The Silicone Dish Drying Mat is a lightweight, compact and practical alternative to microfiber and polyester kitchen dryers.
It is convenient to use it on the countertop next to the sink, especially if there is no fender. You can move it to any convenient place, and when the task is completed - fold it and put it on the table. Suitable for drying glasses, wine glasses, cups, plates, cutlery. If necessary, the silicone mat will replace the hot pad. It remains to find out which one is better to choose in order to get the most out of it.
How is a dish drying mat different from others
Please note right away that there are many silicone kitchen mats, but not all of them are suitable for drying dishes. There are mats for baking, for rolling out dough, for hot ones - they are flat, with a relief pattern or special grooves for dripping fat. Of course, they can be used, but the maximum effect will be only from special models.
The silicone mat-drainer for dishes is ribbed on the front side, and there are enough gaps between the ribs to collect water and ventilate the air. The higher the ribs, the more water will collect. Ventilation promotes drip-free drying, which is important for glass.
There are dryers with holes, these will not retain water, so they can only be placed on surfaces that are not afraid of moisture. Best Designated Perforated Silicone Dish Mat - Sink Wing.
On the seamy side - the one with which the tray is placed on the table, there can also be small convex "legs", they prevent sticking to the surface of the table top, while the mat does not slide on the table.
Unlike rubber mats, plastic drying trays and absorbent wipes, silicone mats can be used as coasters for hot dishes. Of course, it is better not to put on a hot frying pan without reading the instructions. Some manufacturers combine two useful accessories in one. But there are models that can withstand no more than 200 degrees.
Silicone rugs for the kitchen are easy to clean, they are not afraid of hot water, detergents, dry quickly, are resistant to mold, do not absorb odors, do not stick to dishes. Silicone is many times more practical than microfiber and polyester, which themselves require drying after use.
How to choose a silicone kitchen dryer
It would seem that this is a simple matter, but there are nuances that must be taken into account in order not to regret the purchase. Let's consider the points.
Solid or perforated. For the countertop, give preference to a rug that does not allow moisture to pass through, but collects it as much as possible without letting it drain. Otherwise, there will be puddles on the table. For drying dishes on a sink wing or on a tray, a perforated one will also work.
Dimensions and shape. This criterion is individual. It is better to take measurements in advance by determining the location. A rectangle is more practical than a square, both in terms of placement on the table and in terms of spaciousness. It is equally important to take into account the requirements for the volume of dishes.
There are round and oval dryers, but taking up the same amount of space, they are less spacious. Suitable as an additional device, for example, when you need to wash glasses or more than usual cups after guests.
Silicone thickness. Too thin material will wear out quickly, especially if you constantly roll the mat into a roll. This also threatens a poor quality product. But thicker models cannot be folded or rolled into a compact roll. They are suitable for permanent use.
Ribs. If you don't have a dishwasher, when inspecting an item, consider whether it will be convenient to wash between the ribs. Hard water, even clean water, leaves a residue that is difficult to clean. The more complex the pattern and the smaller the gaps, the more hassle in leaving it. True, there are chemicals that instantly dissolve any pollution.
The area of the ribs and their distance from each other also determine whether it will be possible to place glasses and glasses made of thin glass or they will fail.
Look out for a silicone drainage mat that can be drained directly into the sink or manually emptied out of accumulated water without spilling. The drain will protect the table from moisture as much as possible. On some silicone trays, the plums are a groove in the center or diagonally, to pour out the water, you need to bend the product, the water will collect in the depression and pour out.
Plums are different, be guided by the type of sink. If it merges with the countertop, a wide one will do. And if it is much higher, then there is no point in looking for a guided one.