If you’ve ever struggled with a flimsy colander that wobbles, rusts, or just can’t handle a full pot of pasta, you’re not alone. Finding the best stainless steel colander on Amazon can feel overwhelming with so many options claiming to be the kitchen essential you’ve been missing. But after testing top picks for durability, design, and ease of use, we’ve narrowed it down to the few that truly deliver. Spoiler: not all shiny colanders are created equal—let’s find the one that’ll make draining veggies a breeze.
- Best for non‑slip grip: OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Colander
- Best for mirror‑polished grip: EXCELSTEEL Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Colander 5 Qt | Easy Grip Handles | Self-Draining Base | Mirror Polished | Dishwasher Safe | Pack of 1
- Best for micro‑perforated precision: Bellemain Colander for Kitchen – 5 Qt Stainless Steel Strainer with Handle - 18/8 Pasta Strainer Bowl for Pasta
- Best for nesting size set: ExcelSteel Colander Set Stainless Steel | Nesting Design | Mirror Polished | Oversized Handles | 1-4 Quart
- Best for compact non‑slip: OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel 3 qt./ 2.8L Colander
- Best for raised base drainer: PriorityChef Premium Stainless Steel Colander for Kitchen
- Best for soft‑grip stability: KitchenAid Stainless Steel Colander
- Best for over‑sink collapsible: U.S. Kitchen Supply Stainless Steel Colander Strainer - 6-Quart Collapsible Colander with Expandable Rubber Handles - Rectangular Sieve
- Best for triple‑size nestable: 3 Pack 18/8 Stainless Steel Colander Sieves(5-Quart
- Best for precision pierced: RSVP International International Endurance Stainless Steel Precision Pierced Colander
Product Comparison: Best Amazon Stainless Steel Colander
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Colander, 5 qt. Capacity, Strainer with Non-Slip Handles, Kitchen Colander for Pasta and Vegetables, Nesting Stainless Steel Strainer and Sieve
- Comfortable grip every time: Elevated, non-slip handles make lifting and shaking easy even with wet hands. This stainless steel colander keeps straining safe and comfortable
- Faster, thorough straining: The all-over perforated design lets water flow quickly and evenly. This stainless steel colander is ideal as a pasta strainer or sieve for everyday meal prep
- Designed for easy storage: Nests neatly inside mixing bowls for quick rinsing, straining and compact storage. This kitchen colander saves space while keeping your cooking utensils organized
- Stable when in use: Three raised feet keep the colander steady in the sink or on the countertop. This stainless steel strainer with handle stays upright as you rinse, drain or let rest between uses
- Flexible size options: Available in 3 qt. and 5 qt. capacities to handle anything from small servings to family-size batches. Choose the right colander for straining pasta, vegetables or fruit
EXCELSTEEL Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Colander 5 Qt | Easy Grip Handles | Self-Draining Base | Mirror Polished | Dishwasher Safe | Pack of 1
- Easy grip handles
- Constructed in durable stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe, clean with ease
- Mirror polished finish for high shine
- Lightweight stainless steel for easy handling
Bellemain Colander for Kitchen – 5 Qt Stainless Steel Strainer with Handle - 18/8 Pasta Strainer Bowl for Pasta, Spaghetti, Vegetables, Fruit, and Pot Draining - Stainless Steel Colander
- 1. Stainless Steel Colander Strainer for Fast, Precise Draining Engineered with fine micro-perforations, this stainless steel colander strainer ensures water drains quickly—no clogging, no lost grains. Ideal for rice, quinoa, pasta, and fresh produce.
- 2. Colander Stainless Steel Built to Last Crafted from durable 18/8 stainless steel, this kitchen colander resists rust, dents, and warping. A reliable strainer for daily use with pasta, vegetables, and fruits—even under boiling water.
- 3. Colander for Kitchen with Stable, No-Tip Base Features a solid ring base and ergonomic riveted handles for safe, hands-free draining. No wobbling or tipping—this colander stays secure while you multitask in the kitchen.
- 4. Strainers and Colanders That Fit Any Kitchen This 5-quart metal strainer handles large meals and small prep with ease. Use it solo or pair it with other colanders & food strainers—perfect for kitchens of all sizes.
- 5. Easy-Clean Colander with Effortless Drainage Polished finish and micro holes ensure quick rinsing and fast cleaning. Dishwasher safe and odor resistant, this food strainer keeps your kitchen efficient and mess-free.
ExcelSteel Colander Set Stainless Steel | Nesting Design | Mirror Polished | Oversized Handles | 1-4 Quart, Set of 3
- Features 1-Quart, 2.5-Quart and 4-Quart sizes
- Constructed in high quality stainless steel
- Sturdy base to sit on the countertop and sink with ease
- Oversized handles makes handling food comfortable
- Lightweight stainless steel for easy handling
- Featuring a mirror polished interior and exterior
- Each colander also nests for convenient storage
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel 3 qt./ 2.8L Colander
- Elevated, non-slip handles for a comfortable grip
- Perforated design for fast and thorough straining
- Nests in mixing bowls for easy straining and storage
- Three feet for stability in the sink and on the countertop
- Available in 3 qt and 5 qt capacities
PriorityChef Premium Stainless Steel Colander for Kitchen, Durable Rice and Pasta Strainer with Handle, Rust-Resistant & Dishwasher Safe, 3 Qt
- Fast Draining Micro-Perforations – This stainless steel kitchen strainer ensures quick and efficient draining for everyday cooking. No more lost pasta! Ideal for rinsing small fruits and vegetables, but not recommended for super-fine grains like quinoa or couscous.
- Versatile Rice Strainer & Noodle Strainer – Designed for all your needs, this food strainer is perfect for draining rice, pasta, vegetables, and more without any ingredients slipping through.
- Raised Base for Cleaner Counters – Unlike flat colanders & food strainers, our metal colander for kitchen features an elevated base, keeping water away from your food and counters dry.
- Strong & Durable Stainless Steel – This heavy-duty metal strainer with handle won’t bend or rust. A reliable strainers for kitchen essential that’s built to last through years of cooking.
- Large, Easy to Hold Handles & Dishwasher Safe – Large, sturdy handles on our pasta drainer provide a secure grip, making the process effortless. This food strainer and colander set is completely dishwasher safe for a quick and hassle-free cleanup.
KitchenAid Stainless Steel Colander, 5 Quart, Black
- FOOD PREP ESSENTIAL: rinse fruits and vegetables, or drain pasta
- RAISED FEET: keep colander stable and elevate food above water drained in sink
- SOFT-GRIP HANDLES: provide comfort and a secure grip
- DURABLE: stainless steel stands up to everyday use
- DISHWASHER SAFE: for easy cleanup
U.S. Kitchen Supply Stainless Steel Colander Strainer - 6-Quart Collapsible Colander with Expandable Rubber Handles - Rectangular Sieve, Fine Mesh Stainless Steel Strainers and Colanders for Kitchen
- Stainless Steel Over the Sink Colander Basket: This 6-Quart over sink colander for kitchen sink features a 13" by 9" rectangular basket. The stainless steel construction resists rust and corrosion for longevity.
- Adjustable Handle Design: Expandable rubber handles extend from 14 to 21 inches. This allows the metal pasta strainer to rest over most kitchen sinks for draining and straining with ease.
- Fine Mesh Sieve: The fine mesh construction prevents small food particles like rice and small ingredients from escaping. A stable base with resting feet prevents the colander from tipping when full.
- Collapsible & Safe: The over sink strainers for kitchen sink collapsible design allows the strainer to be placed inside the sink basin. The entire unit is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup after use.
- Culinary Uses: Use this mesh strainer for kitchen tasks like draining pasta, spaghetti, and washing vegetables and fruits. It is also suitable for sifting flour and rinsing rice.
3 Pack 18/8 Stainless Steel Colander Sieves(5-Quart, 4-Quart and 3-Quart), Mesh Strainer Net Baskets with Handles & Resting Base for Strain, Drain, Rinse or Steam
- Food Grade Stainless Steel 18/8 Construction: Our kitchen strainer is made of first class Stainless Steel 18/8 that is BPA free, Lead and Cadmium free. It is rust free and will never affect the taste of your food!
- Sturdy: Our colanders feature a sturdy outer mirror finished wide rimmed framework design on both the top and the resting base on the bottom. The firm wire along the outer sides of the rust-proof firm mesh netting keeps the baskets in shape and sturdy while in use. Our premium handles are riveted to the bowl so it will never come off!
- Three Different Sizes: Large 5-Quart (11" x 4"), Medium 4-Quart (9 1/2" x 3 3/4") and Small 3-Quart (8 1/2" x 3 1/4"). Convenient sizes for all your cooking, straining and preparation needs. They're perfect for sifting and straining wet or dry ingredients.
- Versatile: Our colander basket strainers are perfect for draining and straining all kinds of foods, wet or dry ingredients, from pasta to produce. Sift flour, sugar and rice. Use for food preparation like rinsing and washing fruits, vegetables, grains and pastas. Use in a pot to steam vegetables, fry foods like french fries or to cook pasta.
- Space Saving: Our colanders can nest together for space saving storage. They're easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
RSVP International International Endurance Stainless Steel Precision Pierced Colander, 5-Quart (Punch-5), Silver
- GREAT FOR THE KITCHEN: Our original design RSVP Precision Pierced Colander is covered from top to bottom with tiny, precision pierced holes that allow water to drain freely.
- STAINLESS STEEL COLANDER: Wide rim base holds the colander above the floor of the sink and provides stability when pouring hot water into the colander; wide rim base also keeps the food inside the colander.
- PERFECTLY SIZED: Holds up to 5 quarts. 11 inches by 5.25 inches. Made of superior quality 18/8 stainless steel for a smooth, polished, corrosion-resistant surface.
- FANTASTIC QUALITY: A long-time favorite of Cook’s Illustrated. Not even the smallest of orzo or angel hair pasta will escape.
- EASY TO USE AND CLEAN: Not a drop of liquid will remain in this colander when rinsing. Dishwasher safe.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What are the most important features to look for in a stainless steel colander?
Focus on material quality (18/8 stainless steel for rust resistance), perforation size (micro‑perforations for faster drainage), and stability features like raised feet or a solid base. Comfortable, non‑slip handles make lifting wet items easier, while a nesting design saves storage space. Dishwasher‑safe finishes add convenience for regular cleanup.
How does the OXO Good Grips 5‑qt colander compare to the ExcelSteel Heavy Duty model?
Both are made from durable stainless steel, but OXO adds elevated, non‑slip handles and three raised feet for extra stability during use. ExcelSteel emphasizes a mirror‑polished finish and lightweight construction, but lacks the footed design. OXO’s all‑over perforated pattern also tends to drain water more evenly.
Is a larger capacity always better for everyday cooking?
A larger 5‑qt colander is ideal for family‑size meals, pasta batches, and bulk vegetable prep, while a 3‑qt version suits smaller households or limited countertop space. Larger bowls can be heavier when full, so consider handle comfort and storage space. Choosing the right size balances capacity with ease of handling.
Do micro‑perforated colanders like the Bellemain model drain faster than standard holes?
Micro‑perforations create many small openings that let water escape quickly while keeping fine foods like rice or quinoa from slipping through. This design improves drainage speed and reduces clogging compared to larger, spaced holes. However, extremely fine grains may still require a finer mesh strainer.
Which colander offers the best value for money?
The 3‑Pack 18/8 Stainless Steel set provides three sizes (5‑qt, 4‑qt, 3‑qt) that nest together, offering versatility and space‑saving storage at a competitive price. While single‑piece models like OXO and KitchenAid have premium ergonomics, the multi‑size pack delivers more utility per dollar, especially for varied cooking tasks.
How important is a stable base or raised feet in a colander?
A stable base prevents wobbling and keeps food from spilling while you shake or rinse, which is crucial for hot pasta or heavy vegetables. Models such as OXO and PriorityChef include raised feet or an elevated base to keep water away from the food and countertop. Without this feature, the colander may tip over, especially when filled to capacity.
Are there any differences in dishwasher safety among these colanders?
Most stainless steel colanders, including OXO, ExcelSteel, Bellemain, and KitchenAid, are labeled dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy. However, some designs with riveted handles or intricate bases may retain water in crevices, so a quick hand‑wash can prolong finish shine. Always place them on the top rack to avoid harsh water pressure that could bend thinner handles.