10 Best Colanders in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Chef
A colander may look like a simple, inexpensive kitchen tool, but it is useful and indispensable to have. With a colander in your kitchen, you can drain pasta noodles, rinse fruits and vegetables, and wash grains and meat with ease. Preparing food for yourself or your family gets easy if you have the right items within your reach instead of using improvised items.
With the different types, features, and materials, it can be a bit difficult to choose which one is the best to use in your kitchen. Let us help you with what to buy! We have prepared this article for you, which includes a buying guide reviewed by Chef Philjim Sebastian and a list of the 10 best colanders you can purchase.
Quick List - Top Colanders
Chef Philjim Gerald Sebastian is a professional chef with almost 11 years of experience in South East Asian, Western, Mexican, French, and Mediterranean Cuisines. His journey to becoming a chef started in the Philippines, and through his years of experience in different countries like the UAE, Seychelles Island, and parts of Asia like Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand, he honed his craft and gained different ranks in the kitchen. Chef Philjim is a graduate of De la Salle College of Saint Benilde (BS-HRIM). To add to all of his experiences, he is also a sole chef in a private sailing yacht traveling from the USA to the Caribbean islands where he is in charge of provisioning, stocking, budgeting, and cooking international cuisine for high-rank and well-known guests.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose a Colander – Buying Guide
- Choose the Type of Colander You Prefer1
- Decide Which Material Is Best for Your Needs2
- Get Colanders With Handles for Ease of Use3
- Check the Size of the Holes in the Colander4
- Prefer One With a Large Sturdy Base for Stability5
- The Size and Capacity Should Fit Your Requirements6
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Are Colanders Used for?
- How to Sanitize Colander?
- Can You Use a Colander to Steam Vegetables?
- Get These Other Kitchen Tools for Easy Food Preparation
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
How to Choose a Colander – Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Choose the type of colander you prefer.
- Decide which material is best for your needs.
- Get colanders with handles for ease of use.
- Check the size of the holes in the colander.
- Prefer one with a large sturdy base for stability.
- The size and capacity should fit your requirements.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Choose the Type of Colander You Prefer
There are different types of colanders that you can choose from. Aside from the traditional colander, collapsible and over-the-sink colanders are also available in the market. Ultimately, the type that you choose will depend on your needs and preference. Continue reading to know their advantages and disadvantages.
Bowl-Shaped Colanders for Conventional Cooks
A traditional or bowl-shaped colander is the most common type of colander used in the kitchen. It is usually made of stainless steel or plastic, and it can have handles on both sides or a single long handle. Most people prefer this type of colander because it is lightweight, durable, and drains excess water fast.
Moreover, a bowl-shaped colander usually has a round base to provide stability. A colander with a one-inch thick base is recommended, so the bottom will not be soaked in case water pools in the sink. Although a bowl-type colander is nice to have, it can take much space in your kitchen because of its shape, and it can be an issue if you have limited space.
Note that colanders and strainers are two different things. Although there are uses that could be similar, a strainer's purpose, as its name implies, is to strain. A strainer also usually has finer or smaller holes than a colander.
Collapsible Colanders to Save on Storage Space
If space in your kitchen is an issue, a collapsible colander is one of your best options. This colander expands when used, and you can collapse it for storage and stack it with other kitchen items. A collapsible colander is made with silicone, a material with high heat resistance, so it can be used for other things like steaming and blanching.
It also has large holes, making it ideal for draining noodles and rinsing fruits and meat. However, keep in mind that sturdy silicone material is preferred when going for this kind so that the colander doesn't easily collapse while in use.
Furthermore, the bottom of the colander does not usually have a thick base, so the holes might be blocked when it is placed on a flat surface, preventing the water from being drained completely.
Over-the-Sink Colanders for a Hands-Free Experience
With an over-the-sink colander, multitasking in the kitchen is guaranteed. You can just leave it suspended in the sink and wait for the water to be drained. Most colanders of this type have extendable handles to fit over the sink, giving you more space on your countertop to work on. They also have a large capacity, so you can work on large batches of food.
Moreover, this style of colander can be made of different materials, such as stainless steel and plastic. Although most over-the-sink colanders have extendable arms, those with fixed handles might not fit perfectly causing them to fall down and spill the contents.
Decide Which Material Is Best for Your Needs
The material of the colander is an important feature that you need to look for when buying a colander. Plastic, stainless steel, and silicone are the materials often used in making a colander. Learn more about these materials below.
Plastic Is an Inexpensive and Practical Choice
Plastic colanders are light and inexpensive, so they are a good choice for people who are on a tight budget. This type of colander can be used to rinse or drain light and small ingredients. Try to look for a BPA-free plastic colander to be sure that it is free from harmful chemicals.
A plastic colander, however, is not usually recommended for long-term use since there is a risk of melting when exposed to high temperatures and can get brittle due to the wear and tear of daily use. If you prefer to use a plastic colander, be sure that the plastic is heat-safe to at least 110° Celsius, so you can use it to strain hot water.
Go for a Stainless Steel Colander for Maximum Durability
A colander made with stainless steel is the most durable and heavy-duty type that you can find in the market and can last longer than other colanders made of plastic and silicone. It can also withstand many uses and is rust-resistant. A stainless steel colander is great for draining heavy and dense food like pasta, vegetables, and meat.
However, a stainless steel colander is heavier than other types of colander and takes much space, too. And when buying a stainless steel colander, check if the handles are covered with rubber grips to prevent your hands from scalding if you are handling hot items.
Silicone Is Heat-Resistant and Non-Stick
Silicone is also an inexpensive material used in making colanders, but it has added benefits like being heat-resistant and non-stick. This material is usually used for collapsible colanders, and because it can withstand heat, it can function as a steamer basket or a tool for blanching vegetables.
However, silicone is prone to tearing, so a silicone colander might not last longer compared to a stainless steel one. Another thing to remember is even though it is heat-resistant, it is important to check the maximum temperature it can withstand and be sure that it does not contain chemical fillers that can be transferred to the food.
Get Colanders With Handles for Ease of Use
Using a colander with handles makes it easy for you to rinse and drain food. Most colanders have two handles that are well-positioned on both sides that help you use the colander easily, while some have long single handles. Moreover, there are also those with soft grips for ergonomic purposes.
Colanders with handles can be hung, which can save space and also help declutter your kitchen counter. Some handles are also extendable, which are useful when you need to fit the colander over the sink. However, be careful not to put contents way beyond the colander's capacity to prevent the handles from getting damaged.
Check the Size of the Holes in the Colander
It is also important to consider the size of the holes in the colander to efficiently use it. Colanders have holes of different sizes that are recommended for draining and rinsing vegetables, fruits, meat, pasta, and grains. Also, check if the holes have minimal distance, so you can drain the water easily without tilting the colander.
The colanders should also have many holes, particularly on and near the base, for the water to drain quickly. Although it might look cute, colanders with holes punched in decorative patterns are not really recommended since the water might drain slowly, or it might not completely drain the water.
Prefer One With a Large Sturdy Base for Stability
It is recommended to buy a colander with feet or a round base to support the weight of the items that are put in the colander. Look for a colander with feet that are an inch or two high, so excess water can be drained easily. It would also be nice if the or base of the colander has anti-slip properties to keep it in place.
The feet keep the balance of the colander when placed in a sink to prevent it from toppling over. A colander with no feet or base is less stable, plus the holes at the bottom of the colander can be blocked, causing the water to be trapped.
The Size and Capacity Should Fit Your Requirements
It is not always good to buy the biggest colander that you can find, and there are things to consider before buying one. You can compare how much contents the colander can hold and how much food you need to prepare when choosing a colander. If you only need to prepare food for yourself or you have a small family, a small one is enough to have.
Also, check if the colander can fit your sink and does not take much space when stored. If you have limited space, you can opt for a collapsible colander to save space. And if you opt to buy just one colander, you can choose one that is the size of the pot you often use to be sure that the contents you need to prepare fit in.
10 Best Colanders to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Konco Collapsible Colander｜Set of 2 | | A Colorful Set of Space-Saving Colanders | |
2 | Masflex Multi-Purpose Oval Drain Basket | | A Colander That Can be Rotated 360º | |
3 | Tescoma Stainless Steel Kitchen Colander w/ Base | | A Sturdy and Practical Colander for Your Kitchen | |
4 | Konco Collapsible Colander | | A Collapsible Colander That Can Be Placed Over the Sink | |
5 | Chef's Classics Basics Stainless Steel Long Handle Colander | | A Stainless Steel Scoop Colander | |
6 | Chef's Classics Basics Stainless Steel Colander | | A Sleek Colander That Is Built to Last | |
7 | Fityle Stainless Steel Over-the-Sink Colander | | An Over-the-Sink Colander With a Large Capacity | |
8 | Tescoma 2-in1 Colander Bowl | | Rinse and Prepare Your Salad With Just This Kitchen Item | |
9 | Slique Multi-Purpose Colander | | A Colander and Fruit Basket in One | |
10 | Dolity Over-the-Sink Colander | | A Multi-Functional Colander for All Your Needs |
KoncoCollapsible Colander ｜ Set of 2
A Colorful Set of Space-Saving Colanders
This collapsible set of colanders is perfect if you have limited space in your kitchen. It can be less than 2 inches thick when collapsed, so it surely won't take much space in your kitchen. It is ideal for draining most foods like pasta, fruits, and vegetables. Also, it is made of silicone that can withstand high temperatures and can be used for steaming and blanching.
This colander has a simple-standing design and non-slip easy-grip handles for ease of use. Take note, though, that it only has holes in the bottom, so water might be slow to drain. The base is also small, which can cause water to puddle beneath it.
MasflexMulti-Purpose Oval Drain Basket
A Colander That Can be Rotated 360º
This oval-shaped colander with a basin can be rotated 360º and is perfect for washing fruits, vegetables, and even rice due to its small elongated holes. The basin collects the excess water from the contents. This product is made from food-grade PP plastic, making it safe to use.
Aside from using it as a colander, you can use it as a vegetable and fruit basket, too. This is also quite compact and does not take much space when used or stored. But like any other items made with plastic, this colander should not come in contact with boiling water and hot pot to avoid damaging it.
TescomaStainless Steel Kitchen Colander w/ Base
A Sturdy and Practical Colander for Your Kitchen
This stainless steel colander from Tescoma is an excellent item for draining liquids from food. It is moderately sized, but it has a wide opening, making it easy to wash the contents. It also has a sturdy base to support the weight of the contents. Draining excess water is easy and fast because it has a reliable design with holes in the base and around it.
Moreover, it is made of high-quality stainless steel, so it is durable, rust-proof, and can be used for a long time. And its two handles make it easy to use. This colander is ideal for draining pasta noodles and rinsing fruits and vegetables.
A Collapsible Colander That Can Be Placed Over the Sink
This collapsible colander will probably become your favorite item in your kitchen since it can help you save a lot of space. You can expand it to its maximum capacity when you need to rinse a large number of fruits or vegetables. The holes, located at the base are close to each other, so it can drain water fast.
In addition, its handles are extendable, so it can fit over your sink. They also have an ergonomic design to prevent strain on your hands and wrists. Because it is made with silicone, it is resistant to high temperatures, so it is safe to use with hot water. With all the features this colander has, there is no need for you to hesitate to buy it!
Chef's ClassicsBasics Stainless Steel Long Handle Colander
A Stainless Steel Scoop Colander
If you are not a fan of colanders with two handles, maybe this one is for you. This scoop colander has a long single handle that can help you scoop contents directly from hot water. You can also use this for lightly boiling vegetables that need to be taken out from water immediately.
Moreover, the holes are distributed evenly to ensure complete draining of liquids. It is made of 18/8 stainless steel that can withstand chemicals, so it does not rust easily. Its handle has a hole on the end, so you can hang it after use. If you prefer to scoop the contents from the pot instead of pouring it into the colander, this product is a good choice.
A Sleek Colander That Is Built to Last
Having this stainless steel colander in your kitchen can make cooking easier than before. It has a wide opening for easy washing of fruits and vegetables and has stainless steel handles for carrying. Also, it has rubber feet that provide stability and prevent it from toppling over.
However, it can be a bit heavy because of its size and material and can take much space. If you have a small kitchen, this can be a problem. The holes are also small, so draining excess water can take time. But if you are looking for a colander that can last for a long time, this is your best bet.
FityleStainless Steel Over-the-Sink Colander
An Over-the-Sink Colander With a Large Capacity
If you have a big family or you always whip up food in large batches, this colander can be useful in prepping food in a breeze. The body is made of stainless steel mesh that drains water easily, plus you won't have any problem fitting this in a standard-sized sink because of its extendable non-slip handles.
Moreover, it has feet to provide stability when placed in a flat surface. The wide opening also makes it easy to rinse fruits and vegetables. However, because it uses steel mesh, it can be quite difficult to clean. The feet are also thin, so it might not be able to support if it is used for heavy ingredients.
Rinse and Prepare Your Salad With Just This Kitchen Item
This colander with bowl is an essential item, especially for salad lovers. You can see the holes in the base and sides have different sizes making the colander excellent for rinsing fruits and vegetables that you can serve right away. The bowl can be used to collect the excess water dripping from the contents.
Moreover, it is made with sturdy plastic, so you do not have to worry if you accidentally drop it. You can use the colander and bowl separately, so if you are craving for some salad, you can rinse the ingredients using the colander, toss them to the bowl, and you have your meal in an instant.
SliqueMulti-Purpose Colander
A Colander and Fruit Basket in One
This affordable plastic colander is a great item to have in your kitchen because its wide opening, big capacity, and large elongated holes in the base and sides make for easy washing and draining of food items. You can easily hold this colander because it has ergonomic plastic handles.
Also, this colander is made with heavy-duty PP plastic and is BPA-free, so you can be sure that it is safe to use. Its strong base keeps it stable when placed on a flat surface and can also be used as a fruit basket. One thing you need to avoid is getting this in contact with a hot pot or boiling water since it will melt due to high temperature.
DolityOver-the-Sink Colander
A Multi-Functional Colander for All Your Needs
This over-the-sink colander is quite different from others. Instead of the handles being extendable, its body extends to add more capacity. It can extend up to 47.5 cm, so you can use it for large batches. It is made of ABS plastic, making it durable and sturdy, and it can be used to strain hot foods. In addition, the holes are evenly distributed, so water can be drained easily.
Aside from being used as a colander, you can use it as a basket and strainer, as it can fit in most sinks. Also, the big handles make it easy to hold, plus it can be hung for storage. However, it is not recommended to use for heavy ingredients because it is not as durable compared to a stainless steel colander.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
What Are Colanders Used for?
A colander is used for straining foods like pasta or for rinsing fruits and vegetables.
How to Sanitize Colander?
There are two ways to sanitize a colander. Here are the methods you can use:
With boiling water:
- Place the colander in a large pot of boiling water. Take note, though, that this method is not suitable for plastic colanders.
- After 5 minutes, remove the colander with a pair of tongs. Run cold water over it to cool. Let the colander air dry.
With bleach:
- Prepare three basins with different solutions in each one. Fill the first basin with warm water and detergent, the second basin with plain warm water, and the third basin with a bleach solution.
- Wash the colander in the first basin, then rinse it off in the second basin.
- Soak the colander in the third basin for final sterilization.
- Remove after 2 minutes and dry.
Can You Use a Colander to Steam Vegetables?
Yes, but only if your colander is made of metal. The material needs to be resistant to the heat of the boiling water.
Get These Other Kitchen Tools for Easy Food Preparation
Do you need to replace or add some kitchen tools in your home? Preparing food is more fun if you do not have to improvise because you are missing some items. Check these products that are indispensable in your kitchen.
Author: Karl Ariz Manongsong
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Colanders
No. 1: Konco｜Collapsible Colander｜Set of 2
No. 2: Masflex｜Multi-Purpose Oval Drain Basket
No. 3: Tescoma｜Stainless Steel Kitchen Colander w/ Base
No. 4: Konco｜Collapsible Colander
No. 5: Chef's Classics｜Basics Stainless Steel Long Handle Colander
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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