Best Pasta Strainer – Top 9 Options

Cooking pasta is an art form. Professional chefs and home cooks alike revere the ability to get it perfectly Al dente. Accomplishing this feat means cooking it just long enough and then removing it from the boiling water at the perfect point of doneness. For that, you need a pasta strainer. The question we will answer today is what is the best pasta strainer.

If you have asked yourself this question, keep reading.

This guide will look at the different types of pasta strainers, what you should look for in a strainer, and list our top picks.

Quick Summary

Here’s a quick summary of our top picks and why we selected them:

Types of Pasta Strainers

There are many different kitchen tools you can use to drain pasta. In a pinch, you can even use a plate or fork to hold it back as you pour off the water, but this can be dangerous and often leads to waste. It is always best to use a specialized tool. Here are several different types of strainers you can use when draining pasta.

Stainless Steel Colander Strainer

A stainless steel colander is our first choice for draining pasta. Most have heavy-duty construction that can stand up to rinsing fruit and washing vegetables. They will sit in your kitchen sink, minimizing clean up, and come with different sizes of holes to fit your particular needs.

Plastic Colanders

Plastic colanders are much the same as metal ones but aren’t as sturdy. Generally, plastic colanders are cheaper than stainless models, but you get what you pay for. If you buy a plastic colander, be sure it is BPA-free.

Fine Mesh Strainers

Fine mesh strainers come in many different sizes, from teacup-sized models to bowls that work much like a colander. While not as sturdy as colanders, they can be a kitchen workhorse doing double-duty rinsing rice as well as draining angel hair pasta. The best of these strainers will have stainless steel mesh.

One drawback to a mesh colander is their tiny holes can be difficult to clean.

Clip-On Strainers

Clip-on Strainers are made to attach to the rim of a pot or pan and let you simply pour the boiling water or other liquids away. Beyond being great for cooking pasta, they are excellent for making broths because they allow straining the fluids into a bowl or other pot while retaining the solids.

Over-the-Sink Collander/Strainer

Over-the-sink colander/strainers can come in many different styles, from slotted models to perforated bowl designs and even sturdy mesh baskets. These strainers are excellent for rinsing fruits, and most drain quickly without allowing the pasta to escape. The best have expandable arms to fit many different-sized sinks.

Their defining characteristic is their ability to be bridged over the sink. All allow hand-free use.

Things to Consider When Buying a Pasta Strainer

Cost

No matter what you are buying, you always want to make sure you get usability for your money, but the higher your budget, the more options you will have to choose from. That being said, with careful shopping, there is no reason you can’t find a high-quality, durable colander that is within your budget.

Material

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel remains the choice of most food professionals and home cooks alike. It is dishwasher safe, rust-resistant, and doesn’t absorb odors. If you can have just one colander, make it stainless.

Plastic

Budget-minded shoppers can find excellent deals on a plastic colander that is very functional, but not as durable as metal models. For health reasons, if you buy a plastic colander, be sure it is BPA-free.

Silicone

The new kid on the block for straining pasta or liquids from other foods is silicone. While the jury is still out, this flexible, durable, heat-resistant material has won many fans and is gaining market share quickly.

Most of the silicone strainers you will see are clip-on models, and they dominate this market sector.

Storage Space

For many people, storage space in their kitchen is an issue. Large stainless steel colanders can take up a lot of space, and a small colander may have limited utility. In a small kitchen, a fine mesh strainer or silicon clip-on model that can be stored in a kitchen drawer might be the best colander option.

If space is not an issue, then a stainless steel colander set that nests together is ideal and easy to store.

Useability

Strainers are used for more than cleaning greens and fruits or to drain water off of spaghetti. They can be used to make stock, rinse food, wash potatoes, sift flour, or rinse grains.

One major factor that affects the usability of colanders is the size of their holes. Small holes may clog easily with soft foods, and larger holes can let fine noodles and small foods escape. You also want to be sure there are enough holes that the design doesn’t allow water to pool.

Two other features to take into account, especially if you choose a colander or bowl type mesh strainer, is that they have a sturdy base that allows them to sit firmly in place and handles that provide a comfortable grip.

Construction

How they are built is what commonly separates the best colanders from other models. Heavy-duty construction is a must-have if you want a colander that will stand the test of time. Look for well-laid out holes, welded or riveted seams, handles, and legs, and sturdy steel mesh if you choose a colander strainer.

Size

There is no such thing as a one size fits all colander. Small colanders are handy for rinsing a few berries or cleaning greens for a single salad or smoothie. A Large colander is great for feeding a crowd or bulky items like fruits and vegetables.

Only you can know what your needs are and what size colander will best fit your lifestyle.

Best Colanders

OXO Good Grips 5-Quart Stainless-Steel Colander

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OXO is quickly making a name for itself with its ‘Good Grips’ line, and this colander carries on that trend. A composite design combining comfortable non-slip handles and feet with a perforated stainless steel bowl makes this colander easy to use but also provides rugged durability. The handles and feet make it easy to maneuver and keep it from sliding in your kitchen sink. It definitely tops our lour best colander list.

Pros

Non-slip handles for a comfortable grip

Available in 3 and 5-quart models

Dishwasher safe

Five feet for stability

BPA free

Cons

Large holes may let some small foods like rice escape

Some users feel the legs are shorter than they should be

LiveFresh Stainless Steel Micro-Perforated 5-Quart Colander

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Designed to deliver professional performance at consumer prices, the LiveFesh Micro-Perforated Colander has a dense hole pattern that allows water to flow freely into the sink with little to no chance of pooling. A true kitchen workhorse, it features riveted handles for strength and a rings base to keep it stable in your sink.

Pros

Micro holes suitable for rinsing rice and other grains

Stable ring base to keep it steady in your sink

Rugged construction

Dishwasher safe

Cons

Tiny holes can be difficult to clean

Some users have complained of holes clogging and causing pooling

The design may be shallow for some uses

Ovente Stainless Steel Deep Colander 3 Piece Kitchen Strainer Set

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A top choice as a pasta strainer, this colander set comes with three pans ( 1.5, 3, and 5 quarts), so you can drain pasta for yourself or the entire family. Large holes won’t clog, and the handles held in place with heavy-duty rivets won’t work loose even when straining the large batches of food. These stainless steel colanders are built to last.

Pros

Contoured handles are comfortable to hold

Nesting design makes them easy to store

rugged construction for durability

Easy cleaning with soap and water or in dishwasher

Cons

Holes may be too big for washing some types of rice or fine grains

Some buyers complained of manufacturers’ stickers being hard to remove.

Users have complained of water pooling in the bottom of the colanders

Best Mesh Strainers for Pasta

U.S. Kitchen Supply 3 Quart Stainless Steel Mesh Net Straining Basket

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This is a professional grade colander/strainer basket that will outperform most colanders as a pasta strainer or rice washing basket. Made of framed fine wire mesh with a supporting ring and legs on the bottom, it performs as a mesh strainer but in colander bowl form

Pros

Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning

Allows water and other fluids to drain easily

It can double as a large sifter or steamer basket

Excellent for draining stock or rinsing potatoes and vegetables

Cons

It can trap food particles in the lip, making it difficult to clean

Some users have reported issues with welds breaking on the bottom ring (legs)

Kafoor 9″ Large Fine Mesh Strainer With Thermoplastic Handle