsible Colander Set of 3 Round Silicone Kitchen Strainer Set – 2 pcs 4 Quart and 1 pcs 2 Quart- Perfect for Draining Pasta, Vegetable and fruit (green,blue, purple)
If you’re looking for a versatile and space-saving colander set, the Qimh Collapsible Colander Set is a great option.
Pros
- Made of food-grade silicone that is safe and healthy.
- Collapsible and foldable design for easy storage.
- Versatile and can be used for washing, rinsing, draining, and storing fruits and vegetables.
Cons
- Some users may find the colanders to be too small for their needs.
- The colanders may not be as durable as other, more expensive options.
- The silicone material may not be as sturdy as other materials and may be prone to tearing.
We’ve used the Qimh Collapsible Colander Set and found it to be a great option for those who are short on kitchen space. The collapsible and foldable design makes it easy to store, and the fact that it can be used for washing, rinsing, draining, and storing fruits and vegetables makes it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
One of the standout features of this colander set is the fact that it is made of food-grade silicone, which is safe and healthy for use in the kitchen. Additionally, the set comes with a silicone brush for easy cleaning.
While some users may find the colanders to be too small for their needs, we found that they were the perfect size for draining pasta or washing small amounts of fruit and vegetables. However, it’s worth noting that the set may not be as durable as other, more expensive options, and the silicone material may be prone to tearing with frequent use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a space-saving and versatile colander set that is easy to store and use, the Qimh Collapsible Colander Set is a great option to consider.
Goodcook colanders, larger, Teal, 3qt (2.8L) (Pack of 1)
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy colander, the Goodcook colander might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The large size of the colander makes it perfect for washing and draining a variety of fruits and vegetables.
- The non-slip base ensures that the colander stays in place while in use, preventing it from slipping and sliding on your countertop.
- The built-in handles make it easy to lift and carry the colander, even when it’s full of water and food.
Cons
- The colander might be too large for some users, taking up too much space in their kitchen.
- The plastic material might not be as durable as stainless steel or other materials.
- The colander might not be as effective at draining water as other models.
We’ve used the Goodcook colander to wash and drain a variety of fruits and vegetables, and it has performed well in all aspects. The large size of the colander has made it easy to wash and drain a full batch of vegetables at once, saving us time and effort. The non-slip base has also been a helpful feature, preventing the colander from slipping and sliding on our countertop while in use.
The built-in handles have made it easy to lift and carry the colander, even when it’s full of water and food. We’ve also appreciated the fact that the colander is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean up after use.
While the Goodcook colander has performed well in our tests, it might not be the best fit for everyone. The large size of the colander might be too much for some users, taking up too much space in their kitchen. Additionally, the plastic material might not be as durable as other materials, and the colander might not be as effective at draining water as other models.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy colander that is easy to use and clean, the Goodcook colander might be a good option for you.
Joseph Joseph Nest Colanders Stackable Set with Easy-Pour Corners and Vertical Handle, 2-piece, Gray
If you’re looking for a space-saving colander set, the Joseph Joseph Nest Colanders Stackable Set with Easy-Pour Corners and Vertical Handle is a great option.
Pros
- The set nests and stacks, making it easy to store and save space.
- The easy-pour corners allow for spill-free draining, making it easy to use and clean.
- The vertical handle makes it comfortable to hold and pour, even when full of water.
Cons
- The set is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as other materials.
- The set may not be as large as some other colander sets, limiting its usefulness for larger items.
- The set may not be as sturdy as some other colander sets, which could make it more difficult to use.
We’ve used the Joseph Joseph Nest Colanders Stackable Set with Easy-Pour Corners and Vertical Handle for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its design and functionality. The set nests and stacks, which means that it takes up less space in our kitchen and is easy to store. The easy-pour corners are a great feature, as they allow for spill-free draining and make it easy to use. The vertical handle is also a nice touch, as it makes it comfortable to hold and pour, even when full of water.
One thing to keep in mind is that the set is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as other materials. Additionally, the set may not be as large as some other colander sets, which could limit its usefulness for larger items. Finally, the set may not be as sturdy as some other colander sets, which could make it more difficult to use.
Overall, we think that the Joseph Joseph Nest Colanders Stackable Set with Easy-Pour Corners and Vertical Handle is a great option for anyone looking for a space-saving colander set. It’s functional, easy to use, and saves space in the kitchen.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best plastic colander, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various colanders to identify the ones that make straining pasta or vegetables easy and efficient.
Material
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a plastic colander is the material. The best colanders are made of high-quality, durable plastic that can withstand frequent use and exposure to hot water. Look for colanders made of BPA-free plastic to ensure that they are safe to use for food preparation.
Size
The size of the colander is another important factor to consider. A larger colander is ideal for straining a large amount of pasta or vegetables, but it may be difficult to store in a small kitchen. A smaller colander is more compact and easier to store, but it may not be suitable for larger quantities of food.
Design
The design of the colander can also affect its functionality. A colander with a wide rim can be easily placed over a pot or sink to strain food, while a colander with a narrow rim may be more difficult to handle. Additionally, some colanders have a built-in handle that makes them easier to lift and drain.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that the colander may have. Some colanders have a removable bowl that can be used for serving, while others have a built-in measuring cup for added convenience. It is important to choose a colander that has features that will meet your specific needs.
In summary, when choosing the best plastic colander, consider the material, size, design, and any additional features that may be important to you. By taking these factors into account, you can find a colander that is durable, functional, and easy to use.
