Thank you for your business over the years. We are no longer accepting orders for MR Direct products. Please visit Elkay Where to Buy for your sink and faucet needs. For any warranty related questions related to Mr. Direct, Polaris, Sir Faucet and Solera brands please reach out to consumer@elkay.com or 1-800-223-5529.

Immerse Yourself In Our Latest Stories

Discover DIY How-To's, design inspiration & more!

Your Home. Your Style.

Browse trending styles and create a space that is functional, beautiful, and built for everyday life.

Immerse Yourself In Our Latest Stories

Discover DIY How-To's, design inspiration & more!

Your Home. Your Style.

Browse trending styles and create a space that is functional, beautiful, and built for everyday life.

Immerse Yourself In Our Latest Stories

Discover DIY How-To's, design inspiration & more!

Your Home. Your Style.

Browse trending styles and create a space that is functional, beautiful, and built for everyday life.

Immerse Yourself In Our Latest Stories

Discover DIY How-To's, design inspiration & more!

Your Home. Your Style.

Browse trending styles and create a space that is functional, beautiful, and built for everyday life.

About MR Direct

Our philosophy is simple. We believe everyone should be able to purchase high-quality, stylish products at reasonable prices. That's why we offer over 400 products, ranging in styles from our high-end vessel sinks to our traditional farmhouse apron line. We provide you with numerous, money-saving options so you can do more than just afford the home of your dreams.

Ask Us A Question

Immerse Yourself In Our Latest Stories

Discover DIY How-To's, design inspiration & more!

Your Home. Your Style.

Browse trending styles and create a space that is functional, beautiful, and built for everyday life.

Browse Blog Categories

  • Helpful Hints
  • Toggle Reading Mode
  • X
3 Must-Have Accessories for your Kitchen Sink
February 1, 2017

If you have a garbage disposal, you probably know that term is a bit of a misnomer because it doesn’t truly function like a garbage bin. While it effectively grinds and gurgles away certain food items, other scraps are best collected in the sink and then thrown away. I learned this lesson the hard way with potato peels (still sorry, mom and dad).

If you don’t have a garbage disposal, then you know it’s even more imperative to keep food scraps out of your sink. Luckily, there are a couple of accessories on the market to make your dinner prep worry-free and to help keep your sink unclogged.

Strainers

Strainers are a vital component to your sink as they prevent food scraps from clogging the drain. But they can also function as a stopper so you can fill your sink with water and tackle those dirty dishes. There are two kinds of strainers available - standard and basket.

  • Standard strainers: a shallow metal strainer with a plunger button to open or close the drain. The perforation patterns can vary, ranging from small to large holes, and slots.
  • Basket strainers: a basket-shaped strainer that is about two or three inches deep, with a handle and a lid. The basket is mesh or perforated metal, so it's easily removed, cleaned, and replaced.

So how do you choose which strainer is best for you? A benefit of selecting the basket strainer is that it can collect more scraps before you have to empty it. If you do a significant amount of food prep and don’t have a garbage disposal, this model will save you time and hassle. But if your sink has a garbage disposal, then the standard strainer should suit your needs.

Over-the-Sink Strainer

If you spend a lot of time prepping food and cooking, you might enjoy a larger strainer for your sink. These strainers suspend from the rim of the sink, and act as a colander to keep food raised. The elevated design prevents remnant water from contaminating your food. It also equips your sink area with an extra food prep area. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, such as mesh, perforated metal, or plastic.

Grids

To add an extra layer of protection for your sink, I recommend a stainless steel sink grid. These accessories come equipped with rubber feet and sit in the bottom of your sink to act as a protective barrier. Additionally, they provide a space-saving place for your dishes to drip dry.

The best part about these accessories? Sieve and save. They are one-time investments that make dinner prep hassle-free and keep your sink looking like new. Better yet, they can also save you hundreds of dollars in costly plumbing repairs.

Live Help (Start Chat)