There is something about a colander which is comfortable. It is one of those things, like a mouse trap, which has been around forever and which nobody has found a way to improve. They may be available in more colours today, but the function of a colander in a kitchen is essentially the same now as it has been for hundreds of years.

The word colander came into use between about 1400 and 1450, and is an adaptation of the Middle English word colyndore. That in turn traces its roots to the Latin colum, which means sieve.

One of the fun things about colanders is that they have many more uses than most people realise. We have done some research and compiled a list of all the useful things you can do with a colander. If you know of any more, please leave a comment and we’d be delighted to add it to the list, giving you credit of course for the idea.

Splatter stopper. Invert a colander over frying foods. It lets the heat out, but stops most of the grease or oil splatter.

Pasta bowl warmer. Most people warm their serving dishes in or under the oven, or in the microwave. If you are serving pasta, save energy by putting the colander inside the pasta serving bowl before draining the pasta. Now the hot water, instead of being wasted, gets the bowl ready for dinner.

Vegetable steamer. For when your daughter borrowed your steamer saucepan.

Instant garden. The shape of a colander — short and wide — lends itself to displaying flowers as it allows them to spread out.

Fruit storage. Fruit stays fresh longer if air can circulate all around. This is especially true for berries. Keep them in a colander instead of a regular container, and they will last longer.

Saucepan lid storer. Start with the smallest at the bottom …

Rubber duck collector. If you have youngsters, bath time always results in a floating menagerie. Just how many rubber ducks and other toys can a kid have! A colander makes a perfect scoop for bath toys. Round them, give them a shake, and store them in the colander for ultimate ease.

Toy. Instead of making it sit around until bath time is over, let the colander join the fun. Watching water drain through the holes can amuse a child for a long time. It can be just as much fun in a sand pit.

Bathroom accessory holder. Perfect for storing sponges, loofahs etc, allowing them to drain and dry more easily.

Lego sorter. Good for storing Lego because you can find pieces more easily through the holes.

Camp shower. We thought of this one ourselves. It would take a handy person to rig a hose, but the colander holes should create a pleasant spread of water.

Picnic accessory. Keep flies away by turning a colander upside down and placing it over the food.

Wind chime. All good things must come to an end, and sometimes a colander needs to be retired. But don’t throw it out. Those holes make it easy to tie on other old utensils, spoons , tin mugs, etc. Hang it on the back verandah for a charmingly different wind chime.

Lamp shade. Simply turn a colander upside down for an eye-catching lamp shade. Warning: metal ones can get hot!

Display. Fill a colander with pine cones for a cosy table centrepiece. Fill one with Christmas lights for a jolly Christmas display. Fill one with chocolates for … hey, where did they go?

Brainwave sensor helmet. We’re not certain how you construct one of these out of a colander, but we know it’s possible because they did it in the film Ghostbusters!

Lie detector. Bit fanciful this one; possibly from an old film. You need a photocopier as well, pre-loaded with a sheet of paper featuring the word LIE. Bring the suspect into the “Lie Detector Room”, place the colander on his head, and every time you suspect he’s telling a lie, push the photocopier start button. Ding! Out pops a LIE report. Not something, perhaps, you will find use for on a daily basis.

Sources: diylife.com, Family Fun magazine, instructables.com, Craftzine, containergardening.about.com, unclutterer.com