Should you use a sink grid or not? We discuss the sink grid pros and cons and also how to measure for a sink grid.
Just installed a new kitchen sink and worried about it being dented by your pots and dishes? Perhaps you should consider a sink grid. But what is a sink grid used for, and is it necessary?
Well, a sink grid offers several functional features in your kitchen. However, one of the primary purposes of this accessory is to guard your precious kitchen sink surface against wear. But how is the grid able to do this?
What is a Sink Grid – the Pros and Cons?
A sink grid is a metal wire rack designed to fit snugly at the bottom of the sink. Typically, a sink grid is made of stainless steel materials and silicone. There are three types of sink grids. A bottom sink grid, floating sink grid, and elevated sink grid.
Usually, a sink grid also referred to as a basin or sink rack, features non-skid rubber feet. This helps ensure the grid does not damage your sink finish while ensuring a secure fit.
Now, since kitchen sinks come in different sizes, the rack is usually custom-designed to ensure a perfect fit.
Benefits of Using a Sink Grid
Maximum protection
The main purpose of a sink grid is to protect your sink’s finish from dents, scuffs, and scratches. This helps ensure your sink looks new for as long as possible.
Temporary rack
A sink grid also acts as a temporary rack. You just place your utensils on the grid to dry after the cleanup.
Minimizes noise
It’s normal to bang your dishes on the sink while cleaning them. A sink mat helps reduce the banging noise.
Efficient drainage
With a basin rack, your dishes tend to be raised off the bottom of the sink. As such, normal water flow to the drain is not affected.
Reduces risk of scratching
The purpose of the sink grid is to protect the bottom of your sink from scratches and serious dents.
Innovative wheels
The grids also feature unique feet or wheels and side bumpers to ensure a secure fit. In addition, the wheels help reduce debris buildup.
Sink Grid Cons
Collects dirt and grime
It usually collects a lot of grime over time around the edges and corners. So, you have to clean it regularly.
Requires removing
Every time you want to clean the grid or get the food down to the disposal, you must remove it. Some people find this too much work.
How to measure for a sink grid
Before you buy a sink protector mat, you need to measure your kitchen sink to determine the correct grid size. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Step 1: Measure the inner sink length
Get your tape measure. Then, stretch it across the bottom of your kitchen sink from the left to the right corner. Record the measurements.
Step 2: Take width measurements
Place your tape measure at the bottom of your sink wall on one side and extend it to the opposite side. This should be above where the sink wall starts to curve inwards and close to the middle of the sink.
Step 3: Determine the depth
Here, you simply repeat the process in step two. However, this time you measure from the front to the back of your sink. What you get is the inner depth of your sink.
Step 4: Establish drain location
To establish drain location, measure from the front to the sink drain center. Then, measure from the back to the drain center.
Lastly, take the measurements from the left and right sides of your sink to the drain center. With these measurements, you can get your new sink grid that perfectly fits in your sink bottom.
Are sink grids necessary?
Yes, they are, and for many good reasons. For instance, sink grids are necessary if your kitchen sink is made of materials like quartz, marble, or stainless steel.
This is because these materials are more prone to scuffing and scratching than others. The grids, therefore, help ensure your sink finish stays in pristine condition.
Additionally, if you’ve got limited counter space, you will find a sink rack very necessary. The sink rack can serve as a dish rack momentarily, allowing you to dry your dishes. Of course, this is without taking any of your counter space.
Can sink grids go in the dishwasher?
Yes, most sink grids are designed to be dishwasher safe. This means they are made from heat-resistant materials. However, only small sink racks can go in a dishwasher.
To clean your sink grid in the dishwasher, first, remove the rubber feet and side protectors. Then, set your dishwasher to high and throw in your sink grid.
Unfortunately, some grids are pretty big to fit inside a dishwasher, while others are not dishwasher-safe.
In this case, you simply wash your grid with a non-abrasive cleaner and soapy water. You could also use vinegar and baking soda solution for the best results.
Wrapping Up
A sink grid is a must-have accessory to protect the sink. The main purpose of a sink grind is used for protecting the sink finish from dents.
Not to mention, these can also act as temporary dish racks. As if that’s not enough, this tool has many advantages, such as durable construction and ease of cleaning.
However, these racks also have some drawbacks. First, the racks need regular cleaning. Secondly, you must remove it every time you want to clean them. The good thing is that the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.
That said, before buying a sink grid, always remember to take the proper measurements of your sink.
