As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links do not affect our ratings. Learn more.

Best Non-Toxic Colanders & Strainers

We vetted colanders & strainers against the Welpr Standard and here are our top picks.

Camille May

Cofounder & Product Curator

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Medical Reviewer, PhD

Here's what we look for:

Materials like stainless steel, ceramic, glass, or food-grade silicone
Free from bisphenols, phthalates, and heavy metals like lead and cadmium
Free from coatings or finishes like PFAS
Transparent sourcing, materials, and manufacturing practices

Best Non-Toxic Colanders and Strainers

On Welpr, terms like "non-toxic," "safer," "cleaner," "healthier," and "vetted" are editorial labels based on our own standard for product assessment. They are not guarantees, certifications, or medical claims. Learn more.

Top Pick

OXO

Stainless Steel Colander (5 Qt)

Highlights: Dishwasher safe, Money-back guarantee, Standard bowl, 5 qt, Medium holes

9.3

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price

Pros

Rubber feet keep it stable on counters and in sinks, even when pouring heavy loads like pasta or potatoes.
Hole size is small enough to retain berries and small foods while still draining water quickly.
Thick, sturdy stainless steel that resists denting and deforming, unlike thin metal or plastic alternatives.
Rubber handles provide a solid grip, and the feet protect counters and sinks from scratches.
Fits easily in the dishwasher, and the compact handles and feet don't take up much extra space.

Cons

The many small perforations can trap food residue, especially starchy pasta water, and take real effort to scrub clean.
The 5 Qt size may be too large for smaller sinks.
The edges around the holes can feel slightly sharp to the touch.

Full stainless steel construction with an all-over perforated pattern for quick, even drainage when straining pasta, rinsing vegetables, or washing fruit.
Raised feet on the base let you set it in the sink or on the countertop hands-free while water drains, so you're not holding it the entire time.
The handles are elevated above the rim and have a non-slip grip, which helps when you're lifting a full pot's worth of pasta with wet hands.
Nests inside OXO's stainless steel mixing bowls, so you can use them as a pair for rinsing and then tuck the colander inside for storage.
For anyone building out a set of non-toxic colanders and strainers, stainless steel avoids the material concerns that come with plastic options. OXO backs this one with a lifetime guarantee.

Free email mini-course

Welpr Blueprint: Go Non-Toxic Mini-Course

The 80/20 guide to going non-toxic the easy way.

Budget Pick

P&P CHEF

Stainless Steel Colander (Set of 2)

Highlights: Dishwasher safe, Food-contact safe, Standard bowl, 3 qt, Micro perforations

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price

Two colanders in different sizes (small and medium) so you can use the smaller one for things like berries and the larger one for pasta or vegetables.
Micro-perforated rather than slotted, meaning the drainage holes are small and dense enough to keep tiny foods from slipping through while still draining quickly.
Triple feet on the bottom let it sit in the sink on its own, so you don't have to hold it while water drains.
The handles are shaped so the colander can rest across a mixing bowl for draining, or hang on a wall hook for storage.
P&P CHEF focuses on uncoated stainless steel kitchenware, so these fall in line with their approach to non-toxic colanders & strainers that skip coatings entirely.

TeamFar

Stainless Steel Colander (5 Qt)

Highlights: Dishwasher safe, Standard bowl, 5 qt, Micro perforations

9.0

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price

Pros

Lightweight but sturdy construction; multiple people noted solid build quality and welded legs that keep the colander stable in the sink.
The three sizes nest together and take up less storage space than wire mesh alternatives.
Easy to clean compared to wire mesh colanders, though food can get stuck in the small holes.
Fits well inside Instant Pot inserts and works as a yogurt strainer or general-purpose strainer, not just a pasta colander.

Cons

The 3-quart size looks smaller in person than expected; a few people were surprised by the dimensions.
The bottom holes are about 2mm in diameter, which is too large to catch very small items like flax seeds, rice, or quinoa.
One person reported rust developing after about a year of use.
Legs on the bottom are short, so the colander sits low in the sink.

Micro-perforated holes cover the entire surface, so water drains quickly without needing to tilt the colander (and risk dumping your pasta into the sink).
The perforations are small enough to contain things like nuts, spaghetti, and small noodles that would slip through a traditional large-hole colander.
Three raised feet on the base let it sit in the sink on its own, keeping food elevated above standing water while you drain.
Pure stainless steel with no coatings, which matters if you're specifically shopping for non-toxic colanders & strainers to avoid plastic contact with hot food.
Handles are welded on rather than riveted or screwed, so there's no hardware to loosen over time. They also double as hooks for hanging storage.

P&P CHEF

Stainless Steel Colander (Set of 3)

Highlights: Dishwasher safe, Food-contact safe, Standard bowl, 5.0 qt, Micro perforations

8.9

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price

Pros

Drains well with minimal pooling at the bottom, which multiple people noted as an improvement over their previous colanders.
The bottom design keeps them stable in the sink, even across different sizes.
Shorter profile and stackable design make them easy to store in tight spaces.
Included lids add versatility for storing leftovers directly in the bowls.

Cons

One person reported rust spots appearing after only a few uses.
One person had a handle break off during use with boiling water.

Three colanders in 1, 3, and 5 quart sizes that nest together for storage. The smallest works for berries and small fruits, the medium handles a couple servings of pasta, and the largest covers full family meals.
Micro-perforated holes (small and densely spaced) drain water quickly while keeping smaller foods like rice or raspberries from slipping through. Traditional colanders with large round holes can't do that.
Each colander has triple feet on the base, so you can set it in the sink and let it drain hands-free rather than holding it over the pot like a handheld strainer.
P&P CHEF focuses on uncoated stainless steel kitchenware, so these colanders have no non-stick coatings or plastic components that could degrade over time. For anyone building out a set of non-toxic colanders & strainers, the material is straightforward.
Double side handles on each size make it easier to grip when full and heavy, and the handles double as hanging hooks if you store your kitchen tools on a rail.

All-Clad

Stainless Steel Colander (5 Qt)

Highlights: Dishwasher safe, Lifetime warranty, Standard bowl, 5 qt, Medium holes

8.7

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price

Pros

Heavy-gauge stainless steel that feels substantial and durable in hand.
Drains quickly and thoroughly without needing to shake water out.
Easy to clean.
The 1.5-quart size works well for small tasks like rinsing berries.

Cons

One person noticed rough scratches on the inside bottom where the base was attached, giving it an unfinished look.
Multiple people found the product was made in China despite expecting U.S. manufacturing.

Heavy-gauge stainless steel construction with no coatings or linings, making it a straightforward option if you're shopping for non-toxic colanders & strainers.
Graduated holes (a mix of larger and smaller openings) let water drain quickly while also allowing air to circulate, which is useful if you store produce like onions or potatoes in it between uses.
The pedestal base keeps the colander elevated above the sink or countertop, so drained liquid flows away rather than pooling underneath.
Roller edges along the rim are shaped to channel water when you pour, reducing drips down the outside.
Handles are riveted rather than welded or screwed on, and the colander can double as a steamer insert over a pot for double-boiler use.
Designed in Canonsburg, PA (where All-Clad has been based since 1971), though this piece is manufactured in China rather than their Pennsylvania facility.

All-Clad

Stainless Steel Colander (3 Qt)

Highlights: Dishwasher safe, Lifetime warranty, Standard bowl, 3 qt, Medium holes

8.7

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price

Pros

Heavy-gauge stainless steel with noticeable heft; multiple people describe it as built to last decades.
Drains quickly and thoroughly without needing to shake water out.
Easy to clean.
The 1.5-quart size works well for small tasks like rinsing berries.

Cons

One person noticed visible scratches and rough finishing on the inside of the bowl where the base was attached.
Listed as engineered and assembled in the USA, but the packaging indicates it is made in China.

Heavy-gauge 18/10 stainless steel construction, so there's no plastic or silicone touching your food. For anyone building a kitchen around non-toxic colanders & strainers, it's a straightforward material choice.
The holes are graduated: larger near the rim, smaller at the base. This is meant to speed up drainage and allow air circulation, though some users note the smaller holes can hold water due to surface tension.
Slightly taller and narrower than most colanders, which makes it easier to store and fit in a standard sink without taking up as much counter space.
Rolled edges around the rim are designed to let you pour liquid off without dripping down the outside.
All-Clad started as a metallurgy company in Canonsburg, PA in 1971. Their cookware is designed there, though this colander is manufactured in China.

COMPORT K

Stainless Steel Strainers with Handles (Set of 3)

Highlights: Dishwasher safe, Standard bowl, 8 qt, Micro perforations

8.7

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price

Pros

Sturdy, heavy-duty construction with sides that won't flex, even under pressure.
The feet on the bottom keep it elevated off the counter or sink, so water drains freely without pooling underneath.
Stacks neatly for storage, which helps in tight cabinets.
Smaller perforations catch pasta and fine particles that slip through standard colanders.
The long handle on the strainer variants keeps hands away from boiling water when draining pasta.
Cleans easily in the dishwasher with no issues.

Cons

The colander variants lack handles, which a few people found inconvenient.
One person noted they don't fully dry in the dishwasher due to all the perforations.

Three nesting colanders in graduated sizes, so they stack into one compact unit for storage instead of taking up three spots in your cabinet.
Micro-perforated holes instead of mesh or large slots. The smaller perforations drain water quickly while keeping fine grains like rice, quinoa, and orzo from slipping through.
Integrated handles on each piece give you a two-handed grip when pouring off hot water, and the solid base sits flat on a countertop or in a sink so food stays elevated while it drains.
Manufactured in Korea by NewTech Co., Ltd., a company focused specifically on stainless steel kitchenware. The construction is noticeably thicker than typical colanders, which helps prevent warping under heavy loads.
For anyone looking for non-toxic colanders & strainers, the 304 stainless steel here avoids the concerns that come with plastic alternatives: no staining, no odor retention, and no material degradation from repeated contact with hot water.

Le Creuset

Stackable Colanders (Set of 3)

Highlights: Dishwasher safe, Standard bowl, 3.8 qt, Medium holes

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price

Three graduated colanders (1.5 qt, 3 qt, and 3.8 qt) that nest inside each other, so they take up roughly the space of one in a cabinet.
Useful for more than draining pasta: the smaller sizes work well for rinsing berries or straining yogurt and cheese.
Each colander has a pedestal base to keep it stable in the sink and flat wire handles designed to stay grippy when your hands are wet.
Stainless steel won't absorb odors or flavors the way plastic colanders can, which matters if you're looking for non-toxic colanders & strainers that hold up over time.
The hole pattern is dispersed rather than concentrated at the bottom, so water drains quickly from the sides as well.

How to Swap to Non-Toxic colanders & strainers:

Here's how to swap to non-toxic colanders & strainers:

What to know about colanders and strainers

Colanders and strainers come in direct contact with your food, often while it's hot. The material they're made of and any coatings or finishes on the surface are what matter most when Welpr evaluates them.

Hot water and acidic foods (like tomatoes or pasta sauce) can cause certain materials and coatings to break down faster, potentially transferring residues to your food.
Since colanders and strainers are used frequently in most kitchens, choosing one made from safer materials is a simple upgrade worth making.

Check what yours is made of

Look at the bottom or packaging of your colander or strainer to find out what material it is. Common options include stainless steel, plastic, silicone, and enameled metal. Welpr does not have a scanner for kitchenware, so a quick visual check is the best starting point.

If your colander is brightly colored and lightweight, it is likely plastic — check the bottom for a recycling number or material label.
Prioritize replacing any colanders or strainers that are scratched, peeling, discolored, or showing visible wear, as surface damage can increase what transfers to food.

Use your current colander more carefully

If you're not ready to replace your colander or strainer right away, small changes in how you use it can help. This is especially useful for plastic or coated options.

Let boiling water cool slightly before pouring it through a plastic colander, since very high heat can accelerate material breakdown.
Avoid using scratched or damaged colanders for hot foods — save them for rinsing cold items like fruit or salad greens instead.

Choose a cleaner replacement

When you're ready to upgrade, look for colanders and strainers made from high-quality stainless steel without nonstick coatings or plastic components. Stainless steel is durable, heat-resistant, and one of the most stable materials for contact with hot food.

Look for 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel, which indicates a higher quality and more corrosion-resistant alloy — avoid options with painted or coated surfaces.
Click the button above to shop Welpr Approved colanders and strainers.

Camille May

Cofounder & Product Curator

Camille May is the co-creator of Welpr and a guide for clean living. After selling her last company in the health food space, she went non-toxic while working to heal an autoimmune condition....

View full profile

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Medical Reviewer, PhD

Olushola M. Awoyemi (aka Shola) is a board-certified toxicologist and a research scientist with a PhD in Environmental Toxicology. Shola's long-term ambition is to be recognized as a world-renowned expert in toxicology,...

View full profile