I didn't think I needed a sink mat until I used one at an airbnb I stayed at. No more sink getting blocked and making the place smell. When I purchased this I didn't realize there was a way to cut out a hole for the sink strainer - I haven't done that because I didn't feel the need to but its nice to know it's an option. The gaps are big enough that the strainer works just fine without cutting a hole in it. The only thing I'd change about this is maybe having some kind of suction cup or way to attach it. My sink is sliiightly bigger than the mat so the mat slides around a little. Not really an issue.