BLUE GINKGO Over the Sink Colander Review: The Ultimate Kitchen Space-Saver

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Explained

A Smarter Way to Rinse, Drain, and Dry

Free up your hands and counter space with a colander that lives right over your sink.

This simple gadget transforms a mundane kitchen task into a streamlined, hands-free process. It’s designed for home cooks looking to improve their workflow, save precious counter real estate, and make everything from washing vegetables to draining pasta just a little bit easier.

Why it stands out
  • Truly Multi-Purpose It’s more than just a strainer for pasta; it serves as an effective rinsing basket for produce and a convenient air-drying rack for cups and utensils.
  • Fits Most Sinks The adjustable design, expanding from 14 to 19 inches, provides a secure fit on a wide variety of kitchen sinks, making it a versatile choice for many homes.
  • Smart, Hygienic Draining By sitting suspended over the sink, its raised bottom ensures that drained pasta water won’t back up and re-contaminate your food, a common issue with in-sink colanders.
  • Easy to Clean and Safe Being BPA-free and top-rack dishwasher safe removes any health worries and makes cleanup effortless, a significant advantage over some traditional metal colanders.
Product BLUE GINKGO Over the Sink Colander Strainer Basket
ASIN B087RQLMRM
Material BPA-Free Plastic
Expandable Range 14 to 19 inches
Heat Resistance Up to 212°F / 100°C
Hole Diameter Up to 0.2 inches
Cleaning Top-rack dishwasher safe
Color White
Best for
Washing large quantities of fruits and vegetables hands-free. Draining pasta, potatoes, and boiled vegetables directly over the sink. Air-drying cups, silverware, and small plates in apartments or small kitchens. Thawing frozen food hygienically by allowing water to drain away.
Not for
Straining fine grains like rice, quinoa, or orzo. Kitchens that require a colander for temperatures above 212°F. Users who exclusively prefer the weight and aesthetic of metal kitchenware.
Pros
  • Adjustable arms (14″ to 19″) provide a custom, stable fit for most sinks.
  • Raised base keeps food elevated from the sink floor and dirty water.
  • Versatile design works as a colander, prep basket, and dish drying rack.
  • BPA-free plastic is heat-resistant up to 212°F, perfect for draining boiling pasta.
  • Effortless cleanup thanks to its simple design and top-rack dishwasher safety.
Cons
  • Hole size of 0.2 inches is too large for straining rice, quinoa, or other fine grains.
  • Plastic construction may feel less durable or premium than stainless steel alternatives.
  • Limited to 212°F, so it cannot be used with hotter items like deep-frying oil.
What to look for

Choosing the right Kitchen Essentials

  1. Adjustability & Fit
    High
    The primary feature of an over-the-sink colander is its ability to fit your sink. An improper fit can lead to instability and spills.
    Look for
    An expandable range that comfortably spans your sink basin without being fully extended, which ensures maximum stability.
    Avoid
    Fixed-size models that might not fit, or colanders that feel wobbly or flimsy when extended to their maximum length.
  2. Material & Heat Resistance
    High
    The material determines its durability, safety, and use cases, especially when dealing with hot foods.
    Look for
    BPA-free, heat-resistant plastic (check for temp rating >212°F) or rust-proof stainless steel for maximum durability.
    Avoid
    Flimsy, thin plastic that could warp with hot water or metal that is prone to rust.
  3. Drainage Hole Size
    Medium
    The size and pattern of the holes dictate what foods you can strain and how quickly it drains.
    Look for
    Holes small enough for pasta but large enough for rapid drainage. Some users may need a fine mesh for grains.
    Avoid
    Holes so large that spaghetti or vegetables fall through, or holes so small that water pools and drains too slowly.
  4. Ease of Cleaning
    High
    A kitchen tool used this often should not be a chore to clean.
    Look for
    Dishwasher-safe materials and a simple design without complex nooks or mesh that can trap food particles.
    Avoid
    Intricate designs or non-dishwasher-safe materials that require tedious hand scrubbing after each use.
Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions

Will this colander fit my sink?

It’s designed to be adjustable, expanding from 14 to 19 inches. Before purchasing, measure the width of your sink basin. As long as the opening is within this range, the extendable arms should rest securely on the edges of your sink.

Can I pour boiling water directly from a pot into it?

Yes, within its specified limits. The colander is heat resistant up to 212°F (100°C), the boiling point of water. This makes it perfectly safe for draining a pot of pasta or boiled vegetables. Avoid pouring liquids hotter than this, such as boiling oil.

Is it sturdy enough to hold a lot of potatoes?

The colander is made from a durable, sturdy plastic and is designed to hold a standard amount of produce or a full box of cooked pasta. While it’s quite robust for daily tasks, it’s best not to overload it with an excessive weight of very dense items, like a 5lb bag of potatoes.

Can I use this to strain rice or quinoa?

No, this specific colander is not suitable for that task. The manufacturer clearly states the holes measure up to 0.2 inches in diameter, which is too large for fine grains. Rice, quinoa, and most small pastas would fall right through.

Our Verdict

The BLUE GINKGO colander excels as a versatile, space-saving kitchen tool that simplifies everything from prep to cleanup. Its primary limitation is the hole size, making it unsuitable for fine grains. For anyone not needing to strain rice or quinoa, it’s an exceptional and affordable upgrade for any modern kitchen.

BUY NOW
Excellent 9.1 / 10
Top Pick
Adjustable 14" to 19" BPA-Free Plastic Dishwasher Safe Multi-Purpose Design
Conclusion
  • Expands from 14 to 19 inches to fit most standard kitchen sinks.
  • Functions as a strainer for produce/pasta and a drying rack for dishes.
  • Made from durable, BPA-free, and top-rack dishwasher-safe plastic.

For home cooks seeking to maximize efficiency and counter space, the BLUE GINKGO Over the Sink Colander is a brilliant addition. Its adjustable and multi-functional design makes it ideal for apartments, small kitchens, or anyone tired of juggling a traditional colander. It’s a simple, effective tool that you’ll find yourself using every day.