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Best Colanders 2026: 5 Compared
WriterPickly Editorial
Updated 2026-11-03
A colander looks simple, but the choices that matter are material, capacity, how it stands in the sink and whether it folds away: a steel bowl, a plastic one and a collapsible silicone one each suit a different kitchen.
Quick answer
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel is the first pick here at $31.99 on Amazon US on November 3, 2026, with raised non-slip handles, three feet and a nesting shape per the listing. The EXCELSTEEL 5 Qt is the budget steel option at $14.99, the Bellemain 5 Qt has micro-perforations at $19.99, the QiMH folds flat at $12.99, and the OXO plastic 3 Qt is the smallest and lightest at $11.99.
📋How we compared
We did not use these colanders ourselves. Judging how fast they drain and how they hold up needs repeated use with the same food, which we cannot do. This comparison is built from the product titles and feature lists on the Amazon US listings, retrieved through the Amazon Creators API on November 3, 2026, and general knowledge of how colanders work. Every specification and benefit is the seller's own claim. Prices change often, so check the retailer.
⭐ First pick: The OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel colander is a 5 quart steel bowl whose listing describes an all-over perforated design for quick draining. It has elevated non-slip handles, three raised feet for stability and a shape that nests inside mixing bowls.
Top picks ↓Related articles
1★ Best Pick⭐ First pickOXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Colander 5 Qt
Check that you select the 5 qt size, since the OXO listing also offers 3 qt.
The OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel colander is a 5 quart steel bowl whose listing describes an all-over perforated design for quick draining. It has elevated non-slip handles, three raised feet for stability and a shape that nests inside mixing bowls. On Amazon US it was $31.99 on November 3, 2026, the highest price here.
Pros
- ✓Raised non-slip handles, per the listing
- ✓Three feet for stability in the sink
- ✓Nests inside mixing bowls
Cons
- ✗Highest price of the five
- ✗Rigid bowl takes cupboard space
2💰 Budget steelEXCELSTEEL Stainless Steel Colander 5 Qt
Confirm the 5 qt size and that you want the plain bowl, not a multi-pack.
The EXCELSTEEL is a 5 quart stainless steel colander with easy grip handles and a mirror polished finish. The listing says it is lightweight and dishwasher safe. On Amazon US it was $14.99 on November 3, 2026.
Pros
- ✓Steel at a low price
- ✓Easy grip handles, per the listing
- ✓Dishwasher safe, per the listing
Cons
- ✗Short listing with few details
- ✗Mirror finish shows water marks
3🍚 Fine holesBellemain Micro-Perforated Stainless Steel Colander 5 Qt
Confirm the 5 qt size, since similar Bellemain listings offer a 3 and 5 qt set at a different price.
The Bellemain is a 5 quart stainless steel colander. The listing describes micro-perforations for quick draining of rice and quinoa as well as pasta, riveted looped handles and a solid ring base. On Amazon US it was $19.99 on November 3, 2026.
Pros
- ✓Micro-perforations, per the listing
- ✓Riveted looped handles
- ✓Solid ring base
Cons
- ✗Costs more than the EXCELSTEEL
- ✗Fine holes may need rinsing after use
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4📦 Folds flatQiMH Collapsible Colander 5 Qt
Check the 5 qt size and the colour, and read the heat guidance before using it with boiling water.
The QiMH is a collapsible 5 quart colander in silicone and plastic. The listing says it folds to save cupboard space and can be used in or over a sink or standing on a counter. On Amazon US it was $12.99 on November 3, 2026.
Pros
- ✓Folds flat for storage
- ✓Use in or over a sink, per the listing
- ✓Low price for a 5 quart size
Cons
- ✗Less rigid than a steel bowl
- ✗The listing mentions rubber and plastic as well as silicone
5🪶 Light and smallOXO Good Grips Plastic Colander 3 Qt
Confirm the 3 qt size is enough for the portions you cook.
The OXO Good Grips Plastic is a 3 quart white colander. The listing describes elongated holes for fast draining, non-slip handles and contoured feet for stability in the sink. On Amazon US it was $11.99 on November 3, 2026.
Pros
- ✓Lowest price here
- ✓Non-slip handles and contoured feet
- ✓Dishwasher safe, per the listing
Cons
- ✗Only 3 quarts
- ✗Plastic rather than steel
Material and capacity
Three of the five are stainless steel, and the listings describe them as dishwasher safe. The OXO plastic model holds 3 quarts, the QiMH is listed at 5 quarts in silicone and plastic, and the OXO steel, EXCELSTEEL and Bellemain are listed at 5 quarts. A 5 quart size suits a full pot of pasta, while 3 quarts is enough for a side of vegetables.
Handles, feet and holes
The OXO steel listing mentions elevated non-slip handles and three raised feet that keep it steady in the sink, and the OXO plastic listing describes contoured feet. The Bellemain listing describes micro-perforations and riveted looped handles, and the EXCELSTEEL listing says easy grip handles. Check how the handles will feel with hot water in the bowl.
Storage
The OXO steel colander is described as nesting inside mixing bowls, and the QiMH folds flat, which is the clearest storage gain here. The EXCELSTEEL and Bellemain are plain bowls that take up the same space whether in use or not.
Frequently asked questions
Steel, plastic or silicone?▼
Which size should I get?▼
Is a collapsible colander as good as a rigid one?▼
Check the details of the products in this article
- OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Colander 5 Qt$31.96Price as of 2026-11-05
- EXCELSTEEL Stainless Steel Colander 5 Qt$14.99Price as of 2026-11-05
- Bellemain Micro-Perforated Stainless Steel Colander 5 Qt$19.99Price as of 2026-11-05
- QiMH Collapsible Colander 5 Qt$12.99Price as of 2026-11-05
- OXO Good Grips Plastic Colander 3 Qt$11.99Price as of 2026-11-05
Prices change. Check the retailer for the current price.
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