Whether you find kitchen chores relaxing or dread them, standing on your feet long enough to cook every meal or wash every dish can take a toll on your body. An anti-fatigue kitchen mat is an easy way to lessen the strain on your body from daily chores.
Because the mat’s surface is flexible, your leg muscles contract lightly to keep you balanced. This keeps your leg muscles active, which keeps your blood flowing as you stand for long periods. Many different anti-fatigue kitchen mats are available, so it is important to consider the options to find the perfect mat to give you the most relief. The Kangaroo Anti-Fatigue Cushioned Floor Mat is a top choice for hours of standing.
Anti-fatigue mats come in several different designs, though the flat ones are by far the most common.
The material that your anti-fatigue kitchen mat is constructed with significantly impacts how comfortable it is to stand on. It is common to see anti-fatigue mats made from foam, foam rubber, hard rubber, and gel, with benefits and disadvantages to each.
What size mat you need is largely dependent on the space you have in your kitchen. In general, a bigger mat means more relief. Standard anti-fatigue kitchen mats are usually 2 by 3 feet or 3 by 5 feet, though larger options are available for warehouse or industrial conditions.
Thickness is the main contributing factor to the comfort of a kitchen mat and its effectiveness in preventing fatigue. Most mats will be between 1/2 inch thick and 1 inch thick, though there are even thicker options. In general, you should look for a mat at least 3/4 inch thick for proper cushioning.
Some mats will have a textured underside designed to keep it from sliding around on the floor. This is especially helpful in the kitchen, where water from dishes can easily get on the floor and cause things to slide around.
Particularly if you choose a flat anti-fatigue kitchen mat, keep an eye out for models with beveled edges. The slope downward around the edges helps the mat to stick on the floor, rather than rolling up and diminishes the chances of tripping over the edge of the mat.
Your mat will get dirty over time, so it’s a good idea to be aware of how easy it is to clean before purchasing. For convenience, opt for a model that will be easily wiped off with soap and water rather than models that require more delicate cleaning processes.
Unless you opt for a large mat of 6 feet or longer, you shouldn’t have to pay more than $100. Any mats less than $30 are probably made cheaply and won’t be as durable or effective as other models. If you need a large kitchen mat, you can expect to pay between $200-$500 for foot mats 6-12 feet long and $500-$1,000 for ones 12-60 feet long. For most households, a reliable and effective anti-fatigue mat should cost between $40-$90.
A. As with most things, longevity will depend on the quality. In general, kitchen mats last one to four years. Purchasing a thick, quality mat and taking good care of it is the best way to get years of use out of it.
A. If you have cushioned shoes, they can provide an extra level of comfort on your kitchen mat. However, ensure you don’t wear shoes with high heels or other protrusions on the bottom, as they can damage the mat. If your shoes have flat bottoms, it’s really up to you.
Kangaroo Anti-Fatigue Cushioned Floor Mat
What you need to know: This ergonomic floor mat is supportive and reliable, perfect for hours of standing and designed to last.
What you’ll love: Thicker than most, this 3/4-inch mat is nontoxic and phthalate-free. It is shipped in a flat box to prevent creasing or rolling and comes in many sizes and colors.
What you should consider: Some customers thought the mats looked too industrial.
Sky Solutions Anti-Fatigue Comfort Floor Mat
What you need to know: Available in a large variety of sizes and designs, this high-quality mat is supportive and comfortable for hours of standing.
What you’ll love: Specially designed foam provides a soft and supportive core, while the attractive rubber coating provides durability. This mat is shown to reduce stress on joints and muscles.
What you should consider: Creases left in the mat from the packaging may not fade quickly.
Gorilla Grip Anti Fatigue Cushioned Kitchen Floor Mat
What you need to know: With this mat, you’ll get high quality at a low price point.
What you’ll love: It has thick foam that will make standing in your kitchen super comfortable. It’s also easy to wipe clean.
What you should consider: It may slip on some floor surfaces if it gets wet.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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