Colanders & Strainers

Best Colanders & Strainers in Denmark: Where to Buy and How to Choose the Right One

Why a good colander or strainer matters in your kitchen

Have you ever tried to rinse berries in a flimsy sieve and ended up with half the fruit lost in the sink? Or drained pasta with a bowl that doesn’t sit steady? A quality colander or strainer makes a small but dramatic difference in everyday cooking. These humble tools speed up prep work, protect delicate foods, and even help with tasks you might not expect—like sifting flour or rinsing quinoa. Whether you’re a weekly meal prepper or someone who loves experimenting with Nordic comfort food, choosing the right colander is a simple upgrade that pays off every day.

Quick overview: colander vs. strainer — what’s the difference?

Think of a colander as a rugged workhorse: usually bowl-shaped with larger holes, designed for draining pasta, potatoes, and washed vegetables. A strainer tends to be finer—mesh-based or with tiny perforations—perfect for sifting, rinsing rice, or draining sauces and stocks. Both have their place; often you'll want at least one of each in a well-equipped Danish kitchen.

Stores in Denmark to shop for colanders & strainers

If you're searching for the right piece, a few Danish retailers stand out for range and convenience. The HTML data highlights Boligcenter and eStore, both of which offer a variety of options from stainless steel classics to clever foldable designs. Below I’ll walk you through what each store sells and suggest other Danish retailers where you can compare styles, prices, and customer reviews.

Boligcenter: classic designs and practical picks

Boligcenter is known for stocking a mix of affordable and mid-range kitchenware, and their colander selection reflects that. You’ll find stainless steel options like the San Ignacio colander and smaller stainless sieves from Kinvara—great for long-lasting daily use. There are also plastic foldable models such as the 5five Simply Smart Foldable Colander, which is a handy space-saver for smaller kitchens. Boligcenter’s assortment tends to suit families and home cooks who want durable, no-fuss tools without premium price tags.

eStore: modern solutions and multifunctional pieces

eStore focuses on modern, functional kitchen accessories. Their range includes classic stainless models designed to sit over the sink, folding colanders that collapse for easy storage, and bowl-colander combinations that let you rinse and serve from the same container. If you’re into minimalist kitchens or need gadgets that save space, eStore’s offerings like multifunctional 3-in-1 colanders and sink-friendly designs are worth a look.

Other Danish retailers to check (and what they’re good for)

Beyond Boligcenter and eStore, Denmark has several household names where you can find high-quality colanders and strainers. Visiting these stores—online or in-person—helps you compare materials, sizes, and price ranges.

Imerco: broad range and brand choices

Imerco is a go-to for kitchen enthusiasts in Denmark. They stock everything from premium stainless steel models to colorful silicone options. If you want brand names, thoughtful design, and seasonal sales, Imerco frequently mixes trend-forward items with trusted classics.

Kop & Kande: mix of design and budget picks

Kop & Kande targets the everyday shopper with a practical selection: sturdy metal colanders, versatile plastic types, and occasional designer collaborations. Their stores often have hands-on displays so you can test size and weight before buying.

IKEA, Bilka and Føtex: convenience and value

If you value affordability and immediate availability, look at IKEA, Bilka, and Føtex. These retailers typically carry basic stainless steel and plastic colanders at very competitive prices. IKEA’s range often includes space-saving foldable models and combined bowl-colander sets that are beginner-friendly and ideal for student flats or holiday homes.

How to choose the right colander or strainer for your cooking style

Picking the right tool is less about brand and more about matching features to how you cook. Ask yourself: do you cook a lot of pasta, frequently rinse grains, or bake often? Your answers will guide the material, size, and type you need.

Material matters: stainless steel, plastic, silicone, and wood

Stainless steel is durable, hygienic, and heat-resistant—perfect for draining pasta or steaming vegetables. Plastic colanders are lightweight and often cheaper, but can stain and hold odors over time. Silicone foldable colanders give you space-saving benefits and flexibility; they’re great for small kitchens. Wooden or bamboo accessories (sometimes used for handles or accents) look stylish but are rarely used for the colander body itself. For most users, stainless steel plus one silicone or plastic foldable model covers all bases.

Size and hole pattern: match to task

Large holes let water rush through quickly—ideal for draining boiled potatoes and pasta. Small perforations or mesh work better for rice, quinoa, and tiny berries that would slip through larger openings. Consider having a medium-sized colander for everyday use and a small fine-mesh strainer for precision tasks like dusting powdered sugar or straining sauces.

Features to look for: stability, handles, and storage

Look for wide, stable bases or feet so your colander sits steady in the sink. Comfortable handles make lifting hot food safer. If you have limited space, collapsible models and nested bowl combinations are life-savers. Anti-slip feet and dishwasher-safe labels are also practical features that save time and prevent accidents.

Matching colanders to common kitchen tasks

Different jobs call for slightly different tools. Instead of one “universal” colander, many cooks prefer a small set tailored to common tasks.

Draining pasta and potatoes

Use a large stainless steel colander with generous holes and sturdy feet. Large capacity and heat resistance are important when you’re dealing with boiling water and heavy pots.

Rinsing rice, quinoa, or tiny grains

Fine mesh strainers or small perforated sieves are best here. They prevent grains from escaping while allowing water to pass quickly—this is where Kinvara-like sieves from Boligcenter or compact stainless sieves shine.

Washing berries and delicate produce

Gentle rinsing in a shallow colander or a fine-mesh basket helps avoid crushing fragile fruit. Bowl-colander combos are useful because you can rinse and then serve from the same dish with minimal handling.

Sifting and sauce straining

For sifting flour or straining sauces, choose a fine mesh strainer. These are different from larger colanders, and many cooks keep one dedicated strainer for baking and smooth sauces.

Care and maintenance: keep your colanders fresh and efficient

How you clean and store a colander affects its longevity. Fortunately, most modern colanders are easy to care for with a few simple habits.

Cleaning stainless steel vs plastic vs mesh

Stainless steel tolerates dishwasher cycles and high temperatures—ideal for removing grease and ensuring sanitation. Plastic colanders should be washed promptly to prevent stains and odors; avoid very hot water if the plastic isn't heat-resistant. Fine mesh strainers need careful cleaning: rinse immediately after use, scrub gently with a brush, and inspect for trapped food. If you see stubborn bits, soak in warm soapy water before cleaning.

Dealing with odors and stains

For plastic that absorbs smells, a soak in baking soda and warm water, or a short lemon rinse, often works wonders. Stainless steel can be polished with a vinegar-water solution to remove mineral deposits. Always dry your colanders before storing to prevent water spots and prolong life.

Budgeting and finding the best value

Price doesn't always equate to usefulness. A mid-range stainless steel colander can outlast a cheap plastic one and actually be cheaper over the long run. Look for seasonal sales, bundle deals (sets of colander and mixing bowls), and clearance items at major retailers.

How to compare without getting overwhelmed

Start with the tasks you do most: if you boil pasta weekly, prioritize a sturdy stainless steel model. If storage is tight, invest in one collapsible silicone colander instead of several bulky ones. Comparison shopping—using product lists and price comparison sites—helps narrow choices fast. Many Danish retailers offer customer reviews that reveal real-life durability, which beats shiny product photos every time.

Trends and innovations in strainers and colanders

Designers keep finding small ways to make draining and rinsing smarter. Here are a few trends that are changing how we use these tools.

Foldable and nesting designs for small kitchens

Collapsible silicone colanders are a boon for apartments and summer cottages. They flatten into drawers and pop up when you need them—perfect for city living in Copenhagen or for saving space on a college dorm shelf.

Integrated bowl and colander combos

Combinations that let you rinse, drain, and serve reduce washing up and cut down on clutter. These are great for salad prep or for washing produce at the sink and taking it straight to the table.

Bamboo accents and sustainable materials

Sustainability is on the rise—some brands incorporate bamboo handles or recycled plastics. While the colander body is still mostly metal or silicone, these eco-friendly touches reflect a broader trend toward greener kitchens in Denmark.

Final shopping tips: test, compare, and prioritize

Before you click “buy,” think about weight (a heavy stainless model might be durable but harder to lift), storage, and how often you’ll use it. If possible, visit a physical store to feel handle comfort and balance. When buying online, read product descriptions carefully for hole size, diameter, and materials. Finally, consider keeping two: one robust colander for hot, heavy jobs and one fine mesh or small strainer for delicate tasks.

Whether you shop at Boligcenter or eStore, or explore Imerco and Kop & Kande, Denmark’s retail landscape offers a colander or strainer to suit every kitchen and budget. With the tips above, you’ll be better equipped to choose a tool that makes cooking easier and more enjoyable—no more wrestling with soggy salads or escaped rice!

Conclusion

Colanders and strainers are small investments with surprisingly big payoffs. From stainless steel classics to modern foldable silicone options, Danish stores like Boligcenter and eStore give you plenty of choices to match your kitchen habits. Consider material, size, and the tasks you do most; pair a large colander for everyday draining with a fine mesh strainer for precision work. With smart shopping—checking local stores like Imerco, Kop & Kande, IKEA, Bilka, and Føtex—you’ll find reliable tools that last, save space, and make cooking more pleasant. Ready to upgrade your kitchen essentials?