6 Best Nesting Colanders For Small RV Food Prep That Nomads Swear By

You’re standing in your RV galley, trying to drain a pot of pasta. Your one cabinet for bowls and prep gear is a chaotic jumble, and the only colander you own is a giant, round space-hog that just doesn’t fit. This daily dance of kitchen Tetris is one of the biggest frustrations of RV life. The right gear isn’t about luxury; it’s about making a small space functional and sane.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Why Nesting Colanders Are an RV Kitchen Essential

Your RV kitchen cabinet is a battlefield for space. Every single item has to justify its existence, and traditional, single-piece colanders are notorious offenders. They are bulky, awkward, and their rigid, bowl-like shape creates a huge dead zone of unusable air around them in a cabinet.

This is where nesting or collapsible designs become non-negotiable. A colander that can flatten to the height of a dinner plate or a set that stacks perfectly into a single, compact unit reclaims precious real estate. It’s the difference between a drawer that closes smoothly and one that’s perpetually jammed.

Ultimately, choosing a space-saving colander is about more than just storage. It’s about reducing friction in your daily routine. When your tools are easy to access and put away, you’re more likely to cook healthy meals and enjoy the process. A functional kitchen is the heart of a happy rig.

Joseph Joseph Nest Colanders: Ultimate Space-Savers

If you want maximum function from a single footprint, the Joseph Joseph Nest sets are legendary for a reason. They take the concept of nesting to another level. These aren’t just colanders; they are complete prep systems that often include mixing bowls, a sieve, and even measuring cups, all designed to stack into one tidy unit.

The genius here is consolidation. Instead of having five or six separate tools rattling around in a drawer, you have one solid block. For RVers who do a lot of baking or complex meal prep, this is a game-changer. You grab the whole stack, and everything you need is right there.

The tradeoff is that you’re buying a whole system. If you already have mixing bowls you love or only need a simple strainer, this might be overkill. They are also typically made of high-quality plastic, which is lightweight but might not appeal to those who prefer the durability and heat-resistance of stainless steel.

OXO Good Grips Collapsible Colander for Durability

Sometimes you don’t need a whole set; you just need one reliable workhorse. That’s the OXO Good Grips Collapsible Colander. This isn’t about nesting multiple pieces, but about one solid piece that makes itself disappear when the job is done.

Made from a combination of sturdy plastic and heat-resistant silicone, these colanders collapse down to a mere inch or two in height. This makes them perfect for sliding into a shallow drawer or tucking alongside cutting boards. OXO is known for its robust construction and smart ergonomics—the non-slip handles and stable feet are features you’ll appreciate when you’re draining a heavy pot of boiling water on a slightly unlevel parking spot.

The main consideration is that it’s a single-purpose tool. If you need multiple sizes, you’ll have to buy them individually, and while they all collapse flat, they won’t nest together. But for the solo traveler or couple who wants one high-quality, bomb-proof colander that will last for years, this is often the smartest choice.

Comfify Collapsible Set: A Colorful, Versatile Trio

For those who want size options without committing to a full prep system, a collapsible silicone set is the perfect middle ground. Brands like Comfify offer sets of two or three different-sized colanders that all collapse flat and then nest within each other. This gives you the best of both worlds: versatility and ultra-compact storage.

You get a small basket for rinsing a handful of berries, a medium one for vegetables, and a large one for a family-sized portion of pasta. When you’re done, they flatten and stack into a single, slim package. This approach is incredibly practical for RV life, where your cooking needs can change drastically from one day to the next.

The key is to look for quality. Ensure the set is made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone that is heat-resistant. Cheaper versions can sometimes stain (especially with tomato sauce) or retain strong odors from things like onions and garlic. A quality set, however, is a lightweight, affordable, and incredibly space-efficient solution.

Squish Over-the-Sink Collapsible Strainer

The RV sink is often comically small, and it’s prime real estate. An over-the-sink colander, like the one from Squish, is a brilliant solution to this problem. It features extendable arms that rest on the edges of your sink, suspending the colander basket over the basin instead of in it.

This design is a masterclass in efficiency. It allows you to wash produce or drain pasta while keeping the bottom of your sink completely free for other tasks, like rinsing dishes or filling a pot. After use, the entire unit collapses flat for easy storage. It’s a simple design shift that dramatically improves the workflow in a tiny kitchen.

Before you buy, measure your sink. The biggest pitfall with this style is getting one with arms that are either too short or too long for your specific RV sink. But when you find one that fits, it feels like you’ve just doubled your usable prep space.

U.S. Kitchen Supply Over-Sink Expandable Strainer

While most space-saving talk focuses on collapsing, there’s another approach: being slim. The U.S. Kitchen Supply strainer is a great example. It’s a rigid, stainless steel basket with expandable, rubber-coated arms that extend to fit over your sink. It doesn’t collapse, but its narrow profile allows it to be stored vertically in tight spaces, like next to the fridge or alongside your cookbooks.

This is the perfect option for RVers who are wary of silicone or the long-term durability of collapsible mechanisms. Stainless steel is bulletproof—it won’t stain, absorb odors, or warp from boiling water. The micro-perforated holes are fantastic for draining small grains like quinoa or orzo without losing them down the drain.

You’re trading the "flat-pack" convenience of a collapsible model for the sheer toughness and hygiene of steel. It’s a different philosophy of space-saving that prioritizes a slim, storable shape over true collapsibility. For many, that’s a tradeoff worth making.

Bellemain Stainless Steel Nesting Colander Set

For the traditionalist who values durability above all else, a classic nesting set of stainless steel colanders is the answer. The Bellemain set is a prime example of this category. You get multiple sizes—typically a small, medium, and large—that fit perfectly inside one another, occupying only the footprint of the largest bowl.

This design doesn’t collapse, so it’s not going to fit in a shallow drawer. However, it’s ideal for a deep cabinet or lower cupboard space. The all-metal construction means you can pour boiling water into it without a second thought, and it will likely outlast the RV itself. The sturdy ring base provides excellent stability, which is a key safety feature in a moving environment.

Choosing this style means accepting that you’ll dedicate a bowl-shaped chunk of cabinet space to it. But in return, you get a bomb-proof, professional-grade tool that handles any task you throw at it. For full-timers who cook extensively, this level of reliability is often worth the dedicated space.

Key Factors in Selecting Your RV Colander

Choosing the right colander isn’t about finding the "best" one, but the best one for you. Your decision should be based on your cooking style, your storage space, and your material preferences. Don’t just buy the most popular model; think critically about how you’ll actually use it on the road.

Consider these four factors before you make a decision:

• Storage Shape: Do you have a shallow drawer or a deep cabinet? A collapsible model is king for shallow drawers, while a nesting set is better suited for a tall, open cabinet space.
• Material: Do you prioritize durability or lightweight convenience? Stainless steel is incredibly durable and hygienic but heavier. Silicone is lightweight and collapsible but can stain or tear over time.
• Primary Use: Will you be washing small amounts of produce or draining huge pots of pasta? A multi-size set offers versatility, while a single, large-capacity colander might be all you need.
• Sink Integration: Is your sink always cluttered? An over-the-sink model can be a lifesaver, freeing up the basin for other tasks and improving your overall kitchen workflow.

Think about a typical cooking day in your rig. Are you constantly fighting for sink space? Get an over-the-sink model. Do you only ever rinse a few vegetables? A small, single collapsible colander is perfect. Matching the tool to your actual habits is the secret to a successful RV kitchen.

In the end, every piece of gear in your RV is a compromise between function, size, and durability. The perfect colander is the one you don’t have to think about—it does its job, disappears when you’re done, and makes life on the road just a little bit easier. Choose wisely, and reclaim your cabinet space.