Colanders

A colander is a bowl with drainage holes used to separate liquid from solid food. You reach for it to drain cooked pasta, rinse fruits and vegetables, wash grains and beans, and thaw frozen food under running water. The holes let water pass through while keeping the food in the bowl.

A colander is a freestanding bowl with larger holes, sized for draining big batches like pasta or potatoes. A strainer is usually a finer mesh, often handheld, made for catching smaller particles when sifting flour, straining stock, or rinsing rice. Many kitchens keep both, which is why this set pairs a stainless steel colander with a mesh strainer.

Stainless steel colanders handle hot liquids without warping, resist staining from tomato sauce and turmeric, and last far longer than plastic. You can pour boiling pasta water straight through without worrying about heat damage. They also rinse clean quickly and are dishwasher safe.

For everyday cooking, a 3 to 5 quart colander handles a pound of pasta or a full head of greens with room to toss. Larger 8 quart and up sizes suit big-batch cooking and entertaining. A nesting set covers small rinses and large drains without crowding your cabinet.

Yes. Tramontina stainless steel colanders and strainers are dishwasher safe. For mesh strainers, a quick rinse right after use keeps food from drying in the weave, and an occasional scrub with a brush keeps the mesh clear.

Match the tool to the task. Use the fine mesh strainer for rice, quinoa, and other small grains, and the colander with larger holes for pasta, potatoes, and produce. The strainer's tight weave holds small grains while still draining quickly.