A colander may not be the first thing that springs to mind when kitting your kitchen, but make no mistake — it is an essential.
It was one of the first items I bought when I moved into my home, and I reach for mine every day, whether I’m straining pasta, washing strawberries, or draining tins of legumes.
Aside from the practical function, they also double up as decor, accenting countertops, shelves or hanging rails with a pop of colour or pattern in a way sieves could never.
The good news is that homeware shops are full of lovely options in an array of colours and sizes. With the exception of one or two boujee versions, a stylish colander isn’t going to drain your wallet either, great if you’re after a low-cost way to breathe some life into your kitchen or looking for a housewarming gift that will get real use.
I’ve found the nicest options that you can shop right now in a range of styles to suit any kitchen, from farmhouse to modern.
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Anthropologie Cottage Berry Basket
Crafted from stoneware and hand-painted for an artisan effect, this lovely little colander offers dual use: use it to wash berries thoroughly and serve them at the brunch table.
Buy now £12.00, Anthropologie
M&S Ceramic Large Colander
Make the everyday kitchen task of washing produce a little more interesting with M&S's ceramic colander. The bowl-shaped design, which sports a lovely glazed finish, is punctuated with medium-sized holes, ensuring no water is left trapped. Choose from two sizes.
Buy now £8.00, M&S
Toast Carla Murdoch Berry Colander
British maker Carla Murdoch has made this hand-thrown colander at her home in Sheffield. It comes with a pair of handles to make it easier to rinse radishes, raspberries and more. The handcrafted nature means no two are exactly alike, which will please those who like their tools to feel unique.
Buy now £65.00, Toast
John Lewis Stainless Steel Footed Colander
Aesthetes will adore this copper colander from John Lewis's in-house collection of kitchen tools. The footed base, side handles, and perforated pattern make it a piece you'll want to keep in full view rather than tucked at the back of a cupboard. It's part of a range of copper kitchen utensils, so you could get the set if you want everything to match.
Buy now £18.00, John Lewis
M&S Enamel Colander
Hardwearing enamel is perfect for the kitchen, surviving decades of use and remaining unscathed. M&S leans towards a retro look with this sweet white design, finished with a contrast blue trim.
Buy now £15.00, M&S
Mary Berry At Home Colander 24cm
Every baker needs a decent colander in their arsenal, as celebrity chef and cake critic Mary Berry knows only too well. Her range of kitchen tools includes this elegant, timeless option, finished in powder-coated grey. Hail Mary!
Buy now £20.00, La Redoute
Nkuku Indigo Drop Colander
Do things stylishly with this lovely colander that would work just as well as a fruit bowl. It’s currently half off in Nkuku’s sale.
Buy now £32.50, Nkuku
Mackenzie-Childs Courtly Check Enamel Large Colander
A colander with personality? Mackenzie-Childs has it in spades with this enamel look, finished in the brand's signature monochrome check. About as statement as a colander can get, your household will be fighting over who gets to wash the veggies next.
Buy now £151.00, Mackenzie-Childs
