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Allrecipes / Kevin Liang
No matter how frequently you run an automatic dishwasher, there are some jobs it just can’t handle. You may have cookware that is too big, delicate, or specialized to run through the machine, or you might not even have access to a dishwasher at all. Dishwasher detergent and temperatures can be hard on wood, copper, or aluminum tools, and even glassware and nonstick pans can become etched or damaged over time.
To work effectively and properly, you need a dish drying rack that lets you organize a dish pile so that air circulates freely through it. The dish rack needs to strike the balance between lost counter space and enough drying room to be useful. At the same time, you need to trust that it won’t collapse under heavy items, allow fragile ones to tip-off and shatter, or slowly transform the drip tray into a unsanitary mess.
To find the best dish drying racks available, we tested 27 models—from countertop single or multitiered models to ones that expand or roll out to bridge the kitchen sink. We used them daily, paying attention to their performance, durability, and ease of cleaning. Read on to learn more about the favorites from our tests.
Our Top Pick
Simplehuman Steel Frame Dish Rack
Why It’s Great: Huge capacity; holds heavy pots and bakeware; separate space for delicate glassware
Grain of Salt: Basin retains a little water; minimal countertop clearance
We’ve used Simplehuman dish racks for years, piling them high like a dragon’s horde. While the current model can hog countertop space, it also manages everything from cast iron cookware to delicate glassware with ease. Even packed with heavy pots, it doesn’t wobble or bend.
Inside the main rack, plate-supporting prongs march down one edge, leaving plenty of flat space for bowls, oversized items, and a divided bin. Exterior prongs and stem hangers keep glassware separate, although the wine glass holder is removable if you don’t need it. The other glassware prongs are wide enough to accommodate coffee mugs, water bottles, and even tools like box graters.
A swivel spout drains water straight into the sink. A bit can linger in the rack’s basin, which might benefit from a greater slant, and we had to lift the rack off the counter to wipe down the surface beneath it. This rack is available in three tones (gray, white, or black). Although it doesn’t collapse, Simplehuman makes a compact version with a smaller overall footprint, a shorter utensil holder, and smaller space for glassware.
The Details: Stainless steel, plastic, silicone, rubber; 20.2 x 22.3 x 11.5 inches (when fully expanded); dishwasher-safe utensil holder and wire frame, all other parts hand wash only
Allrecipes / Riddley Schirm
Allrecipes / Riddley Schirm
Allrecipes / Riddley Schirm
Best Budget
Kitsure Space-Saving Dish Drying Rack
Why It’s Great: High-end features; sturdy and stable; keeps plates upright and separated
Grain of Salt: Fairly large footprint; inefficient for pots
Kitsure’s dish drying racks offer many features of more expensive models, making it a great value option. This space-saving version isn’t as compact as some others we tested, but it lines up well alongside a standard kitchen sink. We think it’s ideally sized for apartment dwellers who have a bit of sink-side counter space.
Sturdily built of stainless steel, this rack doesn’t sway when filled with dishes and cutlery. Slots keep plates of all sizes upright so that they dry quickly, and a divided utensil cup gathers smaller items. The main tray can hold only one large pot or pan at a time if fussily balanced, making it better to grab a dish towel and dry oversized cookware by hand.
During testing, a rack full of dishes was dry in two hours, without moisture clinging to the items or the rack itself. The water drained through its rotatable spout without spilling onto the countertop. Rinsing the rack every few days and scrubbing it with a sponge weekly is enough to keep it clean.
The Details: Stainless steel, plastic, silicone, rubber; 15.5 x 12 x 4.9 inches; hand wash only
Allrecipes / Michelle Parente
Allrecipes / Michelle Parente
Best Over-the-Sink
Food52 Five Two Over-the-Sink Dish Rack
Why It’s Great: Takes up minimal room; expands counter space; supports heavy pots
Grain of Salt: Limits sink access; may need strategic stacking
Sink-mounted drying racks can fold or roll up, expand across the sink, or even double as a countertop unit. Food52’s over-the-sink dish rack rolls up into a tube, minus the utensil caddy, and then unrolls across one side of the sink, draining straight down into it. This gives it a small footprint when in use or stored.
For our tests, we unrolled it over half of a double sink, gaining a drying rack but losing a rinse basin. Still, it was so handy that we didn’t mind the limited washing and rinsing space. Although items remained damp after a couple of hours, only poorly stacked pans retained moisture by morning.
When not in use, the rack conveniently rolls up to rest at the sink’s edge. Instead of eating up counter space, the rack can actually expand your prep area by holding just-washed vegetables or cooling egg pans since the silicone is heat-safe to 550° Fahrenheit. The silverware holder can double as a small colander, and the stainless steel bars are well-spaced for lids. They also bear a surprising amount of weight without slipping or buckling, whether holding a full load of wet plates or a Dutch oven filled with soup.
The Details: Silicone-coated stainless steel; 20.5 x 12.25 x 2.7 inches (when fully expanded); dishwasher safe
Allrecipes / Elle Wignall
Allrecipes / Elle Wignall
Allrecipes / Elle Wignall
Best Extra Large
Joseph Joseph Excel Steel 2-Tier Dish Rack
Why It’s Great: Two separate spaces to stack dishes; designated wine glass and utensil holders; directional water drainage
Grain of Salt: Extra drying time might be needed; assembly required
The two-story Excel dish rack acts like a multilevel garage, parking the maximum number of wet dishes on minimal real estate. Compared with an old one-tier drying rack, it needed far less countertop room and held so many more dishes. The top level keeps 10 plates upright and utensils in a movable pocket, with enough space to rest skillets and pots instead. Sufficient vertical spacing meant we didn’t worry about jostling the top level while reaching into the lower one with cups, bowls, and even small plates. A side hanger isolates wine glasses.
Each tier has its own tray, which directs collected upper-tier water through a narrow slot and minimizes dripping on the dishes below. From there, water drains directly into the sink through a funnel-like spout.
Rubber feet leave breathing room between the rack and the countertop, letting it slide without noise or scratches. Air doesn’t circulate quite as freely as within some other models we tested, needing about three hours to dry dishes during testing. The pieces require assembly initially, but this means they come apart for easy cleaning; even the utensil holder’s divider can be removed and hand washed.
The Details: Coated stainless steel, plastic, rubber; 18.32 x 12.4 x 12.6 inches; hand wash only
Allrecipes / Mike Navarro
Allrecipes / Mike Navarro
Allrecipes / Mike Navarro
Best Collapsible
OXO Aluminum Fold Flat Dish Rack
Why It’s Great: Works when expanded or collapsed; stout frame; easy to store
Grain of Salt: Narrow slats; no dedicated stemware holder
Fabric drying mats seemed like the best space-saving drying surface until we tried OXO’s fold-flat rack. It not only takes up minimal space when in use and when stored but also adds structure when organizing drying dishes. The same items dried more quickly on the rack during testing than they had on drying mats, making us more willing to hand wash dishes.
When fully expanded, the aluminum frame holds our heaviest kitchen items without worry, but it can also be collapsed flat and loaded with large pots and oddly shaped tools. We found the collapsed mode particularly useful for delicate stemmed wine glasses, which otherwise sit unsteadily in the rack’s angle and unprotected from other dishes.
Plates fit most easily into the rack’s slots, with pasta bowls needing a bit more space to rest securely. The utensil holder has enough room for flatware and cooking tools, and it can be shifted from end to end thanks to removable slats. When the rack is expanded, cereal bowls and cups can rest directly on the draining pad below it for two-tiered drying, although the gap is too narrow for tall items.
The Details: Aluminum, plastic, rubber; 16.4 x 14.6 x 9.5 inches (when fully expanded); hand wash only
Allrecipes / Cassandra Basford
Allrecipes / Cassandra Basford
Allrecipes / Cassandra Basford
Best Bamboo
Bambusi Bamboo Folding Dish Rack
Why It’s Great: Natural materials; easy to set up and clean; collapses for storage
Grain of Salt: Sits directly on the counter; not suited for large cookware
Many drying racks rely on plastic and silicone for their non-scratch yet easy-to-clean surfaces. For an eco-friendly option, bamboo is the way to go. Waterproof, antibacterial, and resistant to odor and stains, the Bambüsi folding rack holds two layers of dishes. The upper angle runs long and spreads wide enough for 14 dinner plates. The lower half-shelf fits cups and cereal bowls, and utensils and other small items can be tucked opposite it directly on the countertop or a dish drying mat.
Despite its lightweight design, this is not a flimsy rack. In tests, the wood was strong enough to support a full load. Once filled, it didn’t wobble or shift, but we did need to be selective about what we placed in the rack since it’s not designed to hold oversized serving plates or large pots.
We like how effortlessly this rack can be folded away to free up counter space. During testing, we easily kept it clean with a quick weekly wipe down. The manufacturer recommends oiling it occasionally to leave it shiny and extend its lifetime.
The Details: Bamboo; 18 x 13 x 10.5 inches; hand wash only
Allrecipes / Nadeem Mirza
Allrecipes / Nadeem Mirza
Allrecipes / Nadeem Mirza
Our Takeaway
For a large-capacity, durable drying rack that can hold everything from heavy pots to delicate stemware, we recommend the Simplehuman Steel Frame Dish Rack. If you prefer natural materials, have minimal counter space, or just hand wash a few pieces and run the bulk through a dishwasher, check out the Bambüsi Bamboo Folding Dish Rack.
How to Pick the Right Dish Drying Rack
Size
The available space next to your sink plays the biggest role in dish rack choice. Setting a drying rack on an adjacent counter can be inconvenient if not messy. Many dish racks have spouts that drain directly into the sink but may not rotate or close.
Standalone sinks are good candidates for a roll-up drying rack if they have a rim to support its edges and a large enough basin, since the rack will cover part of the sink while in use. A narrow sink-side counter may be enough for a folding or compact rack that can be packed away when not needed. If a rack will sit on the counter full time, especially in lieu of an automatic dishwasher, you may want a multitiered or expandable model.
Design
We’ve moved past the era of cheap-looking wire drying racks to widely varying designs, each with pros and cons depending on your needs. Collapsible racks with an angled back and shelf work well if you’re mainly slotting in plates but clumsily balance bowls and saucepans. Flat racks may hold the most cookware but require strategic stacking when mixing flat, wide, and deep items. Two-level racks may offer maximum overall square footage but minimal clearance for the bottom tray.
Many drying racks come with thoughtful features. If you’re a wine drinker, we recommend choosing a design with a holder that keeps fragile stemmed wine glasses out of the general mix. If your kitchen utensils have bulky handles, we recommend checking that these and your nightly flatware will fit in the utensil holder.
Materials
Most drying racks have sturdy frames and easy-to-clean surfaces. Stainless steel and aluminum are among the most common frame materials and are often coated where they will rest against the dishware to prevent scratches. Drip trays and utensil cups usually rely on plastic and silicone. Many racks have silicone or rubber feet so that they stand steadily on the counter. You can also find dish racks made of natural materials, typically bamboo or teak, for their water resistance.
Care
Even if you only use it with clean dishes, a drying rack can still become dirty over time. The best racks, like good kitchen sponge holders, have effective drainage systems that keep stagnant water from collecting at the base. Look for easy access to corners where grime can build up, and check that add-ons like utensil holders have adequate drainage.
A rack might dry out quickly and completely between uses but still should be washed and air dried regularly. Some models have dishwasher-safe components, like the utensil holder or drain mat, but most are best washed by hand. Bamboo and wooden racks benefit from an occasional rub with food-safe mineral oil.
About Our Tests
We tested 27 dish racks, most of them designed to sit on a countertop but some that bridge a kitchen sink. The various models were made of metal, plastic, or bamboo; some had multiple tiers or expanded, and others collapsed, folded, or rolled up for easy storage. We used them to hand wash dishes, filling them to capacity with dishes and cooking gear both small and large. After two hours and again the following morning, we checked how well the contents air dried.
Each dish drying rack was rated on the following attributes:
- Design: Is it made from high-quality materials? Does it have antimicrobial properties? Is it best for compact or spacious areas, and does it extend or collapse? How much room is there to arrange and stack dishes?
- Ease of Use: Is the drying rack easy to assemble? Is it easy to add and remove kitchenware? Do items shift or fall over?
- Performance: Does the rack have a utensil cup, wine glass hanger, or other extra features? Do any items dry better or more quickly than others? Does the drainage spout or tray control water?
- Durability: Is the dish drying rack sturdily constructed? Did it show any damage during testing?
- Ease of Cleaning: Is the drying rack easy to clean? How often does it need to be cleaned?
The Leftovers: Other Dish Drying Racks We Tested
The Chef’n DishGarden has a unique round design that let us shift the utensil holders and arrange dishes in almost any combination imaginable during tests. The drain spout can be closed when not in use, making the rack easier to store. At 13 inches in diameter, we found it a bit small for household use but the perfect size for a camper during a weeklong trip.
Similarly, the Yamazaki Two-Tier Wire Dish Rack has a basket-like top deck, tall legs that leave space for a second layer of dishes below it, and hooks for hanging utensils and scrub brushes. It corrals plenty of items but needs a spacious countertop. In tests, we found water on the counter regardless of placement. Another over-the-sink option, the Seropy Roll Up Dish Rack, resists bacterial buildup but won’t provide traction—so the rack relies on the silicone end caps to keep everything in place.
Common Questions
Do I need a dish drying rack?
The long list of kitchen things you should never put in your dishwasher ranges from certain plastics to insulated mugs. Some items just won’t get clean unless hand scrubbed, like graters and narrow-necked bottles. Even if you own dishwasher-friendly kitchenware, how many times have you found standing water on inverted coffee mugs, along lid rims, and collected in poorly angled bowls at the end of a cycle?
You can simply spread out a dish towel and pile clean dishes on it—but that may not be as ideal as you think. Researchers have found that the dirtiest thing in your kitchen is likely a kitchen towel.
How do you clean a dish drying rack?
Many drying racks must be hand washed, and even those that can go in the dishwasher often mesh awkwardly with their dividers. Fortunately, cleaning a dish rack is easy: Empty the rack and sink; wipe down the rack with a soapy dishcloth, giving corners that collect scum extra attention; and then rinse it down and return it to the counter to air dry. Because a dish rack encourages air circulation that dries dishes quickly, the rack itself dries in no time. A quick wipe-down followed by a sanitizing spray every few days can help delay buildup.
You should also regularly clean the mat or surface beneath the rack. The best way to wash a dish drying mat depends on its material. After you clean a wood or bamboo dish rack, consider a protective oil rubdown.
What is the best way to store a dish drying rack?
The dish rack’s design determines the best way to store it. Once emptied and completely dry, roll-up mats can be tucked into a drawer. Foldable racks might slide into a cupboard with vertical dividers or behind a countertop appliance.
A large fixed rack may have needed assembly upon arrival, but you likely won’t want to take it apart between uses. It’s best simply stored in place. Although you might consider it an eyesore, you’re more likely to hand wash morning coffee cups and kids’ snack plates than piling them in the sink. An empty dish rack can also drain rinsed fruit or air dry a just-cleaned pizza stone.
Why Take Our Word for It?
Julie Laing has been a writer and editor for 25-plus years, focusing on original recipes, kitchen tools, and the stories around them. She is the author of “The Complete Guide to Pickling,” the Flathead Beacon food columnist, and a reviewer and recipe developer for numerous other publications. She hasn’t owned a dishwasher for more than 20 years, washing by hand every dish and kitchen tool she uses. A custom-built drying rack mounted above her sink holds everyday dishware, but she’s perfected (mostly) the art of arranging all other pots, pans, containers, and utensils so that they air dry instead of needing towel treatment.