IKEA

IKEA IDEALISK Colander

Name: IKEA IDEALISK Colander
Brand: IKEA

budget

Extendable stainless arms suspend this rounded bowl above the sink without any mesh to scrub, solving backwash for about $8. The Kitchn named it the standout budget colander in its testing.

$8.00 typical

Check availability

EDITION 01RESEARCHED 2026-07-202 SOURCESREFRESH DUE 2027-01

SUBSTANCE SCORES

substance8.3/ 10

design7.0/ 10

value7.2/ 10

WHY THE PRICE IS JUSTIFIED

This is the genuine budget pick: almost all of its tiny price buys a useful stainless, non-mesh over-sink structure. Its extendable arms solve the backwash problem normally associated with more expensive designs.

MATERIALS

Bowl and baseStainless steel

More heat-tolerant and durable than cheap all-plastic options, while remaining simple to clean.

Handle gripsPolyethylene plastic

Provides a more comfortable non-slip contact surface on the extendable arms.

CRITERIA

8/10

Drain Geometry

Small evenly distributed perforations work for routine pasta and produce.

9/10

Sink Clearance

Extendable arms suspend the bowl above the sink floor.

8/10

Capacity & Shape

Approximately 4.5-qt practical capacity suits everyday loads.

8/10

Handle Ergonomics

Extendable arms double as handles and sink supports.

9/10

Cleanability

Rigid perforated steel has no fine-mesh debris trap.

7/10

Material & Joinery

Stainless body is strong value, but avoid extreme overload at the handle connections.

9/10

Style Fit

Best budget choice for hands-free pasta, produce, and grain rinsing.

IDEAL FOR

·Excellent budget purchase
·Over-sink hands-free draining
·Small kitchens

NOT FOR

·Very heavy dense loads
·Extra-narrow or unusually wide sinks

DESIGN & ERGONOMICS

Simple, light, and unusually clever. The oblong over-sink form keeps food elevated and leaves both hands free; it is attractive in a restrained Scandinavian way.