This post is part of our ' This Is Fire' series, where our editors and writers tell you about the products they can't live without in the kitchen.

This includes a mat to catch any drips, and if it gets splashed and messy in the kitchen, it’s easy to sponge and rinse clean. The mat can also work as a place for utensils since it doesn't come with a utensil holder. There will be the danger of it tipping if you overfill this, especially since there isn't enough room for multiple piece of cookware. Size: 48.25 x 39.5 x 16cm (49.2cm x 31.7cm x 7.30cm, when folded) | Material: Plastic and metal | Adjustable: Yes Our verdict Dish mats are great because they take up very little space and can be rolled up or placed inside a kitchen drawer when not in use. If friends are coming over for a dinner party, this design folds flat so you can store it away and get it out of sight. The only caveat is that bamboo isn’t necessarily maintenance free. You may wish to oil your bamboo to maintain its appearance over time.Hand-washing dishes is an undeniable chore. Here is the gear and methodology we recommend to make it easier and more efficient. Also consider: Do you want something that is ready to use, or are you willing to spend a little time assembling? In general, simpler is better. You don’t want pieces falling off, especially if you have small pets or young children who may put them in their mouths. Draining and Storage Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in those years, we’ve seen, tried and reviewed thousands of products. Size: 57 x 51 x 29cm | Material: Stainless steel and plastic | Adjustable: No What Mumsnet users say

This multifunctional piece of kitchen gear unfurls over your sink when you need a place for hand-washed dishes to air dry and then rolls up for easy storage. It’s made with stainless steel, which makes it sturdy enough to hold even your heaviest pots and pans. It also creates space for drip-drying your delicate china, ceramic, and porcelain items. Dimensions: 20 x 14.96 x 7 inches | Material: Stainless steel and plastic | Weight: 6.78 pounds Why Trust The Spruce Eats? Space saver: designed to take up minimal counter space; low-profile design is perfect for cabinet clearance and storage when not in use.The subtly angled design encourages the water that drains from your dishes to flow where you want it and not make a mess on your counter. When it’s not in use, the spout snaps closed, preventing any remaining drips from escaping. Two movable utensil holders provide the perfect place to dry your knives, forks, and spoons. Its circular crown design is multifunctional. You can position large baking sheets or cutting boards across it, and you can use the spokes as holders for inverted glasses and mugs. The downside is that it could look cluttered in small kitchens, especially when fully loaded. It's a great option for large families though, and we love the utensil containers placed on high tiers, away from mischievous hands looking to explore dangerous and sharp kitchen items. Simplehuman is a brand with a renowned reputation for both design and style — as long as you’re willing to foot the bill!