The Best Dish Drying Racks Of 2023
Washing dishes can easily turn any kitchen into a battlefield, particularly if you don't have an appropriate place to dry them. After all, air drying your freshly-washed pots and pans on a kitchen towel not only takes up valuable countertop space but can easily result in broken kitchenware. Even if you usually clean most of your dishes in a dishwasher, there will always be the odd piece of cookware left to rinse by hand — particularly if it isn't dishwasher-safe.
While traditional dish drying racks don't exactly get high scores in the style department, most modern kitchen racks are both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. Usually made from plastic, stainless steel, or wood, drying racks are also great for decluttering precious countertop space, which can be especially useful in small kitchens.
Ready to streamline your kitchen cleanups? Take a look at our list of the best dish drying racks of 2023.
How we selected products
From rectangular to round, dish drying racks come in many shapes and sizes. They can be compact and basic or feature multiple compartments and tiers. Some are foldable while others are meant to sit over your sink. With so many options, it's little surprise that selecting the right product for your specific needs can feel overwhelming.
In our quest to bring you the best dish drying racks of 2023, we looked at hundreds of gadgets and sifted through just as many personal and professional reviews. We also took into consideration a number of product characteristics. Firstly, we looked at each dryer's size. After all, there's little point in buying a rack that's not going to fit your kitchen space. Next, we contemplated materials to ensure that each product on our list will serve you for years to come. Lastly, we evaluated each dryer's design, including elements such as drip trays, utensil baskets, and drainage spouts.
Best overall dish drying rack
Made from brushed stainless steel, KitchenAid's compact dish rack makes a perfect addition to modern kitchens. Measuring 12.6 by 15.9 inches, the dish drying rack has space for up to nine dishes and five cups. It also comes with a three-compartment utensil basket that can be removed in case you need more drying space. The rust-resistant rack also features non-slip feet to protect your countertop and an angled drainboard engineered to guide water into the sink.
Sanah Faroke from Real Simple is a big fan of KitchenAid's dish rack and calls it "a space-saving dream." Faroke also appreciates the rack's chic design, versatility, and durability, adding that the dryer is going strong after seven months of heavy use.
The rack has received an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 20,000 Amazon shoppers. One happy reviewer writes, "I love this product and it's very solid and nice to have on the counter. Makes for a nice addition to my kitchen." Another shopper echoes this sentiment, saying, "Sturdy, holds a heavy cutting board without tipping over. The drain tray is easy to position and remove. Good size for a family of five."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the KitchenAid compact dish rack from Amazon starting at $50.49.
Best budget dish drying rack
Available in over 15 colors, including black, white, teal, and red, the Sweet Home Collection dish drainer makes an affordable and versatile add-on to any kitchen. The minimalist rack consists of three parts including a vinyl-coated dish rack with an area for cups, a bottom board that drains into the sink, and a two-part utensil holder. It measures 19 inches long and 12 inches wide, making it a convenient size for the average kitchen.
The Sweet Home Collection dish drainer has received 8.2 out of 10 stars on Best Views Reviews and 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 26,000 Amazon shoppers, indicating it's a good purchase for the price. One Amazon reviewer says, "Love the color, easy to clean, and strong enough to have in your kitchen by the sink!" Another buyer compliments the rack's quality, adding, "Nice affordable little set. As a chef the capacity is perfect, it fits my sink area like a glove." Not everybody shares this sentiment, however, and some Amazon customers comment that the rack pools water.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Sweet Home Collection dish drainer from Amazon starting at $26.99.
Best dish drying rack for a splurge
From oversized wine glasses to cups and plates, the simplehuman kitchen dish drying rack is large enough to handle most of your kitchen gear. However, at 22.3 by 20.2 inches it's also bound to take up some countertop space, so it's not ideal for small kitchens. The steel frame drying rack features a swivel spout for easy drainage into the sink, protective silicone-capped plate holders, and rubber feet that keep it securely in place during use. Last but not least, the bottom tray comes with a special coating that prevents water from pooling under the rack.
Standing testament to its quality and functionality, simplehuman's dish rack has received outstanding reviews from shoppers, garnering 9.3 out of 10 stars on Best Views Reviews and 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon. One Amazon shopper proclaims that they needed this rack more than they ever realized, adding, "Dishes stack better than we thought they would. And the water drains into the sink nicely. It's great!" Another customer echoes this sentiment, saying, "Very modern and sleek looking and designed well to hold a lot of dishes."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the simplehuman kitchen dish drying rack from Amazon starting at $94.39.
Best dish drying rack for small kitchens
Measuring 14 by 13.2 inches, the Chef'n DishGarden dish rack is perfect for keeping small spaces clutter-free. The striking round gadget has been designed to hold plates, cups, and even larger items such as cutting boards and pots. It also comes with two removable cutlery baskets, as well as a silicone drainage spout that can be closed in case you need to move the rack while it's in use. Plus, the Chef'n DishGarden dish rack can be popped on the top rack of the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
According to NBC News, the Chef'n DishGarden dish rack is a game changer for small kitchens, accommodating way more kitchenware than its compact size suggests. And while the platform praises the gadget for its functionality — in particular, the short and tall prongs that help you line up your cups and dishes — it also criticizes the rack for its "kooky" aesthetic.
The Chef'n DishGarden dish rack has received an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from more than 1,000 Amazon shoppers. One customer praises the gadget, saying, "Even though it's small, it can still hold it all. Same as big ones, only this one fits in tight places. Drains nicely. It's perfect."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Chef'n DishGarden dish rack from Amazon starting at $30.
Best roll-up dish drying rack
Ideal for kitchens with limited countertop space, the Surpahs multipurpose roll-up dish drying rack fits over the kitchen sink and can be rolled up for easy storage. Made from silicone-coated stainless steel rods, the rack is BPA-free, non-slip, and rust-resistant. It's dishwasher-safe and can handle temperatures up to 400 F. The dish drying rack is suitable for sinks with a width of up to 19.5 inches and it even comes with a lifetime warranty.
Living in Beauty calls the Surpahs product a "small kitchen superhero," adding that it can be used for a variety of tasks, from cooling baked goods to cutting up veggies — yes, the rack is sturdy enough to support a cutting board. Britt Franklin from Apartment Therapy is also a big fan of the drying rack and notes that the gadget is ultra-easy to store. "[I] discovered that folding it on top of itself is a great alternative to rolling it up. [...] Since the steel rods are spaced evenly, the drying rack can also be hung up on the wall with hooks," she writes.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Surpahs multipurpose roll-up dish drying rack from Amazon starting at $25.48.
Best expandable dish drying rack
If kitchen space is an issue in your home, Sabatier's expandable stainless steel dish rack might just be what you've been looking for. Made with coated wires and stainless steel panels, the rack comes with a drainboard that can be expanded from 18.5 inches to 29.4 inches if you need extra drying space. The gadget also comes with a removable wine glass rack and a three-compartment utensil basket. It also has a bi-directional spout to stop water from pooling in the drain board. As noted by Kendall Giles, this handy feature allows you to place the rack on the left or right side of the sink.
According to the Food Network, the Sabatier dish rack is "worth every penny" due to its large size, high quality, and functionality. Amazon shoppers seem to agree, awarding the dryer a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. One customer praises the gadget, writing, "It's sturdy enough to hold skillets & other heavy items and big enough for cookie sheets & large cutting boards. Love the expandable tray too." However, not every Amazon shopper has found the rack to their liking, with some customers complaining that the bottom board can be tricky to pull out and reposition.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Sabatier expandable stainless steel dish rack from Amazon starting at $67.86.
Best wooden dish drying rack
A perfect addition to kitchens with a wooden design, Totally Bamboo's collapsible dish drying rack can be folded down for convenient storage. Featuring multiple tiers with slots for plates, the rack is suitable for air-drying cups, bowls, pots, and pans. The rack doesn't come with a utensil caddy, however, and it shouldn't be soaked in water. Nevertheless, according to the company website, the material is easier to clean and more sustainable than hardwood.
Overall, Amazon shoppers seem happy with the Totally Bamboo collapsible dish drying rack, awarding it 4.6 out of 5 stars. One Amazon customer calls the rack "the best dish drainer," adding, "It holds way more than I thought it would. We are a family of 5, with 3 hungry kids, so there are a lot of dirty dishes! [...] I love that I can fold it up and put it under my sink when I need the counter space." On the downside, some customers have complained about the fact that the rack doesn't come with a utensil holder or a drain mat.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Totally Bamboo collapsible dish drying rack from Amazon starting at $49.99.
Best two tier dish drying rack
If you're looking for a drying rack that's going to hold a large number of dishes without taking up too much space on your kitchen counters, you could do much worse than investing in the iSPECLE dish drying rack. This stainless steel kitchen rack features two tiers: a top tier that holds up to 17 plates and a bottom tier with room for up to 18 bowls. Measuring 16.6 by 10.2 inches, the entire structure can hold up to 110 pounds and comes with adjustable feet to ensure stability. Plus, it has three removable drip trays to keep your countertop nice and dry.
Overall, the iSPECLE dish drying rack has received positive reviews from shoppers, garnering 8.2 out of 10 stars on Best Views Reviews and 4.3 out of 5 from more than 20,000 Amazon shoppers. One Amazon customer says that they love the rack's versatility, adding, "This product does a good job of utilizing its space for different features." Another shopper comments, "Love this dish rack. Small and doesn't take up a lot of room. Very sturdy and easy to assemble."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the iSPECLE dish drying rack from Amazon starting at $39.99.
Best three tier dish drying rack
If you thought small kitchens and a large number of dishes were a bad mix, think again. Measuring 15.7 by 11.2 inches, the X-cosrack dish drying rack is 24.4 inches high and features three tiers, each capable of supporting up to 45 pounds. Every layer comes with a drip tray and height-adjustable brackets, plus there's a cutlery basket and five hooks for hanging kitchen utensils. The stainless steel rack features coated wire frames to protect your dishes from damage.
On Amazon, the X-cosrack 3-tier dish drying rack has been reviewed more than 1,000 times, receiving an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Many shoppers are happy with the rack's design, with one customer writing, "This dish rack only takes up a tiny amount of space on the counter and it can hold so many more dishes than a regular rack. [...] I like that there is a water-catch tray for each rack so that the water from the items on the top tray doesn't drip down and get the other dishes on the bottom tray wet."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the X-cosrack dish drying rack from Amazon starting at $49.99.
Best dish drying rack for baby bottles
Perfect for baby bottles and other accessories such as pacifiers, the Boon Lawn baby bottle drying rack comes in three colors: green, white, and gray. And while the grass design might not fit every kitchen aesthetic, the rack is highly functional and compact enough to fit in your kitchen cabinet after use. The kitchen gadget measures 13.5 by 11 inches and is only 2.5 inches high. The rack also comes with a water tray and is free of PVC, BPA, and phthalate so you can have complete peace of mind.
The Boon Lawn baby bottle drying rack has received a seal of approval from The Night Light for its simple yet effective design. In particular, the platform praises the product for making items easy to both place and grab on the fly, as well as the fact that it doesn't slip and slide on the countertop. Amazon shoppers also seem to like the rack, giving it 4.8 out of 5 stars. One Amazon customer says, "I purchased one of these from a baby registry thinking it was ridiculous until I saw it in action. I was so amazed that I bought one for myself — and I don't have a baby — and I use it all the time!"
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Boon Lawn baby bottle drying rack from Amazon starting at $24.99.
Best dish drying rack for bottles
Available in black and white, the Yamazaki home kitchen multi eco stand features four long prongs for drying bottles and tall glassware. The versatile gadget can even be used as a handy stand for compost bags. And while the rack is unobtrusive enough to leave on your countertop, it can also be folded and stored in a cupboard or under the sink. Last but not least, the powder-coated steel rack features silicone tips that keep it securely in place during use.
Despite its seemingly simple design, Yamakazi's collapsible dryer has been a hit with Amazon shoppers who have awarded the gadget an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Perhaps one reviewer sums up the product best, saying, "This might seem like a silly purchase but I truly use this a lot. Mostly, to hold zip lock bags open while cooking or when pouring something in there. It also works great to dry our water bottles when we wash them. So many uses, a good buy."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Yamakazi home kitchen multi eco stand from Amazon starting at $16.06.
Best over-the-sink dish drying rack
Suitable for sinks between 13.7 and 18.5 inches long and at least 11.4 inches wide, the TOOLF expandable dish drying rack comes with extendable arms that hold it over the sink during use. The coated metal rack contains nine slots for plates, eight side hooks for glasses, and a removable basket for tableware. The gadget also features non-slip rubber feet in case you want to use it as an over-the-counter rack with a drying mat underneath.
The TOOLF expandable dish drying rack has received 9.1 out of 10 stars on Best Views Reviews and 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 3,000 Amazon shoppers. One satisfied shopper explains, "I liked that it was small and had cup holders on the side. It is sturdy enough for ceramic dishes or pots and even cast iron cookware. It has a telescoping extender that fits average size sinks." While many Amazon buyers seem happy with the product, some complain that the rack is on the small side and only suitable for one to two-person households.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the TOOLF expandable dish drying rack from Amazon starting at $25.99.
Best foldable dish drying rack
Made from rustproof aluminum, the OXO Good Grips aluminum fold flat dish rack is both stylish and highly functional. The X-shaped gadget is suitable for drying a huge variety of items including plates, cups, pots, and pans. Plus, it comes with a handy utensil basket that can be moved to either the left or right side of the dish slots, as well as a drainboard. The OXO Good Grips drying rack measures 16.4 by 14.6 inches and can be folded flat for easy portability and storage.
Amazon shoppers give the OXO Good Grips dish drying rack the green light, rating it 4.7 out of 5 stars. One customer comments that the rack "does the trick," adding, "[It] doesn't hold as many pots/pans as I would like, but I do like how it doesn't take up too much space on the counter and folds up nicely for storage." Another buyer agrees, saying, "We had a wooden [drying rack] for many years before it finally broke beyond repair. This new one seems stronger and is more versatile, with its ability to fold flat to dry larger items." On the downside, some reviewers complain that the drying board doesn't come with a spout, which means that you have to physically empty it into the sink.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the OXO Good Grips fold flat dish drying rack from Amazon starting at $42.95.