Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
8 Best Dish Drying Racks That Make Kitchen Cleanup Easier
They make the process faster and safer.
It's a universal truth that whether you like to cook or not, there will always be dirty dishes to wash. And even if you have a dishwasher, there are going to be items you wash by hand in the sink. Think: heavy Dutch ovens, delicate wine glasses, and your sharp knife sets. You grab your cleaning sponges, make a bath of warm, soapy water, and then what? They need to dry somehow! And while you can lay down paper towels or your favorite kitchen towels for a quick fix, the best thing to do is pick one of the best dish drying racks instead.
Our Top Picks
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Why a dish rack? It makes cleanup so much easier! First off, it helps separate the items so you don't chip or break them accidentally by stacking them on top of each other. Second, it helps them dry faster because air circulates around them, and they can drip off extra moisture. Many kitchen tools also need a dish drainer to avoid rusting, like certain types of steel and your trusty cast iron skillet.
When picking out a good dish drying rack, consider the size of your kitchen, your sink, and the items that will be drying. There are compact models and options that sit over the sink so you don't take up counter space. There are also larger models for bigger pots and two-tiered versions that hold practically everything. Don't worry, we've got all the best options right here (even one that went viral on TikTok!) so you don't have to wonder which one is best. Just add to your cart and then add to your sink!
KitchenAid Full Size Dish Rack
This heavy duty rack is sturdy and large enough to hold pots and pans, but is designed with side walls to keep delicate glasses secure, too. The separate utensil caddies also have slots to keep everything separated to dry fast, and the drip tray underneath is designed at an angle so water doesn't pool at the bottom. Long story short: This rack will hold and dry practically everything you have!
Mainstays Expandable Dish Rack
For an item under $10, you sure do get a lot of flexibility with this plastic model. It expands at the bottom, so you can put it in the sink, over the sink, or next to the sink. (FYI, it doesn't have a drip tray for underneath though.) It has a separate utensil holder, hooks for glasses, and can fit up to 14 plates.
Sweet Home Collection Dish Drainer
An affordable price point, 18 different color options, and a convenient lipped drip tray that drains back into the sink―these are just a few reasons why this option has racked up over 10,000 reviews. It has different sections for dishes, glasses, bowls, and utensils for great everyday use.
Five Two Over-the-Sink Dish Drying Rack
There's quite a few reasons this drying rack went viral on TikTok. It saves space by sitting over your sink rather than next to it and it folds up when not in use. It's also designed to promote airflow, so the items dry faster and drip where you expect water to be anyway―the sink! It also doubles as a colander and a trivet.
OXO Good Grips Foldaway Dish Rack
Leave it to OXO to develop something with so much thought. The plate rack folds down to accommodate bowls and pots, and the legs, utensil holders, and drain spout fold in for super easy storage. It's great if you don't have a lot of counter space!
iSPECLE Dish Drying Rack
Got a lot to wash? Try a two-tier rack. This option is super versatile with space for large pots on the bottom, plenty of room for plates on the top, utensil holders hanging off one side, and a space to dry cutting boards on the other.
Umbra UDRY Rack and Microfiber Dish Drying Mat
If you prefer the flexibility of having something flat, check out this hybird option. It is part microfiber mat (hello, super absorbent!) and part adjustable rack. Stack your plates and knives when you need to and remove it or just move it to the side when you need more surface area. It folds up easily for storage, too!
simplehuman Kitchen Dish Drying Rack
If you hand wash pretty much everything, you may want to consider a model will all the bells and whistles. Among its many amazing attributes, it has an anti-residue coating, anti-slip rubber feet, a swivel spout to drain excess water, and a separate section for wine glasses. Reviewers call it a "game changer!"
AnnMarie Mattila is the Commerce Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering products ranging from home, fashion, beauty, and more.
Watch Next
Shop Ree's New Beautiful Dinnerware Collections
Shop Alex's New Product for Healthier Hair
Ree's Reversible Quilt Is $14 at Walmart Right Now
Crocheters, This PW Collection Is Made for You
