Using an over the sink dish rack is a convenient and space-saving way to dry and store dishes and other kitchen items.
ByBrittany Varano| Updated Mar 22, 2021 10:50 AM
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No matter whether your kitchen is spacious or tiny, having a quality dish-drying rack can help organize your kitchen while providing a sanitary way to dry dishes. Air-drying dishes is not only more hygienic, but it’s also more convenient. After you’ve washed the day’s dishes, simply set them and forget them.
When shopping for the best over the sink dish rack for your needs, there are various materials, sizes, and additional features to keep in mind. This guide will cover the important factors to consider as you shop and then explore some of the top products on the market to air-dry your dishes while keeping the kitchen organized.
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What to Consider When Choosing the Best Over the Sink Dish Rack
The primary features to consider when choosing an over-the-sink dish rack include the size and style of the rack, the material with which it’s made, how the rack suits the aesthetic of your kitchen, and the availability of additional features. Read on to learn more about these features to select the best over-the-sink dish rack for your needs.
It is imperative to know the measurements of the sink, the height of the faucet, and the distance between the sink and any cabinetry above it prior to deciding on the proper size of a new over-the-sink dish rack. It is also helpful to determine the amount of available counter space in case the rack is unfixed and will stand on the border around the sink.
Next, consider the number of dishes, bowls, utensils, and other kitchen items you want the dish rack to hold. Smaller drying racks hold as few as 10 dishes, while larger options can hold up to 25 dishes or more. Some racks feature two-tiered shelving for even more storage space.
An over-the-sink dish rack can be made from materials like stainless steel, plastic, vinyl-coated metal, bamboo, and more. Each of these materials varies in terms of durability and aesthetic. Stainless steel is strong, rust-resistant, and durable. It also boasts a higher-end finish that matches other stainless steel kitchen appliances.
Plastic is a budget-friendly material that is lightweight and easy to clean. Bamboo is another popular material that adds a touch of warmth to any kitchen and features natural antimicrobial properties ideal for drying dishes. Vinyl-coated metal is durable and provides an aesthetic that better matches kitchens without stainless steel appliances.
It is also vital to consider whether a fixed or temporary over-the-sink dish rack is best for your kitchen. A fixed over the sink rack requires a bit of installation and is typically attached to the wall, cabinet, or countertop to keep it safely in place. Most fixed dish racks include the necessary hardware and installation instructions.
A temporary—or unfixed—rack does not require installation, as it merely rests on its own legs. Temporary dish racks may have rolling wheels for portability, feature an adjustable frame to fit different kitchen layouts, or provide collapsible walls to save space when not in use.
While the overall functionality of most over-the-sink dish racks may appear the same on the surface, there are also extra features from which shoppers can choose. Some dish racks feature separate compartments for easy organization, an extendable drying tray, or hooks to hang utensils or dish brushes. Other racks might offer a mini dish soap shelf, cupholder attachments, and a draining board or microfiber mat to collect water and protect the countertop.
No matter the color scheme or design of your kitchen, there are over-the-sink dish racks that are as stylish as they are functional. Stainless steel dish racks pair well with stainless steel appliances or industrial and modern kitchens. Plastic, matte metal, and bamboo dish racks are also attractive options that can add a warm and homey touch to any space.
Our Top Picks
The best over-the-sink dish racks can eliminate the time-consuming task of drying dishes while offering a touch of organization to any kitchen. These top picks take into consideration the abovementioned factors and satisfy a wide variety of kitchen layouts, storage needs, and household preferences.
1Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceThis spacious over-the-sink dish rack by HEOMU is made from rust-resistant stainless steel and features two levels of shelves separated into four sections to hold a wide range of kitchen items like plates, bowls, mugs, and glasses. It also includes six removable S-shaped hooks to hang utensils and dishrags, two side racks for larger items like cutting boards, and a dish soap storage area.
The dish rack fits sinks up to 35 inches wide and will comfortably hover above faucets no higher than 15 inches tall. The width of the rack is adjustable from 36.5 to 39 inches, and it measures 11.5 inches deep and 31 inches tall. Nonslip pads ensure the rack won’t slide around on the countertop, even if it is wet. Assembly is easy and can be completed in just 15 minutes.
2Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceThis chrome alloy steel over the sink dish rack by Simple Houseware is an affordable option that does not require any installation. It measures 8.25 by 20.5 by 4.8 inches and features a 1.5-inch extendable arm on each end that rests on the sides of the sink to hold the rack in place.
With this rack, water conveniently drips directly into the sink, so there is no need for an additional mat or drying board. The dish rack is ideal for more compact sinks and can hold up to eight plates, two cups, and miscellaneous utensils. However, it does not include a separate utensil compartment.
3Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceBoosiny’s over-the-sink dish rack is an expansive and upgraded option that offers a variety of organizational features. It includes two shelves: The bottom shelf has slots to hold up to 20 bowls and 15 plates of various sizes, and the top shelf is a wire rack suitable for pots and pans, lids, and cups. The rack also provides a dish-soap holder, a cutting-board rack, two utensil-drying holders, and six S-shaped hanging hooks. It is made from stainless steel with a dark gray coating that protects the metal from rust.
This rack measures 12 inches in width by 31.5 inches in height with an adjustable length from 27.5 to 33.5 inches. It will comfortably fit under faucets that are less than 16.93 inches tall. The legs are capped with suction-cup feet that are anti-slip even on wet countertops.
4Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceThis stylish over-the-sink dish rack by 1Easylife boasts a mirror-finish stainless steel frame that is not only resistant to rust but designed to match high-end stainless steel appliances. It features an adjustable width of 33.4 to 39.37 inches to fit sinks less than 38 inches wide and can comfortably fit above faucets that are less than 15.5 inches tall.
The rack provides seven S-shaped hooks, a dish rack, a bowl rack, a cup-drying rack, a silverware caddie, a knife holder, a cutting board and lid holder, a dish soap and sponge holder, and even a basket intended to hold fresh fruit. The shelves can accommodate up to 10 plates, 16 bowls, eight glasses, and more. The legs include suction cups to keep the frame in place. This is a freestanding rack, so there is no installation; however, some assembly is required.
5Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceThis over-the-sink dish rack from Prepworks by Progressive features collapsible walls that conveniently lie flat for easy storage in most cabinets and drawers. When fully expanded, this dishwasher-safe plastic rack measures 16.5 by 12.38 by 1.75 inches.
There is no installation or assembly required; simply extend the two adjustable arms to fit any sink up to 26.75 inches wide. This dish rack can hold up to eight plates and also features a handy utensil basket. The rack fits over the sink but hangs into the basin so water directly flows down the drain.
6Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceThis adjustable over-the-sink dish rack from Tsmine is constructed from strong 304 stainless steel coated in black paint that protects against rust and scratches. It adjusts from 34.5 to 42 inches to fit most standard sinks between 32 and 39 inches wide with a depth of 12.6 inches and a height of 20.5 inches. The frame can also accommodate a faucet that is no taller than 17.5 inches.
The legs feature a U-shape design to balance weight and stabilize the rack, which is bolstered by the antislip suction cups. The organization options include a plate rack, a bowl rack, a cutting board and lid rack, a knife holder, a utensil holder, a dish soap and sponge holder, a fruit and vegetable basket, and seven utility hanging hooks. No installation is required, and the frame provides a convenient snap-on structure for easy disassembly and cleaning.
7Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceFor smaller sinks, istBoom has crafted a quality compact over the sink dish rack that conveniently sits above the sink to save on counter space. It measures 24.8 by 11.8 by 20.87 inches and is intended for sinks no wider than 25 inches and faucets no taller than 17.5 inches. The rack provides six plate dividers and can also hold approximately six bowls. Other features include eight hanging hooks, a cutting-board rack, a knife rack, a utensil compartment, and a small shelf for dish soap and sponges.
The dish rack is constructed with rust-resistant stainless steel that is durable and easy to clean, and the anti-slip suction cups prevent it from sliding on the wet countertop. All components are detachable for easy cleaning, storage, and even customization to suit the available space. No installation is required for this freestanding rack.
8Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceThe over the sink dish rack from Surpahs is an excellent option for those seeking a dish rack that doesn’t take up much space and also easily stores away. It measures 20.5 by 13.1 by 0.3 inches when it is unfurled and rolls up tightly when not in use.
This single-layer dish rack is made with rust-resistant metal steel rods connected by FDA-approved, food-safe silicone. It can be placed over the entirety of a sink up to 19.5 inches in width or hung over the side to maintain full functionality of the faucet. This versatile dish rack can also be used to dry produce, thaw meat, dry dishcloths, and cool baked goods. It is heat resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and dishwasher safe.
9Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceThe over the sink dish rack from SANNO offers a smaller option for those who don’t want a large and permanent structure. It measures 14.75 by 11 by 3.75 inches and features adjustable, nonslip rubber arms that expand the rack between 15.8 and 22.2 inches wide to fit most sinks measuring between 16 and 22 inches in width. This rack is constructed from durable 304 stainless steel that won’t rust or corrode over time.
A removable utensil compartment makes it easy to move silverware back to the drawer once dry. The body of the rack has enough space to hold up to seven dishes and miscellaneous kitchen items. Four rubber feet are attached to the bottom to prevent scratching of the counter or sink basin when in use.
10Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceFor an ultimate over-the-sink dish rack that doubles as useful storage, look to this two-tier 304 stainless steel model by Loyalfire. It features two expandable tiers that can store six big bowls, eight small bowls, 12 plates, pots and pans, and even small kitchen appliances. This rack also features six utility hooks, a silverware caddie, cupholders, a cutting-board holder, and a basket for soaps and sponges.
The dish rack is 33.46 inches tall by 11.02 inches deep with the shelves expanding from 24.4 to 37.6 inches. It fits comfortably above faucets that are no higher than 16.93 inches tall. The four corners feature anti-skid pads to keep the rack stable and secure, even on wet surfaces. The necessary tools are included for easy assembly.
FAQs About Over the Sink Dish Racks
Do you still have questions about over-the-sink dish racks? Check out some of the most frequently asked questions and corresponding answers to help find the right option for you.
Air-drying dishes on dish racks is generally more sanitary than using a dish towel, but it’s still important to frequently wash a dish rack to maintain cleanliness.
Dish racks made from stainless steel are naturally rust- and corrosion-resistant.
Metal and plastic dish racks should be dishwasher safe, but always be sure to consult the product’s user manual before putting any part of a dish rack in the dishwasher.
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