Best Commercial Colanders of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Commercial colanders are an essential tool for any commercial kitchen. These strainers are designed to drain excess liquids from cooked foods such as pasta, vegetables, and fruits. Made from durable and high-quality materials, commercial colanders can withstand the rigors of a busy kitchen and are easy to clean. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, these colanders come in both stainless steel and aluminum options. Some models feature handles for easy lifting and pouring, while others have feet to keep them in place during use. Commercial colanders are a must-have for any restaurant, catering service, or food truck.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Carlisle 60280 Dura-Ware Commercial Colander Cover #TOP 1
Carlisle 60280 Dura-Ware Commercial Colander
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Aluminum Colander with Handles and Base Cover #TOP 2
Aluminum Colander with Handles and Base
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Thunder Group 8 Quart Aluminum Colander Cover #TOP 3
Thunder Group 8 Quart Aluminum Colander
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Commercial Colanders

Carlisle 60280 Dura-Ware Commercial Colander

60280
Silver
16 Quarts
Carlisle 60280 Dura-Ware Commercial Colander Cover
Carlisle FoodService Products 60280 Dura-Ware Standard Weight Commercial Colander, 16 Quart, Silver

The Carlisle Dura-Ware Standard Weight Commercial Colander has a 16-quart capacity, making it perfect for draining large quantities of fruits, vegetables, or pasta. The seamless satin finish aluminum construction, rolled top edge, and riveted handles on each side provide added strength and secure handling. The base allows the colander to stand on its own, and it is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

What We Like
Large 16-quart capacity for draining large quantities of food
Seamless satin finish aluminum construction with rolled top edge for added strength
Riveted handles on each side for secure handling

Aluminum Colander with Handles and Base

Silver
16-QT
Aluminum Colander with Handles and Base Cover
(16-QT) Aluminum Colander with Handles and Base Heavy Duty Commercial Grade

The Aluminum Colander with Handles and Base is a heavy-duty commercial-grade tool designed to boost the efficiency of busy commercial kitchens. Constructed with heavy-gauge, impact-resistant 3004 aluminum, it offers increased longevity and superior dent resistance. Its thick rim and walls make it a durable choice for straining pasta, potatoes, fruits, and vegetables. The added height of the base improves sanitation when placed on work tables and counters. Its full-ring welded base and two handles make it easy to use and an essential tool in any kitchen!

What We Like
Durable and long-lasting
Thick rim and walls for superior dent resistance
Added base height for improved sanitation
#TOP 3

Thunder Group 8 Quart Aluminum Colander

ALHDCO001
Silver
medium
Thunder Group 8 Quart Aluminum Colander Cover
Thunder Group , 8 Quart Heavy Duty Aluminum Colander, Commercial Pasta Strainer

This commercial-grade aluminum colander is versatile, rust-resistant, and easy to clean. Its footed base keeps food off the surface, ensuring superior sanitation and thorough draining. Two riveted handles ensure easy handling, comfortable grip, and safe transportation. Use it for rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables, straining pasta, and blanching vegetables.

What We Like
Versatile and easy to clean
Footed base ensures superior sanitation and thorough draining
Rust-resistant and retains shape even with daily use
#TOP 4

Carlisle FoodService Products 60277 Dura-Ware Colander

Carlisle FoodService Products 60277 Dura-Ware Colander Cover
Carlisle FoodService Products 60277 Dura-Ware Heavy Weight Commercial Colander, 16 Quart

The Carlisle FoodService Products 60277 Dura-Ware Colander is a versatile kitchen tool that makes draining large quantities of vegetables, fruits, and pasta a breeze. With its 16-quart capacity, it can handle even the biggest cooking tasks. The seamless satin finish aluminum construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance, while the rolled top edge adds strength and makes pouring easy. The riveted handles on each side provide a secure grip, allowing for safe and easy handling. Additionally, the base of the colander allows it to stand on its own, eliminating the need for a separate bowl or support. And when you're done, simply pop it in the dishwasher for quick and easy cleaning. The Carlisle Colander is a must-have for any kitchen, offering convenience and efficiency in one.

What We Like
16-quart capacity
Seamless satin finish
Riveted handles
#TOP 5

Rubbermaid Commercial Colander FG330300CLR

Rubbermaid Commercial Products
FG330300CLR
Clear
Rubbermaid Commercial Colander FG330300CLR Cover
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Food Storage Box Drainage Colander for 8.5, 12.5, 16.5 and 21.5 Gallon Sizes, Clear

Rubbermaid Colander FG330300CLR is a versatile food storage solution. Made from durable BPA-free clear polycarbonate, it is perfect for storage and transport. The rounded corners make it easy to clean and handle. This colander is commercial dishwasher safe, ensuring convenient cleaning. The date control panel helps you keep track of food spoilage dates easily. With lids that snap tightly, it's great for food storage. Overall, this colander is a reliable choice for draining food quickly, marinating, and thawing foods, fitting various Rubbermaid tote sizes.

What We Like
Durable polycarbonate material
Commercial dishwasher safe
Date control panel for food spoilage
#TOP 6

Crestware 30 Quart Aluminum Colander

ACOL30M
Metalic
30 Quart
Crestware 30 Quart Aluminum Colander Cover
Crestware 30 Quart Aluminum Colander, Metalic

The Crestware 30 Quart Aluminum Colander is a durable and easy-to-use kitchen tool that is perfect for commercial and industrial use. Made of high-quality aluminum, this colander is built to last and can easily handle heavy-duty tasks. Its large size makes it ideal for draining large quantities of pasta, vegetables, and other foods, and it is easy to clean and maintain.

What We Like
Durable construction
Easy to clean and use
Large size for draining large quantities of food

Bellemain Metal Colander with Handle

2724634223335
Silver
5 Quart
Bellemain Metal Colander with Handle Cover
Bellemain 5 Qt Metal Colander with Handle | Pasta, Spaghetti, Berry, Fruit, Vegetable, Kitchen Food Strainer Basket | 18/8 Stainless Steel Colander Bowl | Pot Drainer for Cooking, Sifter Strainer

The Bellemain Metal Colander with Handle is a 5 Qt kitchen food strainer basket made of rust-proof dishwasher safe 18/8 stainless steel. The colander has quick draining micro-perforations that drain fast without having to tilt the bowl, and the stable draining ring base won't tip over and won't leave your food sitting in a puddle. The holes are small enough that you can strain most beans, pastas, and grains as well as fruits and vegetables without any worries.

What We Like
Quick draining micro-perforations
Rust-proof dishwasher safe 18/8 stainless steel
Small holes that can strain most foods
#TOP 8

Carlisle FoodService Products 60278 Dura-Ware Colander

Carlisle FoodService Products 60278 Dura-Ware Colander Cover
Carlisle FoodService Products 60278 Dura-Ware Standard Weight Commercial Colander, 8 Quart

This colander can hold up to 8 quarts of fruits, vegetables, and pasta, making it perfect for large quantities. The seamless satin finish aluminum construction with rolled top edge provides strength, while the riveted handles on each side ensure secure handling. Additionally, the base allows the colander to stand on its own, and it's dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

What We Like
Large 8-quart capacity
Sturdy construction with rolled top edge
Riveted handles for secure handling
Base allows for easy standing
Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
#TOP 9

Thunder Group 12 Quart Aluminum Colander

ALHDCO002
Silver
Thunder Group 12 Quart Aluminum Colander Cover
Thunder Group ALHDCO002, 12 Quart Heavy Duty Aluminum Colander, Commercial Pasta Strainer

The Thunder Group Aluminum Colander is an essential kitchen tool for anyone who enjoys cooking. Its commercial-grade design makes it perfect for rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables, straining pasta, or blanching veggies. The footed base keeps your food elevated, ensuring better sanitation and effective draining. With two sturdy riveted handles, you can easily lift and carry the colander without worrying about spills. Made from high-quality aluminum, it is rust-resistant and maintains its shape, even with regular use. This colander is easy to clean, making it a convenient addition to your kitchenware.

What We Like
Durable aluminum construction
Footed base for sanitation
Easy to handle
Rust-resistant
#TOP 10

Carlisle FoodService 60279 Colander

Carlisle FoodService 60279 Colander Cover
Carlisle FoodService Products 60279 Dura-Ware Standard Weight Commercial Colander, 11 Quart

Carlisle Colander is a durable 11-quart colander perfect for draining large amounts of vegetables, fruits, and pasta. Its seamless aluminum construction with reinforced top edge ensures strength and longevity. The riveted handles provide a secure grip for easy handling, while the stable base allows it to stand independently. Being dishwasher safe, this colander offers convenience in cleaning after use.

What We Like
11-quart capacity
Seamless aluminum construction
Riveted handles for secure grip
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do you use colanders for?

A colander is a kitchen utensil that is primarily used to rinse vegetables or strain foods such as pasta. The bottom is perforated, which allows for water or liquid to drain through while holding on to the solids inside.

2. What is the standard size of a colander?

Though there seems to be one standard size, about 23 to 25 cm wide at the top (about 9 to 10 inches), you can get ones smaller and far larger than that. Larger ones may be used by professional cooks and home canners. Some colanders have feet right underneath of them coming out of the bottom of the bowl.

3. What is the difference between a colander a strainer and a sieve?

We commonly refer to both colanders and sieves as “strainers,” although technically we use a colander to drain (discarding liquids like pasta water) and a sieve to strain (saving liquids like broth for stock).

4. Are mesh colanders good?

"Fine mesh and perforated colanders do the job well because the drain holes are tiny and plentiful." The plastic bottom, however, has classic small dots to keep your grains from falling out.

Editor's Notes

During our commercial colander research, we found 24 commercial colander products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 29,727 customer reviews through our big data system to write the commercial colanders list. We found that most customers choose commercial colanders with an average price of $33.08.

The commercial colanders are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of commercial colanders, including Carlisle FoodService Products, AME D'ESSENCE, Thunder Group, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, CRESTWARE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.