Customer Reviews

Norpro KRONA Stainless Steel 8.5 Inch Deep Colander

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's not cheap, but it's gooood. Whether you need to drain pasta or filter out the mind control rays from the orbital satellites, this one'll do the job for a long time. Very solid. A little bit heavy, but that's the tradeoff--sure, you can get lighter (and wimpier) colanders, but why run the risk of having your mind being subverted by the CIA because they jack up the power a bit?

Seriously, it's a very good colander. You'll never need another one. The handles are welded on so there's no rivets to fall out, and it's about the right size for the typical pasta mess. Enjoy.

I could not decide between the Norpro Stainless Steel 9-1/2-Inch Colander, the Norpro Stainless Steel 8-5/8-Inch Colander, and the MIU France 6-Quart Brushed Stainless Steel-Colander . So I ordered all three to compare and to pick my favorite.

PROS

* Compact storage size: takes up slightly less room compared to 6-quart colanders
* Easily fits into my standard stainless steel sink
* Beautiful construction
* Holds 4 quarts, a good size for many people

CONS

* Slightly smaller handles are not quite as large and easy to grasp as the MIU France (but they are still very good handles)
* Mirror finish not as highly polished as the MIU France
(Also it will not fit inside my pasta stockpot due to handles, but none of the three did.)

My favorite is the MIU France. I'll get to why in a moment. First, let's explore the differences and similarities between these three colanders. All are very fine colanders, and you will be happy with any of them, in my opinion.

The differences in them are as follows:

The Norpro Stainless Steel 8-5/8-Inch Colander:

MEASUREMENTS

I'm providing measurements here, as many shoppers want to feel like they can reach out and touch the colander. For those not into measurements, skip this section.

The Norpro Stainless Steel 8-5/8-Inch Colander is a high-quality colander that, like its larger cousin, the Norpro Stainless Steel 9-1/2-Inch Colander, easily fits into my stainless steel double sink. My house was built in the 1980s and the sink is typical for kitchens of that decade. The sink has a depth of 5 1/2 inches and inside sink width of 14 inches wide by 15 3/4 inches deep.

See attached photos which show this colander, the other Norpro, and the MIU France in my sink.

Colander dimensions are: 8 5/8" inside bowl diameter, just the bowl, not including the handles; 9 3/16" outside bowl diameter, just the bowl, not including the handles; approximately 11 5/8" with handles included. The handles are 1 1/4" deep at their deepest point and approximately 3 1/4" at their widest point inside the handle, not including the handle hardware. The handles are 1 1/2" deep by 3 3/4" at their widest point outside the handle, including the handle hardware.

Colander height is 5 5/8" including the feet. Without the feet, just the colander from the center of the inside to the top is approximately 5 1/8". I had to eyeball this measurement, so I did the best I could. The feet are approximately 1 inch long, but because they jut out of the colander at an angle, they only raise the colander up about 1/2" from the surface on which the colander is placed.

Drainage holes on the side of the colander are bigger than those on the bottom of the colander. Drainage holes on the side are just shy of 3/16" in diameter while those on the bottom are just over 1/8" in diameter. There are 300 holes along the side and 90 holes on the bottom, plenty for drainage. The bottom is 4 1/4" in diameter, a full inch narrower along the bottom than the MIU France 6-quart colander.

DURABILITY

The handle is welded on. Each side of the handle appears to be welded at only two points. These points are barely visible, via a slight indentation, on the inside of the colander.

I wonder if the welded points are strong enough to hold the handles in place over many years. I imagine the welding is quite strong, because I gave this exact colander to my brother several years ago, and he raves about it. He uses it a lot, for items like boiled peanuts, pasta, and black-eyed peas.

OVERALL APPEARANCE

The exterior is brushed metal stainless steel, with a band of polished stainless steel approximately one inch wide at the top of the colander. The handles and feet are polished stainless.

MIRROR FINISH

The interior of this colander has a mirror finish, but it's not on the same par as the MIU France. I can see my reflection in the bottom of the MIU France colander. I am unable to do that in either of the two Norpro colanders.

MAKING PASTA

In lieu of a pasta insert, I like to place my colander with drained pasta inside my stockpot to keep it warm.

My old colander did not have handles and fit easily inside my pasta pot. Due to the handles, this one will not fit inside my stockpot. However, none of the three did.

CAPACITY

This colander holds 4 quarts. If you want a larger capacity, both the Norpro Stainless Steel 9-1/2-Inch Colander and the MIU France hold 6 quarts.

As a comparison, let us look at the two other colanders.

The Norpro Stainless Steel 9-1/2-Inch Colander:

This is another fine offering from Norpro. You cannot go wrong if you pick this colander. It is a 6-quart instead of a 4-quart. I don't particularly like the handles, but I have large hands. Someone with bigger hands might want to consider the MIU France.

For colander dimensions and a comparison, you can read my review here: Norpro Stainless Steel 9-1/2-Inch Colander

Here is the final colander as a comparison.

MIU France MIU-6-Quart-Brushed-Stainless-Steel-Colander:

This is my favorite of the three. The handles are a lovely rounded shape and larger than the Norpro handles, making it easier for my large hands to grasp them. I can hold the handles and not touch the colander, potentially hot from scalding pasta water for example, so these larger handles could prevent kitchen accidents. The MIU France's mirror finish interior is more highly polished than that of the Norpro colanders. As the old commercial goes, I can literally see my reflection in the MIU France, but not in the Norpro.

For colander dimensions and a comparison, you can read my review here: MIU-6-Quart-Brushed-Stainless-Steel-Colander

SUMMARY

In summary, all three colanders fit easily into my sink. All three take about the same kitchen cabinet space to store, with no appreciable difference, though the six-quart colanders are slightly higher than the four-quart model.

All have similarities in construction: inner polished mirrored finishes, mirrored finish on the feet and handles, and an exterior brushed stainless steel finish with a one-inch wide band of polished stainless steel at the top.

The handles are different; looking at the photos I have included of these colanders shows you that the MIU France's handles are wider and roomier, yet the Norpro handles are functional as well.

All three colanders have 300 holes around their sides. The bottom hole content varies, but not enough to make a difference in their handling of any drainage of food or liquids. The bottom width varies between the three, with the narrowest bottom on the Norpro 8-5/8-inch colander and the widest bottom on the MIU France 6-quart colander.

All are made in China, including the MIU France. This in no way detracts from their beauty or functionality. All three are excellent choices in colanders.

PHOTOS

See customer images for photos of all three colanders for comparison.

RECOMMENDATION

My personal preference is the MIU France MIU-6-Quart-Brushed-Stainless-Steel-Colander. I prefer the larger round handles, both functional and beautiful. The mirror finish is more highly polished. Also, since all three take approximately the same storage space, I would go ahead and spring for a 6-quart. That way you will be able to drain larger amounts of food should the need arise.

I highly recommend all three of these colanders, with an edge to my top pick, the MIU France 6-Quart Brushed Stainless-Steel Colander. However, if you choose this Norpro Stainless Steel 8-5/8-Inch Colander, you have purchased a high quality colander that will last you for years.

I have to agree with the previous reviewers, wowzers. This thing is beautiful and well made. The interior has a beautiful mirror finish, and there are plenty of holes on the sides and bottom so it's functional too. Also, the handles and legs are welded on, with no screws that might trap food particles (as on my old strainer). It feels very sturdy!

The 8-5/8 inch colander is very large, perfect for my needs. I think its big brother, the 9 inch one is a bit too large.

$20 for a well made colander that you'll use everyday? I think it's worth it, definitely. Then you can also use it by itself to present fruits or vegetables, at dinner parties and such. It's that nice! Indulge yourself, it's worth it.

I have only used plastic drainers in the past. They always end up cracking or staining. I have been using this stainless steel drainer for a few weeks and it is wonderful. It is easy to clean and use. I think the quality is pretty high and the piece appears to be very sturdy and durable.

This looks wonderful hanging from the pot rack. After several washings, it has retained its bright silver appearance. It strains fairly fine particles, is easy to clean and seems durable. Unlike the plastic ones, it's not going to melt or break, and it has a nice enough look that you can set it on the table with your drained noodles if you like. Highly recommend.

I was searching for an every day colander and found it here. This Norpro Colander is just the right size for normal family use (1 lb. of pasta, bagged steamed veggies etc.). I was considering going up to the larger size and upon reading other reviews decided to go with the 8-5/8 and I am so glad I did. Easy to store, sturdy & not tipsy in the sink, strong handles/feet and holes that are big enough to strain but not too big that food flows through them. I am very pleased with this purchase.

This is a great colander. It is very heavy duty and very deep. I like the wide handles on it because you can place it on top of a pot lined with cheese cloth for straining. We have also used it for a large steamer. place it on top of a stockpot with boiling water-instant steamer. Holds about 1.5 pounds of shrimp.

This colander replaces a similar antique colander that is aluminum. I wanted one with the feet & had it in my saved wish list for about a year. I had purchased this one for my daughter at that time & no complaints on its quality, etc. for over a year. I hang mine by its handle on a hook I have in a board on the kitchen wall above the stove.

Have had these over five years and could't be happier. Amazon shipping was fast and Norpro quality is great. Would buy again.

The colander is heavy gauge stainless, so durable and the pasta slides out so easily after straining the pasta. Easy cleanup, good metal finish.

I've had this colander for years and it's so sturdy and still as beautiful as the day I bought it! Like I said before, it is heavy gauge and have no doubt this will last me for more years. Sure wish more pans were this sturdy!!

Highly Recommend!!!