How to Choose Dish Drying Racks
Start with your available space, intended use, cleaning requirements and the manufacturer's specifications. These products are examples to compare, not a claim that we tested or ranked them by sales.
Want the full comparison? Read our complete dish drying racks buying guide.
Products and practical buying considerations
A 12 by 15.5 inch footprint fits beside the sink in a tight kitchen, yet it is built to hold about ten plates plus bowls and glasses. The drainboard catches drips, and the two-compartment utensil holder lifts off for cleaning.
Who it may suit: For a tight kitchen with a little counter beside the sink. The 12 by 15.5 inch footprint is listed as holding about ten plates plus bowls and glasses.
What to check: The drainboard catches drips, so check where the water will drain. The utensil holder lifts off for cleaning.
This roll-up rack spans the sink so dishes, produce, and cookware drip straight into the basin and the counter stays clear. The silicone-wrapped steel rods support up to 100 lbs, and it fits sinks whose shorter side is 17" or less.
Who it may suit: For anyone who wants the counter completely clear. It spans the sink, so dishes, produce and cookware drip into the basin.
What to check: Measure your sink first: it fits sinks whose shorter side is 17 inches or less. The rods are silicone-wrapped steel and support up to 100 pounds, and it rolls up for storage.
Ribs lift dishes and glasses off pooled water so air reaches them, and the raised edges keep drips from running across the counter. Use it on its own for a small load or under an existing dish rack, then roll it up or rinse it clean.
Who it may suit: For a small load of dishes, or to place under a dish rack you already own. Ribs lift dishes off pooled water so air reaches them.
What to check: The mat is 18 by 16 inches, so check that it fits your counter. It is a flat mat, so it will not hold a large set of dishes the way a rack does. Roll it up or rinse it clean.
A full-size dish rack takes over a small counter even when it is empty. OXO's two-tier aluminum rack holds plates, bowls and cups on separate levels, then folds flat to store when the dishes are put away.
Who it may suit: For small kitchens that need a dish rack on busy nights but want the counter back afterward.
What to check: Set up, it measures 16.4" L x 14.4" W x 9.5" H, so check the space beside your sink.
A countertop dish rack takes up prep space that a small kitchen can't spare. This stainless steel rack sits in or over the sink, with arms that extend from 15.5 to 23.2 inches, so water drips straight into the basin.
Who it may suit: For apartments, RVs and small kitchens where counter space is tight, and for one- or two-person households washing a small load at a time.
What to check: The rack itself is about 15.5" x 11" x 4.8" with silicone-sleeved arms; measure your sink width first. It holds about 12 plates, 10 bowls and 4 cups plus utensils.
Before you buy
Measure the installation or storage area, check compatibility and dimensions on the current product listing, and read recent customer feedback. Product specifications and availability can change.
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