A timeless and essential utensil in the kitchen, the colander is a companion for the most urgent tasks during your culinary preparations. Whether straining broth, draining pasta or rinsing grapes and mushrooms to perfection under running water, this purposely perforated accessory with multiple holes saves you more than once a day.
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How To Choose A Colander?
For a simple cooking enthusiast or a professional cook, the use of a colander has become a must in the culinary world. This universal utensil is, in fact, a fundamental element of the kitchen, especially since it partially contributes to the success of all the recipes created on a daily basis. Thanks to the colander, whether it is a standard model or an innovative style, it is easier to wash your fruit, drain your pasta, sift powders, make sauces, creams and many other liquid preparations. Discover the key points that allow you to choose the best colander on the market.
The type
Before buying your colander, it is not enough to choose among the types of colander offered in stores or online. You also need to think about what you are going to use it for. Based on this principle, you will better know what type of strainer is ideal. As mentioned above, several models are available, including the Chinese colander, the retractable colander, the double colander, the half-spherical colander, etc.
Each of these colanders has its own functions. Many elements must therefore be considered when choosing the right utensil for your needs. Check the design, practicality, shape, weight and dimensions of the colander. The openings on the wall or on the basket of the accessory must also be taken into account. All these parameters help you know if the accessory is really worth it. Last detail to remember, do not neglect collapsible colanders or those that are space-saving. Stored flat, these utensils are perfect pieces to form an integral part of your kitchen tools.
The material of manufacture
Like any product currently on sale, the strainer also exists in multiple variations. Plastic, stainless steel, silicone, metal and many other materials are carefully chosen to make a strainer that meets your expectations. It is therefore essential to take these criteria into consideration, in particular to avoid rust stains and wear and tear on your utensil.
Among the various colander materials available in the culinary world, stainless steel is the best. It is very popular around the world and stands out for its durability and resistance. This material is also known for its anti-rustic properties, which allows you to use it comfortably for a long time. Its only drawbacks are in terms of weight, scratch resistance and its rather expensive price.
If you are afraid that your strainer may rust quickly, opt for the plastic strainer. This material gives you many advantages: it is light, easy to clean, more resistant to scratches, but above all affordable. You should still know that the plastic colander is a less ecological accessory. It may deform if you frequently expose it to high temperatures. Finally, over time, it can give off an unpleasant odor, which can bother you at some point.
Silicone can be defined as the variant of plastic, except that it is more flexible and easily bendable. With a silicone colander, you will always find a corner to store the accessory, even if your kitchen seems quite cramped. However, what differs silicone from plastic is its good resistance to heat and corrosion as well as the absence of odor, despite years of use.
The capacity
This criterion is up to you to opt for a small, medium or large size colander. Vary your choice depending on the type of use you want to make of it. With the strainers of small sizes, for example, you can filter fruit juice or tea. On the other hand, larger colanders allow you to drain pasta or drain vegetables. As for the medium-sized colander models, they are ideal for making jellies or sauce.
The handles and the base
Are you always in a hurry at the start of the day? If you still want to prepare a delicious meal at home, the best thing is to buy a colander that is ergonomic, robust and easy to use. During your choices in store or on the Internet, look at the support that is supplied with the strainer in question. The goal is to provide yourself with an enjoyable and satisfying dining experience, even if you are short on time on a daily basis.
So turn to colanders of excellent quality. Those that feature thick, non-slip, easy-to-grip handles. Try raising and then lowering the colander when making your picks on the spot. Some of these utensils can fold up or expand to make your daily routine easier. Feel free to select the colander that best suits your needs.
Number of Holes and Size
If you plan to use your colander daily, it’s a good idea to see how many holes it has. Indeed, the water will flow efficiently and quickly if the holes in your stainless steel or plastic colander are more numerous.
Besides the number of holes, the size of the colander is also another important point to consider before buying your colander. The idea is to use your utensil wisely. Large size colanders are suitable for large families. The small model ones are dedicated to couples or people who live alone.
Why Should Pasta Be Drained With A Colander?
In this way, the sauce holds perfectly on the pasta and you will avoid the pesto which may slip on your dish. Drain your spaghetti and mix instantly in your colander. Your pasta will also not risk sticking together or forming a block.
Which Strainer To Use For Rice?
The ideal is to use a colander with a round and fairly deep basket. The orifices must also be very small so that only the liquid is removed.
What is the difference between colander and sieve?
In the culinary field, the sieve is a device used to separate the clumps of dry ingredients such as flour. This accessory is thus used to separate the solid elements from the liquid. The colander, on the other hand, is necessary for rinsing food or straining it effectively. This accessory helps get rid of all impurities that are not visible to the naked eye.
When to Use Chinese?
The Chinese strainer is useful, especially when making your sauces, creams or jellies.
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Colander?
Mix the following ingredients: soapy water, baking soda, white vinegar, salt, flour, white Meudo and lemon. Thoroughly clean and rinse. This tip can also be applied when cleaning aluminum cookware.
How To Remove Rust From A Stainless Steel Colander?
If your colander is rusty, mix white vinegar and coarse salt in the same quantity in a container. After getting a thick layer, use it on the rusty part. Leave aside for the chemical reaction to work well. Then rub with a sponge, preferably scraping. Rinse with clean water before drying and you’re done!
How to Clean a Plastic Colander?
In general, the plastic strainer is dishwasher safe. For effective maintenance, however, scrub the utensil with the green of a sponge or brush. To disinfect the colander in a natural way or to eliminate the ends encrusted on the accessory, do not hesitate to use vinegar.
What is a Cocktail Strainer?
Dedicated to any bartender and mixologist worthy of the name, the cocktail strainer is used for the preparation of alcoholic drinks (Tequilla, Whisky, Gin, etc.).
What Are The Alternatives To Colanders?
Depending on your use, several kitchen utensils can be good alternatives to a colander. we are thinking in particular of the Chinese and theskimmer.
How To Maintain Your Colander?
After each use, always clean your metal or stainless steel colander without waiting too long. This will prevent any residue from drying on your utensil and clogging the gaps.
- Grab a dish brush for deep cleaning.
- Add dish soap and scrub thoroughly.
- Rinse with clean water to get rid of all dirt.
In general, the plastic strainer is dishwasher safe.
- For effective maintenance, however, scrub the utensil with the green of a sponge or brush.
- To disinfect it in a natural way or to eliminate the bits encrusted on the accessory, do not hesitate to use vinegar.
How To Use A Colander?
- The colander can very well replace a steamer basket. If you don’t have a steamer or rice cooker let alone a multicooker, use your colander to cook your vegetables, meats, eggs, and even fish.
- Be careful, the strainer is not very suitable for pastry preparation. To make a success of your cake recipes or other delicacies, favor the sieve. This utensil is perfect for perfectly sifting your powders (flour, icing sugar, etc.).
- Not only can the colander act as a steamer basket, but it can also be useful if you do not have the ideal utensil for your frying. Just turn it upside down and place it on your stove.
Although it looks like an ordinary kitchen tool, the colander translates as the star of the modern kitchen and saves you precious time every day. In addition, the accessory acts as a better lens, once you fully master its use. Buying the right colander allows you to create good little dishes on a regular basis, which will expand your cooking skills. You can also see in our comparison articles, whether you need a clip drainer or a sieve.