Best Small Colanders of 2026
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Small colanders are a must-have kitchen tool for anyone who enjoys cooking. These handy little strainers are perfect for rinsing fruits and vegetables, draining pasta, and even sifting flour. Made from durable materials like stainless steel or silicone, small colanders come in a variety of sizes and colors to suit any kitchen decor. Whether you're a professional chef or just a home cook, a small colander is a versatile and essential tool that will make your kitchen tasks easier and more efficient. Plus, their compact size makes them easy to store in any kitchen drawer or cabinet.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Small Colanders
U.S. Kitchen Supply Oval Colander
The U.S. Kitchen Supply Oval Colander is a professional-grade, over-the-sink, stainless steel colander with a fine mesh net strainer basket and expandable rubber grip handles. It is easy to use and clean, with the ability to sift, strain, drain, and rinse small and large ingredients. The colander can be used to hold fruits and vegetables, making it a versatile kitchen tool.
DOPMEP Rice Washer Strainer Bowl
The DOPMEP Strainer Bowl is an essential kitchen tool made from high-quality, food-grade stainless steel, ensuring it is safe and durable for all your cooking needs. Its versatile design allows you to easily wash and drain a variety of foods, from rice to pasta and even fruits and vegetables. The efficient drainage system, with strategically placed holes, lets you quickly remove excess water while keeping your food intact. Plus, the unique slanted bottom helps liquids flow out effortlessly, making your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Colander
The OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Colander has elevated, non-slip handles for a comfortable grip and a perforated design for fast and thorough straining. It can be nested in mixing bowls for easy straining and storage, and has five feet for stability in the sink and on the countertop. It comes in 3 qt and 5 qt capacities.
Bellemain Metal Colander with Handle
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.
3 Pack Stainless Steel Colander Sieves
If you are tired of replacing your rusty and hard-to-clean food strainer, try Tiawudi's 3 Pack Stainless Steel Colander Sieves. These kitchen strainers are made of 18/8 stainless steel that is BPA, Lead, and Cadmium-free. They come in three different sizes and feature sturdy outer mirror finished wide rimmed framework design, rust-proof firm mesh netting, and riveted premium handles. These colanders are versatile and perfect for sifting, filtering, and straining both wet and dry ingredients. They are easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Plus, they come with a lifetime guarantee.
Gevoli Collapsible Colanders 3-Pack Set
The Gevoli Collapsible Colanders offer a handy set of three differently sized strainers that make food prep easier. Each colander has a unique draining base that lets water flow directly into your sink, keeping your counters dry and clean. This feature is perfect when your sink is full of dishes but you still need to drain pasta or rinse fruits and veggies. The set includes three sizes, so you can pick the right one for any task. Plus, these colanders collapse flat to save space, making storage simple and efficient in your kitchen cabinets or drawers. Their design fits most sinks, helping you drain without spills or messes.
OXO Good Grips Rice & Small Grains Colander
The OXO Good Grips Colander is designed to help you wash rice and small grains efficiently. It drains water at just the right speed to wash away dirt and impurities without losing grains. The water collects inside before draining, so you can easily see when your grains are fully clean. Its pour spout has extra holes that quickly remove extra water, making it easier to drain without spills. Plus, the comfortable, non-slip handles give you a secure grip, so shaking and pouring your grains feels safe and simple every time.
Gulex Colander Stainless Steel 3-Quart
The Gulex Stainless Steel Colander is a versatile kitchen tool that is perfect for draining water and oils from pasta, as well as cleaning vegetables and fruits. With its tiny and closely spaced holes, food drains quickly and efficiently, while the sturdy mesh ensures it won't warp or snag, even with heavy foods. The footed design facilitates fast and easy drainage, and the solid ring base keeps the colander from tipping over. Made of professional-grade 18/10, 304 stainless steel, this colander is rust-free and will never affect the taste of your food. The 3-quart capacity makes it suitable for small restaurants and food trucks. Overall, the Gulex Stainless Steel Colander is a durable and reliable kitchen tool that will make your food preparation tasks a breeze.
BLUE GINKGO Over the Sink Colander
The BLUE GINKGO Over the Sink Colander is a versatile kitchen tool, which can be used for rinsing vegetables, draining pasta, thawing frozen food, and drying dishes. With adjustable design and evenly spaced holes on the bottom, it is easy to use and saves space when not in use. This plastic colander is BPA-free, highly durable, sturdy, and heat-resistant up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. It's also dishwasher safe and won't rust.
Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Pot Strainer - Adjustable Silicone Clip On Strainer
The Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Pot Strainer is a versatile and space-saving kitchen accessory that easily snaps onto round pots, pans, and bowls of all sizes. It features a fine mesh strainer that allows you to strain your food while it stays in the pot, saving you time and hassle. This compact strainer is a must-have for any kitchen with limited counter space. The package includes one Snap N' Strain strainer in Lime Green, designed and manufactured by Kitchen Gizmo.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What sizes do colanders come in?
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.
2. What is a small strainer called?
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).
3. Are colanders and strainers the same thing?
Size and shape: Colanders are typically larger than strainers and feature a base to stand independently. Filtration level: Colanders usually have bigger holes throughout, providing a moderate level of filtration (some modern colanders have borrowed the stainless steel mesh of strainers).
During our small colander research, we found 24 small colander products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 387,450 customer reviews through our big data system to write the small colanders list. We found that most customers choose small colanders with an average price of $17.26.
The small colanders are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of small colanders, including U.S. Kitchen Supply, DOPMEP, OXO, Bellemain, Tiawudi. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 6,473 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
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.