A dish rack, dish soap, and sponge go hand in hand when it comes to tackling those stacks of dirty dishes in your kitchen sink. Sure, you can load up your dishwasher, but sometimes it’s just easier or necessary to tackle your favorite coffee mug or expensive baking dish by hand. Having a sturdy and efficient drying system for those dishes is also necessary, which is why we tested 20 dish racks and tested them at home for their setup, flexibility, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value.
In total, we spent over 50 hours thoroughly assembling, loading and unloading, and assessing the materials and stability of dish-drying racks from brands like OXO, Rubbermaid, and Simplehuman. During this time, we realized the type of counter you have plays a role in your selection, as some drying racks come with a tray that drains into the sink and others can easily soak your counters. Katie Berry, home cleaning expert and The Spruce’s Cleaning Review Board member, notes that “if you have butcher block counters, it’s especially important that you choose a waterproof drying tray,” so you don’t harm your stylish surface.
Our favorites range a bunch of different styles and materials, though. We tested and loved picks that roll up or fold when they’re not in use, great options for those with a small space who do not want a permanent setup; we also tried in-sink, over-the-sink, and standard countertop models made of bamboo, plastic, and stainless steel. Take a break from your dishwashing chores, and check out our list below.
Best Overall
Aluminum Fold Flat Dish Rack
What We Like
- Folds flat for compact storage
- Doubles as a draining board
- Spacious and sturdy design
- Can reposition the utensil cup
What We Don’t Like
- Not ideal for larger cookware
- Water pools on drainage rack
OXO’s Fold Flat Dish Rack was the clear winner from our testing. Thanks to its two-level design, this dish-drying rack provides plenty of space, and its compact size works well in a small kitchen, too. The rust-proof aluminum top rack is perfect for drying plates and bowls, while the ridged bottom rack holds cups, mugs, or glasses with ease. Perhaps the biggest advantage of this spacious, two-tiered rack is that it folds up flat for easy storage—we understand that counter space can be pretty limited for some households, so we especially loved how we could put away the rack when it wasn’t in use. Plus, when folded flat, the rack doubles as a draining board for smaller loads of dishes.
Although it’s easy to store, this dish rack is stylish enough to leave out for everyday use. The modern design is a nice addition to any kitchen, and we appreciate the removable utensil cup, which can be positioned at either end of the rack. With non-slip feet, the rack sits nice and sturdy on a countertop, too. The drainage tray at the bottom has ridges that elevate dishes. They allow for quick drying and countertop protection, and water will not pool on the tray, in our experience.
Best Budget
Rubbermaid Antimicrobial Large White Dish Drainer
What We Like
- Fits easily in small kitchens
- Spacious and well designed
- Detachable utensil cup
- Easy to clean
What We Don’t Like
- Tray is sold separately
- Not ideal for heavier cookware
Rubbermaid is a go-to brand for all kinds of home essentials, including kitchen goods and plastic bins. Their Dish Drainer is top-notch, and it comes with an incredibly low price tag compared to other options on our list, costing under $20. With 13 slots for dishes and a detachable silverware cup, we were impressed with how its spacious and durable. Made of coated plastic wire, the slots are deep enough to hold large dinner plates and thicker stoneware. Rubber feet on the bottom keep it securely on the counter, plus the rack stays in place if you bump into it.
Measuring 6 x 13.8 x 17.6 inches, this rack fits comfortably in a smaller-sized kitchen and takes up a minimal amount of counter space. Though, if you didn’t want it to stay out on your counter, you could tuck it away in your under-sink space. Plus, it’s very easy to clean with mild soap and water. After using it multiple times per day, we didn’t notice any grime, wear and tear, or discoloration.
Best Foldable
Good Grips Foldaway Dish Rack
What We Like
- Makes room for large cookware
- Spout encourages drainage into sink
What We Don’t Like
- Water can pool on drainage rack
The OXO Good Grips Foldaway Dish Rack folds flat, making it easy to store when you’re not using it. Having a folding dish rack can be a total game-changer, especially if you’re short on space. And while foldability is this dish rack’s biggest selling point, it has plenty of other convenient features, too. We love the fact that there are designated spots for almost all your kitchen items. The center plate rack, which has six slots for plates, folds down to make room for larger cookware. Tines on either side of the rack also hold cups, mugs, and wine glasses securely, and there are two generously sized utensil cups. Each cup is also divided into three compartments to separate silverware for faster drying, and they nest inside the rack when it’s time for it to be stored.
The rack is equipped with a drainage spout, but it’s not 100 percent effective at leading water directly into the sink. As with most dish racks that we tested, we noticed some excess water left behind. However, the unit is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to empty out between uses. Even though this rack holds a lot of items, it didn’t take up too much space in our relatively small kitchen. Plus, the low-profile design is inconspicuous on a countertop, and it provides plenty of airflow for fast drying.
In our experience, the dish rack was pretty easy to clean, even if it was a bit more time-consuming compared to other picks. It simply has more nooks and crannies, but the care instructions were easy to follow and cleaning it made it look brand-new.
Best Mat
Umbra UDRY Rack and Microfiber Dish Drying Mat
What We Like
- Provides plenty of drying space
- Combines a dish-drying mat and dish rack
- Folds away for easy storage
- Include a removable wine rack
What We Don’t Like
- Has a fairly large footprint
- Wine glasses drip on the counter
This multi-use dish rack, which combines a microfiber dish-drying mat and a plastic dish-drainer rack, allows you to dry an assortment of items all at once. We liked that there were separate compartments for utensils and four designated hooks for wine glasses. The Umbra UDRY Rack and Microfiber Dish Drying Mat additionally has 20 designated slots for dishes, and the slots are deep enough to accommodate all types of dishes, even larger-sized dinner plates. Meanwhile, the wide drying mat provides plenty of space for “hand-wash only” items and heavier cookware, something our other picks didn’t really have the space or stability for.
The elevated wine rack is a nice feature, and it can be removed when it’s not in use. Our only complaint was the wine rack extends beyond the drying mat, so when you’re drying wine glasses, they drip right onto the counter. Despite that hiccup, we were still very impressed with the overall performance. Plus, the UDRY has a gray, low-profile design that looks nice in a modern kitchen.
Measuring 3 x 9.75 x 19 inches, the rack does take up a good chunk of counter space. The good news is that all of the pieces come apart, the rack is lightweight when it’s not filled, and it folds for easy storage. For an added convenience, the top rack is dishwasher safe, and the drying mat is machine-washable. While no instructions were provided for assembly, setting it up was a breeze.
Best Heavy-Duty
Simplehuman Steel Frame Dish Rack
What We Like
- Sleek, modern design
- Designated spaces for a variety of items
- Features a drainage system with a swivel spout
What We Don’t Like
- High price point
- Bulkier than other options
The Simplehuman Standard Steel Frame Dish Rack is about as heavy-duty and full-featured as it gets. It is very spacious and can hold a wide assortment of kitchenware. We love how the innovative design keeps almost all kitchen items in mind. There is an integrated wine rack that can hold up to four large glasses. Steel hooks along the side provide optimal drying space for mugs and cups, and the detachable utensil holder is also divided into three compartments, which keep silverware upright and organized. Another feature is the drain spout, which can swivel in any direction, allowing water to drain into the sink regardless of how you position the dish rack.
It’s no big surprise that a dish rack this advanced comes with a hefty price tag. However, we think it’s worth the splurge. The rack has some standout features that set it apart from the competition, including the drain spout. Not only is the stainless steel construction extremely durable, but it also creates a sophisticated aesthetic and blends in nicely with modern kitchen appliances, as well. Plus, an anti-residue and fingerprint-proof coating protect against water spots and smudges and keep it looking brand-new.
Because this rack is on the larger side and has multiple parts, it will take some time to clean it thoroughly and assemble it. Overall, we found the cleaning process to be fairly painless, though. We wish the rack came with instructions to avoid some of the trial and error methods we had to use to put it together. Measuring 12.2 x 20.1 x 16.1 inches, this rack is also better suited for a larger kitchen. If you’re looking for something with a smaller footprint, Simplehuman offers a compact version that measures 7.7 x 15 x 11.9 inches, though.
Best With Multiple Tiers
Simple Houseware 2-Tier Dish Rack with Drainboard
What We Like
- Easy to assemble
- Saves counter space
- Smart organization options
What We Don’t Like
- Drainboard slides around a bit
- Not ideal for larger cookware
- Utensil basket sits on an angle
The beauty of this two-tier dish-drying rack from Simple Houseware is that items can be stored vertically. This frees up valuable counter space, and makes this style a great option for families and those with small kitchens. We appreciated its spacious design and loved the fact that we could load a full sink’s worth of dishes onto it; it didn’t feel unstable at all at the time either. The top rack has designated slots for plates, while the bottom can be used for bowls, cups, and smaller pans. There are hooks along the sides for coffee cups, and the removable cutlery bucket can be placed on either side of the rack.
Another noteworthy feature is the translucent drainboard, which has a lip that allows water to drain directly into your sink. Since the drainboard is flat, we realized we had to place something underneath it to create an angle for better drainage. A potholder or dish towel will do the trick, though.
The dish rack isn’t attached to the drainboard, so it slides around a bit if you bump into it. However, despite some minor flaws, including the utensil basket being at an angle that keeps the silverware from standing upright, this dish-drying rack is a solid multi-tier option at a reasonable price point. The rack requires some assembly, however it only took us a couple of minutes to put it together. All of the instructions were nice and clear.
Best Roll-Up
Surpahs Over the Sink Multipurpose Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack
What We Like
- Versatile and space-saving design
- Allows water to drain into the sink
- Can double as a trivet or food prep surface
What We Don’t Like
- Limited capacity
- No extra features or compartments
If you’re looking to free up counter space, consider this versatile dish rack that fits right over the sink. Because it drains water directly into the sink, there is no need for a drying mat or drainboard. Made of silicone-coated steel, this rack is rust-resistant, anti-slip, and extremely durable, too. In fact, the rack is so very sturdy that it provides a nice surface for meal-prepping as well. It’s heat resistant up to 400 degrees, which means it can also be used as a trivet. The rack can go in the dishwasher, making clean-up a breeze, as well.
This dish-drying rack is better suited for a double sink. When spread out, it took up more than half of our single basin sink and limited the kitchen faucet’s functionality. It’s a standard one-piece dish rack, so it doesn’t have any extra features or compartments. Compared to our other favorites, it’s quite basic and the rack doesn’t hold all that many items either.
You can only store a few small dishes, bowls, cups, and utensils at a time. However, it came in handy for quick cleanups in our small kitchen, and could also be a great option for an apartment or RV. The rack rolls up for easy storage, which is another major plus in our book. Be warned, though: the Surpahs Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack is a flat rack; you should be careful not to bump into it. If you do, dishes could easily fall right off.
Best In-Sink
The Container Store Stainless Steel In-Sink Dish Drainer
What We Like
- Drains water directly into sink
- Frees up counter space
What We Don’t Like
- Small capacity
- Blocks access to the sink
The beauty of this in-sink dish rack from The Container Store is that it frees up precious counter space and lets water drain directly into the sink, much like our best roll-up option. It can be easily adjusted to fit sinks up to 21 inches wide. Clear plastic tubing on the expandable arms protects surfaces from scratching and keeps the rack securely in place.
Measuring 5 x 11.5 x 13.75 inches, this drainer isn’t the most spacious model, but it’s a great option for light-duty dish-drying. This rack has designated slots to store plates vertically. While bowls, cups, and smaller plates fit just fine, we had an issue with our large dinner plates, which are on the thicker side. The plates slid out of the slots when we added other items. However, this drying rack comes with a removable plastic caddy that holds utensils, which can be positioned to your liking.
Ultimately, we think the rack is better suited for a double sink. One drawback to an in-sink unit is that the rack needs to be removed when you need full access to the sink, just like our best roll-up pick, but we think the rack is very easy to clean and use otherwise.
How We Tested the Dish Racks
We tested 20 dish-drying racks at home, putting each option to work in our kitchen (which is on the small side) for over 50 hours. During this time, we rated each rack on the same attributes.
- Assembly: To start, we unboxed and assembled each rack on our countertop near our kitchen sink, noting how long it took to set up, whether any instructions were provided, and whether there was even an assembly process to begin with.
- Flexibility: Next, we loaded each dish rack up with a variety of items, including our silverware, plates, bowls, wine glasses, cups, mugs, and other kitchen items and utensils. We noted if the rack was as spacious as we expected, whether it could easily be moved to a new spot in our kitchen without items tipping over or the rack becoming unstable, and whether it had unique customization options.
- Durability: We used each rack for a while, noting how stable it was. We tried bumping into it to see whether the material scratched or showed wear and tear, and noted whether it was flimsy or firm so you know what you can and cannot load it with.
- Ease of Cleaning: After using the rack a few times, we tested the ease of cleaning it, using the care and cleaning instructions as our guide. We noted whether the dish-drying rack looked fresh after being cleaned or whether it felt like the rack lost some of its quality.
- Overall Value: When all testing was complete, we used our entire experience and the price point to rate the overall value of the product, thinking about if we would be willing to pay that price for what you receive in actuality.
FAQ
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How do you clean a dish rack?
Regular maintenance is required to prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria from forming.1 Unless you have a rack with a built-in drainage system, you should empty it and wipe off any excess water with a clean cloth every time you use it. One good rule of thumb is to wash your dish rack at least once a week. Regular dish soap and warm water should do the trick.
If soap scum has accumulated on your rack, professional organizer Janelle Williams suggests you “use a cleaning solution like baking soda and vinegar to remove the buildup.” A dishwashing brush will help remove any grime from hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
Truth be told, the cleaning process varies by material, so be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions to prevent any damage. -
Are plastic dish racks recyclable?
Unfortunately, plastic dish racks are often not recyclable. (Extra incentive to find one you’ll love for a long time!) Check the recycling instructions on the specific dish rack you purchase, and follow the directions of your local recycling program.
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What do you put under a dish drying rack?
If the dish rack you buy doesn’t include a drying tray, there are plenty of options to soak up the leftover drips of water and protect your countertops. A drying pad is a popular option and can be conveniently rolled up and put away when dry. A silicone drying mat is another option. Its grippy surface is key for precariously balancing drying dishes, and they’re ultra-easy to rinse off or throw in the dishwasher to clean. Another simple solution is a classic tea towel, which looks pretty and can be thrown in the washing machine as needed.