Must-have Kitchen Sink Accessories

The kitchen sink is like Grand Central Station: meals start their prep there and the dishes end up in when dining has been completed. There is always something moving in or out. Cooks and homemakers want efficiency in the kitchen, and there are quite a few products that help make sink chores easier.

1. A sink strainer basket with up-and-down (or open-close) lever. No-frills versions of strainer baskets come standard with sinks with installation; consumers can also purchase models that have features above and beyond the basic stoppers. Strainer baskets prevent water from draining when they are properly inserted. They can also be applied in an alternate position so that water is able to drain however any detritus unsuitable for pipes and sewage is collected in the basin.

Up-and-down baskets utilize a lever to expand the stopper bottom and hold water in the sink. These are often easier to use than the ones that require users to match grooves up with bumps in the drain hole. Also, the lever mechanism eliminates the need of lifting the entire basket to drain water so more trash remains in the sink to be properly disposed of rather than slipping down the drain.

2. A swiveling faucet spray aerator. These adapters screw easily into the faucet head and allow the user to make the flow of water more or less forceful. They can also be used to redirect flowing water to a specific part of the sink that the faucet alone would be unable to reach. Aerators are a fantastic tool for people who don't have sprayers installed and are unable to add one.

There are models of aerators come with small filters that purify water for drinking. Consumers should be confident that the replacement filters are easily obtainable from the manufacturer or else that they're of standard size.

3. A detachable sink colander. Colanders are baskets usually made of plastic and metal that are perforated with small holes to allow water to filter through. Buy one with retracting arms that allow the colander to span the sink without touching the bottom. This accessory is ideal for people who wash and prepare a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables and can be left in the sink until a cook needs more space for dishes or until it needs to be placed in the dishwasher.

4. A sink mat. Sink mats are ideal for people who own a large amount of very delicate glassware and precious china that have to be washed by hand. Many sink mats are often treated with antimicrobial agents that prevent the build-up of bacteria so they can be left in the sink long-term. Some designer mats have beautiful motifs or like flowers or colorful stones. Others are simple and meant to be unobtrusive to the eye.

These four accessories are inexpensive fixes to common kitchen sink complaints. When shopping, be sure to look for items that are dishwasher safe and that will not stain the finish of your sink.