The 7 Best Anti-Fatigue Mats for Home Kitchens

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Composite of Fatigue Mats — Photo: Courtesy of Target, Wayfair, House of Noa

If you love spending time in the kitchen, you'll want to invest in an anti-fatigue mat. While rugs of any kind can help with back pain to some extent, anti-fatigue options were specifically designed to make standing a whole lot more comfortable. There a lot of anti-fatigue mats on the market to choose from—which is good news for those who want lots of choices, but bad news for anyone new to the category.

Perhaps one of the most overlooked kitchen tools, anti-fatigue mats can reduce the feeling of sore, tired feet and a stiff, aching back after an afternoon spent prepping for a party, baking several batches of cookies, or just making dinner. However, you need to choose the right one for you and your kitchen, taking into consideration how you cook and your lifestyle.

Select one that's too thick and it may be a tripping hazard, but choose one that's too thin and it won't provide enough support. You'll also need to keep in mind the size of your kitchen and how messy of a cook you are (some anti-fatigue rugs are much easier to clean than others). Here are some of our favorite kitchen rugs for the home cook with back pain.

Shop the Best Anti-Fatigue Mats on the Market

Best Budget-Friendly Kitchen Mat: AmazonBasics Premium Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat
Best No-Hassle Kitchen Mat: Kangaroo Non-Slip
Best Industrial Kitchen Mat: Sky Solutions Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat
Best Kitchen Mat for Large Kitchens: Modern Boxes Design Standing Anti-Fatigue Mat
Most Stylish Kitchen Mat: Nama Standing Mat
Best Kitchen Mat for the Serious Home Chef: GelPro Kitchen Mat
Best Kitchen Mat for Parents: ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Floor Mat

Best Budget-Friendly Kitchen Mat: AmazonBasics Premium Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat

$41.35, amazon.com

More than 4,000 Amazon shoppers have given this anti-fatigue mat a five-star review. Unlike many kitchen mats which are made of gel, this one is made of foam, and that cushiony composition is exactly what may make you want to do the dishes. While there aren't many patterns or color options, the AmazonBasics Premium Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat offers quality at an unbeatable price. Bonus: It has a stain-resistant surface that is easy to clean.

Best Industrial Kitchen Mat: Sky Solutions Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat

$50.34, target.com

Made from commercial-grade foam, the Sky Solutions Kitchen Rug promises to reduce stress on your muscles, knees, and joints by 32 percent. Easy to clean and available in various colors, the mat features anti-curl edges to prevent tripping. It's no wonder it's a favorite in restaurants.

Best Kitchen Mat for Large Kitchens: Modern Boxes Design Standing Anti-Fatigue Mat

$52.99, wayfair.com

This kitchen mat is ideal for large kitchens or for those who'd like a mat under the counter and another near their sink or dishwasher. The piece provides some cushioned support thanks to its durable PVC build. Its rubber backing will also keep it in place.

Most Stylish Kitchen Mat: Nama Standing Mat

from $59, thehouseofnoa.com

Essentially the statement rug of anti-fatigue kitchen mats, this option from the creators of Little Nomad is as comfy as it is stylish. Made in the USA from thick and squishy polyurethane foam with a printed top, the mat is available in several sizes and colors. The only downside is that it's fussy to clean; power vacuums are not recommended, which means it's not ideal for households with pets.

Best No-Hassle Kitchen Mat: Kangaroo Non-Slip Anti-Fatigue Mat

$41.99, amazon.com

You can vacuum it, it's waterproof, and it comes with a 10-year warranty. What's not to like about the Kangaroo Non-Slip Anti-Fatigue Mat? What's more, this mat stays firmly in place thanks to a grooved underside while its textured top surface prevents slipping and tripping, and its 3/4 inch-thick foam feels like standing on clouds.

Best Kitchen Mat for Parents: ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat

ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Floor Mat – 3/4 Inch Thick Perfect Kitchen Mat, Standing Desk Mat – Comfort at Home, Office, Garage – Durable – Stain Resistant – Non-Slip Bottom (20" x 32", Teal) — Courtesy of Amazon

$39.05, amazon.com

Let's face it: Households full of kids or pets (or both) are messy. Finding any rug that will stand up to a busy home is a challenge, but finding one for a high-traffic area like the kitchen can be near impossible. Luckily, there's a ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Floor Mat. Moderately priced and composed of non-toxic materials certified by OEKO-Tex, these anti-fatigue floor mats come in three size options, are stain-resistant, and easy to clean. As an added bonus, each size comes in a variety of colors, so you'll be able to find one to match your kitchen style.

Best Kitchen Mat for the Pro Home Chef: Gelpro Elite Kitchen Mat

from $129.95, gelpro.com

Over the past 15 years, GelPro has become a brand beloved by home cooks, and that's largely due to their incredible gel kitchen mats. Their rugs are made out of an anti-fatigue gel cushion that's covered with a durable, hypo-allergenic fabric, they are non-slip and textured, and they're comfortable. Though one of the more expensive anti-fatigue rugs on the market, fans say they're a worthy investment—and they come in a variety of styles sure to suit any kitchen space.

Was this page helpful?