Listings most commonly show polypropylene (plastic) and stainless steel construction.
Sizes range from small hand-strainers to multi-quart colanders. Example listing capacities include 9.75 oz, 24 oz, 41.45 oz, 3.08 liters, 3.7 quarts and 5 quarts.
Two common styles appear: wide-hole colanders described as "quick drain" for fast liquid removal, and fine-mesh strainers for rinsing and catching small grains or particles.
Features include long handles, top frames that let colanders rest on pots, non-slip or rubberized grips, secure balancing loops, integrated side handles, and bases that elevate contents while draining.
Mesh sets include nested sizes such as 3 1/8 in, 5 1/2 in and 7 7/8 in; some hand strainers list head diameters like 7.6 inches.