Prep Tools

Colander

Big perforated bowl for draining pasta and washing greens

A large perforated bowl that drains pasta, rinses greens, and washes berries fast. The wide holes let water rush out while keeping food in. A footed base lets it stand in the sink so you can pour with both hands.

A colander is a large perforated bowl that drains pasta, rinses greens, and washes berries quickly, with wide holes that let water rush out while keeping the food in. A footed base lets it stand in the sink so you can pour the pot with both hands. It's the no-fuss choice for big, fast draining jobs.

Types & varieties

Footed colander

Stands on its own base in the sink so you can pour two-handed. The most useful design.

Handled colander

Side handles for lifting and shaking; better held than free-standing.

Collapsible silicone

Folds flat for storage; convenient in small kitchens, slightly less sturdy.

Over-the-sink colander

Extending arms that span the sink so it can't tip while you pour.

Colander vs. strainer

The big difference is hole size: a colander's wide holes drain fast but let small foods (orzo, quinoa, peas) slip through, where a fine strainer would catch them. Use a colander for pasta, potatoes, and washing produce; reach for a fine-mesh strainer when the food is small or you want a clear liquid.

Wide holes = fast draining, not for tiny grains
A footed base frees both hands to lift the pot
Reserve some pasta water before you drain
Don't drain very small foods — use a fine strainer

Common uses

Draining pasta and potatoesWashing salad greens and herbsRinsing berries and fresh produceDraining and rinsing canned beansThawing frozen vegetables under running waterHolding washed produce to drip-dry

Tips & pitfalls

Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining — it loosens and binds sauces.
Don't rinse pasta destined for sauce; the surface starch helps sauce cling.
Set the colander in the sink first, then pour — never balance a hot pot one-handed.
Wash leafy greens in the colander, then spin or pat them dry before dressing.
Tiny foods like couscous or peas slip through — switch to a fine-mesh strainer.