Best Dish Drying Racks

​Doing the dishes is a daily chore that you are not able to get out of. To make the process go as smoothly as possible, it is important that you choose the best dish drying rack for the needs of your household.

There are hundreds of them on the market, so it can be a bit overwhelming at first as you navigate and try to determine which one will work the best for you. Here you will learn about 10 of the best options so that it is easy to narrow down your choices. As you explore the buying guide, it will quickly become evident how to research dish racks and pick the one that suits your preferences and needs the best.

The PremiumRacks Professional Dish Rack has two different drainboard styles, a cutting board attachment, a microfiber mat and three attachments to hold cups. There are two levels to this dish rack. You can flip the location of the top one or even remove it completely if you are not using it all of the time.

The utensil holder is very wide and there is a separate holder for knives. If you take the top off of the knife holder, it becomes a holder for more utensils or even your sponge.

This dish rack uses durable stainless steel as its primary material. It is able to resist rust and corrosion, ensuring that it continues to look good and remain clean even with regularly use. The material is also easy to sanitize so that you can keep your dish rack clean.

The top shelf will not wobble even when you have it at its full capacity. It can hold approximately 10 plates that are average sized. On the bottom of the rack, you can add smaller plates, bowls and similar items that need to dry after cleaning.

On the side of this dish rack is a drainage system. It allows for water to run out freely so that you do not end up with standing water below your dishes.

This dish rack measures 18 by 11.5 by 13 inches. These dimensions are larger than your standard dish rack. You also have the upper shelf so that you can customize how you want to let your dishes dry, ensuring that you can fit as many as possible in the rack at a time.


Star Rating: 

4.4 out of 5 stars

Pros

  • It comes with a microfiber mat
  • The material is rust-proof
  • There is a utensil holder and a separate knife holder
  • There is additional drainage on the side of the rack

Cons

  • The plastic clamps may crack prematurely
  •  The drip tray below the rack is too small

The Joseph Joseph Expandable Dish Drying Rack is a good choice when your volume of dishes changes on a regular basis. It is compact so that it takes up little space when there are not many dishes to wash. However, it can be extended to nearly double its regular size when you need to have more space for more dishes or larger cookware.

This rack features a spout that is integrated into one side. This allows for the easy drainage of excess water. You can choose to close or open the spout as needed, according to your preferences.

The prongs are close together so that you can choose how to stack the dishes. They have rubber tips so that they do not scratch your dishes, especially things like delicate China. The prongs are steel plated so that they are durable. You can remove this component if you want to have a flat dish rack for things like cups and barware.

This rack comes with a cutlery holder so that you can keep all of your dishes and utensils separate. If you are not using it, just take it off and you will save space on your countertop.

This rack can be hand-washed and since the prongs are removable, you will not need any special tools to get into the crevices. It measures 20.75 by 14.25 by 6.25 when you have it fully extended, allowing you to take care of a sink full of dishes at once.

Star Rating:

4.4 out of 5 stars

Pros

  • It gets to nearly twice its size after expansion
  • The tips on the rack are non-scratch
  • This dish rack is lightweight
  • It drains efficiently

Cons

  • The spikes may not hold up larger plates
  • Its color is not as bright white as the pictures show

The Simplehuman Steel Frame Dish Rack has a large capacity measuring at 19.8 by 17.7 by 12.2 inches. You can choose to add the feet to it so that it sits higher off of your countertop. Its feet have rubber on them so that the rack does not slide around your countertop.

This rack is made from solid stainless steel so that you do not have to worry about corrosion and rusting. It has a shininess to it, ensuring that it looks sleek and modern in your kitchen. There is a coating on the stainless steel that prevents fingerprints and smudging from occurring, ensuring that it always looks clean.

You can use this dish rack to safely dry your wine glasses. Hang them on the frame rack so that they can dry upside down, preventing water spots from settling onto the glass.

There is a utensil holder so that you can keep them separate from your other dishes. It has a wire frame that is soft-coated, helping to prevent it from breaking down prematurely. You can also put it into your dishwasher if you want to clean and sanitize your utensils quickly.

There is a spout under the dish rack where the water runs out. This prevents it from building up in the body of the rack, helping to prevent mildew from accumulating.


Star Rating:

4.6 out of 5 stars

Pros

  • The water drains efficiently
  • This rack is easy to clean
  • You can use it for wine glasses
  • The materials will not rust

Cons

  • The main basin gasket may come loose
  • The knife holder is heavier than comparable ones

The Camco Mini Dish Drainer comes in three colors, making it easy to match it to your existing décor. It is made of a durable plastic material that is strong enough to hold cookware items, as well as your usual dishes and utensils.

On the side of the rack are two spots to hold utensils. This allows you to separate them so that it is easier to put them away once they finish drying.

The slats in this dish drain have a slight curve to them. This makes it easier to stack all types of dishes, including bowls and items that have an irregular shape. You can opt to get the tray with the dish drain so that the water does not get all over your countertop.

There are grooves in the tray that allow the water to collect and then empty into your sink. This ensures that it will not start to accumulate, causing mildew and preventing your dishes from drying. You just snap the two pieces together when you want to use them at the same time.

This is a very compact dish rack, making it ideal for RVs and apartments that have limited counter space. It measures 9.5 by 11.7 by 4.75 inches.

There are six spots to hold cups on the side of the rack so that you do not need to take up space in the main body of the rack. The plastic is durable and will resist stains. When you want to clean this rack, you can do so by hand or put it into the dishwasher to make it quick and easy.


Star Rating:

4.6 out of 5 stars

Pros

  • It can accommodate enough dishes for a family of six
  • This rack does not have any BPA
  • It resists stains
  •  Hot water will not cause it to warp

Cons

  • The plastic could be a bit thicker
  • Only ideal for an RV sink or similar

The Neat-O Deluxe Chrome-Plated Dish Rack is simple and functional. It has a wire-based design and a chrome-plating to provide a shine and additional protection for the material.

If you are looking for a smaller dish rack that takes up little counter space, this is a good option. It can hold about eight dishes at once, making it a good choice for up to a four-person household. This rack measures about 12 by 14 by 5 inches. Due to its size, it is a good choice if you live in a small apartment and need a dish drain that will not take up a lot of space.

There is a utensil cup that you can remove when you are not using it. The prongs on the inside of the rack keep your dishes securely in place due to their coating. They also will not cause any scratches on your dishes.

The bottom of the dish rack is open, so it is best to place a microfiber cloth underneath to collect the excess water. However, this design allows your dishes to dry quickly since there is a lot of airflow getting to each dish, even when you have this rack at the full capacity.

This dish rack has a very sleek look. You can easily fit it into a variety of decorating schemes, including ultra-modern kitchens.


Star Rating:

4.6 out of 5 stars

Pros

  • This rack saves on counter space
  • You can clean it easily
  • The materials are durable
  • The utensil holder is spacious

Cons

  • Too much weight on one side can cause it to tip over
  • It may start to rust with frequent use

The Rubbermaid Antimicrobial Sinkware Set comes in four different color options. It comes with all of the components that you need to organize and allow your dishes to dry.

The drainer has multiple areas to hold dishes and cookware of a variety of sizes. You can attack it to the drainboard so that the water runs out and right into your sink to prevent a mess from occurring. Use the caddy to hold onto your dish sponge so that it is always in reach. This set also comes with a brush that you can use to gently scrub all of your dishes as necessary.

The brush has a small head, allowing you to use it for things like narrow cups and the tight spaces in your cookware. There is an even smaller head on the back of it for precision cleaning.

The materials are durable and resistant to corrosion and rust. They are also easy to clean, as you can use soap and water to wipe them down after removing all of your dry dishes.

This rack has Microban built into it, helping to stop the growth of bacteria and mildew. Because of this element, you also do not have to worry about your rack achieving stains. Microban prevents odors from accumulating too, even if you do not manually dry the dish rack after each use.

This dish rack is ideal for most spaces. It measures 12.5 by 14.25 by 5.25, allowing you to get it onto your countertop without it taking up excessive space.

Star Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

Pros

  • You can use this for pots and pans 
  • Dishes dry quickly
  • The water drains into your skink efficiently
  • You get multiple pieces to customize this rack

Cons

  • The tray may not sit flat on your countertop
  • The plastic is not flexible

The Paperworks Collapsible Dish Drainer can hold up to eight plates that measure approximately eight inches in diameter, allowing you to clean an entire meals worth of dishes at once. There is also space for utensils, allowing you to separate them so that they dry quickly, and it becomes easy to put them away after they dry.

This rack is made from a silicone material, making it easy to use and keep clean. Warm water and dish soap are all that you need to ensure that you can keep this clean. When you are done using it, you can just wipe it down until all of the excess water is removed and then put it away.

This dish drainer is meant to fit into your sink. Because of this, you will not have to use any counterspace when you are using it. Once you are finished and the dishes are put away, simply collapse it and it becomes flat so that you can store it in a cabinet. Due to the design of this dish drain, it is a good choice for small apartments and things like RVs.

This dish drain measures 16.5 by 12 by 1.75 inches. This allows you to easily fit it into the majority of sinks without a problem. If you have a double sink, you can put this drain on one side and wash on the other. The excess water will flow out of the holes on the bottom so that your dishes can dry.


Star Rating:

4.7 out of 5 stars

Pros

  • It is small and fits right into your sink 
  • Once you collapse it, it becomes completely flat
  • This dish rack is ideal for travel
  • You will not need to use any counter space

Cons

  • Mold can grow if you do not keep it clean
  • The utensil flap is not very sturdy

The Totally Bamboo Dish Drying Rack has a V-shaped design, allowing it to hold a lot of dishes without taking up a lot of counterspace. The top rack is a good option for larger plates and bowls. There is a second shelf below that is smaller that you can use for mugs and cups.

This dish rack measures approximately 13 by 13 by 10 inches. Due to its size, you can use it in a small apartment or place it next to your sink without losing a lot of space.

There is room to place a utensil holder onto the rack if you prefer to have one. If not, these can go on the lower shelf with the mugs and cups to dry quickly.

The bamboo material is very strong and can withstand frequent use. Getting it wet often as you wash dishes will not cause it to degrade prematurely. Since this is a type of wood, you also do not have to be concerned about corrosion and rusting.

The slats are slightly wider, making it easy to fit plates and bowls that are a bit thicker. They will remain securely in place until you are ready to remove them from the rack.

This rack is simple to keep clean. A damp cloth with a little dish soap is all that is needed to remove residue. Then, simply dry it and it will be ready for the next use.

Star Rating:

4.2 out of 5 stars

Pros

  • It is easy to clean 
  • This rack does not take up a lot of space
  • The bamboo is durable
  • It fits into any kitchen decorating scheme

Cons

  • Mold may grow if you do not dry it off after each use
  • The arm lengths may differ slightly

The Zojila Rohan Dish Rack has a sleek design and a brushed stainless finish. Because of this, you do not have to worry about premature rusting. It can hold up to 13 standard dishes at a time, giving you plenty of space.

There are three pieces to this rack that you can move around to make it fit your needs. Since the tray has a slight curve to it, the water collects in the middle and can then drain into your sink when your dishes are drying.

There is a cutlery cup that allows you to add up to 50 utensils at a time. The water drains out of the holes in this component so that water is not able to accumulate and cause mildew growth.

The slats on this cutting board are wide enough to fit the majority of bowls. Some of them are flat while others are at an angle. This lets you decide how you want to best organize your dishes as they are drying. The flat side is a good choice for items like mugs and cups while the angled area is better for dishes and bowls.

Due to the size of this dish rack, you can use it for cookware too. The measurements are 18 by 13.5 by 7.5 inches. This is more than enough space to accommodate dishes from a full meal.


Star Rating: 

4.4 out of 5 stars

Pros

  • You can reverse it
  • There are four pieces so that you can customize it
  • This rack resists mold
  •  It will not rust

Cons

  • There is no sponge holder
  • The design can take a little getting used to

The Chef’n Garden Dish Rack is innovative and can sit on your countertop or be placed inside your sink. In the center of this rack there is a cup where you can place all of your utensils. Your dishes and cups can be placed around this so that it is easy to accommodate everything.

On the bottom of the rack is a spout that you can close and open. This allows you to control when you drain the water that accumulates. It just flips open with your finger, but it will remain securely closed when you are not using it to prevent water messes.

This rack has a circular design. While large pots and pans are not ideal for this rack, it will hold onto long baking sheets and similar items. It sits on a little bit of an angle so that the water is encouraged to flow toward the drain plug on the side of the rack.

The material is durable and will not rust. All of the prongs inside the rack have some flexibility, allowing you to use it for a variety of bowls and dishes because it they can move to accommodate them. To keep it clean, you only need to wipe it down with water and soap.

Star Rating: 

4.7 out of 5 stars

Pros

  • It is compact and can fit into small spaces 
  • There is an automatic water drain
  • The cup in the middle holds utensils
  • It has an interesting design

Cons

  • It is not ideal for cookware
  • Water may drip if you hang utensils on the outside of the rack


Choosing the Best Dish Drying Rack – The Ultimate Buying Guide


A dish drying rack is an essential tool in every kitchen, but they are not one size fits all. It is important to know what you are looking for and what the different characteristics are. This will help to ensure that you choose the best dish drying rack for your home.

Construction of the Dish Dryer

There are several factors to consider with the construction. Two of the most important include the materials and the design.

When it comes to materials, plastic and stainless steel are considered the best options. As long as the plastic is thick, it is unlikely to break easily, even when you are putting heavy pots and pans into it on a regular basis. Plastic will also not rust or corrode.

A durable stainless steel is also resistant to corrosion and rusting. When you choose a stainless steel dish rack that is built well, you will not have to worry about the parts bending or snapping.

Ideally, a stainless steel rack should also have some type of coating, such as anti-residue coating. You may find this with some plastic ones too. This coating will help to keep your dish drain clean and free from dish soap buildup so that it does not start to look dull and develop a white powdery look over time.

Now, consider the design of the dish dryer rack. Think about how many dishes you do daily and how many loads you want to do. If you have a family of four and you want all of your dishes to fit onto the rack at the same time, consider an extra large dish drying rack. This can accommodate numerous dishes, utensils, cups and cookware at the same time.

There are also options that have two levels so that you can better fit and organize the dishes as you do them. For example, taller items on the top so that they have more space and your more compact items on the bottom. You also want to ensure that there is a separate space for utensils so that they do not get lost in your dishes and cookware.

Drainage System

If your dishes are sitting in standing water, not only will they not dry completely, but this also allows for the growth of mildew and mold. It is important that there are holes or slats about every one to two inches so that the water can flow down off of the dishes and into the pan.

When you place your dish rack on your sink, make sure that the outflow side of the pan is facing your sink and slightly overlapping the edge. As you explore dish racks, ensure that one side of the pan underneath has one lipped side so that water does not spill everywhere and one end that is pointed downward slightly. The latter side is what should be facing your sink to allow for adequate drainage.

Compartments

The best dish rack will have at least two compartments. One of these is for dishes and cookware and there should be a smaller space for utensils. The area for utensils usually looks similar to a cup. Think about the utensils that you wash each day to pick one that is large enough to accommodate them.

In the dish area, there are uses slats so that you can set your dishes up, allowing for more space to put more. Consider the thickness of these slats if you have dishes and cookware that have an abnormal shape.

Another good feature is areas on the side of the dish rack that can hold onto cups. These usually looks like sticks that stick out from the side. This allows you to save space inside your dish rack for actual dishes since there will not be any cups in the way.

Capacity and Size

Most dish racks provide some information about the capacity in the specifications. For example, it will say something like it can accommodate up to 12 adult dinner plates. This estimation is based on an average-sized dinner plate, so keep this in mind when you are determining the capacity that you need.

Some dish racks are expendable so that you can fit more dishes inside when it is necessary. These are a good option if you do not regularly use a lot of dishes, but when you have company over, there is a lot more to fit into your rack.

On an average day, you can collapse the dish rack to its smallest size so that it is taking up space. Only extend it size when needed.

It is also important to think about how much space you have to place a dish rack. Take some measurements of the space where you plan to put it to ensure a good fit.

Looks and Aesthetic

You want your dish rack to fit into the decorating scheme of your kitchen. For example, if you have more of a country style, a wooden dish drying rack is a good choice. However, if your kitchen is modern, one made of stainless steel or a white or black plastic will be the best choice.

You should also consider how it fits in with your sink and countertop. Take some photos of these so that you can refer back to them when you are choosing a dish rack that has the right look.

Easy to Clean

You will want to clean your dish rack about every one to two weeks to remove dish soap residue and prevent the growth of mildew. If your dish rack has a lot of nooks and crannies, this will require additional tools and time to get it clean.

Think about how quickly you want to be able to clean it and pick one that has a simplistic design if you are short on time. This will ensure that you are able to keep it clean without a lot of time and effort.

Assembly

Do you want to spend time having to put the dish rack together? The majority of them do come assembled, allowing you to just put it on your counter and start using it. However, some of the more sophisticated designs will require that you do some of the assembly.

If assembly is required, it is usually quite easy. However, determine if this is something that you are willing to do. You can check the specifications to see if there is any assembly that will be required.

Conclusion

The best drying rack ultimately comes down to your personal preference. Between the options listed here and the buying guide, you now have all of the information that you need to make an excellent choice.

As you start the buying process, make sure that you keep the information from the buying guide fresh in your head. This will ensure that you are evaluating all of the important elements so that once you bring the disk rack home, it is easy to start using and will not cost you a lot of time and effort to keep it clean.


Leave a Comment