As a busy Dad of two under-fives and a full time worker, meal times in our house are often a little chaotic. The washing up is usually left until after I have managed to get the children to bed, and it feels like the last thing in the world that I want to do.
So, anything that helps me to be more organised in the kitchen is extremely welcome. Recently I bought a new kitchen drainer and I have been surprised by what a difference it has made to my lifestyle.
They may not be the most glamorous item in the kitchen, but kitchen drainers are a handy thing to have if you wash up everyday and need somewhere to let plates dry. By allowing plates to be stacked and cutlery to drain upright, you free up space on the sink surface for more items to dry at once, thus saving you time refilling the bowl or drying up.
Here are some handy tips for buying a kitchen drainer:
Colour – Consider the colour scheme you have going on in your kitchen. If possible, you will want to match your drainer to the rest of the décor. A drainer doesn’t have to be a boring neutral colour, you can choose from black, red, white, or even metallic in some cases.
Size – You will need to choose a drainer which fits the drying plane on your kitchen sink. There is no point in investing in a fancy drainer, if it won’t actually fit once you bring it home. That is unless you are looking for a drainer to provide extra space on special occasions, such as Christmas.
Convenience – Choose a kitchen drainer which is wipe clean and which is easy to look after. You are going to be using it everyday, after all, so you don’t want to waste time cleaning it.
Durability – Just like a washing up bowl, a kitchen drainer is one of the hardest working utensils in the kitchen. As such, it is worth investing a little extra time and money finding one which will last you for years. Equally important is to choose a drainer which is scratch resistant.
Type – Are you looking for a draining tray, a plate rack, or a drainer with separate spaces for cutlery? Your particular needs will determine which type of drainer will be best for you.
Practicality – Why not invest in a large kitchen drainer to use only when there is an excess of washing up? These drainers can easily be stored when not in use. This will also save you time drying up extra dishes.
Hopefully these little tips will help you to choose a kitchen drainer to suit your kitchen and lifestyle. I think it’s worth giving it some thought, as finding the right one should make your life a little bit easier!
