The Best Coasters (Review) in 2020

Things to Consider When Using Coasters

• Space

How much space you have around the home makes a huge difference as to what kind of coasters you should get. The diameters of the above coasters can vary dramatically and if, for example, you have a smaller table, large coasters can make the décor of your house look a little skewwhiff.

Take the space of your house into account before buying your coasters so that you’re sure the coaster set fits in with your house, first. You should also be able to easily store your cup coaster set away if you are lacking in space, so they don’t get in the way.

• Quantity

Looking for drink coasters for a smaller family, or are you trying to find a larger set that you can pull out while hosting? It might seem a little insignificant to some, but for many having a larger set allows you to ensure everything is “just so” when it comes to entertaining. Quite simply, it just looks better when everything matches.

• Material

There’s a huge difference in how effective each material type is, when it comes to how well your new items will perform as drink coasters. The best coaster material comes down to what you will mostly be using your unique coasters for.

If you’re looking for a large coaster set for bowls, it can be worth getting marble coasters. Whereas, if you are looking for drink coasters, you might find your need a material that has absorbent qualities. This way, you can avoid your coaster simply collecting water and letting it drip over the edge – and avoiding this is one of the main reasons why many people buy coasters in the first place.

• Use

What you choose to use your table coasters for can make a big difference in how much value your coasters will bring to you. For those who are after a set of coasters for large events or family meals, it’s fair to say that you will likely only need a standard size that has absorbent properties.

Meanwhile, those who require more robust options – perhaps to help hold a hot plate of food or bowl of candy, your needs will be completely different and therefore the coaster you choose will need to meet these.

• Cleanliness

Since your coasters are likely to end up getting just as dirty as any other piece of tableware in your home, it’s only fair they are cleaned regularly, too. Depending on the material and type, you may be able to put some drink coasters in the dishwasher – otherwise, you might want to check that the material is at least able to be frequently wiped down without affecting the practicality.

• Features

Features go a long way to setting our favorite coasters apart from the everyday sets you might find down the local supermarket. Having additional abilities such as being dishwasher-safe, or an increased level of absorbency can make a huge difference in how your coasters affect your use.

While extra features can cost a little more, it’s fair to say that these differences have a very positive effect in the benefits that your coasters bring. Therefore, we would argue that these simple additions help add more quality and therefore more value for money.

Benefits of Using Coasters

• Protect Surfaces

The biggest and most obvious benefit from owning table coasters is that they have the ability to protect your surfaces. Silicone coasters work brilliantly as a heat barrier for hot items, so you can avoid any scuff or burn marks from your cooking. At the same time, coasters are famous for stopping those pesky watermarks from getting on the surface of your much-beloved kitchen table.

By creating a barrier between the item that you need to put down, and the surface that you need to place the item on, you are effectively ensuring the longevity of your household goods. Without these, you will eventually need to sand your furniture down and either give it a new coat of paint/stain - or have to buy a brand-new piece of furniture.

• Protect Glass

As well as providing a comfortable cushion for the bottom of your cups and glasses, they also make for a great cover. This is actually how the coasters we see today actually started, with 19th century pubs covering their pints with pieces of cloth or rags to ward off bugs and dirt.

While we’ve come a long way from these reusable pieces of fabric (which weren’t all that hygienic), there’s nothing wrong in going back to your roots from time to time. If you’re heading outside during the warmer months, or simply enjoy your drinks on the patio, feel free to place your coaster over the rim of your glass to stop any nasties getting in.

Different Types of Coasters

While every coaster will have their own unique qualities, the biggest factor that makes a difference in the type of coaster comes down to the material:

• Glass

Glass has remained a popular choice through the years because it gives off a glassy and sophisticated look. These are usually crafted from tempered glass, making them more durable and can therefore easily handle both hot and cold items. Glass coasters are likely to have at least four feet, raising the glass itself away from the table and therefore creating a barrier between the item and the table itself, making it ideal to handle hot dishes for example.

Unfortunately, aside from looking great and holding up against heat, they don’t make great drink coasters, as they are completely waterproof. This might not sound like a bad thing, however you’re likely to notice that any sweat from your glass will end up on your table, as the liquid has nowhere else to go from this point. They can also be relatively expensive when you consider the level of value they bring to the home, as well as being more prone to breakages.

• Stainless Steel

While stainless steel can be engraved and look incredible as part of a big business, or a way to make a statement as a gift, they don’t hold up too well in their use as actual coasters. Firstly, they are very conductive, so are more likely to transfer both cold and heat to the surface your drink coaster is placed upon.

Secondly, depending on the finish of the coaster, it’s likely that they will need to be wiped down or cleaned after every use. This is because the surface of the stainless steel shows up almost every mark, as you may well know if you have any stainless-steel appliances around the home. This is OK for appliances, as the benefits outweigh this con, however for a coaster, we feel you should be able to get a little more versatility out of your table coaster.

• Ceramic and Stone

These are, most often, the most unique coasters available. They can be made by amateurs from private stores or be manufactured en-masse, the latter being the most stable option – providing a perfectly flat surface to pop your drink on. They can come in some incredibly bright colors and work beautifully to compliment any and all homes.

Unfortunately, ceramic coasters are prone to breaking, as there is little durability or any way to buffer the shock given if you accidentally drop these. They are also unlikely to be absorbent, although natural stone such as sandstone does have a good level of porosity.

• Leather and PU Leather

Both leather and polyurethane leather (also known as PU leather) can look amazing – especially those that have an inlaid design which has the same appeal as carved wood. Like stainless steel, these can be personalized when bought from the right seller and look very classy in both rustic and modern environments.

The main issue with leather is that is more likely to crack and break over time, as well as being non-absorbent. In order to avoid this, you’ll need to wipe down your coasters once you’re done using them.

• Silicone

Silicone is incredibly durable, lightweight and versatile as a substance. Molded to suit any size, you can often find silicone coasters with indentations or absorbent pads within, to avoid any condensation getting to your furniture surfaces. They resist extreme temperatures well and are one of the best table coasters you can find.

Sources:

1. 5 Types of Drink Coasters - EzineArticles
2. The Case for Coasters: Better Safe Than Sorry! - Apartment Therapy