Rösle
Rösle Stainless Steel Round Handle Kitchen Strainer
$56
Colander / Strainer · RANK 03
Bellemain
Bellemain Micro-Perforated Stainless Steel 5-Quart Colander
Serious Eats ranked this colander first for its wide basket, evenly spaced holes, and easy-grip handles at roughly $18. 18/8 steel and riveted handles outperform pricier rivals in test-kitchen comparisons.
$18 typical
EDITION 01RESEARCHED 2026-07-203 SOURCESREFRESH DUE 2027-01
SUBSTANCE SCORES
substance9.0/ 10
design6.0/ 10
value8.0/ 10
WHY THE PRICE IS JUSTIFIED
At about $18, this is construction-led value: 18/8 steel, 2 mm micro-perforations, a 1.125-inch pedestal, and riveted handles. Independent tests singled out its basket, hole placement, drainage, and clearance.
MATERIALS
Body and pedestal18/8 stainless steel
Rust-resistant, food-safe steel gives a much longer useful life than low-cost plastic.
Handle attachmentStainless-steel rivets
Mechanical attachment is stronger under a full pot load than a flimsy spot weld.
CRITERIA
9/10
Drain Geometry
Evenly spaced approximately 2 mm micro-perforations drain rapidly while retaining small foods.
9/10
Sink Clearance
Tall pedestal base keeps the bowl above basin water.
9/10
Capacity & Shape
Deep 5-qt bowl is appropriate for normal pasta-pot loads.
8/10
Handle Ergonomics
Large riveted loop handles are easy to hold but conduct heat.
9/10
Cleanability
Single pierced sheet is easier to rinse than wire mesh.
9/10
Material & Joinery
18/8 body and riveted handles are unusually robust in this price band.
10/10
Style Fit
Works for pasta, produce, and grains including quinoa.
IDEAL FOR
- ·Best value daily colander
- ·Pasta and produce
- ·Quinoa, rice, and orzo
NOT FOR
- ·Fine sauce straining
- ·Users needing insulated handles
DESIGN & ERGONOMICS
Industrial but handsome. Its wide basket and big loop handles make it unusually confidence-inspiring at this price; steel handles can get hot.
LONGEVITY
High for the price: stainless body and rivets should tolerate years of dishwasher use; no proprietary parts.
PRODUCT PHOTOS
EVIDENCE (3)
www.seriouseats.com
www.americastestkitchen.com
www.target.com
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Part of Colander / Strainer · Edition 01 — see the full ranking