Dish drying mats can be a lifesaver for anyone who hand-washes dishes, particularly if you don't have a lot of counter space. The best dish drying mats are designed to help your dishes air dry faster, but unlike standard dish drying racks, they have relatively small footprints and can be rolled or folded for easy storage when not in use.
There are a few ways that dish drying mats help your dishes dry quickly. Microfiber mats are super absorbent, which prevents dripping kitchen items from sitting in a puddle on the counter. They're also extremely low in profile, often machine washable, and easy to store. On the other hand, mats made from ribbed silicone aren't absorbent, but aid the drying process by providing ample airflow beneath the dishes. Ribbed silicone mats are also often dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, and because silicone is heat-resistant, you can also use these mats as a trivet (and everyone with a small kitchen knows how important multi-use items are!). If you want the best of both worlds or the option for some structure, you could also opt for a microfiber mat that comes with a small dish drainer tray to fit on top and hold your dishes upright.
Whichever type is right for you, here's my roundup of the best drying mats to suit just about any kitchen countertop space.
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