Even if you have the nicest dishwasher, you will almost certainly need to hand wash a few items, especially if you value your cookware or fragile glassware. That’s when you’ll need a designated area to put your wet dishes. The best dish drying racks offer enough space to hold your pots, pans, china, glassware, and utensils while remaining unsightly on your countertop. Because of its simplicity and sleek appearance, the OXO Good Grips Aluminum Fold Flat Dish Drying Rack is our top pick. However, some options made it onto our list.
The OXO Good Grips Dish Drying Rack provides plenty of room for all your dishes, without taking up … [+] too much precious real estate.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
According to cleaning expert Donna Dougherty, CEO of Go Green Cleaning Experts, dish drying racks not only provide a place to rest wet dishes but also allow them to air dry and prevent water spots from forming on your countertop. Furthermore, using a dish drying rack is more sanitary than leaving wet dishes on the counter. According to Katie Dills, senior VP of The Cleaning Authority, racks enhances airflow between your utensils throughout the drying process, which helps prevent the growth of new bacteria.
When choosing the proper dish drying rack for your kitchen, consider factors such as space, organizational components you value, and the type of dish you prefer. Your budget and design aesthetic are also crucial considerations.
With that in mind, these are the top dish-drying racks on the market to assist you in remaining organized and clean.
- Best Dish Drying Rack Overall: OXO Good Grips Aluminum Fold Flat Dish Drying Rack
- Best Full-Size Dish Drying Rack: KitchenAid Full Size Dish Rack
- Best Dish Drying Rack Over Sink: Food52 Five Two Over-the-Sink Dish Drying Rack
- Best In-Sink Dish Drying Rack: Kitsure Dish Drying Rack In Sink
- Best Extra Large Dish Drying Rack: Simplehuman Kitchen Dish Drying Rack With Swivel Spout
- Best Dish Drying Rack For Small Spaces: Umbra UDRY Rack and Microfiber Dish Drying Mat
- Best Stainless Dish Drying Rack: Cuisinart Stainless Steel Dish Drying Rack
- Best Roll Up Dish Drying Mat: Dorai Dish Pad
- Best Expandable Dish Drying Rack: Joseph Joseph Stainless-Steel Extendable Dual Part Dish Rack
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Material: Aluminum | Dimensions: 2.7 x 21.2 x 15 inches | Weight: 3 pounds | Capacity: 12 plates
If you have a small countertop space, the OXO Good Grips Dish Drying Rack has enough room for all your dishes without taking up too much space. Stack dishes on the top rack, while the bottom shelf may hold larger pots and pans. A strong drain board with high ridges prevents water from accumulating in pools, and non-slip feet ensure the rack remains firmly in place. Don’t require the other tiers? Fold them down to make a level drying surface. A detachable utensil holder keeps washed cutlery nicely organized.
2. KitchenAid Full Size Dish Rack
$77$85Save $8 (9%)
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 14.96 x 20 x 7 inches| Weight: 6.6 pounds | Capacity: Varies
If you don’t have a dishwasher or prefer to wash most of your dishes by hand, you’ll need a large rack to keep your countertop from becoming cluttered. KitchenAid’s Full Size Dish Rack has lots of drying room and can easily accommodate larger cookware. It has seven prongs holding glassware and three removable caddies for organizing utensils. Furthermore, the rack incorporates a self-draining board to prevent water from gathering at the base (ensure it is pointed toward the sink or placed on top of a drying mat). The rack is rust-resistant, and the feet are covered in heavy-duty rubber to protect your countertop from scratches.
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3. Food52 Five Two Over-the-Sink Dish Drying Rack
$45
Material: Silicone-coated stainless steel | Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.5 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Capacity: 12 plates
Finding a high-quality solution securely positioned over the sink can be challenging, but Food52’s elegant and useful rack accomplishes the job flawlessly. Its strong surface, made of durable silicone and stainless steel, can accommodate large pots and pans while safeguarding fragile glassware. Use the built-in utensil caddy to store your silverware or as a little colander to wash your herbs. It can also be used as a trivet because it is made of heat-safe materials (up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit).
4. Kitsure Dish Drying Rack In Sink
$30
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 14.5 x 11.9 x 5 inches | Weight: 3.6 pounds | Capacity: 10 plates
You can place the Kitsure Dish Drying Rack on your countertop when combined with the self-draining board. If space is limited or you prefer to keep your counter clutter-free, use the extended bars and hang them over your sink. This rust-resistant stainless steel rack has over 1,500 5-star reviews and comes with a utensil caddy and higher bars for organizing plates. Choose from five colors, including a bright red and a soft green.
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5. Simplehuman Kitchen Dish Drying Rack With Swivel Spout
$100
Material: Stainless steel, plastic | Dimensions: 20.2 x 22.3 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Capacity: Varies
Simplehuman, well known for its elegant trash cans, now has a beautiful dish rack that is both functional and aesthetically pleasant in your kitchen. The rack’s unique drainage mechanism pivots to transfer water directly into the sink instead than onto the countertop, and the silicone-capped rack securely retains plates without scratching or chipping them. It has ample room for numerous rows of plates and bowls, while the actual capacity may vary due to the rack’s unique design and plate size variance. It also has a wine glass and utensil tray to keep things tidy and organized.
6. Cuisinart Stainless Steel Dish Drying Rack
$40
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 6 x 12 x 14.4 inches | Weight: 4.27 pounds | Capacity: 11 plates
Don’t be deceived by its small size; the Cuisinart Stainless Steel Dish Drying Rack is smartly designed to optimize drying space while leaving a small footprint on your countertop. It can comfortably hold up to 11 plates, and the built-in cup holders can hold six glasses. A divided cutlery caddy and a stemware holder for safely drying wine glasses are lovely extras. Pull out the drain board and use it as an additional drying solution if you need more space to stack heavy cookware.
7. Best Dish Drying Rack: DoraihomeDish Drying Pad
Material: Silicone | Dimensions: 0.5 x 19.9 x 15.2 inches | Weight: Unspecified | Capacity: Varies
Dorai’s dish pad is a well-thought-out space-saving solution, making it ideal for minimalists or those with limited countertop space. It is made of compressed diatomaceous earth and recycled paper and dries rapidly, preventing mold, mildew, and bacteria from forming. It’s also covered with a mesh silicone material to keep your dishes and countertop scratch-free. It can also be used for washing and drying fresh food as a bonus.
8. Umbra UDRY Rack And Microfiber Dish Drying Mat
$13$22Save $9 (41%)
Material: Plastic, microfiber | Dimensions: 18 x 24 x 10.75 inches | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Capacity: Varies
The Umbra UDRY Rack, which combines a dish rack and a drying mat into one, holds a surprising amount of utensils and folds up compactly when you need to clear your counter. In addition, practical features such as a stemware holder, utensil caddy, and raised ridges for stacking plates and sharp instruments are included. And you won’t have to worry about the mat becoming damp or moldy because the microfiber material absorbs water fast and dries in minutes. When you’re finished, use it; fold it up and store it in a drawer.
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9. Joseph Joseph Stainless-Steel Extendable Dual Part Dish Rack
$57$99Save $42 (42%)
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 12.6 x 14.3 x 6.3 inches | Weight: 4.8 pounds | Capacity: Varies
This extended dish rack will become your go-to buddy if you constantly organize dinner parties or get-togethers. Thanks to its extensible base and large utensil holder, it holds a lot, so you’ll never have to worry about running out of space to dry the many dishes needed to set the table. When you’re finished hosting, the rack shrinks to a small size for everyday use. Another fascinating feature is the spout at the tray’s base, which can be set in three different locations for draining water depending on the size of your sink.
How We Chose The Best Dish Drying Racks
Dish drying racks are available on the market in many different sizes. So, to assist you in making an informed decision, we contacted two home experts who shared great insights on crucial features to consider while choosing the best dish-drying rack for your kitchen. We also researched the most popular racks, considering factors such as size, material, and capacity. Furthermore, we thoroughly evaluated user evaluations to understand better how these racks perform in different households and with different types of dinnerware.
What To Look For In A Dish Drying Rack
Here are the most crucial factors to consider as you weigh your options.
Size
Dish drying racks are not a one-size-fits-all purchase, so ensure you get one that fits your kitchen space. “Ensure the rack is large enough to accommodate your typical dish-washing load,” Doherty advises. “It should have enough space for plates, bowls, cups, utensils, and other frequently washed kitchen items.” If you intend to use an over-sink or in-sink dish drying rack, carefully measure the dimensions of your sink to ensure the rack will fit properly.
Material
Dish drying racks are made of many materials, such as stainless steel, plastic, silicone, and wood. “There are many factors to consider for each material before purchasing,” Dill points out. “Some materials, such as wood or stainless steel, may look nicer than others, but they lack some of the qualities that plastic racks have, such as being dishwasher safe or less prone to the buildup of mold and bacteria.” Stainless steel racks, however, are rustproof and extremely durable, assuring they will survive for years.
Standout Features
Dish drying racks come with various features, some more than others. Doherty recommends looking for a solution with a dependable drainage system, preferably one that directs water directly into the sink, as a minimum requirement. “This ensures that water doesn’t accumulate on the countertop and drains away effectively,” she adds. If you’re short on space, Dill recommends choosing foldable or expandable options that can be stored away when unused. Choose a rack with a designated area for wine glasses if you tend to hand-wash delicate glassware frequently.
Type Of Rack
While some racks are intended to sit on your countertop and drip into your sink, others are intended to be positioned over your sink, yet others can fit inside your sink. Some options may extend and fold up for convenience. Doherty recommends, in general, choosing a well-built drying rack made of robust materials that provide stability and prevent dishes from tipping over.
What Is The Best Material For A Dish Drying Rack?
Because everyone’s needs differ, there are only so many optimal materials for choosing a dish drying rack. According to Doherty, stainless steel racks provide a sleek and modern aesthetic that matches various kitchen types. Furthermore, they are long-lasting, rust-resistant, and simple to clean. However, they are only sometimes foldable, which might be challenging in a small space. Plastic drying racks, on the other hand, are lightweight, affordable, and come in various colors and designs. They are less prone to breakage and can be easily cleaned, while some plastic racks may be less durable than metal racks. Some people like bamboo because it is environmentally friendly and adds a natural and aesthetic appeal to any kitchen. Doherty points out that while bamboo is durable and moisture resistant, it requires adequate maintenance to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Is A Metal Or Plastic Drainer Better?
It all depends on your available space and dish-drying requirements. Metal drainers, such as stainless steel, are generally more durable and long-lasting. They are rust-resistant, more stable, and can bear higher loads. “Metal racks are also easier to clean and maintain,” Doherty adds. Plastic drainers, on the other hand, are lightweight and tend to be less expensive than their metal counterparts. They are also less likely to chip or scratch delicate dishes, making them appropriate for fragile goods.
How Do You Care For Your Dish Drying Rack?
It is critical to clean your dish drying rack regularly, but the particular care requirements vary depending on the material it is made of. Avoiding the dishwasher, clean wooden or bamboo racks with warm water and dish soap, while stainless steel or metal racks can be cleaned with a cloth soaked in white vinegar. “If rust appears to be on the rack, soak it in white vinegar.” Depending on how much of the rack is covered in rust, this can sit for a few hours or overnight, Dill adds. “Then wash it clean with a wire brush.” Dish drying racks made of plastic are simple to clean by tossing them in the dishwasher.
