A colander is a bowl with holes used to drain liquids from cooked food. It is one of the simplest tools in the kitchen. It is also one of the most useful. Pasta is drained in a colander. Vegetables are drained in a colander. Canned beans are rinsed in a colander. Berries are washed in a colander. The holes let the liquid out and keep the food in. The bowl shape holds the food. The handles make it easy to lift. The colander is the kitchen's sieve.

Colanders come in several types. A traditional colander is a metal bowl with perforated holes and two handles. A footed colander has a base that lets it stand in the sink. A collapsible colander is made of silicone and folds flat for storage. A fine-mesh colander, also called a strainer, has smaller holes for draining rice and quinoa. A pasta insert is a colander that fits inside a pot. Each has its own use. The choice depends on the food and the space.

Colanders must be cleaned. Starch from pasta can clog the holes. Bits of vegetable can stick to the sides. A colander that is not cleaned can harbor bacteria. It should be washed with hot, soapy water and dried. It should not be put in the dishwasher if it is made of aluminum. It should be stored where it can dry. The colander is a simple tool. It is not glamorous. It is not expensive. It is not a status symbol. It is a workhorse. It drains. It rinses. It holds. It is the kitchen's drain. It is the cook's ally. It is always there. It is always needed.