Having a good dish drying rack can save you time, keep your kitchen organized, and make washing and drying easier. But while they may be a fairly basic product, dish racks come in many materials, shapes, and sizes. So which holds plenty of dishes and sits easily and securely next to the sink?
To find out, we gathered 10 of the bestselling dish drying racks from popular manufacturers such as simplehuman, KitchenAid, and OXO and examined them thoroughly. We then ranked them in order to help you make the best choice.
At mybest, we define the best dish drying rack as one that is stable, easy to clean, and allows dishes to be placed smoothly and dry quickly. We will also explain how we evaluated and ranked each product, so you can use this as a reference when shopping.
Dann got his first job in 1977 as a dishwasher at a YMCA camp. The food service industry appealed to him. Since that young age, he's been a head chef, a head baker, worked in grocery retail baking, and written three books (two were cookbooks and one a question and answer about being a chef). He's also learning about gluten-free cooking and baking.
Nanami Den oversees the creation of content related to food and lifestyle, including kitchen appliances and kitchenware. Dedicated to delivering a healthy eating lifestyle to as many users as possible, she has tested over 300 products, focusing on health foods, supplements, and drinks. A true foodie, she enjoys exploring restaurants of all kinds, and her must-visit list exceeds 500 establishments nationwide.
For ease of dish placement, we set the top standard as products that can organize and store tableware for four people without worry of falling, even if stacked.
We established the criteria for a product that is easy to keep clean and provides high user satisfaction as one that drains water well, is resistant to rust, and has a tray that’s easy to remove.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
Dishes and utensils that can't fit or aren’t safe for the dishwasher need to be hand-washed, and it can be a hassle to dry each one before putting them away. Buying a dish rack is an easy way to make kitchen clean-up quicker and more efficient.
Dish mats are another option, but as they can’t hold a lot, they’re only really suitable if you use very few dishes or live alone. For anyone else, a dish rack should be your only choice. Even a compact one can hold enough for several people.
Plus, since dish racks allow you to grab plates, cups, or flatware as and when you need them, they’re also a useful item for organizing your kitchen.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best Dish Racks.
The best dish racks combine easy storage and maintenance. In our tests, KitchenAid’s Large Capacity rack fulfilled both criteria. Its well-designed layout makes placing dishes and flatware a breeze, with no awkwardness or struggles to find a place for each item.
Additionally, being able to organize the items efficiently meant it could store substantially more than most, comfortably fitting 3 to 4 diner’s worth of dishes.
Another great feature is the sloped drainboard. Excess water falls directly into the sink, saving you the hassle of emptying it yourself. Also, the tray can be removed while dishes are still in the basket, making it easy to keep clean and fresh.
In the ranking, we provide a more detailed breakdown of this user-friendly dish rack’s best features.
Finding a dish rack with ample storage doesn't necessarily mean just picking the largest one. A well-designed rack utilizes every inch of space, enabling you to store more. To ensure this, pay attention to three components:
When it comes to items we use every day, we rarely want to spend too much time on maintenance. For dish racks, focus on the material and how easily it drains for simpler cleaning and care.
The best material for a dish drying rack is stainless steel. Highly durable and more rust-resistant than other metals, stainless steel is perfect for items that get a lot of use and sit next to the sink.
However, other materials have their advantages. Coated steel and resin racks come in a variety of colors, while wood is popular for its natural aesthetic. If you prioritize design, these are worth considering. Just be aware that they are more prone to rust and mold than stainless steel, so try to dry and air out the rack whenever possible, and don't place it near a heat source.
Racks with angled or lipped trays allow excess water to drip straight into the sink. Without these handy drainage features, water collects in the tray, requiring you to empty it manually and adding one extra step to keeping your sink area clean and dry.
However, even trays with drainage can get dirty from detergent buildup or food particles. Trays that are easily removable, even when the rack is full, are much more convenient and easy to clean.
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Main Score | Details | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ease of Placement | Cleanliness | Width | Depth | Height | Weight | Material | Capacity | Number of Levels | Drainage Function | Coating | With Utensil Holder | With Dish Stand | With Glass Holder | Collapsible | Features | ||||||
1 | Whirlpool KitchenAid|Full Size Dish Rack | ![]() | 4.87 | mybest's Top Choice: Organize and Store Plenty; Sturdy and Rust-Resistant | 4.88 | 4.84 | 20 in. | 14.96 in. | 7 in. | 6.6 lb. | Stainless Steel | 5 For (number of people) | 1 level | Stylish | |||||||
2 | simplehuman Standard Steel Frame Dish Rack | ![]() | 4.67 | Spacious Storage That Can Even Hang Wine Glasses | 4.88 | 4.25 | 20.2 in. | 22.3 in. | 11.5 in. | 8.0 lb. | Stainless steel | 6 For (number of people) | 1level | Stylish | |||||||
3 | Kitsure Dish Drying Rack | ![]() | 4.55 | Durable and Easy to Store Though Lacks a Cup Holder | 4.50 | 4.67 | 15.5 in. | 12 in. | 4.9 in. | 2.2 lb. | Stainless steel | 4 For (number of people) | 1 level | Stylish | |||||||
3 | Zojila Rohan Dish Drainer | ![]() | 4.55 | A Fully Steel Rack Offering Sleek Durability | 4.50 | 4.67 | 13.5 in. | 18 in. | 7.5 in. | 7.4 lb. | Stainless steel | 4 For (number of people) | 1 level | Stylish | |||||||
5 | erecta Rubbermaid|Dish Rack with Utensil Holder for Kitchen Countertop | ![]() | 4.53 | Great for Small Spaces but Doesn’t Come With a Tray | 5.00 | 3.75 | 13.8 in. | 5.9 in. | 17.6 in. | 1.4 lb. | Metal | 4 For (number of people) | 1 level | Compact | |||||||
5 | Neat-O Deluxe Chrome-plated Steel Small Dish Drainers | ![]() | 4.53 | A Compact Option With Glass Hooks | 5.00 | 3.75 | 12.75 in. | 14.25 in. | 5.25 in. | 1.3 lb. | Steel | 4 For (number of people) | 1level | Stylish | |||||||
7 | OXO Good Grips Foldaway Dish Rack | ![]() | 4.14 | A Foldaway Rack Suited to Occasional Use | 4.63 | 3.40 | 19.4 in. | 15.5 in. | 5.125 in. | 4.6 lb. | Stainless steel | 4 For (number of people) | 1 level | Compact | |||||||
8 | Yamazaki Home Dish Rack - Steel + Wood | ![]() | 4.08 | A Contemporary Rack That Puts Style Over Function | 4.25 | 3.75 | 18.5 in. | 13.19 in. | 7.87 in. | 4.0 lb. | Steel | 4 For (number of people) | 1 level | Stylish | |||||||
9 | OXO Good Grips Aluminum Fold Flat Dish Rack | ![]() | 3.89 | Good for Flat Plates but Bowls and Cups Are Hard to Place | 4.25 | 3.30 | 16.4 in. | 14.4 in. | 9.5 in. | 2.9 lb. | Reisn,Aluminum | 3 For (number of people) | 2levels | Compact | |||||||
10 | Totally Bamboo Collapsible Bamboo Dish Drying Rack | ![]() | 3.50 | A Plastic-Free Alternative Lacking Functional Features | 3.34 | 4.00 | 18 in. | 19 in. | 9.5 in. | 2.5 lb. | Bamboo | 6 For (number of people) | 1 level | Stylish |
Material | Stainless Steel |
---|---|
Drainage Function |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Popular brand KitchenAid’s Full Size Dish Rack is a wire option with a satin coating for superior rust resistance and non-slip pads to secure it firmly in place.
One standout feature is the large flatware caddy, which is divided into three compartments. Even after filling it with four sets of silverware plus utensils like knives, spatulas, and ladles, there was still plenty of room left over.
The dish stand can hold up to an impressive 13 dinner plates, and since the basket is taller than most, you can also stack salad bowls and soup cups without fear of them toppling over. Overall, this is a very spacious rack that can accommodate dishes for 4 to 5 people.
As well as an angled, removable drainboard, the cup hooks also have a nifty feature. The placement means water drips on the tray itself, rather than all over the countertop. During our tests, it drained an impressive 190.3 ml of 200 ml water, showing good performance.
This well-designed dish rack impresses with its ability to neatly organize dishes while offering a spacious capacity. It requires minimal maintenance and looks great, making it a best-buy for any home.
Width | 20 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 14.96 in. |
Height | 7 in. |
Weight | 6.6 lb. |
Capacity | 5 For (number of people) |
Number of Levels | 1 level |
Coating | |
Collapsible | |
Features | Stylish |
Material | Stainless steel |
---|---|
Drainage Function |
What we loved
What we didn't love
This option from simplehuman is a box-shaped, non-slip stainless steel rack treated to resist fingerprints and smudges. In addition, the coated tray repels and resists water residue, promising good drainage and hygiene.
A large, divided caddy can hold silverware and utensils for four, while the dish stand can store up to seven flat plates –– a fairly generous capacity for five to six people. This is a great option if you’re a wine lover or often use stemmed glasses, as it features both cup and wine glass hooks. Both are set outside the rack to save space, with an extendable tray beneath to catch any drops.
There’s also a drainage spout, which removed 190.1 ml of the 200 ml water poured in during tests. However, since it drains from the main body rather than the tray, it was necessary to move the dishes around while washing.
This is a good option for average-sized households who use a lot of glasses, as well as for those looking for something relatively quick-drying and less prone to mold.
Width | 20.2 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 22.3 in. |
Height | 11.5 in. |
Weight | 8.0 lb. |
Capacity | 6 For (number of people) |
Number of Levels | 1level |
Coating | |
Collapsible | |
Features | Stylish |
Material | Stainless steel |
---|---|
Drainage Function |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Kitsure Dish Drying Rack comes in a variety of colors, from clear to striking red, but its unique feature is the drainage spout. It can be positioned in three directions, allowing you to place the rack horizontally or vertically.
There’s room for eight flat plates and four sets of silverware plus utensils in the caddy. However, its shallow design means kitchen knives stick out quite prominently, so take care with sharp blades or dry and store them immediately. Although the rack can hold three to four sets of tableware (including bowls if stacked lightly), there's no glass holder. Glasses and cups must be stored in the main area, taking up precious space.
On the plus side, its detachable non-slip parts work well, and the coated stainless steel promises rust resistance and durability. We recommend this drainer if you’re looking for a small-space option that matches a particular interior color scheme.
Width | 15.5 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 12 in. |
Height | 4.9 in. |
Weight | 2.2 lb. |
Capacity | 4 For (number of people) |
Number of Levels | 1 level |
Coating | |
Collapsible | |
Features | Stylish |
Material | Stainless steel |
---|---|
Drainage Function |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Rohan Dish Drainer by Zojila is made entirely from heavy-duty stainless steel (aside from its non-slip feet), suggesting excellent longevity and easy upkeep. Various accessories can be bought separately and attached, such as a steel basket for sponges and a utensil tray.
The dish stand can hold up to 13 plates and there’s a flat area for small items, but no separate cup hooks. Bowls must also be stacked, though the rack is tall enough to ensure they don’t topple over. The silverware caddy can be placed outside of the rack, but again, it’s too shallow to safely place cooking knives.
This rack performed well in our tests –– out of the 200 ml of water poured over it, 194.3 ml drained out. And while it does have a sloped drainage tray that promises to stay dry and hygienic, you can’t remove it when the basket is full.
This sleek, durable, and rust-resistant dish rack might be worth considering if these are your must-have features.
Width | 13.5 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 18 in. |
Height | 7.5 in. |
Weight | 7.4 lb. |
Capacity | 4 For (number of people) |
Number of Levels | 1 level |
Coating | |
Collapsible | |
Features | Stylish |
Material | Metal |
---|---|
Drainage Function |
What we loved
What we didn't love
This compact rack from erecta brand Rubbermaid is treated with an antibacterial process to prevent unwanted bacteria-causing dirt and odor.
Although compact, it can hold 12 flat plates, and by stacking and organizing it efficiently, it can hold dishes for three to four people. On the downside, the utensil caddy doesn’t have dividers and is a bit cramped, though it could store flatware, knives, a spatula, and a serving spoon for four people.
On the other hand, it doesn’t come with a tray, which may not be a problem if placing it directly on a sink-side draining board. If you want to place it on a countertop, you’ll have to buy the tray separately.
Width | 13.8 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 5.9 in. |
Height | 17.6 in. |
Weight | 1.4 lb. |
Capacity | 4 For (number of people) |
Number of Levels | 1 level |
Coating | |
Collapsible | |
Features | Compact |
Material | Steel |
---|---|
Drainage Function |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Deluxe Chrome-plated Dish Drainer by Neat-O is a compact dish rack suited for small households or those mostly using a dishwasher.
The coated non-slip underside is a great feature, and unlike most basic, compact options, there are outer hooks for glasses and cups. All in all, the dish stand can hold up to 10 flat plates, though bowls and soup cups need to be stacked.
The downsides are that the caddy is also small with no divider and it doesn’t come with a tray, so we recommend adding one to your order if you choose this rack. Finally, the chrome plating won’t have the same rust resistance or durability as steel options.
Width | 12.75 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 14.25 in. |
Height | 5.25 in. |
Weight | 1.3 lb. |
Capacity | 4 For (number of people) |
Number of Levels | 1level |
Coating | |
Collapsible | |
Features | Stylish |
Material | Stainless steel |
---|---|
Drainage Function |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Good Grips Foldaway Dish Rack by OXO is a pop-up dish drainer with a unique design: you can fold down the walls, legs, and spout to store it away when not in use.
The six-plate dish stand also folds down, making space for larger cookware and serving dishes –– this could be a good option if you mostly use a dishwasher for tableware. Other appealing features are the four non-slip pads for stability and its two caddies, each divided into three. As for cups, there are stands inside the main rack only, so larger mugs and glasses could take up a lot of space.
This product scored well for drainage, featuring a spout that directs excess water directly into the sink. However, though the material means there’s no chance of rust, you’ll have to keep the rack clean and dry (especially if folding it down and storing it) to prevent buildup and mold.
For small apartments with minimal countertop space, this could be ideal.
Width | 19.4 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 15.5 in. |
Height | 5.125 in. |
Weight | 4.6 lb. |
Capacity | 4 For (number of people) |
Number of Levels | 1 level |
Coating | |
Collapsible | |
Features | Compact |
Material | Steel |
---|---|
Drainage Function |
What we loved
What we didn't love
This stylish rack from Yamazaki Home’s Tosca series stands out with its clean white finish and wooden accents.
A mid-size option, the dish stand can hold up to nine plates and tableware for four. Since the basket is taller than most, larger dishes, glasses, and cookware are less likely to topple over, even when stacked.
Unfortunately, there are no glass holders, no non-slip details, and no drainage features. Lifting up the loaded basket to drain the tray will be cumbersome.
While stylish, this dish rack lacks some functionality.
Width | 18.5 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 13.19 in. |
Height | 7.87 in. |
Weight | 4.0 lb. |
Capacity | 4 For (number of people) |
Number of Levels | 1 level |
Coating | |
Collapsible | |
Features | Stylish |
Material | Reisn,Aluminum |
---|---|
Drainage Function |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Another foldaway option from OXO Good Grips, only this time in aluminum. This dish rack opens and closes in an X shape. It can be used as a two-tier rack or a flat drainboard.
Other positive features are the four anti-slip grips, the rustproof materials, and the ability to reposition the utensil caddy on both sides.
Plus, while compact, it can secure up to 10 flat plates. The raised design also allows quicker drying. But other dishes, like bowls and cups, take up a lot of space and tend to fall if stacked. The caddy is also a bit tight with no divider.
You’ll have to drain out excess water yourself and the tray can't be removed separately, which is a drawback. This rack requires more maintenance and upkeep in terms of detergent buildup and keeping the tray dry.
Width | 16.4 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 14.4 in. |
Height | 9.5 in. |
Weight | 2.9 lb. |
Capacity | 3 For (number of people) |
Number of Levels | 2levels |
Coating | |
Collapsible | |
Features | Compact |
Material | Bamboo |
---|---|
Drainage Function |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Totally Bamboo specializes in bamboo kitchen goods, including this large, collapsible two-tier rack for those who prefer a more natural aesthetic.
Each slat can hold one flat plate, making it possible to stand an impressive 17 on one level. However, there’s no utensil or glass holder, so anything other than plates will have to be piled on top of one another –– not ideal for organization and efficient storage. This would be best used alongside a separate flatware caddy (which you can buy as an add-on) or for those using a dishwasher for most of their tableware.
Also, while the bamboo looks good, there are no grips to keep it steady and no tray, so you’ll have to place it on a draining mat or dry down the dishes well if using it on the countertop.
Width | 18 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 19 in. |
Height | 9.5 in. |
Weight | 2.5 lb. |
Capacity | 6 For (number of people) |
Number of Levels | 1 level |
Coating | |
Collapsible | |
Features | Stylish |
At mybest, we define the best dish drying rack as one that is stable and quick-drying, easy to clean, and allows dishes to be placed smoothly.
To find the best product, we collected 10 dish racks by popular manufacturers from Amazon, Walmart, Target, and more and thoroughly tested them based on the following two points.
Cleanliness
Products we tested
For ease of dish placement, we set the top standard as products that can organize and store tableware for four people without worry of falling, even if stacked.
Our testers checked each product and scored them on the following points, quantifying the recommendation level of each product.
Presence or absence of a cutlery pocket
Presence or absence of a dish stand
Presence or absence of a glass stand
Difficulty moving the main body
Basket height
We established the criteria for a product that is easy to keep clean and provides high user satisfaction as one that drains water well, is resistant to rust, and has a tray that’s easy to remove.
Testers checked each product and scored them according to the points below, in addition to measuring the amount of water (200 ml) that was drained from the center of the rack. We recommended and scored those that drained more water. Please note that items that do not have a drainage function are scored as 'unable to drain.'
Ease of water drainage
Quality of materials
Ease of tray detachment
No. 1: Whirlpool|KitchenAid|Full Size Dish Rack
No. 2: simplehuman |Standard Steel Frame Dish Rack
No. 3: Kitsure|Dish Drying Rack
No. 3: Zojila|Rohan Dish Drainer
No. 5: erecta|Rubbermaid|Dish Rack with Utensil Holder for Kitchen Countertop
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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