What is the Difference Between Colander and Strainer?

The main difference between a colander and a strainer lies in the size of their holes and their specific uses in the kitchen. Here are the key differences:

• Colander:
• Has a large, bowl-like shape with larger perforations.
• Often has a base and two handles for easy draining.
• Used for tasks like washing fruits and vegetables, draining canned foods, and straining pasta.
• Can be made from various materials, such as inflexible metal, plastic, or ceramic.
• Strainer:
• Has a conical shape with fine holes or mesh for catching small solids.
• Smaller and more hand-held, often coming with a mesh basket designed for dipping into pots.
• Used for tasks like separating solids from soups and sauces, or straining small solids generally.

In summary, a colander is used for draining liquid from food while retaining solid pieces, while a strainer is used for catching small solids to separate them from a liquid. The choice between a colander and a strainer depends on the task you need to perform in the kitchen.

Comparative Table: Colander vs Strainer

The main difference between a colander and a strainer lies in their structure, size, and usage. Here is a comparison table highlighting their differences:

Colanders are typically made of inflexible materials like stainless steel, plastic, or ceramic and have a bowl shape with larger holes. They are used for tasks like draining liquid from food (such as pasta and vegetables) and rinsing fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, strainers are smaller, handheld tools with a fine mesh at the bottom and a long handle or two shorter handles. They are used for straining tea leaves, soups, seeds, and solids out of hot oil, as well as filtering flour when baking.