After using a plastic dish rack for several years, I was looking for a cleaner, nicer, and above all, less stagnant-water-prone solution. So, I tested out a stone drying mat to see if it could truly replace the traditional dish rack on my counter.
This text is a translation from Noovo Moi.
A Bit of Assembly Required
When opening the box, set aside a little time to assemble the mat and ensure the two stone slabs sit properly on their feet. The setup isn’t particularly complex, but it still took me about fifteen minutes to get everything installed.
Even though it’s made of stone, the mat isn’t as heavy as I imagined. Once assembled, it remains easy to move around as needed.
A Sleek Look and an Adjustable Surface
Visually, the result is fantastic. The slabs provide a clean, minimalist surface that declutters the counter compared to my old plastic rack.
The two sections interlock and slide to adjust the drying surface to accommodate the amount of dishware you have. You can keep it in a compact format for everyday use, then expand it when washing pans, large plates, or multiple glasses.
Two small stone coasters are also included for cups and glasses.
The texture of the mat is quite unique. It features raised circular patterns designed to prevent dishes from lying completely flat, allowing air to circulate underneath.
This texture is also slip-resistant. Glasses, plates, and pans stay securely in place without sliding on the stone.
Do Dishes Really Dry Faster?
The diatomaceous earth absorbs water almost instantly upon contact. As a result, the bottoms of glasses, plates, and pans dry quickly, leaving no standing puddles underneath.
However, the promise of accelerated drying needs a bit of nuance. In my testing, the tops of the items dried at pretty much the same speed as they did on my old dish rack.
While the mat effectively channels moisture away from underneath the dishes, it doesn’t necessarily make every surface dry significantly faster.
Goodbye Stagnant Water and Foul Odours
This is where I noticed the biggest difference. My old dish rack came with a plastic tray where water inevitably collected. Every few weeks, I had to take the whole thing apart for a deep clean to avoid unpleasant smells.
With the VERIFOST Stone Drying Mat, water is absorbed rather than collected in a tray. Since I started using it, I haven’t noticed any unpleasant odours. It’s a major advantage for keeping the sink area cleaner on a daily basis.
A Few Trade-Offs to Keep in Mind
The main adjustment involves cutlery, which must be laid flat rather than stored upright in vertical compartments. Maybe I was just too used to my plastic basket, but I find utensils end up taking up more room on the mat.
The stone can also stain over time. However, a small brush and two sheets of sandpaper are included to scrub away marks and refresh the surface.
My Final Verdict
The VERIFOST Stone Drying Mat won’t miraculously dry all your dishes in seconds. However, it absorbs water underneath items quickly, prevents puddles, and gets rid of the odour issues I had with my old dish rack.
I particularly love its sleek look, non-slip surface, and adjustable size. Storing cutlery is less convenient in my opinion, but for glasses, plates, and pans, this solution proved to be as attractive as it is effective.
