Why a Pottery Colander
Metal colanders are utilitarian. A handmade pottery colander is art that works. It goes from sink to table without apology — rinse pasta, drain vegetables, wash fruit, then serve directly from the same beautiful vessel. The weight of clay provides stability under running water.
Design and Proportions
Size
A useful kitchen colander is seven to nine inches in diameter and three to four inches deep. This holds a pound of pasta or several cups of vegetables.
Handles
Handles are essential. A colander full of wet food is heavy and slippery. Attach two sturdy pulled handles on opposite sides of the rim. Score and slip the attachment points thoroughly.
Foot Ring
A tall foot ring lifts the bottom drainage holes above the surface, allowing water to flow freely.
Making the Holes
Punch holes at the leather-hard stage using a quarter-inch brass tube. Cover the bottom completely and extend holes up the lower walls about one inch. Space holes about three-quarters of an inch apart.
Structural Considerations
Holes weaken the clay body. Compensate by keeping walls slightly thicker than usual — about three-eighths of an inch. Avoid placing holes too close to the rim or handle attachment points.
Learn from Stephen Jepson
Stephen's pottery video lessons teach the bowl-throwing, handle-pulling, and trimming techniques that colanders demand. One-time purchase, lifetime access.
Colander Glazing Techniques
Glazing a colander with dozens of holes requires patience and strategy. The most reliable method is wax resist — apply liquid wax to each hole before dipping or pouring glaze. The wax melts away during firing, leaving clean, open holes. Without this step, glaze fills the holes and seals them shut, rendering the colander useless. Plan to spend extra time on this glazing step compared to solid vessels.
Choose a food-safe glaze with good flow characteristics. A glaze that runs too much will pool in and clog holes during firing. A glaze that is too stiff may not coat the interior evenly. Test your glaze on a sample piece with holes before committing to the full colander. The interior should be smoothly glazed for easy cleaning, while the exterior offers creative freedom.
Using Your Pottery Colander
A pottery colander excels at tasks where beauty matters alongside function. Rinsing salad greens, draining pasta, washing herbs, and cleaning fruit are all perfect uses. The weight of ceramic keeps it stable in the sink under running water — it will not tip or slide like lightweight plastic colanders. Bring it directly to the table for a presentation that no metal colander can match. For serving, line the colander with a cloth napkin and fill with bread rolls, crackers, or seasonal fruit.