5 Best Colanders for Quinoa
Do you rinse your quinoa during prep? If you don’t, you really should. Some people say it’s not a necessity, but did you know that rinsing quinoa ensures that you get rid of all the saponin?
Saponin is the naturally-occurring chemical that coats every little quinoa seed, and it has a very bitter taste. If you want your quinoa to taste great, you should rinse it thoroughly, which effectively removes all of that pesky saponin.
You may be asking yourself, “How do you rinse quinoa the right way?” and the answer is simple—you need a good colander, also known as a strainer. Due to the nature of the grain, the right colanders for quinoa will have really, really small holes. As such, finding the best one may be difficult.
We know that browsing through countless options on hundreds of different websites is annoying at best and nearly impossible at worst. You don’t have to waste your time on research—we’ve done it all for you!
Read on to pick your new colander and prepare the perfect quinoa.
5 Amazing Colanders for Quinoa
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | OXO Good Grips Washing Colander | Extra drain holes, non-slip handles |
| 2. | Bellemain Micro-perforated Colander | Rust-proof stainless steel, quick draining |
| 3. | Winco Strainer with Single Fine Mesh | Ultra-fine mesh, durable |
| 4. | LiveFresh Micro-perforated Colander | Ultra-fine mesh, durable |
| 5. | HÖLM Strainer Colander Set | Quick draining, strong stainless steel |
1. OXO Good Grips Washing Colander
It’s important to get yourself a colander that was designed just for the purpose of rinsing grains.
This OXO product is exactly it, and quinoa is not the only thing it is good for.
Key Features:
- Small square holes
- Extra drain holes to remove excess water
- Non-slip handles
This stylish OXO colander has all the features you might seek when looking to buy a strainer for quinoa. It will ensure that all the harmful, bitter-tasting impurities are removed, and it will do so quickly.
The design of the small, square holes allows for the water to strain at the perfect rate. The impurities and starch are washed away with no effort on your part.
You can safely use this colander with things like quinoa, buckwheat, rice, barley, berries, and all other types of grains. It can also be used with other kinds of food that require a strainer with small holes.
The pour spout comes with extra drain holes that remove all excess water. As for the handles, you will find them really soft and comfortable to use as they’re completely non-slip.
If needed, you can easily shake out extra water, pour it into your cooking dish, or agitate the grains without making a mess.
Pros
- Specifically manufactured for quinoa
- Extra drain holes
- Great for berries, grains, rice and more
Cons
- The fine holes mean that it will take some time to drain
2. Bellemain Micro-perforated Colander
If you’re after something sturdy, you will be pleased with this colander.
While the holes are a bit bigger than the OXO model, this one is very durable.
It’ll serve you well for things like pasta and rice, guaranteed.
Key Features:
- Quick draining
- Heavy-duty stainless steel
- Rust-proof
This Bellemain strainer is a premium product sold at an affordable price. The fact that it is top-quality is easily spotted right from the start.
The 18/10 stainless steel that it was made from doesn’t just ensure the best durability, it also just looks good.
You don’t have to hide it away inside a cupboard; you can leave it on display for quick and easy access.
Speaking of stainless steel, the heavy-duty material this was made from is guaranteed to last a lifetime with regular use.
This one is going to be more durable and thicker than any colander you’ve ever had. You can safely wash it in the dishwasher or by hand. It is also completely rust-proof.
Bellemain promises that their product will strain even the tiniest of grains and pasta, including quinoa, and we are inclined to believe them. The holes in this strainer are really small and will do a commendable job rinsing your quinoa.
Pros
- Ultra-durable heavy-duty stainless steel
- Rust-free and dishwasher safe
- Quick to drain
Cons
- Some kinds of rice may go through this strainer
3. Winco Strainer with Single Fine Mesh
For truly well-rinsed quinoa, consider going with this Winco single fine mesh colander.
You’ll have a hard time finding a strainer that has smaller holes than this one.
This is exactly what you’re going to need for quinoa!
Key Features:
- Ultra-fine mesh
- Single handle
- Durable
Why should you buy a colander that will not rinse your quinoa perfectly when this product exists? Reported not to let any quinoa slip through, this Winco strainer is ideal for all kinds of grains and other fine, small produce.
This is a relatively small colander with a single wooden handle, which sets it apart from our previous picks.
While it may be a little too small for things like pasta, it is perfect for quinoa in moderate quantities.
The strainer itself is made out of super-durable stainless steel. While, due to the handle, it should not be washed in the dishwasher, you can safely wash it by hand…and you can safely expect it to last for years.
Years worth of perfectly rinsed quinoa—imagine that!
The mesh inside is very fine and larger on the outside, ensuring the best possible rinsing or sifting that you may want from a colander.
This product is highly effective, and while it will take a moment to drain, you will love the taste of quinoa when it has been rinsed in this colander.
Pros
- Very durable
- Extremely fine mesh
- Perfect for quinoa and grains
Cons
- Relatively small
4. LiveFresh Micro-perforated Colander
You can’t go wrong with this LiveFresh colander.
This colander was originally made to suit professional chefs.
However, it works just as well for the amateur cook.
Key Features:
- Perfect for pasta and grains
- Drains quickly
- Durable stainless steel
This beautiful colander is made out of rust-proof 18/10 stainless steel that is virtually indestructible. We’re sure that most people will buy one and forget about having to buy another one for many years.
It is dishwasher safe and, while it’s not the most important quality, it’s really easy on the eyes.
The holes in this product are very small and micro-perforated. This is beneficial for two reasons.
One, you can safely use this colander for things like cooked grains, quinoas, rice, beans, pasta, noodles, fruits, vegetables, spaghetti and more.
This one is among the most versatile colanders on the market right now. You may very well own just one colander if you don’t cook a whole lot. If you do, pick this one.
Two, the micro-perforations allow for a quick drain of water. You won’t have to tilt the bowl and you won’t have to wait for a long time.
If your previous colander was an older model, you can trust us when we say that you will notice a difference with this one.
LiveFresh puts a lot of trust in this product and offers a lifetime warranty. If you are ever unhappy with your purchase, all you have to do is contact them to get your money back.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Super-strong stainless steel
- Very fine micro-holes
Cons
- It’s rather large and thus may not be the easiest to use
5. HÖLM Strainer Colander Set
You might be looking to fully deck out your kitchen with just one quick purchase.
If that’s the case, we suggest taking a look at this micro-perforated set of colanders.
Ranging from pasta to fruits to quinoa, these three colanders will take care of everything you may need.
Key Features:
- Set of three colanders: 1-quart, 2.5-quart and 4.5-quart
- Durable stainless steel
- Allows you to drain anything you want
These colanders will drain really quickly thanks to the tiny, closely spaced holes. You won’t have to tilt the bowl for it to drain quicker.
The bases are stable and won’t tip over or leave your food in a puddle, which is going to help you achieve the best possible taste.
The small holes will prevent tiny grains from falling through, preventing one of the biggest issues most people have when it comes to rinsing their quinoa.
They also allow for the water to pool, which is very important. When the water is clear, you’ll know the grains are clean too.
As this is a set, you will be able to drain a wide variety of things without ever having to purchase a new colander.
Pros
- Capable of draining pasta, quinoa, grains, berries & more
- Sturdy and reliable
- Three convenient sizes
Cons
- The holes could be a bit smaller
Related Questions
We hope that you enjoyed taking a look at the 5 best colanders for quinoa. If you still have questions, we invite you to take a look at our FAQ.
How Long Should You Rinse Your Quinoa For?
When you rinse your quinoa, you will see the right moment when you should stop—when the water becomes clear. However, the recommended rinsing time is close to three minutes.
Is Quinoa Safe to Eat Without Rinsing?
It is safe to eat, but the taste will be rather bitter due to the saponin that coats each and every grain. For the best possible taste, it’s better to give it more than just a quick rinse and allow it to rinse for three minutes.
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