Dish drying racks play a crucial role in keeping our kitchens organized and hygienic. After washing the dishes, we need a reliable and convenient place to let them air dry before putting them away. Whether you have a small kitchen with limited counter space or a large one with ample room, a dish drying rack is a must-have item. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of dish drying racks available on the market, their features, and how to choose the best one for your needs. So, if you’re in the market for a new dish drying rack or just want to upgrade your current one, keep reading!
What to consider when buying dish drying racks:
When buying a dish drying rack, consider the following factors:
Size:
Consider the size of the dish drying rack in relation to the size of your kitchen and the amount of dishes you need to dry.
Material:
Dish drying racks can be made from a variety of materials such as plastic, metal, and bamboo. Choose a material that is durable, easy to clean, and fits your kitchen’s style.
Capacity:
Consider the number of dishes you need to dry at once and look for a dish drying rack that can accommodate them.
Features:
Look for features that make the dish drying rack easier to use and maintain, such as adjustable or collapsible parts, anti-rust coating, and removable tray for easy cleaning.
Brand and reviews:
Research different brands and read customer reviews to get an idea of the quality and performance of each product.
Price:
Dish drying racks can range from affordable to high-end, so consider your budget and look for a product that offers good value for your money.
By considering these factors, you can find the best dish drying rack to meet your needs and keep your kitchen organized.
Our Top 12 Picks In Dish Drying Racks:
OXO Aluminum Fold Flat Dish Rack
For those living in small spaces, a priority should be finding a dish drying rack that takes up minimal counter space. The Oxo folding dish rack is a great option, as it can be easily collapsed down to just 2 inches when not in use. This strong, rust-proof aluminum rack can hold up to 10 plates at once, while also providing ample room for drying bowls and cups.
Advantages:
The base draining pad features ridges that keep the rack stable and allow for quick drying of bowls and cups.
Disadvantages:
The accompanying cutlery rack may be limited in size and may not accommodate a large quantity of utensils.
Haturi Over the Sink Dish Drying Rack
This slim dish drying rack is ideal for those with limited countertop space. It fits snugly behind the faucet and utilizes two tiers, allowing water to drain into the sink basin. Additionally, it has a large capacity, capable of holding up to 80 pounds, making it one of the strongest options available.
Advantages:
This rack features suction cups on the bottom that keep it stable and prevent it from tipping, even when loaded with dishes.
Disadvantages:
The design is not easily disassembled, making it challenging to clean thoroughly.
KitchenAid Full Size Dish Rack
This dish rack is considered to be of the best value for money. It has about 10 dish slots and storage for cups, bowls, pans, and pots. This rack weighs around 6.8 pounds and can be used on both the sink and the counter. It has rust-resistant wires that protect the stainless steel from rusting with time, so you don’t have to worry about keeping them clean at all times. The material of the drain tray is plastic and has a slant on one side that helps to drain the excess water from the dishes into the sink. The feet of the rack are soft, so they don’t scratch your countertop.
What we like about this product:
- Rust-resistant
- Large capacity
- Durable
What we do not like about this product:
- The draining tray may not fit properly
Neat-O Store Delux Chrome Plated Steel Small Dish Drainer
- Brand name: Neat-O
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Size (LxWxH): 12.75 x 14.25 x 5.25 inches
- Color: Black
This dish rack will be among your best bets if you are low on counter space or may need an in-sink one. It is a metal-based and chrome-plated dish drying rack that has about 8 slots for plates and 4 glass holders. It comes with a detachable cutlery cup that is dishwasher safe and fits the rack well, so it does not tip over by the weight of utensils. The bottom of the rack is covered in rubber, so there is no risk of it scratching your precious countertop if you put the rack there. But keeping in mind that one may proceed to set it on their countertop, they will not have the luxury of the self-drainage system as it does not have a draining tray or anything of that sort. Therefore, this rack is best used as an in-sink one.
What we like about this product:
- Rust-resistant
- Sturdy
- Elegant design
- Perfect size as an over-the-sink rack
What we do not like about this product:
- No space for dishes like bowls
- No draining tray
Surpahs Over The Sink Multipurpose Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack
- Brand name: Surpahs
- Material: Silicone wrapped steel
- Size (LxWxH): 3 sizes available: 17.5 x 13.1 inches, 20.5 x 15.5 inches, 20.5 x 13 x 0.3 inches
- Color: Warm gray
This uniquely designed roll-up dish drying rack can be used as both an over-the-sink one and a countertop rack. However, there will be no benefit in using it as the latter. The most eye-catching feature of this product is its collapsibility. It is not your typical dish rack, and you can roll it up and store it away however you like. The material is heat, rust, and oil-resistant, making it easy to place and clean. This rack weighs about 2.3 pounds and is entirely dishwasher safe. And as mentioned earlier, since this rack is collapsible and best used as an over-the-sink one, you need to simply lay it flat across your sink and leave your dishes on top. Do not mistake the gaps between the rods as slots for plates. You are to set your dishes flat and let them dry. And since the rack is meant to be laid across the sink, it can hinder the full usage of the sink. So this rack, in all likelihood, should be used as an extra over-the-sink one.
What we like about this product:
- Dishwasher safe
- Collapsible
- Rust-resistant
- Unique design
What we do not like about this product:
- Can block your way to the sink
Simplehuman Kitchen Compact Steel Frame Dish Rack
- Brand name: Simplehuman
- Material: Stainless steel
- Size (LxWxH): 15.5 x 15 x 7.5 inches
- Color: 2 Colors available (In plastic): Grey, White
This particular dish drying rack is one of the most liked and rated ones out there on the market, especially on amazon. This rack has an up-to-date design that will add to the modern decoration of your kitchen. Its draining tray is coated with an anti residue treatment called hydrophilic coating that causes the excess water to spread around and therefore dry more quickly. The draining spout can pivot in any direction to drain the water down the sink properly. The bottom of the rack’s wires is coated with a soft material, so it won’t leave a scratch on your countertop.
What we like about this product:
- Anti-residue coating
- Fingerprint proof
- Unique design
What we do not like about this product:
- Few rusting issues reported
OXO Good Grips Folding Stainless-Steel Dish Rack
- Brand name: OXO
- Material: Stainless steel
- Size (LxWxH): 19.8 x 17.1 x 6.1 inches
- Color: Stainless
This dish dIsh rack has a large capacity that has 12 slots for plates and extra space for other dishes, including cup fingers. It has a ventilated utensils holder that makes drying the utensils a lot easier and quicker. Plus, there is a detachable box holder for knives that can hold up to 5 knives at a time. This rack can be used as a wall dish drying rack, an over-the-sink one, or just a typical countertop one. It weighs about 5.75 pounds and comes with a drying tray with a draining spout attached to it.
What we like about this product
- Sturdy
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to clean
What we do not like about this product:
- Plastic parts may be less durable
Joseph Joseph Extended Expandable Dish Drying Rack
- Brand name: Joseph Joseph
- Material: Alloy Steel, Plastic
- Size (LxWxH): 14.29 x 12.64 x 6.34 inches
- Color: 4 colors available: Grey, Stainless steel, Sky, White/Green
You can find and purchase this dish drying rack in four different bundles. In one, you only buy the thing itself; in another one, you buy it with a dispenser, and for the other two, with a scrubber set and tray. The rack itself is expandable and has a well-functioned draining spout. It also provides a detachable cutlery drainer with knife slots. This entire product weighs up to 3 pounds.
What we like about this product
- Well-functioned draining system
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy
What we do not like about this product:
- Slightly overpriced
Umbra Drying Rack
- Brand name: Umbra
- Material: Molded Plastic/ Wire
- Size (LxWxH): 14 x 5 x 11 inches
- Color: 4 Colors available: Smoke, Red, White, Grey
This dish drying rack will be among one of your top options if you’re short on space and looking for one that can be used as both an over-the-sink and a countertop dish rack. It is made out of molded plastic. Therefore, it’s extremely lightweight, weighing only 0.78 kilograms. This rack is meant to be used for smaller spaces. Therefore, it’s perfect as an over-the-sink one. It works well with all types of sinks. It has a unique yet simple design and still has all the qualities needed to be a sturdy and durable dish rack.
What we like about this product:
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Fits in different sized sinks
What we do not like about this product:
- A bit too on the smaller side
Umbra Tub Dish Drying Rack
- Brand name: Umbra
- Material: Plastic
- Size (LxWxH): 14.17 x 12.8 x 6.1 inches
- Color: 7 Colors available: Green, Black, Yellow, Charcoal, Mint, Red, White
Another impressive dish drying rack from the brand Umbra, yet a lot different than the previous one. This in-sink dish drying rack does not only have a self-draining spout but also a built-in utensils holder. It can store dishes of various sizes. This rack, which resembles a tub, has handles on both sides, giving it full portability. The self-draining spout is angled and set up in a way where it drains the excess water by itself into the sink without needing an extra draining tray for the job. ,
What we like about this product:
- Rust-free
- Perfect size
- Great value for money
What we do not like about this product:
- Excess water may not completely drain
Totally Bamboo Collapsible Dish Drying Rack
- Brand name: Totally Bamboo
- Material: Bamboo
- Size (LxWxH): 19 x 18.5 x 10 inches
- Color: Bamboo
This dish drying rack is one of the most uniquely designed ones on the market, made out of only bamboo. If you are someone who finds anything Bohemian styled aesthetically pleasing, this rack may end up catching your eye. This dish drying rack is foldable, so it saves up storage and can hold up to 20 plates on the upper shelf only when expanded. The bottom shelf is designed to store other dishes like mugs and bowls. The only downside of this product is that it can develop molds. So bear in mind that as soon as you notice black dots forming on your rack, you’ll have to prepare to buy a new one.
What we like about this product:
- Unique design
- Storage-saving
- Sturdy
What we do not like about this product:
- May develop mold
Rubbermaid Antimicrobial Large White Dish Drainer
This Rubbermaid dish drainer works wonderfully and costs very little. Our expert reviewer was impressed by its roomy 13 compartments for dishes and its removable silverware cup. The coated plastic wire slots are wide enough to accommodate both standard dinner plates and heavier stoneware. The rack is secured to the counter with rubber feet and won’t move if you accidentally bump into it.
This rack’s compact size (6 inches by 13.8 inches by 17.6 inches) means it won’t take up much room even in the tiniest of kitchens. The use of a gentle detergent like dish soap and water makes for quick and simple cleanup. Our reviewer, who used it on a regular basis, saw no signs of filth, wear and tear, or discoloration after a month of testing. As might be expected from a cheaper model, this rack isn’t as sturdy as some of our top picks made of stainless steel. This rack is not strong enough to support the weight of larger cookware, so please don’t use it to dry such items. Our reviewer gave this dish rack a perfect score of 5 stars despite this one little flaw. A drying tray is not included with the rack. You’ll have to go out and get one on your own. But other than that, it’s perfect and does exactly what it’s supposed to. Our expert tester commented, “Given the low cost, I think the quality is significantly greater than expected.”
What we like about this product:
- Spacious and well designed
- Fits easily in small kitchens
- Easy to clean
- Detachable silverware cup
Standout Features
Drainboard or drying tray
A drainboard or drying tray is included on some dish racks for the countertop, preventing water from spilling out and damaging your work surface. As Berry pointed out, this is especially important if you have water-sensitive counters, like butcher block countertops, which can be ruined by dripping water. Look for a model with a water spout that drains directly into the sink for convenient, extra drainage. (Obviously, over-the-sink and in-sink alternatives eliminate the requirement for this function.)
Cup holder or wine rack
Instead of perilously placing fragile objects on a flat rack, cup holders and integrated wine racks hold goods securely and provide extra drying area. If you have wine connoisseurs, athletes, or young children in your home, or if you host a lot of parties, a dish rack with these features is worth considering. Make sure this component is well-built; our tester was dissatisfied to find that wine glasses easily tipped over and spilled their contents.
Adjustable design
Modern dish racks may come with an adjustable design that lets you set it up wherever you’d like. When it comes to drying up larger kitchen items like pots and pans, expandable trays can come in handy. Our shopper research confirmed that a collapsible rack is preferable when it comes to putting it away.
FAQ: Dish Drying Rack
How do you clean a dish rack?
To clean a dish rack, follow these steps:
- Remove any dishes and wash any remaining food particles off the rack.
- Fill a sink or basin with warm soapy water.
- Soak the dish rack for 15-20 minutes.
- Scrub the rack with a scrub brush or sponge to remove any built-up grime.
- Rinse the rack thoroughly with warm water.
- Air dry the rack completely before storing or using again.
Is it possible to recycle a plastic dish rack?
It depends on the type and local recycling regulations. Some plastic dish racks may be recyclable, while others may not be accepted by local recycling facilities. To recycle a plastic dish rack, check the recycling symbols on the product and verify with your local recycling center to see if they accept it. If not, consider reusing or repurposing it, or dispose of it in the trash.
Where does one put the dishes once they have been dried on a dish rack?
Once dishes have been dried on a dish rack, they should be placed in cabinets or on shelves. It is best to avoid stacking dishes too closely together to allow air to circulate and prevent moisture buildup. The location for storing dishes may vary depending on individual preferences and the layout of the kitchen.
