The best kitchen mats are pleasing to the eye and comfortable on the feet. These top picks are just the right fit for your space—in more ways than one!
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While perhaps not as pretty as one of the best kitchen rugs, a good kitchen mat offers support and comfortable materials that minimize pain. That alone makes it well worth having one at the sink and other frequented cooking stations. However, not all kitchen mats offer fatigue-fighting benefits.
To find the best kitchen mats that truly pull their weight, our Product Testing Team put top-rated options through hands-on testing in the Product Testing Lab, spending two days spilling liquids, standing for long periods and shuffling across each surface. We also partnered with the Taste of Home Test Kitchen to evaluate comfort after several days of extended standing. In addition, Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor, tested one mat in his own home over the course of several months.
In total, we tested four kitchen mats ourselves and added two additional highly rated picks based on thousands of verified online reviews. Together, these six options stood out for joint support, traction, ease of cleaning and their ability to add a polished finishing touch to any home cook’s space.
Topping our list of the best kitchen mats is our best overall option from Wayfair, the Abdulraheem Anti-Fatigue Mat. It earned the highest marks across the board, especially in care, absorbency and shipping. The mat comes in four colors—Cranberry, Black, Navy and Truffle—along with two different sizes. The smaller size is perfect for plopping in front of the sink, while the larger runner size is ideal for folks with a longer kitchen. Of the two sizes available, we tested the smaller option.
The meat of the mat is polyurethane and foam, while the top has a matte finish that gives it a sleek, leather-like look. It’s extra cushy thanks to the foam mid layer, and the backside feels spongy with a little texture for additional grip. Better yet, it was the easiest cleanup job out of all the mats we tested. This one wiped down with a dry paper towel, though we went over the top layer with a wet rag to reduce any residue.
“My feet feel pretty normal for a day’s work, so that’s nice that the mat can keep up with our heavy-duty commercial ones,” says Maggie. “Overall, this is a nice mat. The cushioning is nice, and I think the color is complementary to many kitchens.” Her only critiques had to do with the length (which is easily remedied by snagging the longer size) and the slightly slippy bottom.
Despite this, our Product Testing Team found this mat the most stable of the PVC mats we tested on hardwood. It’s heavier, so it’s sturdier and harder to slide around. The sloped edge also makes it less likely to trip over. Whether you’re standing for hours at a time or once in a while, it’s a great choice for regular use.
If you want a kitchen mat that prioritizes style just as much as comfort (and won’t make you panic every time something spills), Ruggable is a standout option. Available in an enormous range of patterns, colors and textures, these washable rugs work surprisingly well in kitchens, especially in practical sizes like 2×3 for in front of the sink or long runner styles (think 2.5×7 or 2.5×10) that span the length of a galley kitchen or island workspace.
What really sets Ruggable apart is its washability. During testing, spills, splashes and daily kitchen messes were no big deal—you can simply toss the rug into the washing machine, which is a huge win for anyone who cooks often or shares their space with pets. The flatwoven version we tested dries quickly and is easy to clean, though it does require a separate rug pad. That pad adds noticeable cushioning underfoot, making it far more comfortable than a traditional thin rug when you’re standing at the counter for long stretches.
“I spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking every day, and the extra padding makes a real difference,” says tester Paul Rankin, who tested the rug in his newly purchased Florida home. “With the thicker rug pad underneath, it feels plush and supportive enough that my feet don’t feel fatigued by the end of the day.”
Ruggable has also introduced a newer Tufted All-in-One option that eliminates the need for a separate rug pad altogether. While we didn’t test this version, it’s an intriguing upgrade—especially if you’ve ever wrestled with lining up the rug perfectly on the pad, which can take a couple of tries with the classic system. The tufted style also appears plusher at first glance, though the traditional flatwoven option still has the edge when it comes to quick drying and ease of maintenance.
That said, color choice matters. “I chose a lighter beige design, which I slightly regret,” Paul notes. “Between daily cooking and having a dog, it doesn’t stay looking pristine for long—even with washing. If I were buying again for the kitchen, I’d definitely go darker or patterned.”
The biggest downside? Price. Ruggables are undeniably expensive compared to basic kitchen mats. Still, this is very much a “you get what you pay for” situation. With its durability, comfort and ability to refresh your space just by swapping designs, a Ruggable rug feels like a long-term investment. In fact, the only real reason to replace one may be boredom—not wear and tear. For shoppers who want a kitchen mat that blends comfort, practicality and design-forward appeal, Ruggable is a premium pick that earns its spot on our lineup.
Some folks may consider the best kitchen mat a luxury, but we say it’s actually a kitchen essential that everyone should have. Fairly priced and with support that’s a cut above a kitchen rug, this KMAT two-piece set offers the best bang for your buck.
Despite being on the inexpensive end of the spectrum, this set includes two waterproof mats in your choice of 11 different shades and patterns. Like the pricier options, it’s also super easy to clean any spills with a damp rag and the stain-resistant material prevents any seepage. Between the smaller mat and the larger runner, this set covers quite a bit of surface area, making it a solid pick for larger kitchens. Don’t have a use for two mats? Consider putting one in the laundry room or at your standing desk instead.
That said, Test Kitchen team member Sarah Tramonte found it to be best for non-commercial use, as it didn’t provide enough support for her eight-hour days standing in the Test Kitchen. That’s unsurprising as it’s thinner than the other mats we tested—a compromise that has a lot to do with the lower price. She notes that it’s better suited “for a home cook who only cooks maybe an hour or two a day.” Those who need a little extra support should invest in a couple of rug pads for additional comfort and slip-resistance.
However, for a budget pick, the performance is definitely worth raving about. After all, having a thin kitchen mat is certainly better than having no mat at all!
We’re obsessed with the current bamboo kitchen trend (hello, bamboo cutting board stove cover!) and that love extends to kitchen mats, too. Despite arriving with some damage to the box (ship happens, after all), the Anji Mountain Bamboo Mat is our pick for the best kitchen mat made from bamboo. Of the two we tested, this one offered a better value and sturdier build. Plus, it looks so chic and comes in a variety of sizes that fit kitchens both big and small.
Bamboo slats make up this mat, giving it its organic look. We love that the slats make it possible to fold the mat in half for storage. The underside is also slip-resistant thanks to a layer of soft felt and little bumps of a rubbery, nonslip material that pepper the surface. We love the inclusion of the felt, which prevents scratches and other damage to the floor beneath. It stays put very well, and only moves with lots of pressure applied.
The bamboo slats repel water, offering additional protection to the kitchen floor. The spaces between the slats are a rubbery material that prevents moisture from seeping through. One drawback of this is that dirt and grime can slip between the slats, making the mat a bit more difficult to clean than its PVC counterparts. However, any staining that seeps into the cracks isn’t noticeable with the mat laid flat.
For a bamboo kitchen mat, this pick performed very well. We also expect it to last quite a while longer than some of the PVC mats we tested. Overall, we found this mat a great value and perfect for those who prefer a more sustainable, organic aesthetic.
If comfort is your main concern and you want something budget-friendly, the KitchenClouds Cushioned Kitchen Mat is one of the most popular anti-fatigue options shoppers keep coming back to. It’s made from dense PVC foam designed to ease pressure on your feet, knees and lower back during long stretches of standing at the sink or stove, without feeling overly squishy or unstable.
The mat has a textured underside to help keep it in place, along with beveled edges to reduce tripping. That said, slip resistance can depend heavily on your floor surface—smooth or slightly damp floors may reduce how well it stays put. The waterproof surface is easy to maintain and resists crumbs and spills, making cleanup as simple as a quick wipe or sweep.
KitchenClouds offers this mat in a bunch of colors and size options, so it’s easy to find a fit for most kitchens, from a small mat in front of the sink to a longer option for prep-heavy zones. One thing to note: While the foam is comfortable, the surface can scratch more easily than fabric or rubber mats, especially in homes with pets who may have long nails.
Overall, this is a solid, no-frills anti-fatigue mat for shoppers who want reliable cushioning at a lower price point. Just be mindful of placement (and pets) if durability and grip are top concerns.
The Jaidan Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mat stands out for its elongated runner-style sizing. It’s a smart choice for galley kitchens, islands or anywhere you move back and forth between prep, sink and stove rather than standing in one spot.
Made from high-density PVC foam, this mat is designed to provide supportive cushioning underfoot while remaining firm enough for stability. Reviewers frequently mention relief in the feet, knees and lower back during longer cooking or cleaning sessions. The beveled edges and anti-slip backing are meant to reduce tripping and sliding, though (as with most foam mats) grip depends on using it on a flat, dry surface. Slippage can occur if moisture gets underneath.
Aesthetically, the Jaidan mat leans more decorative than most runner-style anti-fatigue mats. It has subtle patterns that blend easily into a range of kitchen styles, making it feel more like a rug than just a floor mat. It’s also waterproof and oil-resistant, so daily messes can be wiped clean, vacuumed or gently machine washed.
A few things to keep in mind: Colors may vary slightly from what you see online depending on lighting and monitor settings, and creases from shipping may need time to relax.
If you want runner-length coverage with built-in cushioning, this kitchen mat is a well-reviewed option that balances comfort, function and style, especially in kitchens where one small mat just won’t cut it.
Whether it’s from hours spent prepping family dinners or from hand-washing dishes, aches and pains are the unfortunate byproduct of long hours spent in the kitchen. Between hard flooring and improper footwear (any other barefoot home cooks out there?), it can feel impossible to completely eliminate foot fatigue for those of us who adore cutting out cookies as a hobby. However, there’s always a solution. And relief comes in the cloud-like form of the best kitchen mats.
The first thing to consider before making any purchases is whether to opt for a kitchen mat or a kitchen rug. “Mats might be considered the easiest to clean, as they can be cleaned right after spills occur,” says design professional Susan Serra. However, she goes on to say that mats may not be the best option for those who want authentic materials and styles to complement their kitchen design.
On the flip side, mats often offer much more comfort and support than a thin kitchen rug. This is useful for folks that spend a lot of time washing dishes at the sink or cooking up complicated meals that take hours of work.
Another important consideration is the size and placement. “Take a good look at the location where you will place a kitchen mat, for example, in front of a cooktop or sink, and look for a size that allows a few steps each side of the center,” advises Susan. While longer mats may cover more of the floor, they can also look a bit clunky and unappealing. In addition, Susan warns that “a rug that is narrow, long and thick can easily be a tripping hazard.”
In order to find the best kitchen mats, we tested seven different kitchen mats from seven different brands, focusing on bestsellers with positive reviews. We tested every mat for the following features:
In order to go beyond the product listing and get a full picture of each pick’s performance, we brought each of the seven mats into our Product Testing Lab. The Product Testing Team ran a full profile on each kitchen mat by thoroughly testing each mat in every category. They enlisted the help of the Taste of Home Test Kitchen team to double check claims of comfort and pain reduction.
Tests include a number of hands-on experiments with the following tests holding the most weight: Checking for creases upon arrival (and how easily they flatten); how well each rug absorbs (or repels) 1/4 cup of water splashed onto it; a pass/fail test checking for slippage; how well each pick holds up to its own recommended care instructions after we rub in some yogurt, oil and dirt; whether it offers additional comfort during long periods of standing vs. a hard floor.
Three of our prospects didn’t perform to our standards over the two day testing period, but four earned high marks across the board. Those are the four that made this list of the best kitchen mats. Each pick offers something a little different, so we feel comfortable saying that this list has something for everyone. Even better? You can be certain that each pick performs as expected. Thanks, testing team!
Some folks may prefer a thicker, bouncier mat. However, for others, thicker mats actually increase the pressure on their feet. Susan mentions that it’s helpful to stand on several types and brands of mats if you’re uncertain about the thickness you need. This helps you to find one that’s most comfortable, but does not have too much of a bounce.
Most kitchen mats have a memory foam core. Natural materials like bamboo lend a soft, organic look, but may not be best for those that consider themselves a bit messy in the kitchen. Susan agrees, noting that “rug materials that are easy to clean are the best option to use in the kitchen.” Most rubber or memory foam mats easily wipe down with a wet cloth, giving them a bit more longevity.
We recommend the Fulton Standing Mat for seniors since it’s the most supportive option we found. From its solid design to the suction cup bottom and cushy material, it’s a nice and comfortable mat to stand on.
It depends on what you’re looking for—a kitchen mat is perfect for placing at the sink, while a runner is a nice add-on for design. A larger area rug fits best underneath a dining room table setup.
Our team has three years of experience testing and evaluating everything from the best coffee subscriptions to the best flower delivery services. We take our testing seriously, and only recommend products we love—regardless of popularity or brand name.
For this article, we also spoke with Susan Serra, CKD, CAPS and President at Susan Serra Associates, Inc., where she provides kitchen and dining design services. She’s also Founder of Scandinavian Made, a store for both new and vintage handwoven Swedish rugs. Susan is an award-winning kitchen design professional who has been designing kitchens since 1986.
Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this article. Paul is also a product tester and writer at Bob Vila and has written shopping guides since 2021.
