There are many anti-fatigue mats on the market, but the majority were designed for use in an industrial setting. However, if you spend hours at your kitchen counter baking or cooking, an anti-fatigue mat can reduce some of the foot, knee and back strain associated with long standing periods, especially if your kitchen does not have a vinyl cushion floor, but has ceramic tile, cement or wood.
Choosing Between Carpet, Vinyl, Foam or Rubber Mats
Carpeted kitchen mats are probably the most economical and may be sufficient for light duty if they have a rubber backing for safety and cushioning. But make sure that they are washable and will withstand many washings. Industrial mats are mostly made of rubber and although many are washable, they may be meant to be hosed down and grid-patterned mats may not be easy to wipe clean. Vinyl covered foam mats will wipe clean easily enough, but are light duty mats. Rubber interlocking mats sold in hardware stores for workshops are a good alternative, but will be difficult to clean and colors are limited.
Buy Easy to Clean Mats for Kitchen Use
For rubber or vinyl covered mats, choose one that can be easily wiped clean, that's a must in a kitchen. A grid or highly pebbled surface is great for industrial use but hard to keep clean in the kitchen.
The Denser & Thicker, the Better
A dense rubber mat is less tiring and will be a better support. A foam mat that is too soft may look real good, but you will be constantly balancing on the mat, like the feeling of walking on sand for hours, and that can be very tiring for long periods. Vinyl covered marbled-patterned kitchen mats have been around for decades and they may be fine if your time at the counter is not extreme. For chef's who spend hours cooking or baking, this type is too light duty to provide a good cushioning. Mats that are at least 3/8", 1/2" or closer to 1" thick would be best, but not too high to create a tripping hazard.
Mat Size Considerations
For industrial use, a square mat or long runner may be great, but for counter use, look for a rectangular mat at least 2' x 3' long, preferably two side by side if you have a long counter; a 6' - 8' length of mats would be ideal. The worst thing is constantly stepping on and off of a mat when preparing food. Measure the counter area where you are likely to spend most of your time and bring these measurements with you when you shop.
Should Gel-Filled Be Considered?
Yes, they're worth considering. Many people love their gel-filled shoe insoles, so this concept can certainly be extended to the kitchen. It's really a matter of taste and how it feels for you. Gel-filled anti-fatigue mats tend to be much higher priced and this may be a constraint for you. Because kitchen mats may feel great for one person and not another, keep in mind that it may take trial and error to find the right one for you.
My Recommendations for Light Duty Use
If a little cushioning is all you need, washable carpet rubber-backed mats or vinyl covered mats would be a good choice. Either would be economical, easy to clean and readily available at merchandise or hardware retailers. Remember to measure for your particular needs.
Recommendations for Heavy Duty Use by Chefs
You need industrial-grade mats with dense rubber at least 3/8" thick. Look for a top pattern that is easy to wipe clean and sizing that meets your area. Black is easiest to find; colors are very limited. Be prepared to pay for this grade. The most economical would be the interlocking squares sold at hardware stores. These are usually black or gray, can be cut to size and edges tapered with a utility knife to prevent tripping. Since these are hard to clean, you could just replace them as required. I have seen some brightly-colored ones sold for children's play areas, and you may want to consider these.
Where to Find Anti-Fatigue Mats
If you prefer to shop online, you'll find a good variety of available types and prices of mats available through the Froogle search link provided. For personal shopping, carpeted and foam vinyl-covered mats can be found in most merchandise stores. Interlocking rubber mats are sold in packages or 4 or 6 at hardware stores. Gel-filled mats are probably only found online - try the link provided above. Industrial mats can be found online or in safety or industrial equipment stores.
