I remember seeing review of colanders in Cook's Illustrated a couple of years ago. I wondered why anyone would rate colanders - aren't they all the same?? When Cook's Illustrated (one of our favorite culinary publications) chose this pierced colander as their very favorite I figured I needed to find out why. Now I totally get it - this really is the best colander. It drains very quickly and is the perfect shape so that nothing slops out. And pasta won't stick in the holes. Plus, it is 18/10 stainless steel and totally dishwasher safe. Once again, Chris Kimball and his crew nailed it. 9 7/8" x 4 7/8"