Colanders, sieves and strainers – essential tools for any kitchen
Colanders, sieves and strainers are true kitchen essentials. They make draining, rinsing and straining simple, whether you’re preparing a quick weekday meal or baking a cake for guests. The right tool makes your work easier – and your results better.
At Kitchen Living Dining, we have years of experience in selecting functional and durable kitchenware. That’s why our collection includes everything from traditional colanders in stainless steel to colourful plastic models and compact, smaller designs. Every item is carefully chosen for its functionality, ease of use, and reliable quality.
You’ll find large colanders for boiling pasta, fine-mesh sieves for baking, and lightweight strainers perfect for rinsing fruit, rice or quinoa. Whether you cook for one or for a whole family, you’ll notice the difference with the right kitchen tools.
What’s the difference between a colander and a sieve?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, colanders and sieves serve different functions in the kitchen – and choosing the right one makes your prep work easier and more effective:
- A colander typically has large holes and is used to drain water from foods like pasta, boiled potatoes or rinsed vegetables. It's ideal when working with larger quantities and fits easily into the sink. Look for a plastic colander for everyday use or a stainless-steel version for added heat resistance.
- A sieve – also known as a fine-mesh strainer – has finer holes and is ideal for rinsing smaller ingredients like rice, quinoa, or berries. It's also great for straining soups or broths and filtering out seeds or herbs.
- A fine-mesh sieve is essential for baking – perfect for sifting flour, icing sugar or cocoa powder to avoid clumps and ensure smooth, airy textures. It’s also used for dusting desserts before serving.
In most kitchens, it's worth having both tools on hand – one for handling volume and draining, the other for precision and delicate work.
Which material should I choose for my colander, strainer, or sieve?
Choosing the right material depends on how you use your kitchen – whether you're cooking daily meals, preparing dinner, or baking with precision.
- Stainless steel: A strong and durable choice that handles heat with ease. Ideal for draining boiling pasta, rinsing steamed vegetables or sieving hot liquids like soup or stock. Stainless steel sieves are also excellent for straining sauces, rinsing vegetables, or removing herbs and particles when clarity and hygiene matter. Their robust construction makes them a reliable long-term investment in any kitchen.
- Plastic: Lightweight, easy to grip and often dishwasher safe, plastic colanders are perfect for everyday tasks. Use them for rinsing fresh fruit, draining salad greens, or washing potatoes. They're also great for families with kids – easy to clean, hard to break, and often available in bright colours. Rosti’s classic designs offer both practicality and a pop of colour on the countertop.
Many home cooks benefit from having both types on hand – one for heavy-duty cooking, and the other for lighter, everyday rinsing and draining.
Practical uses: When to use a colander vs. a sieve
Colanders are perfect for:
- Draining pasta or noodles
- Rinsing fresh vegetables or salad
- Draining boiled potatoes, cauliflower or legumes
- Rinsing fruit like grapes or berries
- Pouring off water directly from the pot
Sieves and fine-mesh strainers are best for:
- Sifting flour or icing sugar before baking
- Dusting cocoa or powdered sugar over desserts
- Rinsing smaller grains like quinoa or rice
- Filtering sauces or removing herbs from stock
- Straining juice or homemade syrups
Having both options in your kitchen ensures flexibility – so you’re ready for any recipe.
Choose Kitchen tools from trusted Scandinavian brands
When it comes to reliable kitchen tools, design and practicality should go hand in hand. That’s why we’ve carefully selected two trusted Scandinavian brands for our collection that we use at home in our own kitchens – each with their own story, strengths and purpose in the kitchen.
Rosti
Known across generations for its iconic Margrethe mixing bowl, Rosti stands for timeless Danish design with a colourful twist. Their plastic colanders and sieves are light, functional and built to last – perfect for families and everyday cooking.
Rosti is a favourite in kitchens where design matters just as much as durability. Their pieces are easy to use, easy to clean, and a joy to bring to the table or sink.
Funktion
True to its name, Funktion (Function red.) delivers honest, no-nonsense tools for cooks who care about value and performance. Their stainless-steel colanders and mesh strainers are sturdy, heat-resistant and designed to handle the demands of daily use – whether you’re draining pasta or sieving a smooth sauce.
If you prefer a practical solution without compromise, Funktion is a dependable choice.
With Rosti and Funktion, you’re in good hands – whether you cook every day or just want kitchen tools that work when you need them.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about colanders, sieves and strainers
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What is the difference between a colander, a sieve and a strainer?
A colander has large holes and is ideal for draining water from pasta, vegetables or potatoes. A sieve (or fine-mesh strainer) has smaller holes and is better for rinsing grains or filtering sauces. A strainer is often used as a general term for any type of sieve or draining tool.
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What can I use a kitchen sieve for?
Kitchen sieves are perfect for rinsing rice, quinoa or berries, as well as straining liquids like soup or stock. Fine-mesh sieves are also great for sifting flour, cocoa or icing sugar in baking.
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Can colanders and sieves go in the dishwasher?
Yes – most plastic colanders and stainless-steel sieves are dishwasher safe. We recommend checking the individual product manual to be sure, though.
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What size colander should I choose?
A large colander is ideal for draining pasta or potatoes when cooking for several people. A smaller model is useful for rinsing fruit or vegetables for everyday meals.
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Is a colander the same as a salad spinner?
No. A salad spinner removes water using centrifugal force, while a colander simply lets water drain through holes. They serve different purposes.
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Are plastic or stainless-steel colanders better?
It depends on your needs. Plastic colanders are lightweight and great for everyday rinsing. Stainless steel colanders are heat-resistant and ideal for hot foods like pasta or boiled vegetables.
Shop colanders, sieves and strainers online at Kitchen Living Dining
At Kitchen Living Dining, we believe the right kitchen tools make all the difference. A good colander doesn’t just help you drain pasta – it helps you cook more confidently, clean more efficiently, and enjoy your time in the kitchen.
That’s why we offer a curated selection of colanders and sieves in different materials, sizes and designs – all chosen for quality and practicality. And with our fast delivery in 3-5 business days, free shipping over €50 and 30-day return policy, you can shop with total peace of mind.
Explore our selection and find:
- Stainless steel colanders – durable and heat-resistant
- Plastic colanders – colourful, practical and lightweight
- Fine-mesh strainers – for baking and filtering
Whether you’re a passionate home baker or just need a better way to rinse fruit, we’ve got you covered.
🖊️ This text was developed by Kitchen Living Dining’s marketing team in collaboration with our kitchenware product specialists.