Comparison: Best Ikea Idealisk Strainer (Updated | Jun 13th)

If you have ever struggled with a colander slipping into the sink while you are pouring a heavy pot of boiling pasta water, you will appreciate why this IKEA 501.037.55 Colander is such a staple. What really makes it stand out in a busy kitchen is the adjustable handle system. It is designed to bridge the gap across your sink bowl, turning a standard strainer into a hands-free workstation. The plastic-covered handles are a small but genius touch, providing enough grip to ensure the metal doesn’t slide around or scratch your sink’s surface.

I would recommend this specifically for people who do a lot of heavy lifting, like draining large batches of potatoes or rinsing bulk produce. It is the best choice for someone with a non-standard sink size who needs that customizable fit. However, there is a clear trade-off to consider: because of those extending arms, it takes up a lot of horizontal real estate in your cabinet. It isn’t the kind of tool you can easily nest inside other bowls, so you will need a dedicated spot to store its 13-inch frame.

The IKEA TSSP Colander is the workhorse for anyone who prefers a traditional handled design over the over-the-sink style. At 10 inches in diameter, it is surprisingly deep, making it ideal for washing large leafy greens or a family-sized portion of spaghetti. The standout feature here is the stainless steel durability paired with its lightweight 15-ounce build. It feels substantial enough to handle heat without warping, yet it is light enough to shake out excess water without straining your wrist.

This is the perfect match for the “one-pot meal” cook who wants a simple, dishwasher-safe tool that can be tossed in with the rest of the dishes without a second thought. It is built for efficiency and high-volume use. The downside, however, is the handle length. At 16.5 inches long total, it can be a bit awkward to balance if you try to set it down inside a smaller sink. It lacks the stability of a footed colander, so you really have to hold onto it or find a way to prop it up securely during use.

Sometimes you don’t need a massive industrial-sized basket just to rinse a pint of blueberries or a single serving of quinoa, and that is where the POS Ikea Colander shines. With a 17 cm diameter, it is a compact, space-saving dream. What makes it stand out is its 2.0-liter volume despite its small footprint. It manages to feel like a “real” piece of cookware rather than a flimsy accessory, thanks to that solid stainless steel construction that holds up beautifully in the dishwasher.

I think this is the best buy for apartment dwellers or anyone living in a tiny home where cabinet space is at a premium. It is also great for parents who are constantly prepping small snacks for kids. The honest trade-off is simply the scale. If you try to drain a full box of pasta in this, you are going to have a messy overflow situation. It is strictly a small-batch tool, and its 7-ounce weight means it can tip over easily if you aren’t careful about how you distribute the weight inside the basket.

The IKEA Ordning style colander is a classic for a reason. This 9-inch stainless steel strainer stands out because of its clean, minimalist aesthetic and the consistent perforation pattern that ensures very fast drainage. Unlike mesh strainers that can be a nightmare to scrub, this solid steel version is incredibly easy to keep clean. It is a no-frills, dishwasher-safe piece of equipment that looks good enough to sit out on a countertop filled with fruit when you aren’t using it for pasta.

This is the go-to for the minimalist cook who wants one tool that does everything reasonably well. It is sturdy enough for hot vegetables and fine enough for most grains. However, the trade-off here is the lack of specialized handles. Since it doesn’t have the long reach of a professional chef’s strainer or the adjustable arms of other IKEA models, you have to be very careful with steam burns. You are essentially holding the rim or small side grips, which brings your hands much closer to the boiling water than some might be comfortable with.