Berries are the most delicate thing most people put in a colander. Raspberries crush under their own weight, blueberries roll through wide holes, and strawberries left sitting in rinse water go soft by the next day. A full-size pasta colander handles them, but it is more bowl than a pint of fruit needs, and it has no way to keep them dry in the fridge.
A berry colander is the small, specialized answer: a bowl sized for a pint or a quart, with holes that drain fast but hold small fruit, and often a matching bowl and lid so the same piece rinses, serves and stores. This guide covers those small colanders and berry keepers, plus a reusable berry basket and a collapsible pick for tight kitchens. For everyday and pasta-size colanders, see our main colander guide.
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Quick verdict: which berry colander to buy
For most kitchens, the best berry colander is the Hutzler 3-in-1 Berry Keeper: one quart of capacity, a colander that drains, a bowl for the table and a lid for the fridge, and the colander sits inside the bowl so the bottom berries stay out of standing water. If you want metal, choose the Norpro 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Berry Colander. To replace the store’s plastic clamshell, the Chef’n Bramble Berry Basket has a removable inner colander for rinsing and a vented basket for the fridge.
The rest of this page explains the differences and which one suits how you buy and eat berries.
Five berry colanders at a glance
Our five standout picks side by side, one for each kind of kitchen, with the specifications each maker or listing states. All seven are reviewed in full below.
| Berry colander | Best for | Capacity & material | Storage | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hutzler 3-in-1 Berry Keeper, 1 QuartBest overall
|
Rinse, serve and store | 1 quart (2 pints), BPA-free plastic | Colander, bowl and translucent lid | View on Amazon |
Norpro 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Berry ColanderBest stainless steel
|
A metal bowl that lasts | 1.5 quarts, stainless steel | No lid | View on Amazon |
Chef’n Bramble Berry Basket and ColanderBest berry basket
|
Replacing store clamshells | 1 quart or 1 pint (listing unclear), BPA-free | Vented basket; lid not stated | View on Amazon |
Meadow Lane 6-Inch Small ColanderSimplest small colander
|
A pint of berries, shallow bowl | 3 cups, BPA-free plastic | No lid; fits a drawer | View on Amazon |
Dexas Pop N Store 8-Inch Collapsible StrainerBest collapsible
|
Small kitchens, drawers | 1.3 quarts, BPA-free materials | Collapses flat; no lid | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Capacities and materials are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best berry colander
These seven cover the ways people actually handle berries: rinse-and-store keepers that go from sink to fridge, a reusable berry basket, a small metal colander, a compact collapsible strainer and a plain small colander. None of them is a full-size pasta colander, and none repeats the picks in our main colander guide. Each pick explains who it suits, the specifications that matter, and one honest reason to skip it.
1. Hutzler 3-in-1 Berry Keeper, 1 Quart – Rinse, Serve and Store in One
Hutzler’s Berry Keeper is three pieces that nest: a colander for washing and draining, a solid bowl for serving, and a translucent lid for the fridge. The colander sits inside the bowl, so any water left after rinsing drains away from the fruit instead of pooling around the berries at the bottom. Hutzler says this keeps the bottom berries as fresh as the ones on top.
Capacity is 2 pints, or 1 quart, according to the listing, which is about one clamshell of strawberries or two of blueberries. The pieces are BPA-free and dishwasher safe. Hutzler suggests it for strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, grapes and baby carrots, and the colander can be used on its own.
It is a simple idea done well. The one habit to keep is the one food-safety guides recommend: rinse only what you will eat soon, and let the rest sit unwashed in the keeper (more on that below).
Why we like it
- Colander, serving bowl and lid in one set (Hutzler listing).
- Colander sits inside the bowl so excess water drains away (Hutzler listing).
- One-quart capacity suits a typical clamshell (Hutzler listing).
- BPA-free and dishwasher safe (Hutzler listing).
Key specifications
| Model | 374GY |
|---|---|
| Type | Colander, serving bowl and lid |
| Capacity | 2 pints (1 quart) |
| Material | BPA-free plastic (type not stated) |
| Size | Not stated |
| Lid | Yes, translucent |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits households that eat berries most days and want one piece that rinses them, brings them to the table and keeps leftovers in the fridge.
Skip it if you buy berries by the flat; a quart fills quickly, and the 2-quart Fruit Saver suits bigger hauls.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Three jobs in one nesting set
- Berries sit above drained water
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- One quart only
- Dimensions not stated in the listing
2. Norpro 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Berry Colander – Deep Metal Bowl, Solid Base
Norpro’s berry colander is a small, deep stainless steel bowl with tubular handles and a wide, solid base. The drainage holes are cut in the shape of little strawberries, which is a nice touch on a piece that often goes straight to the table.
According to Norpro, it measures 6.25 by 6.25 by 4.25 inches and holds 1.5 quarts, a bit more than a plastic quart keeper. The outside is brushed and the inside has a smooth mirror finish. Being steel, it will not stain from blueberries or cherries the way some light plastics can, and it doubles as a small colander for a can of beans or a single portion of pasta.
Norpro recommends hand washing. There is no lid, so for storage you move the berries to a container or cover the colander, set on a plate, with a towel.
Why we like it
- Stainless steel with a mirror-finish interior (Norpro).
- Extra deep with a wide, solid base (Norpro).
- 1.5-quart capacity in a 6.25-inch footprint (Norpro).
- Strawberry-shaped drainage cut-outs (Norpro).
Key specifications
| Model | 231 |
|---|---|
| Type | Small colander with handles |
| Capacity | 1.5 quarts |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | 6.25 x 6.25 x 4.25 in |
| Lid | No |
| Dishwasher safe | Hand washing recommended |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who prefer metal to plastic, want a berry bowl that looks good on the table, and like a small colander that does other jobs too.
Skip it if you want a rinse-and-store set; there is no matching bowl or lid.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stainless steel, no staining from dark fruit
- Stable, deep bowl
- Useful for small cans and portions too
Cons
- No lid or storage bowl
- Hand washing recommended
3. Chef’n Bramble Berry Basket and Colander – A Reusable Clamshell
Chef’n’s Bramble is built to replace the plastic basket berries come in. It is an outer basket with a removable inner colander: lift the colander out to rinse the berries under the tap, drop it back in, and the whole thing goes into the fridge or onto the table. Chef’n says the basket lets air circulate under the fruit, which helps keep it fresh longer.
The listing is inconsistent on size: its title says 1 quart, while its size field says 1 pint, so check the listing photos before you buy if capacity matters. Chef’n describes it as BPA-free and top-rack dishwasher safe, and the baskets stack.
Chef’n also suggests it for cherry tomatoes and grapes. The listing does not mention a lid, so it is a store-and-serve basket rather than a sealed container.
Why we like it
- Removable inner colander for rinsing (Chef’n listing).
- Airflow under the fruit in storage (Chef’n listing).
- Stackable baskets (Chef’n listing).
- BPA-free, top-rack dishwasher safe (Chef’n listing).
Key specifications
| Model | 102-592-005 (cherry) |
|---|---|
| Type | Basket with removable inner colander |
| Capacity | 1 quart (title) or 1 pint (size field) |
| Material | BPA-free; plastic type not stated |
| Size | Not stated |
| Lid | Not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes, top rack |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who wants to stop throwing away clamshells and keep a basket of rinsed berries on the counter or in the fridge.
Skip it if you want a sealed container; a keeper with a lid, like the Hutzler or the OXO, does that.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Rinse, store and serve in one
- Stacks in the fridge
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Capacity unclear on the listing
- No lid mentioned
4. Arrow Berry Bowl and Colander Set, 1 Quart – Made in the USA
Arrow Home Products’ set works the same way as the Hutzler: a 1-quart berry strainer, a bowl and a clear cover. You rinse in the strainer, then set it in the bowl and cover it for the fridge, so the berries on the bottom are not sitting in water.
The listing gives the size as 6.75 by 6.75 by 3.75 inches and the capacity as 1 quart, or 2 pints. The pieces are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, stackable and described as break resistant. The strainer has large holes for fast drainage, which suits strawberries, grapes and cherry tomatoes well; very small blueberries may occasionally slip through larger holes, so check the hole size against your fruit.
The deciding point for many buyers is origin: Arrow states the set is made in the USA. Colors are assorted, red or green, chosen by the seller.
Why we like it
- Strainer, bowl and clear cover in one set (Arrow listing).
- Made in the USA (Arrow listing).
- Published size: 6.75 x 6.75 x 3.75 in (Arrow listing).
- BPA-free, dishwasher safe and stackable (Arrow listing).
Key specifications
| Model | 26100 |
|---|---|
| Type | Strainer, bowl and cover |
| Capacity | 1 quart (2 pints) |
| Material | BPA-free plastic (type not stated) |
| Size | 6.75 x 6.75 x 3.75 in |
| Lid | Yes, clear cover |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | USA |
Why we recommend it
It suits buyers who want a rinse-and-store berry set made in the USA, with clear published dimensions to check against fridge space.
Skip it if you want to choose the color; the seller sends red or green at random.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Three pieces nest and stack
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Color not selectable
- Large holes; check against small blueberries
5. OXO Good Grips Produce Saver Berry Keeper – Ventilated Basket for the Fridge
OXO’s Berry Keeper leans toward storage. It is a clear bin with a lid and a removable, ventilated inner basket. Lift the basket to rinse berries at the sink, drop it back in the bin, and the vents let air circulate around the fruit, which OXO says keeps berries fresh longer and cuts food waste.
OXO designs it for strawberries, blueberries and cherry tomatoes that get lost in a crisper drawer. The clear bin and lid let you see what is inside, built-in handles make it easy to pull from the fridge, and the bins are modular so several stack on a shelf. OXO’s product page lists it as BPA-free and dishwasher safe, measuring about 8.4 by 5.2 by 3.1 inches.
The rectangular shape is the real advantage over a round bowl: it fits a fridge shelf with less wasted space, and it stacks with other OXO Produce Saver bins if you build out a fridge system.
Why we like it
- Removable ventilated basket for rinsing and airflow (OXO listing).
- Clear bin and lid, stackable on a fridge shelf (OXO listing).
- BPA-free and dishwasher safe (OXO product page).
Key specifications
| Model | 11387700 |
|---|---|
| Type | Bin with ventilated inner basket and lid |
| Capacity | Not stated |
| Material | BPA-free plastic (type not stated) |
| Size | About 8.4 x 5.2 x 3.1 in |
| Lid | Yes, clear |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits people whose main problem is berries going bad in the fridge, and anyone organizing a fridge with stackable clear bins. Our guide to the best fridge organizers covers the rest of that system.
Skip it if you mainly want a bowl to rinse and serve in; it is a storage bin first.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Rectangular, fits fridge shelves well
- Ventilated basket lifts out
- Stacks with other bins
Cons
- Capacity not stated
- Less attractive as a serving bowl
6. Dexas Pop N Store 8-Inch Collapsible Strainer – Folds Flat for a Drawer
If cabinet space is the problem, a collapsible strainer makes sense. Dexas’ Pop N Store pops open to use and folds flat to store, and it collapses in the dishwasher too, so it takes less rack space.
According to Dexas, it is 7.75 inches across and holds 1.3 quarts, or about 5 1/4 cups, which covers a quart of berries with room left over. It is designed to rest over pans or bowls for draining, made from BPA-free materials, and dishwasher safe.
A strainer this size also handles a can of chickpeas, a bag of salad greens or a single portion of pasta, so it earns its drawer space on days without berries.
Why we like it
- Collapses flat for storage and in the dishwasher (Dexas listing).
- 1.3-quart capacity in a 7.75-inch strainer (Dexas listing).
- Rests over pans or bowls (Dexas listing).
- BPA-free materials, dishwasher safe (Dexas listing).
Key specifications
| Model | Pop N Store 8-inch |
|---|---|
| Type | Collapsible strainer |
| Capacity | 1.3 quarts (5 1/4 cups) |
| Material | BPA-free materials (type not stated) |
| Size | 7.75 in diameter |
| Lid | No |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits apartments, RVs and small kitchens, and anyone who wants one small strainer for berries and other small jobs.
Skip it if you want a set that stores the berries too; there is no bowl or lid.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Folds flat
- Rests over a bowl
- Handles other small draining jobs
Cons
- No storage lid
- Material type not stated
7. Meadow Lane 6-Inch Small Colander – Wide, Shallow and Simple
Sometimes you only want a small bowl with holes. Meadow Lane’s colander is 6 inches across and 3 inches tall, with a wide, shallow bowl, two handles and a ring foot so it stands on the counter. It holds 3 cups, according to the listing.
The listing gives the holes as 1/8 inch, small enough to hold blueberries, and describes BPA-free, food-grade plastic that is dishwasher safe. The shallow shape keeps berries in fewer layers than a deep bowl, which is gentler on raspberries.
It is a basic tool with no lid or matching bowl, but it is light, easy to handle with wet hands and small enough to store in a drawer.
Why we like it
- Wide, shallow 6-inch bowl (Meadow Lane listing).
- 1/8-inch holes hold small berries (Meadow Lane listing).
- Ring foot and two handles (Meadow Lane listing).
- BPA-free, dishwasher safe (Meadow Lane listing).
Key specifications
| Model | ML Mini Colander |
|---|---|
| Type | Small colander with ring foot |
| Capacity | 3 cups |
| Material | BPA-free food-grade plastic |
| Size | 6 in diameter, 3 in tall |
| Lid | No |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who wants a small, shallow colander for a pint of berries or a handful of cherry tomatoes, without extra pieces to store.
Skip it if you want storage; it has no lid, and Meadow Lane is a smaller brand with fewer published details than OXO or Chef’n.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Shallow bowl, gentle on fruit
- Small 1/8-inch holes
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Three cups only
- No lid or bowl
How to choose a colander for berries
A berry colander is a small tool, but a few details decide whether it protects the fruit or bruises it.
Hole size
Blueberries and small wild berries can slip through the wide holes of a pasta colander. Look for holes around 1/8 inch, slots, or a pattern the maker says holds small berries. Strawberries and grapes are forgiving; blueberries are not.
Depth and shape
Raspberries and blackberries crush under their own weight. A shallow bowl or a flat tray keeps them in fewer layers; a deep bowl suits firmer fruit such as strawberries, cherries and grapes.
Rinse-and-store or rinse only
Three-piece keepers from Hutzler and Arrow, the OXO keeper and the Chef’n basket go straight into the fridge. A plain colander is simpler and often more versatile. Decide whether your problem is rinsing or storage before you buy.
When to wash berries
Mississippi State University Extension advises waiting to wash berries until just before you use them, because washing before refrigerating makes them break down and leak. The FDA’s produce guidance says to rinse produce under plain running water, with no soap or produce wash needed, and to dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel. In practice: store berries dry, rinse only what you are about to eat, and let them drain fully. A keeper with a colander that sits above the bowl helps with that last step, and for leafy herbs and greens a salad spinner does the drying job better.
Material and ceramics
Plastic and nylon keepers are light and dishwasher safe; stainless steel lasts and does not stain. Ceramic berry bowls are popular, but we left them out: none of the in-stock ceramic berry colanders we found came with a maker’s statement on lead in the glaze, and that is the first thing we look for in glazed ware that holds food. If you buy one, ask the maker for it. Plastic food-contact claims in this guide are as each maker states them.
How we picked these seven berry colanders
We did not handle these products. We started from what a kitchen needs when it rinses fragile fruit: holes that hold small berries, a shape that does not crush them, and a way to drain and store them dry. We then checked each product’s Amazon listing through Amazon’s product data, the makers’ own specifications where published, and food-safety guidance from the FDA and a land-grant university extension service.
Every pick was in stock on Amazon when we checked and comes from a named maker. We left out the picks on our best colander page so this guide adds something new, and we did not include any Matfer Bourgeat products. We searched the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall database for each brand here and found no recall of these products. We do not state prices, ratings or review counts because they change.
Berry colander questions, answered
What is the best colander for berries?
For most kitchens, the Hutzler 3-in-1 Berry Keeper: it rinses, serves and stores a quart of berries, and the colander sits above the bowl so the fruit does not rest in water. For stainless steel, the Norpro 1.5-quart berry colander.
Should I wash berries before putting them in the fridge?
Extension food-safety guidance says no: wash berries just before you eat or use them, because washing before storage speeds softening and leaking. Store them dry in a ventilated keeper and rinse a portion at a time.
Can I use a regular colander for berries?
Yes, if the holes are small enough to hold blueberries and you do not pile raspberries too deep. A berry colander is simply sized for a pint or quart and often adds a lid for storage.
Do I need soap or a produce wash for berries?
The FDA says there is no need to use soap or a produce wash; rinse produce under plain running water and dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Are ceramic berry bowls safe?
It depends on the glaze. Look for a maker’s statement that the glaze is lead-free or meets food-safety limits before you use a glazed bowl for food. We did not find such a statement for the in-stock ceramic berry colanders we reviewed, so none are on this list.
Our last word on berry colanders
For most people, a three-piece keeper like the Hutzler is the berry colander to buy, with the Norpro for anyone who wants steel and the Chef’n Bramble basket to replace store clamshells. Keep berries dry until you eat them, rinse under running water, and pick a shape that does not crush the fruit. For full-size and pasta colanders, see our best colander guide, and for trimming strawberries before serving, our guide to the best paring knife will help. When you would rather someone else did the cooking, call to order from Julia’s at (346) 546-8283.