I'm thinking of buying one (microfiber) as sometimes I need the extra space and rather than pile everything on, so what is the difference between the cheaper ones and the expensive ones? I can't see the point of buying an expensive one, but is there something I don't know about? There's a huge difference in price in some of them so anyone with an explanation (other than brand and size) please reveal.
I thank you for creating this thread because we also need drying mats for the dishes. Ours is the double sink where the half has a metal strainer for drying the dishes. But I think the drying mat would be more appropriate so the drying would be faster (our kitchen lacks ventilation). I had seen that microfiber in the supermarket but I have no clear idea what it is. And when I buy, I would get the expensive drying mats because that would be more economical in the long run... I guess.
I've never even seen these before. They sound like a great idea for some but I don't think I'd really make use of them. There's only two of us at home so there is never that much washing up to do. I use a drying rack and finish everything on it off with a clean tea towel before putting them away. I don't like to leave cutlery and glass to dry on it's own, I always find this causes streaks.
I don't think there will be a massive difference as far as sitting on the ground is concerned. The feel of the fibre might be a bit nicer if you go for something more expensive, though I doubt it'll make any difference to the dish drying process. That said, I'd be willing to bet that cheaper brands will come apart in the washer / dryer much more easily if you ever need to clean 'em. You probably will, too, given how cruddy stuff 'round the sink tends to become over time.
I have a couple of heavy duty drying mats and they are really nice to have around. I do not like having a drying rack laying around and the mat can be easily stowed away. I dry the dishes on the mat and then wait for the mat to dry out. After that I tuck it away back in the cupboard until I need to dry dishes again.
Aldi have one on offer at £1.49 and John Lewis and Lakeland have them priced £7-15.Log In I used them when I was in the US and they are more readily available and a few dollars, but are useful if you are cooking a big meal or when you use lot's of pots and pans. That's my main thing as I never have room if I use more than two pans.
I have a fairly inexpensive dry mat that I use every day. It's absolutely fantastic and has held up well to the washer. I don't put it in the dry but I think it would handle it ok as well. I love using it and it can be tidied up quickly it a drawer to make more counter space. I don't think there is any need to spend too much on one. You can pick them quite cheaply at Target or Walmart.
Dollar Tree has them for, you guessed it, $1. They're microfiber with a bit of padding inside. I personally wouldn't spend any more than $1 for one of these, so there is no sense spending more on some fancy brand name version or some overpriced infomercial product. I have a couple that I use from time to time, mainly for when I am washing a bunch of glasses and other delicate bowls or plateware, that I want to air dry for a bit before I put them away. I really only use them when I am washing by hand, otherwise I just throw everything in the dishwasher and let them dry in there instead. Since they are only $1 I would possibly even considering lining some of my cupboards with them. I'm just a little concerned about them becoming dirty and possibly moldy.
When the dish rack gets full we set the dishes on the side to dry. I usually use a dish towel to absorb the water from the dishes. I have not thought about purchase one of the new micro fiber towels to for the dish rack, if it gets too wet I just get another towel.
