Condensation in the summer heat is a vile byproduct of an icy beverage. Unpleasant to the hand. Devastating to wood surfaces. You must use a coaster, but the condensation is so strong its surface tension lifts most coasters right off the bar. Then again, the Blanco Sandstone Coaster is not like most coasters.
What Is It?
It's a coaster, you animal. Use it. Like your mother told you.
Who's It For?
Thirsty summer guzzlers for whom no water is too icy, no beer too cold.
Design
It's a porous, hydrophilic 4-inch square rock with four foam feet at each corner. It leaves no scratch as it slides across furniture. It sucks condensation from the base of a frosty glass. It is a triumph of geologic engineering. Or it's just a rock. Whatever. It works really well.
Using It
Fill a glass with the best ice cubes of all time. Go crazy. Clear out the freezer. Pour a drink. Center the drinking glass directly on top of the coaster between sips.
The Best Part
It doesn't stick to the bottom of the glass every time you take a drink. Use this coaster, and you will never again stoop to retrieve a sopping disk that has once again fallen to the floor.
Tragic Flaw
The coaster can only absorb so much condensation. Past the saturation point, dry-out times can be quite lengthy.
This Is Weird...
No matter how many of these you have lying around, you still have to tell guests to use them.
Test Notes
- The wide rimless base accommodates large-diameter glasses and frosty mugs.
- The coaster cannot effectively catch drips from a leaking flower pot.
- The glass itself can sometimes retain and deliver a single, shockingly cold drip of condensation. This is especially surprising, but not altogether unpleasant, when drinking bare-chested on a hot afternoon.
Should You Buy It?
Unless you prefer lukewarm beverages or decorate your furniture with discolored rings, yes.
Blanco Sandstone Coasters Specs
• Price: $10 for 4
• Material: Sandstone and foam
• Size: 4 inches x 4 inches
• Giz Rank: 4 stars