Sinks can undergo scratches and deterioration due to the placement of cutlery and crockery that can affect the appearance of the sink and cause roughness. To keep it unblemished, certain protectors can be used. They do not only protect sinks but are also convenient to use and complement countertop. However, it is often challenging to choose an optimal protector because certain factors can make a thoughtful selection useless.
Therefore, this article is going to be very useful for those who want to buy the best sink protector for their kitchen. In this article, we have presented five sink protectors after analyzing several top protectors. Therefore, the following products can be worthwhile to select any protector. All these following protectors are appropriate in functioning as well as look elegant. Let’s have a look at these protectors.
Best Sink Protector Review
1. Franke Evolution Universal Double Bowl Sink Protection Grid FGD75
Key Features:
- Color: Stainless steel
- Brand: FRANKE
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimensions: 13.125″ x 11.625″ x 1.25″
- Weight: 1.34 pounds
- Cutout: Rare drain
The Franke Evolution Sink Protection Grid is an excellent choice for sink protection. It is durable and has great strength. It keeps the sink scratch-free and acts as a shield. Its color and size are suitable for all the kitchen sinks. This can also be used in a double bowl sink by placing it in each of the bowls. However, this is not fit for circular sinks.
A cutout for drainage is also present that facilitates drainage. For better drainage, the protector is elevated with feet that keep it at some distance from the sink. This elevation is very helpful in water discharge and air circulation. Quick flow also inhibits mold and odor. The grid or openings in the protector also perform the same function of drainage. About feet, they are covered with rubber coating to avoid scratches. They keep the grid fixed and don’t let it move in the sink. So, it stays stable without movement.
One of the best properties of this protector is its high corrosion resistance. It is highly resistant to rusting. This is significant because corrosion can make it look worn out. Many of the products that are made of steel undergo rusting that reduces their functionality especially when they are frequently exposed to water. The sink protectors also have continuous exposure to water. In this regard, this is important to consider this factor.
Following resistance power, it is also resistant to high temperatures and remains unaffected even after placing a hot utensil on it.
Another vital function of this grid is it can serve as a rack as well. After washing utensils, they can be dried over this grid that offers fine airing. Besides, this can also be used for washing vegetables by placing them over them. So, its multifunction property increases its demand. Keeping in view all these functions, many of the users consider it the best sink protector when compared to the rest of the protectors.
About maintenance, it can be cleaned with a scrubber and any washing agent. Its maintenance is not difficult.
2. Better Houseware Medium White Sink Protector Grid
Key Features:
- Color: White
- Brand: Better Houseware
- Material: Metallic construction and plastic coating
- Item weight: 12 ounces
- Dimensions: 16.13’’ x 12.5’’ x 1’’
- Cutout: Centre hole
The next best sink protector is the Better Houseware medium white sink protector that has a grid structure. It is the best choice for almost all the sinks i.e. stainless steel sink, ceramic sink, fireclay sink, Neoroc sink, and copper sinks, etc. It keeps glasses, dishes, and crockery safe. Also, it prevents the bottom of the sink from scratches that can make it look old and rough in either case. Its large size makes it suitable for sinks of any size including extra-large sinks as well. The shiny plastic coating on the protector makes it long-lasting.
There is a pre-cut hole in the grid that helps in water draining. Through this opening, the sink drainer can also be removed. This facility is not found in many of the protectors. Therefore, they are removed first, and then the drainer is emptied after removing. This becomes troubling when protectors have pots and sink is flooding. Therefore, this unique property enhances its demand.
For greater drainage, the grid is slightly elevated with small plastic which does not block water to go into the drain. This flow hinders microbial growth, odor, and scratches.
Another unique function of this protector is it can be used as a dryer on the countertop or in the sink. You can place washed pots like cups, glasses, pans, and spoons,s, etc. to dry them either in the sink or on the shelf. This is because grid structure provides aeration and reduces moisture. Not only this, but you can also wash vegetables as well as fruits on it. Its multifunction design makes it highly suitable.
Furthermore, it is corrosion resistant and does not allow rusting which makes it durable and long-lasting. It is also heat resistant and can stand boiling water too. Unlike silicon protector, It is easy to clean and can be wiped smoothly.
However, this is not suitable for circular sinks because they will not fit properly. But in spite of using this as a sink protector, it can be used as a dryer as well by keeping it on the countertop. Also, it can be used to wash edibles. Thus it serves multifunction and is worthwhile.
If the sink has a rare drainer, this will not align with the protector as it has a hole in the center. To avoid this, you can take proper measurements of your sink before purchasing a protector. This will give a clear idea about dimensions that will be helpful in getting an optimal product that has exact alignment with the sink drainer.
3. OXO Good Grips Silicone Sink Mat – Large
Key Features:
- Color: Silver
- Brand: OXO
- Material: Silicon
- Item weight: 1.17 pounds
- Dimensions: 16.2 x 12.7 x 0.2 inches
- Cutout: No opening hole
The OXO Good Grips Mat is a high-quality mat and provides a soft cushion that protects the sink from chipping and scratching. Its soft surface keeps the dishware, glassware, and other utensils safe. Particularly, it is the best protector for steel or ceramic surface of sinks that can break the fragile pots if slipped suddenly. It can fit into large as well as extra-large sinks very easily. If you have a double bowl sink, two of these mats can be placed side by side and a large sink can be covered simply. It can also be customized for a particular sink. Moreover, the gray color of the mat can complement any stainless steel sink. This can also be folded for easy storage.
It does not have a pre-cut hole, but it has a very convenient pattern that enables the cutting of an opening hole around the sink drainer either in the back or center of the sink.
In its structure, there are small feet throughout the mat that does not let it move around instead keep it stable. Through these feet, water can go underdrain easily without flooding the sink. The aeration through elevated feet can also dry the mat quickly. The water and air can flow from the openings or grid pattern of the mat freely as well. The feet structure also prevents debris from sticking underneath the mat. This keeps the mold or bacteria away from the mat.
Besides, it is heat-resistant and can stand a temperature up to 425°F, so skillets can also be placed directly from stoves. In the best sink protector, this level of heat resistance is the supreme property.
However, its rubber structure can make it oily because kitchen items often have oil content. If the mat repeatedly becomes greasy, its cleaning can be difficult that can affect its lifetime. Moreover, it may leave some stains or colors under that can cause roughness on the bottom of the sink.
This has also been found that debris sticks in the grids. This can be prevented by pouring water into the openings. However, if the feet elevation is slightly increased during manufacturing, this can be avoided.
4. Bligli Pebble Sink Mat for Stainless Steel/Ceramic Sinks, PVC Eco-friendly Sink Protectors
Key Features:
- Color: Black
- Brand: Bligli
- Material: PVC
- Dimensions: 15.8’’ x 11.8’’
- Cutout: No cutout
The Bligli pebble sink mat is a very unique protector that has a pebble-like structure. It acts as a protective shield for the sink to keep it safe from chipping. Its cushion for utensils while washing keeps them protected while washing. There are different colors available i.e. blue, grey, sky blue, and brown that can perfectly contrast the décor of porcelain and stainless sinks.
The best thing about this mat is its flexibility to fit into any sink. It can be cut to any dimension and shape. This is why: it can be used for circular sinks as well. Similarly, for unequal double bowl sinks, they can be cut to the required size.
Unlike other mats, it has an in-built odorless material. This aids in preventing smell near the drainer.
It does not have a cutout but there are certain openings that allow water passage and airflow. Therefore, this can also be used on countertops for multi-purposes.
About its cleaning, this can be immersed in soapy water prior to washing with a sponge. Noticeably, you should wash it immediately if it is stained with spaghetti sauce.
5. Rubbermaid Sink Mat, Medium, Clear
Key Features:
- Color: Clear Waves
- Brand: Rubbermaid
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 0.4 pound
- Dimensions: 12.48’’ x 11.48’’ x 0.39’’
- Cutout: center hole
The Rubbermaid sink mat has an exceptional performance in protecting delicate utensils. Its structure has been designed in a way that it has a very stable base that does not allow the mat to slip from its place. This is why; it remains fixed on the surface of the sink.
The clear wave pattern can complement any sink and give an appealing look. It can be used for smaller as well as medium sinks. For double bowl sinks, they can be used on both sides. However, this is not recommendable for circular sinks because their shape is rectangular.
It has a center cutout that aligns with the sink drainer if it is in the center. This hole and grid structure speed up water discharge through the drainer. Moreover, the grid structure also provides exposure to air that helps in mat drying. Conversely, this mat is not suitable for the sinks in which the drainer is not in the center.
The best thing about this mat is its anti-microbial property. There is no bacterial or germs growth found near the drainer that keeps the sink odor-free. However, the debris may stick with the small openings of the mat. But this is not disturbing and can be removed by water.
The plastic material of the mat makes its cleaning easy and it can be cleaned effortlessly. The mat can also be used to dry utensils either in the sink or on the countertop.
Best Sink Protector Buying Guide
The appealing sink protectors exert a pull on the buyers who can reflect on the overall beauty of the product and overlook its durability and quality. This can make the selection unsuitable and worthless. Hence, it is always better to have a sound knowledge about the particular factors that should be considered at the outset. Among them, there include; material of protector, size, design, feet, and cutout. So, in the best sink protector, all these considerations make it indestructible and lifelong.
Material
Numerous materials are being used in the marketplace and have different qualities. The major materials include but are not limited to silicon, plastic, and stainless steel.
Silicon material does not go down easily by rusting or scratching because it is corrosion resistant and can be used for a long time. Its high durability and flexibility make it easy and convenient to use. Moreover, it can absorb the noise of the utensils that are placed on it. This material does not deteriorate easily.
Besides, PVC material is also common in mats that have several similar characteristics as silicon. They also come in mats that pass water easily. This material has strong resistivity for corrosion and temperature that increase its durability.
Following this, stainless steel also resists corrosion up to great extent. This can also stand high temperatures. It requires very low maintenance and can be used for a long time because of its high tensile strength. The protectors made of stainless steel come in a grid, thus they can also serve as dishware dryers and can be placed on the countertop. The high cost of this material is a limiting factor in the purchase.
Size
This is an essential factor to consider for stability and functionality. Proper measurements of width and length are crucial along with drainage distance. A good protector confines well in the sink without moving here and there. If drainage of sink is not aligned with the hole of protector, this can be problematic and cause scratching. Especially, grid protectors can wear away because of their feet’ instability. For accurate measurements, you can also make a precise draft on the paper.
Design
Sink protectors have two designs; a grid and a mat. Grid protectors are multipurpose whereas mats can be used in the sink only. The wide grids have adequate spaces that also help in pots drying.
Feet
Mats often do not have feet in their design. However, grid-style protectors usually have feet. They make the flow of water quick as compared to mats that do not have feet. Thus, mats can cause staining on the bottom of the sink. Having feet, grid protectors can also be used as dryers on a countertop. This is noticeable that feet can cause scratches on the bottom of the sink. This can be prevented by rubber covering on the feet.
Moreover, feet elevation facilitates in preventing microbial growth underneath the protector.
Cutout
The presence of a cutout offers an additional benefit to the users. The sink drainer can easily be lifted through the protector for the sake of debris removal. Many protectors have cutouts but proper alignment is important. If the cutout is not aligned with the drainer, this may not be worth the money. Thus, measurements before buying a product are always helpful.
On the contrary, there are many protectors that do not have cutouts. This is not problematic because openings allow drainage. However, if flooding frequently arises in the sink, you may need to clear debris from the drain repeatedly. Consequently, a bulk of utensils would have to be kept aside on the countertop that can be concerning. Therefore, protectors with cutouts are a better choice.
Conclusion
This article has presented five sink protectors and this is clear that all these protectors are long-lasting and have the best qualities. However, carelessness and negligence may result in an early end-up. Therefore, proper maintenance is required to get the desired durability. However, the top pick that needs the least maintenance is Franke Evolution Universal Double Bowl Sink Protection Grid FGD75. This is the best sink protector in all aspects. It can easily fit into any size of the sink and keeps the sink bacteria-free, odor-free, and scratch-free because of its grid structure and feet elevation that facilitate easy water passage.
However, if you have a large sink and are looking for a protector with all these qualities, then you can go for Better Houseware Medium White Sink Protector Grid that can perform the same functions and fit into the large sink as well. But remember, this may not fit into a medium-size sink. If these two sinks are not suitable for your sink, we recommend you to consider OXO Good Grips Silicone Sink Mat–Large. As its cleaning often becomes tiring for being oily, therefore we are recommending it at third number. After that, Bligli Pebble Sink Mat is a perfect choice for any shape of the sink but it can undergo microbial activity that can limit its use. At last, you can consider Rubbermaid Sink Mat, Medium, and Clear that offers high anti-microbial properties. But, this mat has a high chance of sagging under the weight of pots. Hence, it may not be your first choice.
