The number of accessories designed for your kitchen sink and the surrounding area is impressive - from aluminum colanders to water filters, there's a kitchen accessory for every purpose. When you're entertaining a large group, or serving up breakfast for your family, today's kitchen accessories are handier and more durable than ever. Here are some of the basics.

Colanders: For draining cooked pasta or rinsing fruits and vegetables, the colander is a kitchen essential. They're available in aluminum, stainless steel and plastic models. These are similar to strainers, which are made of wire mesh and aren't that useful for draining pasta (as the pasta gets stuck).

Cutting Board: Another essential that you'll return to time and again. Plastic cutting boards are made to last, and won't absorb food juices like wood does. Use one side for meat and the other for fruits and vegetables. If your kitchen is large enough, go all out and add a butcher's block.

Drain Basket: A must have for kitchens without a dishwasher. Even if you do have a dishwasher, you'll save on electricity bills if you wash and rinse your dishes by hand and let them dry in a drain basket. A rubber drain basket pad completes the set. If you've got a double basin kitchen sink, even better.

Kitchen Sink Faucet: Though technically not a kitchen accessory, the faucet is one of the most important focal points of any kitchen. Browse through our wide selection of kitchen faucets to find outstanding values on the best names in the kitchen design and remodel business.

Kitchen Sink Grid: These protect your sink while allowing you to load up the basin with dishes, pots and pans. They're usually made of stainless steel, to last a long, long time. Make sure you purchase a sink grid model with bottom and side rubber protectors to guard your sink against damage.

Pasta Jars: These look great when arrayed next to your kitchen sink, and they're far less tacky than those plastic bags that pasta usually comes in.

Pot Racks: By hanging a few pots and pans up around the sink and stove area, you'll save storage space below. They're usually quite affordable and are available in a wide range of styles.

Sink Strainer: Protect your pipes with a strainer that collects food debris while you rinse plates. They're available in loose, basic models, and built in basket drainer models that rotate to seal off water drainage when you twist them. Plumbers' calls aren't cheap, not to mention the water damage that can occur if your kitchen drain gets backed up. A strainer offers simple and affordable protection that's easy to install.

Soap Dispenser: Most kitchen sinks built today, be they stainless steel, porcelain, copper, or stone, ship with a 1.25 inch hole that allows for a kitchen soap dispenser to be inserted. The Kraus brand is the most reliable around, and with a 14 oz. capacity, you'll be able to wash tons of dishes before you have to refill.

Spice Rack: Save on drawer space with one of these convenient items. In-drawer spice racks help you organize your drawers.

Utensil Rack: For spoons, whisks, spatulas, and the like.

Water Filter: For better tasting water (without the expense of costly five gallon bottles) water filter is affordable and easy to use. For extra savings in the long run, consider installing a home water filtration system.

When you're looking for exceptional deals in kitchen and bath decor, ExpressDecor.com is your one stop web retailer. We also serve the restaurant and hospitality industries. When it comes to getting the fastest service and the best prices on the most respected names in the plumbing and home decor industries, you've come to the right place.