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Do you suffer from tired legs and backache when standing in the kitchen? Are you tired of standing on a cold, hard, kitchen floor and need some comfortable padding? Then an anti-fatigue kitchen mat may be what you need. These mats can support you as you cook and clean and relieve the aches and pains that come from standing for too long.
We researched the best anti-fatigue kitchen mats available and chose the Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat by GelPro as our favorite. It has a thick foam core, is water-resistant, and has a non-slip bottom. We've also chosen our 10 best options and written a buying guide reviewed by a professional chef to help you make your own choice.
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Anti-fatigue kitchen mats have different materials, dimensions, and other features. This buying guide will help you understand why each point matters!
PVC, memory foam, and gel are the most common materials for mats, so let's look into these and compare their differences.
PVC refers to polyvinyl-chloride foam, a material commonly used for kitchen mats. This foam stands out as an anti-slip option since it stays in place and provides you with stability. PVC mats also resist liquids that can dissolve, making them great for kitchens with water, oils, and other liquids.
They also do a great job of resisting heat, sunlight, and water. If you have a busy kitchen where spills happen a lot, you may want to use PVC foam.
Do you wear shoes all the time in your kitchen? This is one additional factor to think about when deciding what material you want your mat made out of. If you're barefoot all the time, consider what mat would feel the best on your bare feet, and likewise if you wear shoes.
Memory foam is made out of polyurethane, which is a type of plastic. Memory foam is dense and supportive, making it more comfortable to use for multiple hours. It also does a great job of sticking to the floor while remaining dry.
It's even designed to provide extra support for your legs while using it. If your feet get sore easily and you want to be comfortable as possible, you may want to pick memory foam.
The thickness will impact how comfortable your mat feels. Thinner mats are about 0.4 inches in thickness, while the biggest ones are three-quarters of an inch.
Thinner mats under one-half of an inch work well for people who want some support without a spongy or thick feel. Thicker options are great for people that want to have lots of support and don't mind their feet sinking into the material.
If you do opt for a thicker mat, look for ones that have beveled edges. This style flattens the edges a little and makes it less likely that someone will trip over the mat.
If you're using an anti-fatigue mat in a high-traffic area, be aware of the height you choose. If the mat is too high, it could create a tripping hazard as you, your family, or your guests walk by. This is especially important if you have little kids trotting around the area.
Kitchen mats vary in length and width, so you should consider the different sizes available. For example, some are 17 by 28 inches, while others can be as big as 24 by 70 inches.
A size around 24 by 36 inches works great next to a sink to prevent water from getting on the floor. Otherwise, you can go for larger sizes to go along the counters, the island, or other stretches in the kitchen. Most of these mats include the dimensions on the product pages and pictures to show how big they are.
Consider where you spend the most time in the kitchen. Look at where you mostly stand and prep, as well as your walking pattern when making a meal. This will help you decide on a single mat for one area or a matched pair for your kitchen, or a combination of both.
There are some other features you can look for to ensure that your kitchen mats still look good after months of use.
If you tend to have spills in the kitchen, a stain-resistant mat might do you wonders. Stain-resistant mats don’t absorb messes; instead, they stay on the top layer of the material. This also makes them easier to wipe down since you won't need to rub deeply into them.
Some mats come in light colors, while others will have darker shades. Light colors are useful since they will make spills and messes easy to see. However, light colors stain easier, so you may have permanent marks from spills and foods.
Dark colors do a great job of hiding marks or stains. On the other hand, it's harder to tell when dark mats are dirty and need to be cleaned.
Some mats have other features to keep them safe to use, so here are a few mat features to look out for.
Machine-washable mats will be much easier to clean since they don't need to be hand-washed. Stains and messes aren't always noticeable, so being able to toss the mat in the washing machine as you please can be helpful. If you tend to have spills and messes in the kitchen, a washable mat will prove useful.
Many other mats can be easily cleaned with a wet cloth or sponge. A mat that is stain-resistant and can be wiped down is a good compromise if you can't find a machine washable one that fits your needs.
Being able to wash a mat is a definite plus. Be on the lookout for the proper drying instructions for the mat. Many of the nonskid backings on the mats may require very low- or no-heat drying.
Some mats have slip-proof or slip-resistant bottoms to keep them in place. These are great if water gets on the ground since the mat will stay in place without sliding. It will also prevent slipping if you put too much pressure on your foot and slide the mat.
However, slip-proof mats are harder to move since they stick to the floor. But if you want to avoid injuries and remain safe, an anti-slip bottom will help you out. Some mats have been approved by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) for their non-skid properties.
Always check the slip-proofness of your mats after you wash your floor with cleaners. Put them down and give them a push with your feet to see if they move. There are some cleaners that leave a smooth film on your floor, and your mat may slide after the floor has been cleaned.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GelPro Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat | $58.15 High Mid | Best Mat for Back Pain | ||
2 | ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Floor Mat | $41.95 Mid | Best Thick Mat Made of Memory Foam | ||
3 | GelPro Anti Fatigue Kitchen Mat Set of 2 | $71.95 High Mid | Best Non-Slip Mat Option | ||
4 | Wiselife Cushioned Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Rug | $20.99 Low | Best for Easy Cleaning | ||
5 | Kangaroo Kitchen Mat Set of 2 | $36.99 Mid | Best Range of Colors | ||
6 | GelPro Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat | $162.96 High | Best Gel-and-Foam Combo Mat | ||
7 | Kmat Kitchen Mat Cushioned Anti-Fatigue | $29.99 Low Mid | Best for Hardwood Floors | ||
8 | LuxStep Set of 2 Anti Fatigue Mats | $29.99 Low Mid | Best Set of 2 Matching Mats | ||
9 | UpNUpCo Anti Fatigue Kitchen Floor Mat | $24.99 Low Mid | Best for Interesting Designs | ||
10 | DEXI Mat Cushioned Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Rug | $39.99 Mid | Best Extra-Long Mat |
Pros:
Cons:
This mat made by GelPro is has a thick foam core that is designed to protect your legs, back, and feet as you stand. The polyurethane foam retains its shape and can help those who suffer from back problems. The surface layer is water and stain-resistant, making it easy to clean.
Reviews for this mat are largely positive, although some reviewers pointed out that the color of the mat they received did not match the image descriptions. However, many reviewers have bought multiple of these mats due to how effective they are. They say that it helped relieve their back pain and that the mats are durable.
Pros:
Cons:
This kitchen mat has a memory foam layer that is three-quarters of an inch thick and is one inch thick in total. It comes in three different sizes and many colors, so you can choose the option that works best for your kitchen. It even has a non-slip bottom and stain resistance.
A couple of reviewers reported that the mat wasn't as grippy as they hoped and it did slip around. However, a lot of reviewers said the material is squishy and comfortable to stand on. Many reported that it helped them in the kitchen and reduced their fatigue when standing on it.
Pros:
Cons:
If you're looking for a mat that will stay in place, this professional-grade mat by Gelpro may be the answer. It is certified by the National Floor Safety Institute for its non-skid and high-traction bottom layer. It is also available in designs with a beautiful ivy motif to make brighten up your kitchen.
Reviews for this mat are overwhelmingly positive, with only a couple of buyers leaving criticisms. One reviewer purchased two mats of the same color but found variations in the shade when they arrived. The vast majority of reviewers were pleased with their purchase and confirmed that the mats stay in place. They said the mats are easy to clean and durable.
Pros:
Cons:
This mat has a non-slip bottom and water- and stain-resistant top to avoid permanent damage. If the mat does become dirty, it is easily cleaned with either a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner. It comes in three sizes that vary in length while providing the same width and thickness.
Some reviewers said the size of the mat they received didn't match the measurements provided by the manufacturer. Despite that point, a lot of reviewers confirmed that this mat is very easy to clean. They also said it's durable and sturdy and doesn't slip around.
Pros:
Cons:
These mats are available in a wide variety of colors from mint green to red wine, so there is bound to be one to match your kitchen decor. The mats are one of the thickest available at three-quarters of an inch thick and can be easily cleaned.
Some reviewers reported that after a year of use, the top layer on these mats began to crack and show wear and tear. Overall though, reviewers found the mats to be very comfortable to stand on and liked the additional thickness. They were also very pleased with the variety of colors on offer.
Pros:
Cons:
The core of this mat is made from a layer of gel and a layer of foam which prevents the mat from flattening while also supporting your weight as you stand. The non-slip bottom is certified by the National Floor Safety Institute and the top layer is stain-resistant.
A few reviewers found that the color of these mats can fade and show dirt quickly. However, their use as anti-fatigue mats is highly praised. Reviewers liked that the mats are heavy and comfortable to stand on. Many found that the gel core helped their back issues.
Pros:
Cons:
This long mat has a water-resistant top and an anti-slip bottom that will keep it in place, even on hardwood floors. It's made of PVC with a middle layer made of foam and has a stylish textured design. Its extra-long length is great for covering more floor space, but it also comes in a smaller size.
Some reviewers wished that this mat was thicker for better comfort. On the bright side, plenty of reviewers said they're still comfortable to stand on and do reduce their fatigue. Reviewers also praised these mats for being easy to clean and loved how long they are.
Pros:
Cons:
This set includes two sizes of mats so that you can cover more of your kitchen floor, including corners. They are easy to wipe down with a cloth as the top and bottom layers are made from durable PVC. They are also scratch-resistant and prevent dishes from breaking if dropped.
The top layer of this mat is made from water-resistant PVC, but some reviewers report that the inner foam layer was still able to soak up water. On the other hand, plenty of reviewers pointed out that the material is durable and holds up well. They also said that these mats are soft and squishy, making them comfortable to stand on.
Pros:
Cons:
This mat focuses on protection by offering water and stain resistance, plus, it can be easily cleaned with soap and water if needed. It's thin enough to slip under doors if you want to put them near the pantry, too. It comes in two sizes and a variety of eye-catching designs.
A few reviewers were unhappy with the image quality, saying it can fade, but this was a rare complaint as most were very happy with the designs. Nevertheless, lots of reviewers liked how the mat doesn't create a tripping hazard. They also loved that it's low maintenance and looks great in the kitchen.
Pros:
Cons:
This mat is available in three different sizes which are all 17 inches in width and can also be purchased in sets. The longest measures 79 inches so make sure your kitchen is large enough for this mat before ordering. The top layer of the mat is waterproof and it has a cushioning layer of memory foam to reduce fatigue.
This mat isn't as thick as some others on this list and was too thin for the preferences of some purchasers. For many others, however, the mats had enough protection and made standing in the kitchen more comfortable. They reported that the mat was easy to clean and they loved the size.
A kitchen mat is handy to have, but you may want other products to meet your kitchen needs. Feel free to go through the top 10 lists below for more useful items!
If you're still looking for some ideas, why not check out Amazon's best-selling floor comfort mats?
No. 1: GelPro|Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat
No. 2: ComfiLife|Anti Fatigue Floor Mat
No. 3: GelPro|Anti Fatigue Kitchen Mat Set of 2
No. 4: Wiselife|Cushioned Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Rug
No. 5: Kangaroo|Kitchen Mat Set of 2
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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