The $1​0​ ​Aldi Gadget That Totally Transforms How I Use My Tiny Kitchen Sink

published Jul 8, 2023
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Aldi storefront
Credit: Carina Romano

If you have a tiny kitchen and an even smaller sink, like I do, you know the struggle of getting the most out of your limited space. Yes, it’s possible to make big meals (and big messes) in a smaller kitchen — but it’s made so much easier when you have multi-purpose gadgets that work smarter, not harder for you. Enter: Aldi’s Crofton Collapsible and Extendable Sink Strainer.

Known for their incredible dupes, budget-friendly groceries, and seasonal gems, German discount superstore Aldi is back with yet another indispensable tool in their batch of new home items that just hit stores in June. This strainer-colander hybrid — which comes in both light and dark gray — offers the perfect solution small-sink owners have been waiting for. And all for $9.99!

Credit: Patty Catalano

Oftentimes when straining pasta or beans, or washing fruit and vegetables, you want plenty of space underneath the colander so the dirty or drained liquid has room to go down the drain without the clean goods sitting in it. Until I have the space (and the funds) to splurge on a workstation sink, straining and draining can be hard with a smaller, more compact sink — until the Crofton Collapsible and Extendable Sink Strainer, that is.

Not only does the rectangular silicone colander portion of the gadget collapse into itself to take up less storage space when not in use — or if your sink isn’t deep enough for you to extend it all the way — but it also expands to sit atop your kitchen sink. Fitting most sink sizes, two ends of the strainer can extend up to a whopping 24 inches total, which should offer plenty of space for it to sit on your kitchen counter, allowing for seamless draining. 

Credit: Sheila Munday

What’s more? It allows you to wash, strain, drain, and dry completely hands-free, no matter the size of your sink.

If that wasn’t enough to sell you on this smart find, this Aldi find is also dishwasher-safe, so when you’re done using it, you can throw it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Trust us — your sink will thank you. Run, don’t walk, because it will definitely sell out! And check out all of the other great new home decor and storage items hitting shelves in July.

If you’re not near an Aldi, you can shop a similar colander that went viral on TikTok. It’s priced slightly higher than Aldi’s version, but comes in more colors and gets shipped right to your door for major convenience.

Buy: BLUE GINKGO Over the Sink Colander, $17.99 (normally $19.99)