Kitchen Sink Accessories: Drainers, Baskets and Add-Ons

The right sink-top accessories turn a plain kitchen sink into a far more workable one. Drainer baskets, colanders and roll-out racks that sit over or within the bowl add prep and drying space without taking up bench. This guide covers the common add-ons and how to make sure they fit.

The everyday add-ons

A few simple pieces do most of the heavy lifting. A drainer basket lets washed dishes drip straight into the sink rather than onto the bench. A colander that rests on the rim rinses vegetables and drains pasta over the bowl. A roll-out mat or rack protects the base from scratches and gives a spot to rest hot pans. Together they make a single sink behave like it has extra stations.

Fit is everything

These accessories only help if they match your sink. Measure the internal bowl width and length, and note whether your sink has a ledge or rail designed to carry over-the-sink pieces. Some are made to a standard bowl size while others are adjustable to span a range of widths. Check the material too — stainless and coated wire cope well with constant wet use, and anything that drains freely stays cleaner.

Building a workable sink

Start with the piece you’ll use most, usually a drainer, then add a colander or rack as your prep habits demand. Matching the finish of any visible metalwork keeps the sink area tidy. To see sink-top accessories and matching fittings in person, take a look at the range of bathroom accessories at Just Bathrooms, a local showroom near Wollongong.