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A dish drying rack may be more utilitarian than decorative, but that doesn't make it any less essential in a kitchen. Whether you're working within a small space and don't have a dishwasher or you are cleaning fragile handwash-only dishes, you need a dish drying rack. So, we took it upon ourselves to find the best ones on offer. Where, you may ask, did we look? Well, before turning to our lifelong friend, the internet, we decided to look within our own homes. The first few products on our list are from our own personal kitchens.
As for the rest of the options, we made sure they were highly reviewed pieces that are equal parts pretty, functional, and affordable. So, if your dishes could use a temporary home while they air-dry, you've come to the right place. Ahead, there are nearly 10 products that get the job done. The best part? None of these require a huge countertop to do their job. Yes, even if you live in a tiny apartment with an even tinier kitchen, you can still enjoy one of these without having to move anything out of the way. So, without further ado, get your dishes organized while keeping them dry.
Available in four finishes and two sizes, this two-tier dish rack has plenty of space to let all of your dishes dry at once. The coolest part, though, is a tiny little detail you may miss: There's a little spout that is meant to aim toward the sink so that water doesn't drip off the dishes and into the grate (where it would probably get moldy and start to smell). Instead, the water drips off the dishes, into the inner pipes of the rack, through the spout, and into the sink. Digital Designer Soumi Sarkar, who has owned this easy-to-use dish drying rack for several years, says, "This dish rack is a godsend! Being in an apartment without a dishwasher means that those dishes pile up, and I'm constantly amazed by how much this rack holds without taking up too much counter space. I can stack plates and glasses on top, and bigger things like pots and pans below. There's a utensil holder too, as well as hooks for mugs or any utensil with a loop. It also has a drainage tray that catches all the excess water and drains into the sink, keeping my counters dry." This affordable and functional dish drying rack is the clear winner in our book.
If you are really short on counter space or don't want your dish drying rack making a permanent home for itself on your counter, you may want to opt for a foldable and collapsible one that, when you're not using it, can fit neatly in a drawer. "I love this dish rack because it's small but mighty. It fits perfectly on my counter and holds a surprising number of dishes, and I like that it has two levels— the bottom one is perfect for cups, but can still fit a bowl or two," says Assistant Market Editor Catherine DiPersico. "The natural wood color keeps my kitchen light and bright without drawing too much attention to the dishes that I’ve neglected to put away just yet."
At $170, this may be a rather expensive dish drying rack, but Senior Commerce Editor Marina Liao says it's well worth the investment, especially if you want an upgrade from the more basic one you may be settling for. "I have been using it for almost a year and love it! Not only is the aluminum rack rust-proof, which is a must when it's constantly getting wet by my sink, but it also looks high-end and nice enough to keep out on my counter," she says. "The diatomaceous earth base soaks up water in minutes, ensuring liquid isn't just collecting at the bottom. The two knives and utensil holders have side slits for ventilation, which helps everything dry fast." The most important thing to note is that it has plenty of space for all of the night's dishes but doesn't take up your entire countertop.
If you're familiar with Yamazaki, you already know that the brand sells plenty of products that will make you more organized, tidy, and, above all, clean. This dish rack is no exception. Plus, it's one of the more attractive ones on our list. The only downsides are its compact size, which some may consider a plus because it doesn't take up the entire countertop, but because it's not so big, it doesn't fit tons of plates and glasses. We suggest using this one for any dishes that can't go in the dishwasher.
This Brabantia dish rack is another compact piece that won't take up the entire countertop, but, again, it won't fit every single dish you used that night. If you have any pieces that you prefer to wash by hand, feel free to place those in the designated slats to finish the cleaning process. Because it will be out in the open, be sure to pick a color that works with your space. This rack comes in light (pictured), mid, and dark gray, so choose wisely.
If you are really short on space (looking at all the New Yorkers out there), you do not need to settle for wet, slippery dishes in your cupboard. Instead, unfold this expandable drying rack that sits on the ledges of any sink and place as many dishes as you can fit on it to dry. If you're thinking this will just break under all that weight, let us be the first to say that it won't! In fact, it can hold up to 70 pounds.
We'll never say no to a two-tier dish rack. It may be a bit of an attention-grabber, but it definitely does its job, and that is all that matters. Not only does it have space for at least 10 plates, but it also has an attachable compartment for flatware and a silicone base to keep your counters dry. One reviewer said, "This works great. I can get a lot of stuff on the rack, and I like the hooks for mugs. It's pretty stable too. There is no drainage, but a towel underneath works well."
Simplehuman may be more known for its no-touch trashcans than its other products, but the other products are worth checking out. Case in point: This steel dish drying rack that has designated slats and a swivel spout that can drain water directly into the sink. Plus, if you already own one of the trash cans, you know that simplehuman products don't corrode or break down.
Material: Luckily, most (if not all) dish drying racks are made of materials that are meant to get wet, but depending on how quickly you want to put it away after using it, some materials may be better than others. Metal and silicone (or any plastic-based material, for that matter) will be faster-drying than wood. However, wood may be more stylish than the previous two options, which is definitely something to consider.
Capacity: If you are using a dish drying rack because you don't have a dishwasher, you'll need a rack that can support the day's dish load. Otherwise, a rack with enough space for four or so plates should be more than enough if you just need a rack for the few delicate, hand-wash-only dishes you used that day.
Ease of Use and Storage: This is a big one. If your kitchen is not huge, you won't want your dish drying rack to live on your countertop permanently. Instead, opt for a rack that's collapsible and foldable so that when you're done using it, you can just stick it under the sink or in a nearby cabinet. On the other hand, if your kitchen is on the bigger side, feel free to sacrifice some counter space for your dish drying rack.
As New Yorkers, the House Beautiful editors have mastered making life work in a relatively small space. Since we have to cook and eat in smaller kitchens—some of which don't come with dishwashers—we've found the best dish drying racks that get the job done. I asked all of the editors who have (and love) theirs to share their honest thoughts on them so that readers can make the most educated purchase. All of the editors who offered their top picks for this story have been using them for at least a year. As for the products we didn't test, I made sure to choose only those with top-notch reviews to include on this list. Worry not; every product on this list is worthy of any reader's kitchen.
Fortunately, I have a dishwasher. I am far too lazy to hand-wash my dishes and wait for them to dry until I can use them again. However, as a longtime New Yorker, I fully understand the drawbacks of small kitchens that basically force me to get clever when it comes to how I use the free inches of counter space. So, when I asked my fellow editors for their picks, I made sure they could work in any kitchen, no matter how small. Plus, because I'm used to small-space living, I have covered the subject more than once, mostly from an organization perspective. I've covered everything from small closet organization products to bathroom products to keep you tidy every day of the year.
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