The 10 Best Bar Mats

Editor's Notes

August 27, 2020:

Any place where drinks are prepared and served can benefit from a good quality bar mat. In the past, they used an absorbent material to soak up spills and drips, however, these quickly become damp and can be odorous. More recent designs are made from rubber, vinyl, or silicone and feature rows of uniform prongs, which promote airflow and create a well to catch the liquid, as well as providing a non-slip surface for glasses to sit upon. For this ranking, we selected a range of different styles that are suitable for commercial businesses, like bars and coffee shops, or for your home bar or kitchen.

As mentioned, the designs of modern bar mats are all very similar, with the only real difference being in the materials used. Silicone is by far the best choice as it keeps its shape well, tends not to dry out and crack, and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. The Top Shelf Bar Supply Service Mat and the Robbins Aria Kitchen Trivet are two such options, the former of which is well-sized for use in a business, and has a high liquid capacity. The latter is much better suited for use at home, as a cocktail preparation mat, or due to the high temperature resistance of silicone, it also makes a good heat-proof pad for hot pans.

We did select a few options with different designs for specific purposes. For example, the Chillake Burlap Coffee Bar Mat is made from Jute, rather than rubber, and has styling more suitable for a coffee shop. The Bang Tidy Bar Runner has the more traditional fabric top, which, while not as practical, allows you to customize it with your own text. The Talisman Designs Cocktail Mat is a small, foldable option that is ideal for occasional use and incorporates a cutting board and glass rimmer. The San Jamar Versa-Mat is a versatile option that can be cut to any shape and can be joined together to cover large areas, or can even be used to line shelves, drawers, and sink bottoms.