A colander is a bowl-shaped kitchen vessel perforated with holes, used for draining foods cooked in water and for washing fruit and vegetables. Pasta, rice, and blanched vegetables are tipped in, the water runs away, and the food stays behind. Materials range from stainless steel and enamel to plastic and silicone collapsible designs, with hole size suited to the task: fine for rice, larger for pasta. It must be stable and heat-resistant for heavy pots of boiling water, and cleaned promptly so starch does not clog the holes. It is one of the most used and simplest tools in any kitchen.