It happens to the best of us: you are washing dishes and one slips out of your hands and shatters in the sink below. No matter how careful you are in the kitchen, accidents can always happen. That’s why it’s nice to have a safety net.
We’re talking about kitchen sink mats. Kitchen sink mats help protect your dishes from breaking and provide a convenient barrier for larger items. Come with us as we count down the 7 best kitchen sink mats.
Rubbermaid Antimicrobial Sink Protector Mat
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
We love this kitchen sink mat because it comes with a layer of Microban anti-bacterial protection. This mat will not collect harmful mildew and help keep your sink clean. There is even a lift tab that allows access to your drain.
This mat will also provide a bit of aesthetic flair with its waved pattern. This is an almost perfectly squared kitchen sink mat that is 13 inches long and 13 inches wide.
OXO Good Grips Silicone Sink Mat
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
If you are looking for kitchen sink protector mats that won’t disrupt the flow of water in your sink, take a good look at this OXO mat. The base is elevated so that water can flow freely underneath it.
It comes as an almost solid mat but that’s just because you can cut your hole so it perfectly fits your sink and drain. It’s made of non-toxic PVC which is flexible, durable and easy to clean. These are some of the best kitchen sink mats for double sink kitchens because it comes in a large and small size.
Rubbermaid/ Rowekamp 1G1706BLA Sink Mat
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
Rubbermaid is a brand you know and trust. The company does not disappoint when it comes to mats for kitchen sink use. This particular model features a layer of Microban anti-bacterial material to keep your food, dishes and sink clean and safe.
This mat is 13 inches tall and about 13 inches wide. It can fit both single and double sinks too. The material is very flexible and conforms nicely to the contours of your sink. It’s pretty substantial too so it won’t shift around when the sink is wet.
mDesign Adjustable Kitchen Sink Dish Drying Mat
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
As far as design goes, this is one of the coolest kitchen sink mats on our list. It’s patterned to mimic the look of a bunch of stones huddled together. But it’s transparent so it almost looks like you don’t even have a mat in your sink.
Your purchase of this mDesign set comes with 2 kitchen sink mats, each measuring 12.4 inches by 10.5 inches. The mats are solid but you can cut a hole in them depending on where your drain is. Each mat is made of waterproof PVC.
Rubbermaid Evolution Sink Mat
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
If you notice, Rubbermaid kitchen sink mats are prevalent on our list. The fact is that they make some of the most reliable kitchen products of any manufacturer. Case in point: this Rubbermaid evolution sink mat.
It’s dimensions are 10 inches by 12 inches so it would fit will in offset or rectangular sinks. It has feet that raises the mat so water can flow freely underneath. The bottom is also cushioned to protect your glasses and dishes.
Spectrum Diversified Hexa Raised Feet Quick-Drying, Heavy-Duty Protector
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
The name pretty much says it all but what it doesn’t convey is just how cool this kitchen mat looks. It has a hexagonal design (think of a honeycomb) with some of the hexagons being transparent while others are opaque.
This mat would look especially great in modern style kitchens. The bottom side of some of the hexagons even have a layer of rubber so the mat won’t slip around when things get wet. This mat measures 16” long and 11.7” wide.
cusinine Silicone Sink Mat
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Silicone is a good material for a sink mat because it is waterproof and heat resistant. You can place a hot pot on this mat and not worry about burning it or your sink. The design of this mat allows water to flow both through and underneath it.
The mesh design will also keep large food items from going down the drain. You can also cut a hole in this mat to match the drain location of your sink.
Kitchen Sink Mats Buying Guide
Kitchen sink mats may seem simple, but you’d be surprised at how the wrong kind can make things harder in the kitchen. That’s why we put together this mini guide that will help you choose the best kitchen sink mats.
Elevated Design
The last thing you want is to have standing water in your sink when you are prepping meals or washing dishes. That’s why you should choose a mat that has little feet to allow water to flow underneath.
Sturdy Fit
You are going to want a mat that is either heavy enough to sit solid on the bottom of the sink or one that has an anti-slip underside. Otherwise it will just shift about as soon as it gets wet.
Safe Material
This is where things get a little tricky. While plastic is a good material for this type of product, you have to make sure that the plastic is BPA free. PVC and silicone are also excellent choices for kitchen sink mats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the point of a sink mat?
A: A sink mat will not only protect your dishes from breaking if you drop them while washing; it will also protect your sink from chipping or cracking.
Q: Are sink mats good?
A: They are if you buy the right kind. Sink mats that are elevated, conform to the contours of your sink and made from toxin-free materials will minimize accidents in the kitchen and increase the longevity of your sink.
Q: How do I protect my kitchen sink?
A: Using sink mats is one of the best way to protect your kitchen sink from chipping, cracking and other types of damage.
Final Thoughts
Nobody’s perfect. At least you can rest a bit easier in the kitchen knowing that your dishes and sink are protected by a mat. It’s a very small investment that will end up paying off in the long-run – but only if you choose a quality mat.
Take a look at our list of the best kitchen sink mats and you are sure to land the perfect one for your kitchen!
