The Best Dish Mat of 2023

Aug 14, 2023

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Multiple Colors and PatternsChoose from 20 different designs with this dish mat, which makes it easy to match with your existing décor.

Multiple Colors and PatternsChoose from 20 different designs with this dish mat, which makes it easy to match with your existing décor.

Great for FamiliesMeasuring 24" x 17", this dish mat has a surface area that's almost 40 percent larger than other options to hold extra dishes.

Great for FamiliesMeasuring 24" x 17", this dish mat has a surface area that's almost 40 percent larger than other options to hold extra dishes.

Versatile UsesThis mat can tackle a variety of household chores, including drying dishes and keeping your pet's food bowls from slipping.

Versatile UsesThis mat can tackle a variety of household chores, including drying dishes and keeping your pet's food bowls from slipping.

Durable Build Strong polyester with a foam filling makes this mat durable while also providing plenty of cushion.

Durable Build Strong polyester with a foam filling makes this mat durable while also providing plenty of cushion.

If you have a full load of dishes, running your dishwasher is typically more efficient and safer. But for smaller loads, handwashing often makes more sense. You’ll use less water for a few dishes, and you can set them out to air dry.

But if you routinely wash dishes by hand, you’ll need somewhere to set them to dry. Sure, you can set out a hand towel and rest everything on it, but the towel can quickly absorb any leftover water, leaving it a soggy mess. That also means the water might drift onto the countertop, potentially puddling and spreading to the rest of your countertop and even your floor.

A good dish mat is designed to absorb water, preventing it from making its way to the rest of your countertop. You can wash and rinse your dishes and even set them on the mat without drying them, although you might want to at least shake off some of the excess water.

Dish mats come in a variety of designs. You’ll find some that are flat microfiber that feels like cloth but packs plenty of padding to cushion your dishes. This is especially important if you plan to dry delicate items like wine glasses or fine china. Still others are made from silicone and designed in a way that captures water within a rim. Both are equally efficient at drying dishes while also keeping your countertop dry.

One downside to dish mats is that residue can start to build up over time. Many microfiber dish mats can be tossed in the washer for easy cleanup, although you’ll likely want to lay them flat to dry. Silicone mats will need to be hand washed, but often simply rinsing them with warm water will do. You might need a scrub brush to clear away built-up stains.

Built to absorb up to four times its weight, this dish mat helps keep your countertops dry. It's made from polyester with plenty of cushioning to protect your dishes. The pattern is reversible to let you switch things up as needed.

This mat is larger and thicker than typical dish mats, measuring 24" x 17" and 0.25" thick. It features an innovative honeycomb microfiber design that can absorb extra moisture to keep your countertops dry. The flexible core makes it machine washable without impacting the quality of its cushioning.

Eco-friendly, food-grade silicone gives this mat a durable and versatile build. It's heat resistant up to 450°F and is easy to clean with water and a brush. The soft material makes it flexible enough to be rolled or folded for easy storage.

Measuring 18" x 24" x 0.25", this dish mat is both durable and effective. The design helps it absorb up to 4 times its weight, keeping your countertops dry. It's both durable and machine washable to help keep it in good shape through many uses.

Scientifically designed to keep countertops dry while holding wet dishes, this dish mat is both efficient and attractive. It comes in a variety of colors and is easy to clean with just a cloth and some water. The material is eco-friendly, food-grade silicone, making it a great option for families with sensitivities.

If you have a full load of dishes, running your dishwasher is typically more efficient and safer. But for smaller loads, handwashing often makes more sense. You’ll use less water for a few dishes, and you can set them out to air dry.

But if you routinely wash dishes by hand, you’ll need somewhere to set them to dry. Sure, you can set out a hand towel and rest everything on it, but the towel can quickly absorb any leftover water, leaving it a soggy mess. That also means the water might drift onto the countertop, potentially puddling and spreading to the rest of your countertop and even your floor.

A good dish mat is designed to absorb water, preventing it from making its way to the rest of your countertop. You can wash and rinse your dishes and even set them on the mat without drying them, although you might want to at least shake off some of the excess water.

Dish mats come in a variety of designs. You’ll find some that are flat microfiber that feels like cloth but packs plenty of padding to cushion your dishes. This is especially important if you plan to dry delicate items like wine glasses or fine china. Still others are made from silicone and designed in a way that captures water within a rim. Both are equally efficient at drying dishes while also keeping your countertop dry.

One downside to dish mats is that residue can start to build up over time. Many microfiber dish mats can be tossed in the washer for easy cleanup, although you’ll likely want to lay them flat to dry. Silicone mats will need to be hand washed, but often simply rinsing them with warm water will do. You might need a scrub brush to clear away built-up stains.

The first dishwasher wasn't invented until 1886, so handwashing was the norm throughout most of history. It started with the discovery of soap for hygiene around 5,000 years ago. Those early soaps were made from a combination of soap and ash. That soap was absorbed by sea sponges to wash surfaces. Although there's no evidence this method was used to wash dishes, this practice led to the detergents and soaps we use today.

In the Middle Ages, hygiene became an issue as epidemics highlighted its importance. In the 1300s, metal cauldrons became popular for cooking, but they also came in handy for heating water. That water was used for both bathing and washing dishes. Soon, the three-legged cauldron became a fixture in many home kitchens.

Stephanie Faris is a novelist and professional writer. She's also a foodie who loves trying out new cooking techniques and tools. She is addicted to meal preparation kits and regularly shares photos on social media of her creations. Her favorite thing about traveling is trying out new restaurants and tasting different cuisines.

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