After I bought a Dexas Silicone Pop Strainer, I never again ruined cooked pasta, (macaroni noodles, shells, or spaghetti), on the mesh of a metal strainer. And, using its large handle and front piece to balance it over a pot, I let excess cooked pasta cool down for storage in the refrigerator. Since I only use it for draining boiling water out of pasta, I quickly rub it with a plastic scrubber under very hot running water to get rid of any pasta starch clinging to it, and stack it opened in the dish drainer to dry. When completely dry It packs away easily in a drawer, so it takes up very little storage area. It's paid for itself over and over again, in money, time, and enjoyment. Great!