This kitchen utensil has gained importance in all the modern kitchen of the present world which is filled with lot of rush. When washing vegetables, sieving pasta, washing fruits, a good colander that fits a kitchen sink can easily facilitate these tasks making work easy and efficient. This guide will, therefore, provide you with all the information that you will need in the purchase of kitchen sink colanders including the various types that are available in the market, and the factors that must be considered when making the purchase. We will also describe how helpful an over sink strainer is, the possibilities of an expandable sink strainer as well as the necessity of a kitchen sink colander insert.
What is a Kitchen Sink Colander?
A kitchen sink colander is a bowl or basket with small holes at the base in order that water pass through while the food remains on the base. It is normally employed in the washing of fruits, vegetables and grains or in the rinsing of cooked pasta among others. These colanders are available in different sizes and shape as well as being made from different materials, and therefore you can easily get one that will suit you.
Types of Kitchen Sink Colanders
Over Sink Strainer
The over sink strainer is one which is stood over the ledges of the sink such that water being sieved is drained directly into the sink. It is particularly suitable for those who do not like the inconvenience of having to move the food from one colander to another.
Expandable Sink Strainer
A sink strainer that has a feature of expansion and contraction makes it possible to have it stretched or shrank to fit in certain width of the sink. This is particularly helpful where there are many sinks in a household, or where sink size is different between the cupboards.
Sink Colander Strainer
A sink colander strainer is a three in one product that works as a colander and a strainer embedded in one sink tool. It can be rolled under the sink for washing the dishes, and also for rinsing the dishes or for air drying plates and glasses and other small utensils.
Kitchen Sink Colander Insert
Kitchen sink colander insert stands in the sink so that users will have a convenient area meant for rinsing as well as straining. This type of colander is also useful if you don’t want to frequently wash the colander such as making a seed or nut basket to sit perennially in the kitchen.
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Why You Need a Kitchen Sink Colander
Every kitchen sink needs a colander and not just because of the many uses of the object but because the colander is a must have item for any modern and efficient kitchen. Here are some reasons why you should consider investing in one:
- Efficiency: A kitchen sink colander lets you wash and drain your food in the sink so that you do not have to wash dishes more than once, or have more dishes to wash.
- Versatility: Everything from washing vegetables to rinsing pasta when the pasta is done cooking can be done when you use a kitchen sink colander.
- Space-Saving: An over sink strainer or an expandable sink strainer means you getting to get rid of one thing on the countertop, and in today’s small kitchens, every square inch counts.
- Hygiene: This helps in avoiding contact with water that may be stagnated or surfaces that may have come in contact with other foods.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Kitchen Sink Colander
Several factors come in to play when choosing the right kitchen sink colander. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
Material
Kitchen sink colanders may be made from stainless steel, plastic, or silicone though the most common are plastic colanders. This product is made out of stainless steel which is long-lasting and can also not rust. Plastic and silicone colanders are easier on the pocket and easier to handle than steel and usually come with the lower price tag but may not last as long as the stainless steel colanders.
Size
Everything that is placed in the colander needs to be conveniently within reach, and indeed size of the colander should be dependent on the other activities that are performed in your kitchen. For example, if you often cook for a big family, it will be beneficial to have a colander of larger size. Still if you reside in an area that has very little space around the sink you might require a compact sink strainer or one that you can expand.
Design
This is because the design of the colander plays the most vital roll in its efficiency. An over sink strainer is a great for people who do not want a huge strainer on their countertop, while a kitchen sink colander insert is a fixed one built into the sink.
Ease of Use
Check for features that will allow one to easily handle the products, for instance, easy to grip handles, the part that comes into contact with hands should not be slippery and should be easily cleanable. While there are many colanders produced, some of them have additional arms which can be folded or extended so as to fit different sinks.
Durability
Sturdiness is of significance if you are likely to be using the colander often and on frequent basis. Stainless steel colanders appear to be stronger than plastic or silicone colanders in as much as they are more durable.
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Common Places and Purposes for a Kitchen Sink Colander
A kitchen sink colander is therefore more than just a tool for rinsing and draining, but it comes with a lot of other uses as well. Here are some creative ways to use your kitchen sink colander:
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
Nowadays it is impossible to defy the usage of a kitchen sink colander especially while rinsing fruits and vegetables. The holes permit water to pass through while washing away dirt and at the same time the produce remains intact.
Draining Pasta and Grains
Kitchen sink colander is useful for straining pasta, rice, and grains and many other uses. The holes provide easy drainage and this can ensure that your foods do not get soaked.
Straining Stocks and Sauces
When cooking homemade stock or sauce, the kitchen sink colander can be used in straining of solids from the liquid in order to produce a clear liquid.
Drying Dishes
You can use one or two of the kitchen sink colanders, particularly the over sink strainer type to act as a drying tray for food items such as small plates, spoons, forks, cups and baby’s feeding bottles.
Rinsing Beans and Legumes
Some of the beans and legumes that are canned are usually packed in a solution that contains a lot of salt, and as such they need to be washed. If it is required to rinse foods, then the kitchen sink colander proves to be a handy device.
Defrosting Frozen Foods
Frozen foods should be put in a kitchen sink colander so that cold water can be poured on them in order to defrost. They rinse the vegetables with water which drains way leaving the food in a cookable state.
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Benefits of an Over Sink Strainer
An over sink strainer is one of the most common kitchen appliances and for a good reason. Here are some of the benefits of using an over sink strainer:
Space-Saving Design
The over sink strainer itself is installed over the sink and its position allows for the essential to be placed out of the way on the counter. This is especially helpful when the kitchen is small and the countertop is almost fully utilized.
Versatility
An over sink strainer is very versatile in that they are used for washing the produce, and drying the utensils among other uses. Because of this, it is almost impossible for any kitchen to operate without it.
Easy to Clean
The majority of over sink strainers are easy to clean; you can, in fact, put them in the dishwasher. Also, it has a high build that it does not rest on water; hence, no chances of formation of mold or bacteria.
Durability
Sink strainers that are placed over the sink are mainly metallic; hence they strong material like stainless steel.
Pros about the Expandable Sink Strainer
This sink strainer has a feature of flexibility and convenience especially in the kitchen. Here’s why you should consider adding one to your kitchen arsenal:
Adjustable Size
The expandable sink strainer is a multi-tools that can be adjusted by size and accommodated into different size of sink that is usually found in the kitchen.
Multi-Functional
Like the over sink strainer the expandable sink strainer can also be used for washing, for draining, and even for drying.
Easy Storage
Yet when not in use, the expandable sink strainer can be collapse or altered to reduce its size so that it can be stored in a drawer or cabinet.
Durability
Normally, fixed sink strainers are made of metal or hard plastic that is why they are long-wearing.
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Selecting the Right Colour for Your Sink Colander Strainer
A sink colander strainer on the other hand is handy utensil that does not limit itself to draining and rinsing alone. Here’s what to consider when choosing a sink colander strainer:
Size and Shape
The size and the shape of the sink when selecting a sink colander strainer to use in your kitchen or in your bathroom. There are variants of these models, created specifically for certain shapes of sinks, and there are that are built in a more general manner.
Material
Like other colanders, the material used in sink colander strainer is significant so as to be strong and easy to use. Stainless steel is used because it is more durable while plastic and silicone are used because they are light.
Ease of Cleaning
Ensure that the sink colander strainer is easy to remove for cleaning as well as being easy to clean either with water or by placing it in the dishwasher. A few of them have part that may be easily pulled off to make cleaning all the more simple.
Versatility
There are numerous types of sink colander strainer available in the market and the use of a specific type depends with the task that shall be performed. There are specialty models, for example, for rinsing vegetables or pasta, and there are universal ones.
The Importance of a Kitchen Sink Colander Insert
A kitchen sink colander insert is therefore an essential utensil or gadget that should not miss in any kitchen. Here’s why you should consider a kitchen sink colander insert:
Convenience
A kitchen sink colander insert is placed directly inside of your sink to provide your kitchen sink with its own drain area. Since these tasks can easily be accomplished usually without requiring other tools, this is the case.
Space-Saving
A kitchen sink colander insert is installed directly right into the sink; this means that you are barely left with extra dishes to occupy counter space.
Durability
Most colander inserts for kitchen sink are designed using very strong materials such as stainless steel that can stand the regular use.
Hygiene
A kitchen sink colander insert is practical and easy to clean and so minimizes the chances of the formation of bacteria. Some models are even dishwasher safe and thus it becomes very easy to clean the models after use.
Cleaning and Care for Kitchen Sink Colander
In order to make your kitchen sink colander durable, cleaning as well as proper care should be done frequently. Here are some tips to keep your colander in top condition:
Regular Cleaning
It is important that after use, you wash your kitchen sink colander with warm water to clear any food deposits. In case of a more vigorous clean, use mild soap and a brush that is soft to scrub the surface gently.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Do not go over your kitchen sink colander with harsh chemicals or abrasive than can cause the material to wear out faster.
Dry Thoroughly
If you have a stainless steel colander you should wash it thoroughly and when done, you should dry it well to avoid chances of rust or mold.
Store Properly
In addition to that, ensure that your kitchen sink colander is, at all times, store in a relatively dry area. In case your sink strainer is of the expandable type, fold it to cut on the space it occupies and on wear and tear.
Wash and Dress
Every now and then check the state of your kitchen sink colander to see if any part of it like the base, the interior, the handle or legs is beginning to rust, crack or come off. Should be replaced if it is possible and necessary to guarantee its further effective work.
Conclusion of Kitchen Sink Colander
This particular kitchen product is a must-have utensil for every kitchen to ease the work done in that area of the house. When in need of an over sink strainer or an expandable sink strainer or a sink colander strainer or a kitchen sink colander insert, you stand to benefit a lot from using the right one. Remember to take time and consider material, size and the design of the colander before purchasing and as you use the colander clean it as advised to make it last long.
With the right kitchen sink colander that is of good quality; you are assured of saving space and time, as well as having an enhanced organization in your kitchen. Therefore, whether for rinsing fruits, draining pasta or just any other kitchen activities requiring a simple colander, a kitchen sink colander is very essential for every home.
