I have a deep appreciation for my dish rack—a feeling that might seem surprising, given that it’s a purchase many people make without much thought. But not all dish racks are created equal. There’s a clear difference in quality between a sturdy, well-built model made from durable materials and a flimsy one you toss into your cart while browsing the kitchen aisle at a home-goods store. Then, there are more personal considerations. Do you need a larger, more open rack because your apartment lacks a dishwasher? Do you have more height clearance than width clearance by your sink, or perhaps no clearance at all?
In this article, we’ll explore the best dish drying racks available, taking into account different needs and preferences to help you find the perfect one for your kitchen.
Best Dish Drying Rack
simplehuman Kitchen Dish Drying Rack
The Simplehuman Steel Frame Dish Rack is a sturdy, long-lasting kitchen companion, thanks to its smart design and stainless steel construction. Available in silver, white, and matte black, I chose the standard size in matte black to match my appliances and take advantage of the included wineglass holder.
This dish rack features a stainless steel drain with a hydrophilic plastic tray, ensuring water spreads out for quick evaporation and drainage. The standout feature is the 360-degree swivel spout, which directs water into the sink regardless of orientation, preventing messes and grime build-up.
Priced higher than most, the Simplehuman dish rack justifies its cost with practical features like a three-compartment utensil holder, hooks for drinking glasses, and a dedicated wineglass rack. The slatted flatware cubbies, anti-slip rubber feet, silicone-capped plate holders, and steel wire frame make dishwashing less stressful and more organized.
Measuring 19.5 by 13 inches, it does take up counter space, but it offers ample and neat storage, especially for items that don’t fit in drawers or cabinets. The Simplehuman Steel Frame Dish Rack not only adds a touch of sophistication to my kitchen but also keeps it orderly. After two weeks of use, it remains in pristine condition, and I look forward to seeing how it holds up over time.
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KitchenAid Compact dish rack
The KitchenAid Compact Stainless Steel Dish Rack is a fantastic addition to any small kitchen. Measuring 15 inches by 13.25 inches, it fits perfectly next to my small apartment sink, still leaving space for my toaster and microwave. Despite its compact size, it holds a surprising number of plates, bowls, utensils, and glasses.
Constructed with heavy-duty, satin-coated, rust-resistant wires, this dish rack is built to last. It also features soft, rubberized feet, which keep my countertop free from scratches. The clean lines, stainless steel, and grey accents give my kitchen a sleek, modern look.
One of the best features of this dish rack is its effective drainage system, which prevents water from pooling and becoming gross over time. It’s also easy to clean, with a removable utensil rack and a sliding tray. The rubberized prongs for draining glasses over the sink, which I like to call “coffee mug holders,” have been more useful than I expected.
If you’re tired of flimsy dish racks or the hassle of cleaning a draining tray, the KitchenAid Compact Stainless Steel Dish Rack is a significant upgrade. It’s perfect for small spaces and handles large dish loads efficiently, making dishwashing less of a chore.
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Yamazaki Dish Rack
I chose the Yamazaki Dish Rack mainly for its aesthetics, and it has exceeded my expectations. With smooth ash wood handles and tall, delicate sides, it looks like a piece of art. Unlike other dish racks made of stainless steel, the Yamazaki model offers a more natural, stylish look that fits perfectly in my living space.
The best feature of this dish rack is its tall sides. My old dish rack had low sides, and now that I’ve experienced the Yamazaki, I’ll never go back. The tall sides keep all my pots, pans, plates, and utensils securely in place without the risk of them falling or dripping all over the countertop. A friend asked if I miss the side prongs for hanging glassware, but honestly, I never used them because I was always worried the glasses would slide off and break. At 19 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 8 inches tall, this rack can hold a lot of dishes, including glassware.
Instead of a sloped side that needs precise positioning to drain into the sink, the Yamazaki collects water in a walled basin that’s easy to dump periodically. This means you don’t have to place it right next to the sink.
I knew I’d love the look of the Yamazaki wood-handled dish rack in my kitchen, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by its functionality. It brings me joy every time I use it, making it a worthwhile purchase. No buyer’s remorse here!
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Tomorotec Never Rust Aluminum Dish Rack
For an affordable and functional dish rack with a drain spout, the Tomorotec Never Rust Aluminum Dish Rack is a great choice. The spout efficiently directs large amounts of water into the sink, and while a few smaller puddles may form, they stay contained within the tray, keeping your counter dry. Despite its compact size, this rack can hold larger pans, multiple coffee cups, bowls, and silverware all at once. The sturdy, rustproof metal ensures it remains stable and durable without becoming top-heavy.
The lightweight, rust-resistant aluminum frame makes handling and cleaning a breeze. The elegant rose gold matte finish adds a stylish touch to any kitchen. Its removable drain tray and retractable swivel drainage spout offer versatility, allowing you to use it either in or by the sink. With a functional 2-tier layout and side-mounted utensil holder, this compact dish rack provides ample space for all your dishwashing essentials while enhancing your kitchen’s decor.
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Kitsure Dish Drying Rack- Space-Saving Dish Rack
If you’re working with minimal counter space, the Kitsure dish drying rack is a solid pick. Measuring roughly 12 inches by 16 inches, this stainless steel rack boasts a modern design available in seven colors: black, white, gray, light gray, green, orange, and yellow. The rack sits on a water tray with a spout and is elevated by four attachable silicone feet. It’s designed to hold bowls, cups, and plates, and comes with a dedicated attachable utensil holder with two compartments.
Despite being compact and lightweight, this rack is sturdy and stays steady when fully loaded. We were impressed that everything dried within two hours, leaving the countertops dry.
However, its petite size means it can’t accommodate larger items like stockpots and sheet pans. This dish drying rack is ideal for smaller items like plates, bowls, and utensils. We recommend the Kitsure rack for single adults or couples rather than larger families.
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