Kitchen mats are designed to make long periods of time in the kitchen more comfortable. They make our lives a little easier, and because of this, are designed to come in a variety of use cases, including anti-fatigue to reduce muscle strain, and stain-resistant options for messy environments. These kitchen mats are available through major retailers and span brand names like IKEA, Sky Solutions, and ComfiLife. But with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to figure out which is the best option for your needs.
To answer this question, the team at mybest gathered 11 popular kitchen mats from each manufacturer's latest and best sellers and tested them against rigid criteria to find out which product is truly the best option.
Dr. Jeanette De Witt owns and operates The Wellness Track, LLC. She is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in Corrective Exercise, Medical Fitness, and Nutrition Education. She is one of ten clinicians in the USA certified in the Total Motion Release technique for reducing pain, restoring symmetry, and improving alignment. Dr. De Witt is credentialed in Exercise Is Medicine with the American College of Sports Medicine. She received her Personal Training Certification, Fitness Nutrition Specialization, and Corrective Exercise Specialization with the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Kohei works on articles covering a variety of daily goods. Since joining mybest, he has mainly overseen men's fashion products, comparing more than 400 items. Currently, he is working on creating helpful content for users, expanding his scope from daily necessities such as detergents and fabric softeners to stationery and interior goods.
The goal of this measurement was to determine if a person was less likely to feel fatigued when using the product.
To define a "cleaning-friendly product," we set the standard as a product in which dirt and grime could be removed with dry wiping.
Our goal in measuring non-slip products, we evaluated those that remained stable even when balanced on the mat was lost.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
Table of Contents
Anti-fatigue mats are considerably padded and designed to disperse pressure to reduce strain on feet, maintain blood flow, and reduce fatigue. Some mats may even reduce fatigue by up to 50% over traditional kitchen mats.
Using an anti-fatigue mat can help reduce tiredness by promoting healthy blood flow and oxygen supply, thereby easing the strain of standing for long periods in the kitchen.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best Kitchen Mats.
If you stand in the kitchen for long periods of time, a cushioned mat designed to evenly distribute body weight is crucial. Not only does this minimize foot pain, but it can also alleviate pressure from other parts of your body, like your hips and back.
When choosing an anti-fatigue mat, you will first want to assess whether the thickness is appropriate. We recommend a thickness between .5 and .7 inches to give yourself a comfortable barrier between your feet and the floor without limiting movement.
Softness must also be considered in addition to cushioning. Kitchen mat softness is measured in terms of hardness, with lower values meaning that a mat is softer. The ideal hardness for a kitchen mat is a value between 15 to 18—too hard or too soft and the mat will not properly distribute your weight.
For frequent cooks, mats treated for stain resistance are a convenient choice, as they're easy to clean and stay cleaner longer, offering relief to those with limited cleaning time. Opting for a stain-resistant mat simplifies maintenance and helps keep the kitchen looking attractive.
The Luxe Therapeutic Ultra Cushioned Floor Mat, featuring waterproof and stain-resistant treatments, demonstrated remarkable ease of cleaning in tests, effectively wiping off oil stains. Even tough stains like barbecue sauce and coffee were effortlessly removed with a dry cloth, underscoring its low-maintenance appeal.
With little ones running around, the wrong kitchen mat can easily become a safety hazard. A kitchen mat with a firm nonslip backing can significantly lower the risk of slips and falls while also helping you maintain solid footing as you are working. Strong slip resistance can make a world of difference when it comes to protecting against the risk of falls—even beyond the kitchen.
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Main Score | Details | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anti-fatigue effectiveness | Ease of cleaning | Slip resistance | Material | Thickness | Weight | Machine washability | Slip resistance | Water resistance | Stain resistance | Antibacterial treatment | Mite resistance | Odor resistance | Flame resistance | Friction coefficient | ||||||
1 | World Rug Gallery Modern Boxes Design Anti Fatigue Standing Mat | ![]() | 4.79 | mybest’s Top Choice: The Anti-Fatigue Promise Lives Up to Expectations, Non-Slip Prevents Injuries | 5.00 | 4.91 | 3.99 | High-density PVC | 0.47 in. | 3 lb. | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | |||||
2 | Mats Luxe Therapeutic Ultra Cushioned Floor Mat | ![]() | 4.78 | Effortless Cleaning and Reduced Pressure | 4.65 | 5.00 | 5.00 | Vinyl | 0.624 in. | 7.5 lb. | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | ||||||
2 | Nuloom Anti Fatigue Kitchen Or Laundry Room Comfort Mat | ![]() | 4.78 | A Plush Mat with Solid Slip Resistance | 4.65 | 5.00 | 5.00 | PVC (95%), polyester (5%) | 0.65 in. | 5.49 lb. | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | ||||
4 | House of Noa Nama Standing Mat | ![]() | 4.64 | Evenly Distributed Body Weight but Slippery | 4.65 | 5.00 | 4.12 | High density foam with printed top fabric | 0.702 in. | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | ||||
5 | Let's Gel GelPro Elite Mat Trellis|SA-109-P-2036-TRGH | ![]() | 4.21 | Maintenance is a Breeze Despite Lack of Cushioning | 3.93 | 5.00 | 4.36 | Soothing gel, energy-return foam | 0.819 in. | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | |||||
6 | CarpetDesignShop Kitchen Rug | ![]() | 4.09 | Slip-Resistant, Washable, but a Hassle to Clean | 3.93 | 4.26 | 4.52 | Polyester | 0.351 in. | 0.57 lb. | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | ||||
7 | ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Floor Mat | ![]() | 4.00 | Easy to Clean, Not Much in Anti-Fatigue Benefits | 3.57 | 5.00 | 5.00 | High-density foam | 0.75 in. | 3.34 lb. | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | ||||||
8 | Let's Gel NewLife Professional Grade Mat|SA-104-00-2032-2 | ![]() | 3.99 | Solid Anti-Slip, Not Great for Long Hours | 3.57 | 5.00 | 4.88 | Polyurethane foam | 0.75 in. | 4.5 lb. | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | |||||
9 | Sky Solutions Anti-Fatigue Mat | ![]() | 3.92 | Low Cushioning, Wipes Clean with a Dry Cloth | 3.57 | 5.00 | 4.17 | Memory foam | 0.78 in. | 2.79 lb. | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | |||||
9 | Mark & Day Area Rugs | ![]() | 3.92 | A Slip Risk, Lack of Cushioning | 3.93 | 4.34 | 3.38 | Polypropylene | 0.351 in. | 4.45 lb. | unknown |
Material | High-density PVC |
---|---|
Thickness | 0.47 in. |
Weight | 3 lb. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The World Rug Gallery's Modern Boxes Design Standing Anti-Fatigue Mat, featuring a rubber backing, stood out among the rest for its durability. It effectively distributes body weight and offers significant cushioning without sinking for noticeable fatigue alleviation. World Rug Gallery offers a suitable choice for avid cooks who spend extended periods standing in the kitchen.
This mat also scored well in cleanliness tests. Although flour required water for removal due to its surface texture, other types of dirt were easily wiped clean. However, one downfall of this product is that it is prone to slipping, with a friction coefficient ranking at 0.517. This could lead to movement during cooking. And, if your primary concern is slipping and falling, then there may be better options for you out there.
Antibacterial treatment | unknown |
---|---|
Mite resistance | unknown |
Odor resistance | unknown |
Flame resistance | unknown |
Friction coefficient | unknown |
Material | Vinyl |
---|---|
Thickness | 0.624 in. |
Weight | 7.5 lb. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Mats’ Luxe Therapeutic Ultra Cushioned Floor Mat is a product that is uniquely designed to revert back to its original form even after extensive use, promising to preserve a brand-new appearance.
Despite its relatively firm cushioning and slight hardness underfoot, the mat's thickness of 0.624 inches provided enough comfort and weight distribution to reduce the effects of fatigue.
In terms of ease of cleaning, the mat impressively removed even challenging oil stains with just a dry wipe, making maintenance more convenient. This anti-fatigue mat also boasts solid safety, making it suitable for homes where slip-and-falls are a concern.
Antibacterial treatment | |
---|---|
Mite resistance | unknown |
Odor resistance | unknown |
Flame resistance | |
Friction coefficient | unknown |
Material | PVC (95%), polyester (5%) |
---|---|
Thickness | 0.65 in. |
Weight | 5.49 lb. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Nuloom's Anti Fatigue Kitchen Or Laundry Room Comfort Mat impresses with its ability to complement existing decor, thanks to its vibrant colors and patterns. Although the cushioning is somewhat modest, with a slight hardness felt underfoot, its adequate thickness suggests potential anti-fatigue benefits, making it suitable for prolonged use.
A key feature of the mat is its slip resistance, which notably minimizes the risk of falls during kitchen activities. In cleaning tests, it efficiently handled various spills like flour, coffee, oil, and barbecue sauce, allowing for easy maintenance. This mat combines aesthetic appeal with practicality, ensuring easy upkeep.
Antibacterial treatment | unknown |
---|---|
Mite resistance | unknown |
Odor resistance | unknown |
Flame resistance | unknown |
Friction coefficient | unknown |
Material | High density foam with printed top fabric |
---|---|
Thickness | 0.702 in. |
Weight | unknown |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The House of Noa Nama Standing Mat features a water and stain-resistant surface, allowing for hassle-free cleaning.
With a thickness of 0.702 inches, this mat is geared towards providing anti-fatigue benefits. Despite its slightly lower cushioning, which might raise some concerns, the mat avoids the feeling of bottoming out, making it ideal for those who stand extensively in the kitchen.
The mat excels in cleaning tests, easily wiping away coffee and oil stains, and is highly praised for its maintenance ease. It's particularly suitable for those who prefer low-effort cleaning. However, users should be aware of its slight tendency to shift, posing a potential slip risk during cooking.
Antibacterial treatment | unknown |
---|---|
Mite resistance | unknown |
Odor resistance | unknown |
Flame resistance | unknown |
Friction coefficient | unknown |
Material | Soothing gel, energy-return foam |
---|---|
Thickness | 0.819 in. |
Weight | unknown |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Let's Gel's GelPro Elite Mat Trellis is known for its gel cushioning, effectively absorbing shock and reducing discomfort from prolonged standing or chronic pain.
While its high cushioning is beneficial, the mat's thickness of 0.819 inches can create a feeling of excessive sinking. This contributes to an uneven distribution of body pressure, resulting in a moderate performance in fatigue resistance tests.
The mat excels in ease of cleaning, with its ability to effortlessly remove stubborn barbecue sauce stains using a dry cloth. However, its low friction coefficient of 0.64 makes it somewhat slippery, potentially causing movement during active tasks.
Antibacterial treatment | unknown |
---|---|
Mite resistance | unknown |
Odor resistance | unknown |
Flame resistance | unknown |
Friction coefficient | unknown |
Material | Polyester |
---|---|
Thickness | 0.351 in. |
Weight | 0.57 lb. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
CarpetDesignShop's Kitchen Rug stands out for its machine washability, offering convenient, thorough cleaning.
With a high friction coefficient of 0.728, the rug maintains a good grip, reducing the risk of slipping during cooking. However, its cleaning performance is average; coffee stains seep into the fibers, requiring soap or machine washing for complete removal.
The rug provides some cushioning, but at only 0.351 inches thick, it may feel quite firm, like sitting on a hard surface. This limited cushioning means it offers minimal anti-fatigue benefits. So, it might not be the best option for those seeking a mat for long hours in the kitchen.
Antibacterial treatment | unknown |
---|---|
Mite resistance | unknown |
Odor resistance | unknown |
Flame resistance | unknown |
Friction coefficient | unknown |
Material | High-density foam |
---|---|
Thickness | 0.75 in. |
Weight | 3.34 lb. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Anti Fatigue Floor Mat by ComfiLife is versatile and designed for use both in the kitchen and at a desk.
It excelled in the ease of cleaning evaluation, with oil and barbecue sauce stains easily wiped away. Additionally, its stability, with a lower tendency to shift, minimizes the risk of messes, even if one loses balance on the mat.
However, in terms of fatigue resistance, the mat falls short. Its excessive thickness and hardness limit its anti-fatigue effectiveness. For avid cooks who spend extended periods in the kitchen, this mat might not be the ideal choice.
Antibacterial treatment | |
---|---|
Mite resistance | unknown |
Odor resistance | unknown |
Flame resistance | unknown |
Friction coefficient | unknown |
Material | Polyurethane foam |
---|---|
Thickness | 0.75 in. |
Weight | 4.5 lb. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The NewLife Professional Grade Mat by Let's Gel is marketed as stain-resistant and durable, backed by a 10-year warranty.
It performed well in cleaning tests, easily handling dry-wiped barbecue sauce and oil stains, which is a relief for those who find cleaning burdensome. Its non-slip feature also helps prevent accidents.
While the mat does offer cushioning, it may not distribute body pressure evenly, leading to less-than-expected anti-fatigue effects. Consequently, its performance in the fatigue resistance test was somewhat underwhelming.
Antibacterial treatment | unknown |
---|---|
Mite resistance | unknown |
Odor resistance | unknown |
Flame resistance | unknown |
Friction coefficient | unknown |
Material | Memory foam |
---|---|
Thickness | 0.78 in. |
Weight | 2.79 lb. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Anti-Fatigue Mat by Sky Solutions, offered in various colors, is designed to complement any kitchen decor beautifully.
However, its cushioning is limited, and at 0.78 inches in thickness, it fails to distribute body pressure effectively, thus diminishing its anti-fatigue capabilities. This makes it less suitable for those who need a mat for extensive use.
In terms of maintenance, the mat scores well—even a tablespoon of oil can be easily cleaned off. Its slip resistance, with a friction coefficient of 0.568, shows reasonable non-slip performance. Despite this, there's still a risk of slipping, especially when children are present, so extra caution is advised while cooking.
Antibacterial treatment | unknown |
---|---|
Mite resistance | unknown |
Odor resistance | unknown |
Flame resistance | unknown |
Friction coefficient | unknown |
Material | Polypropylene |
---|---|
Thickness | 0.351 in. |
Weight | 4.45 lb. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Mark & Day's Area Rugs are touted for their longevity, thanks to the use of short, robust 100% polypropylene fibers.
However, with a thickness of just 0.351 inches, these rugs fall short in distributing body pressure evenly, leading to minimal anti-fatigue benefits.
Cleaning poses a challenge as well since tough stains like oil and coffee require soap for removal, requiring you to take conscious caution against spills during cooking. Moreover, with a low friction coefficient of 0.246, the rugs are quite slippery, increasing the risk of falls in the kitchen.
Antibacterial treatment | |
---|---|
Mite resistance | |
Odor resistance | |
Flame resistance | |
Friction coefficient | unknown |
Material | User surface and backside: 100% polyester (min. 90% recycled), backing: 100% synthetic rubber |
---|---|
Thickness | 0.234 in. |
Weight | 1.19 lb. |
What we loved
What we didn't love
IKEA's BRYNDUM Kitchen Mat is designed with a non-slip backing to prevent slipping and reduce falls. Yet, its thinness at 0.234 inches may lead to a “bottoming out” feeling and may not be the best choice for long periods of standing. This thinness also makes the BRYNDYM less effective at distributing body weight, reducing the anti-fatigue benefits.
In cleaning tests, while wheat flour was removed with water, oil and barbecue sauce penetrated the surface fibers, requiring soap for total cleaning. However, its slip resistance boasts a high friction coefficient of 0.6, providing stability and reducing the likelihood of accidental movement while cooking.
Antibacterial treatment | unknown |
---|---|
Mite resistance | unknown |
Odor resistance | unknown |
Flame resistance | unknown |
Friction coefficient | unknown |
mybest defines the best kitchen mat as one that provides relief from fatigue, is not prone to slipping, and easy to clean.
To find the best product, the mybest team gathered 11 top-selling kitchen mats from popular manufacturers and on Amazon, Target, and Walmart. We rigorously examined them based on the following three points:
Ease of Cleaning
Slip Resistance
Products we tested
The goal of this measurement was to determine if a person was less likely to feel fatigued when using the product.
Dr. Jeanette De Witt, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, provided her insight on the anti-fatigue effects and we accordingly scored the effectiveness level of each product.
Is the thickness appropriate?
Is the hardness (g/cm3) appropriate?
Is the body pressure evenly distributed?
To define a "cleaning-friendly product," we set the standard as a product in which dirt and grime could be removed with dry wiping.
Testers examined each product, rating their cleaning effectiveness based on a specific wiping method, and then assigned a recommendation score to each.
Can the matit be wiped off with a dry cloth?
Can the matit be wiped off with water?
Can stains be removed by wiping with water (with soap)?
Can the matit be wiped off with water (with detergent)?
Our goal in measuring non-slip products, we evaluated those that remained stable even when balanced on the mat was lost.
We placed a mat on a board, topped it with a 1kg weight, and an angle gauge. The angle was slowly increased until the weight began to slide. The coefficient of friction was calculated from the angle at this point. This process was repeated three times, and the average was determined from these measurements. The recommendation score was based on these results, with higher values being more favorable and 1 as the maximum for the friction coefficient.
Kitchen mats, essential for long-term use, require regular replacement. Consider getting a new one if you notice these signs:
Reduced Cushioning: If you feel more fatigue in your feet or lower back, the mat's cushioning might be diminishing.
Weakened Anti-Slip Feature: If the mat starts sliding due to a loss in its anti-slip ability.
Persistent Dirt: If stubborn stains remain even after washing, making it hard to keep the mat clean.
For optimal comfort and safety in the kitchen, it's advisable to replace your kitchen mat every 1-2 years.
No. 1: World Rug Gallery| Modern Boxes Design Anti Fatigue Standing Mat
No. 2: Mats|Luxe Therapeutic Ultra Cushioned Floor Mat
No. 2: Nuloom|Anti Fatigue Kitchen Or Laundry Room Comfort Mat
No. 4: House of Noa|Nama Standing Mat
No. 5: Let's Gel|GelPro Elite Mat Trellis|SA-109-P-2036-TRGH
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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