Bellemain
Bellemain Micro-Perforated Stainless Steel 5-Quart Colander
$18
Colander / Strainer · RANK 05
OXO
OXO Good Grips 8-Inch Fine Mesh Strainer
Serious Eats rated this among the best fine-mesh strainers despite its low price, citing the grippy handle and sturdy double-rod frame. Better suited to sauces and grains than bulk pasta.
$25 typical
EDITION 01RESEARCHED 2026-07-202 SOURCESREFRESH DUE 2027-01
SUBSTANCE SCORES
substance8.4/ 10
design8.0/ 10
value7.6/ 10
WHY THE PRICE IS JUSTIFIED
This is a meaningful engineering upgrade over generic mesh: double-rod reinforcement, stable resting loop, and a high-grip handle. Serious Eats found it among the best tested at a wallet-friendly price.
MATERIALS
Mesh and double-rod frameStainless steel
The reinforced frame resists the bowing and bending common in cheap wire strainers.
GripThermoplastic elastomer
Provides secure control with wet hands and hot contents.
CRITERIA
8/10
Drain Geometry
Fine taut mesh covers general sauces, berries, grains, and sifting; not the absolute finest weave.
8/10
Sink Clearance
Resting loop stabilizes it over bowls and pots.
8/10
Capacity & Shape
Deep 8-inch basket is a versatile everyday sieve size.
10/10
Handle Ergonomics
Independent testing praised the grippy handle; it stays controllable when wet.
7/10
Cleanability
Single mesh is manageable but needs prompt rinsing after starch.
9/10
Material & Joinery
Extra-sturdy stainless double-rod construction resists flex.
10/10
Style Fit
Right subtype for sauces, baking, berries, and small grains—not a pasta bowl replacement.
IDEAL FOR
- ·Sauces and stocks
- ·Rinsing grains and berries
- ·Sifting flour and sugar
NOT FOR
- ·Large pasta pots
- ·Ultra-fine consommé work
DESIGN & ERGONOMICS
Excellent tactile design—comfortable, grippy, and stable over a bowl. Its mesh is less convenient to scrub than a perforated colander, as expected.
LONGEVITY
High for a mesh sieve: reinforced double-rod frame addresses the usual bending failure. Mesh is not economically repairable if crushed.
PRODUCT PHOTOS
EVIDENCE (2)
www.seriouseats.com
www.amazon.com
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BUDGET
$8.00
Part of Colander / Strainer · Edition 01 — see the full ranking