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Kitchen goods and consumablesHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Dish Drying Racks in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 1
  • 10 Best Dish Drying Racks in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 2
  • 10 Best Dish Drying Racks in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 3
  • 10 Best Dish Drying Racks in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 4
  • 10 Best Dish Drying Racks in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Dish Drying Racks in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

If you’ve ever washed dishes by hand, you understand how important choosing the right drying rack is. For homes with a dishwasher, it's great to have on hand when all the kitchenware isn't dishwasher-safe. If you choose a sturdy and secure rack, it'll hold dishes perfectly. Choose poorly, and you'll experience wet countertops or broken plates.


We picked the Compact and Foldable Dish Drainer by Bambüsi as our favorite dish drying rack. It's sturdy, saves space, and looks great! We also have a buying guide and top 10 to help you make your choice.

Last updated 09/26/2023

Quick List - Top Dish Drying Racks

1

Bambüsi

Compact and Foldable Dish Drainer
Compact and Foldable Dish Drainer

An Eco-Friendly Alternative to Portable Plastic Dish Racks

2

mDesign

Large Metal Kitchen Countertop
Large Metal Kitchen Countertop

Versatile Rack That Will Fit In Any Type of Kitchen

3

Neat-O

2-Tier Dish Rack with Drainboard
2-Tier Dish Rack with Drainboard

Simplistic Two-Tier Rack for Small Families

4

KitchenAid

Full Size Dish Rack
Full Size Dish Rack

Heavy Duty Dish Rack for Heavy Duty Kitchenware

5

Innerneed

Bamboo Wooden Dish Rack
Bamboo Wooden Dish Rack

A Small, Multi-Functional Dish Rack

Jim Quast
Expert
Executive R&D Chef
Jim Quast

Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!

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mybest US Editors

mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

How to Choose Dish Drying Racks

Drying dishes is often a hassle, but a dish-drying rack can save time and make your kitchen look cleaner and organized. Air drying is a great alternative to drying your dishes by hand. With health and convenience in mind, here are some factors to take into consideration when trying to find the perfect dish-drying rack. 

1

Note the Size of Your Kitchen and Amount of Dishes

Note the Size of Your Kitchen and Amount of Dishes

If you want to equip your kitchen with a dish drying rack, the size of your kitchen and the number of dishes you have should both play a large role in your choice. A large dish-drying rack in a small kitchen will make your space look cluttered or full, if it can even fit at all!


We would advise opting for smaller dish drying racks if you have a small kitchen or only one or two people live in your home. A large rack will just take up unnecessary space that can be better used for other kitchen utensils.


On the other hand, a small rack won't have enough space for bigger families. You may find yourself having to hand dry dishes to make space for new ones. If you have a lot of space in your kitchen you can look at the larger dish racks, but if space is still a concern consider racks with multiple tiers. Instead of the rack spreading out, it can spread up!

2

Consider the Material of the Rack

The material matters just as much as size. Will it rust? Will it be strong enough to hold my heavy-duty pots and pans? You can answer this by noting the material it uses.

Bamboo Is Eco-Friendly and Strong

Bamboo Is Eco-Friendly and Strong

Bamboo is a great addition to your kitchen. While wood can have bacterial issues, bamboo will not as it is naturally antibacterial. Bamboo more sustainable than traditional wood due to how quickly it grows, while also being much stronger than conventional wood racks. 

Bamboo also isn’t damaged by water, so it is a better choice for your kitchen than conventional materials. If any mold does appear, it can be easily removed. Some bamboo racks have a more natural bamboo. Other manufactures heat or steam the bamboo, which helps prevent it from being damaged by water even further.

Stainless Steel for a Rust-Free Drying Experience

Stainless Steel for a Rust-Free Drying Experience

Stainless steel is great for dish drying racks. In the US, the quality of stainless steel is usually shown by a series of numbers. You will commonly see things like 18/8 or 18/10 in item descriptions. These numbers refer to first, the amount of chromium present, and second, the amount of nickel. 


We would advise looking for stainless steel that is 18/8—18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel. This is also sometimes known as 304 stainless steel. Thankfully, this is one of the most common forms of stainless steel so it isn't hard to find! It offers great resistance against rust and corrosion, and as your dish rack will frequently be covered in water, this is important.


Stainless steel is also a very strong material and will be able to hold the weight of your pots and pans. Rust can be a problem in kitchens for appliances, especially with metallic utensils and gadgets. Stainless steel (or dish drying racks with an anti-rust coat) will prevent this.

Plastic Is Family-friendly and Doesn't Rust

Plastic Is Family-friendly and Doesn't Rust

Plastic is ideal for smaller or compact dish racks and for small family homes. Plastic dish drying racks are made out of plastic that is safe to be used with food, so neither rust nor potentially harmful chemicals will come into contact with your dishes!


You will have a wider variety of color options with plastic than with racks made from bamboo, wood, or any metals. If you want to color coordinate your rack with your kitchen, then plastic is the way to go. Plastic racks are also very easy to clean and some can go even go in the dishwasher!


Plastic racks are often made into a more enclosed shape, however. This prevents air from circulating and can make it harder for water to evaporate. Be sure to choose a dish drying rack with enough open space to drain the water effectively. You can find this out by looking at the design or reading reviews.

3

Find One That's Easy to Clean and Assemble

You want to look for a dish rack that has nicely round corners and fewer (or no) tight corners or crevices where water or gunk can get trapped.

Plastic Is Ideal for a Single-Person Household

Plastic Is Ideal for a Single-Person Household

Plastic dish racks are easy to assemble and fast to clean. They often come fully assembled or in separate parts that easily slot together. You can be sure that a plastic rack will be sturdy and ready to use straight out of the box.


Cleaning your dish rack can be done by simply washing it with a light detergent or as mentioned before, a trip in the dishwasher. This makes it ideal for studio apartments or a single-person household. 


The problem, however, is that mold or discoloration can become a problem over time. Make sure you keep on top of cleaning your plastic rack and that you don't allow water to accumulate and sit inside. Also, keep in mind that thin plastic parts with lots of slots tend to be harder to clean since they have tight corners and are harder to get to.

Bamboo Is Great for Fast Cleaning

Bamboo Is Great for Fast Cleaning

Some bamboo racks may need a little assembly, depending on their design. They usually entail slotting rods into pre-drilled spaces, so assembly should be pretty straightforward! It's always worth checking reviews to see how previous purchasers have managed with assembling their purchases.


The key to mold prevention is controlling the amount of moisture on the wood. Since bamboo isn’t damaged by water, it's ideal for people who don't have time to spend hours cleaning their dishwashing rack. Simply wipe down any excess water puddles at the base, and you're good to go!

Stainless Steel Is Perfect For Heavier Utensils

Stainless Steel Is Perfect For Heavier Utensils

Stainless steel dish drying racks are sturdy and strong. They're ideal for people who love to cook and have heavy utensils such as stoneware. Some of the larger steel racks may require some complex assembly, especially those with multiple racks or sit over your sink. Again, look at reviews if you require more information than the product description gives.


When it comes to cleaning your dish rack, though, it might be more time-consuming than you thought. Stainless steel dish racks often need to be disassembled and dipped into bleach for optimal hygiene. They often have lots of small wires and corners, but a scourer or brush will make short work of cleaning them.

4

Look For Features That Suit Your Habits

We've covered size and material, but what about shape and features? These factors are also vital to consider when shopping.

A Multi-Tier Rack Is Good For Regular Dishwashers

A Multi-Tier Rack Is Good For Regular Dishwashers

A multi-tier rack is perfect for anyone who washes dishes regularly. They offer lots of drying space without taking up all of your counter space. Racks with multiple tiers usually have specific spaces for different types of dishes or pots and pans.


Many multi-tier racks feature slotted plate holders so that your plates and bowls won't rattle around or fall. Another great feature is to have mug or cup holders on the side, since these will help optimize the space you have. You can also find racks with pots for flatware, too!

A Dish Drainer Avoids Excess Water

A Dish Drainer Avoids Excess Water

If you want to avoid using a towel or drying mat for your dishes, a drying rack with a bottom dish drainer may be perfect for you. Sometimes these are built into the rack, but more often they are a separate, slanted tray that encourages excess water to run down the tray where it will flow back into the sink.


You can look for dish drainers that have moveable spouts as this will ensure that no matter what your kitchen layout is, you can direct the water into your sink. Removable trays are also a good idea as you can easily wipe away any water that doesn't drain.

Put Away Your Rack With Foldable or Portable Options

Put Away Your Rack With Foldable or Portable Options

Something else to consider is what you want to do with your rack when it's not in use. If you have a large enough kitchen and like the look of your dish rack, then you may be happy to leave it on the counter regardless of whether it's being used or not.


However, if space is at a premium or you just want to keep your kitchen tidy, then look for dish racks that are easy to move and can be folded down. Some dish racks can fold flat and be easily stored in cupboards or under your sink. You can even get dish racks that double as cupboard racks for dry plates.

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10 Best Dish Drying Racks Ranking

Here are the best Dish Drying Racks, ranked according to 10 Best Dish Drying Racks (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Bambüsi

Compact and Foldable Dish Drainer

Bambüsi Compact and Foldable Dish Drainer 1

An Eco-Friendly Alternative to Portable Plastic Dish Racks

2

mDesign

Large Metal Kitchen Countertop

mDesign Large Metal Kitchen Countertop 1

Versatile Rack That Will Fit In Any Type of Kitchen

3

Neat-O

2-Tier Dish Rack with Drainboard

Neat-O 2-Tier Dish Rack with Drainboard 1

Simplistic Two-Tier Rack for Small Families

4

KitchenAid

Full Size Dish Rack

KitchenAid Full Size Dish Rack 1

Heavy Duty Dish Rack for Heavy Duty Kitchenware

5

Innerneed

Bamboo Wooden Dish Rack

Innerneed Bamboo Wooden Dish Rack 1

A Small, Multi-Functional Dish Rack

6

Totally Bamboo

Eco Collapsible Bamboo Dish Drying Rack

Totally Bamboo Eco Collapsible Bamboo Dish Drying Rack 1

Large, Eco-Friendly Dish Rack for Heavy Duty Dishes

7

Boon

Drying Rack Grass Countertop

Boon Drying Rack Grass Countertop 1

A Small Dish Drying Rack That's Perfect for Baby Bottles

8

Sterilite

Ultra Sink Set6219006

Sterilite Ultra Sink Set 1

A Small but Sturdy Rack and Drainage Tray

9

Heomu

Over The Sink Dish Drying Rack

Heomu Over The Sink Dish Drying Rack 1

A Space Saving Rack That Can Store Lots of Dishes

10

Ipegtop

Over The Sink Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack

Ipegtop Over The Sink Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack 1

A Versatile Dish Drainer for Small Sinks

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Bambüsi
Compact and Foldable Dish Drainer

Compact and Foldable Dish Drainer 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$19.59
Mid
Reference price
$19.59
Mid

An Eco-Friendly Alternative to Portable Plastic Dish Racks

This handcrafted collapsible dish rack is made of 100 percent bamboo material. It's a great alternative to plastic as it's environmentally friendly as well as sturdy. The compact rack accommodates full-size plates in the14 slots on the upper level, whereas the lower shelf is suitable for cups, mugs, and glasses. 


According to reviews, the space between slots is a bit small and some of them don't line up correctly, so thicker plates may not fit. However, reviewers found the rack to be sturdy and of high quality. They say it saves a lot of space, is easy to fold, and looks great in the kitchen.

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No.2

mDesign
Large Metal Kitchen Countertop

Reference price
$35.99
High Mid

Versatile Rack That Will Fit In Any Type of Kitchen

This drying rack has an adjustable water spout, so it can be positioned in several different places around your sink. This spacious dish rack comes with 20 slots for dishes and 10 hooks on the sides for hanging cups of any size. It also comes with a removable, BPA-free flatware caddy that will help to keep water in the sink and off your counters.


Some reviewers report that the caddy isn't quite deep enough for the water to drain away correctly. There are also comments that large and heavy plates can fall over. However, reviewers say that the rack is sturdy and easy to clean. They like that the rack and caddy are two separate pieces.

No.3

Neat-O
2-Tier Dish Rack with Drainboard

Reference price
$19.99
Mid

Simplistic Two-Tier Rack for Small Families

This rack has a modern two-tier design with a chrome finish. The drainboard, which includes a drainage spot, allows for easy drainage of water. The top rack can hold your plates and there are spaces along the side for goblet-style glasses. The bottom rack is suitable for small cups and you also get a detachable cutlery holder.


Some reviewers report that assembling this rack was difficult and they couldn't follow the instructions. There are also a few reports of the rack rusting quickly. Once assembled, reviewers say it is sturdy, though, and praise how it drains water. They also like how compact it is and say it can hold enough dishes for three to four people.

No.4

KitchenAid
Full Size Dish Rack

Reference price
$59.99
High Mid

Heavy Duty Dish Rack for Heavy Duty Kitchenware

This dish drying rack has a large capacity that can accommodate full-size pots and pans. It comes with satin-coated wires that are rust-resistant and the rack has soft feet so it won't scratch your counters. The design is ideal for over-sink drying and the self-draining board not only stops water from pooling but can be removed for cleaning.


Some reviewers report that this rack can rust. They also say that the racks are shallow, so heavier plates can over-balance and spill. However, reviewers say it has a large capacity and as the rack is heavy and well-balanced, it won't tip. They say it was easy to assemble and confirm the tray allows water to drain.

No.5

Innerneed
Bamboo Wooden Dish Rack

Reference price
$8.99
Low

A Small, Multi-Functional Dish Rack

The simplistic design of this rack means that it can be used in multiple different ways. As well as a drying rack for your plates and cups, it can even double as a rack for books and other thin items! The rack is made from eco-friendly bamboo, that is light, durable, and easy to clean.


This rack is made to fit together easily by pushing the middle dowels into pre-drilled holes. For some reviewers, however, the holes were either too big or not aligned well and they advise using some wood glue. Reviewers have used this rack for many things, from drying dishes to organizing cupboards. They say assembly is straightforward and the rack works well as a stand.

No.6

Totally Bamboo
Eco Collapsible Bamboo Dish Drying Rack

Reference price
$59.99
High Mid

Large, Eco-Friendly Dish Rack for Heavy Duty Dishes

This extra-large dish drying rack folds flat so it can be easily stored when not in use. The different tiers have enough space for your dinnerware as well as smaller pots and pans. The rack is easy to clean as it just needs wiping down with a damp cloth, but it is not dishwasher-safe.


According to reviews, mold can form on the underside of this rack quite quickly. There is no drainage tray underneath, so make sure you don't allow water to accumulate underneath. However, reviewers love how sturdy this rack is and say that it is large enough to hold lots of items. They praise the finish and report that the wood doesn't splinter.

No.7

Boon
Drying Rack Grass Countertop

Reference price
$11.00
Low Mid

A Small Dish Drying Rack That's Perfect for Baby Bottles

If you're looking for something a little different to put in your kitchen, this might fit the bill! The base is made of two parts: a drainage tray to collect the water, and plastic bristles that resemble grass. You can stand cups and utensils in the grass or use additional tree-shaped racks to hang items.


Be careful when purchasing, as this listing is for the grass and tray only and the tree and flower accessories are sold separately. This caught out several reviewers who expected more than they received. Reviewers say this rack is great at drying small items though and many recommend it for new parents, especially! They praise it for being easy to clean and cute.

No.8

Sterilite
Ultra Sink Set6219006

Reference price
$17.53
Low Mid

A Small but Sturdy Rack and Drainage Tray

This simple and easy-to-use dish drying rack is ideal for any kitchen. It holds heavy utensils perfectly without bending under the weight. The separate container for silverware is attached permanently to the rack to keep all your flatware secure, and the separate drip tray means you can easily pour excess water away. 


The small size of this rack is criticized by some reviewers, so double-check the measurements before you purchase. Some also found the attached flatware section to be an inconvenient place for their kitchen layout. Reviewers praise the rack for its sturdiness, however, and say it is easy to clean. They also commend how the water drains away.

No.9

Heomu
Over The Sink Dish Drying Rack

Reference price
$59.99
High Mid

A Space Saving Rack That Can Store Lots of Dishes

This dish rack is designed to fit over your sink. It's compatible with any sink that is 35 inches wide or less and has a faucet shorter than 15 inches. The top tier can be used for storage and the middle rack has slots for dishes to dry. There are also hooks and pockets around for flatware and other items.


Assembly of this rack was difficult according to reviewers. Some had parts missing and others found it too flimsy to securely fix together. Reviewers that were able to securely assemble it really praise this rack, however. They say it is a great space saver and can hold a good deal of weight. It's especially recommended for a small kitchen lacking in counter space.

No.10

Ipegtop
Over The Sink Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack

Reference price
$19.99
Mid

A Versatile Dish Drainer for Small Sinks

This over-the-sink dish drainer is a simple and efficient solution to all your kitchen needs. It sits over your sink and can be used to drain your dishes or even as a colander for vegetables. The metal rack for the plates can be separated and used for storing your plates, and when not in use the trivet mat can be rolled up.


Before you purchase, make sure that your sink is smaller than the mat size otherwise you won't be able to use it as intended. A couple of reviewers report issues with rust, but the majority of purchasers are satisfied. They like the versatility of the rack and that the mat can be easily stored. Reviewers with small sinks especially love this rack and some use it in their campers.

Buying Guide Reviewed by Executive R&D Chef Jim Quast

Jim Quast
Executive R&D Chef
Jim Quast

This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.

Top 5 Dish Drying Racks

No. 1: BambüsiCompact and Foldable Dish Drainer

No. 2: mDesignLarge Metal Kitchen Countertop

No. 3: Neat-O2-Tier Dish Rack with Drainboard

No. 4: KitchenAidFull Size Dish Rack

No. 5: InnerneedBamboo Wooden Dish Rack

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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