If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Countertop space in a home kitchen is vital. To maximize every inch of room in your kitchen, you’ll need some clever and efficient workarounds. An over-the-sink dish rack may be one of the most practical ways to instantly gain a little more room. They’re just like regular dish drying racks, except they hang over your sink, opening up more room on the countertop but keeping it dry too.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Over-the-Sink Dish Rack
Here’s what to consider before buying an over-the-sink dish rack for your home or office kitchen.
Material: First, look for a dish rack that’s made with water-friendly materials. Food-grade stainless steel is a safe bet, as it often helps prevent rust, corrosion, and general damage. Also make sure the structure is sturdy and can hold heavy loads of dishes, pots, and pans.
Assembly: Generally speaking, the best dish racks are quick to snap together right out of the box. Some have removable pieces, so you can customize it however you want. This is ideal for centering certain sections over the sink to make sure your countertop isn’t catching water, or to compensate for a tall faucet.
Weight: A load of dishes can really add up fast, especially after a dinner party, so your dish rack needs to be able to hold that weight. Around 150 pounds should be enough for the average family, but go for more if you know there’ll be lots of people (and dishes).
Features: Shop for dish racks with features like adjustable feet (with rubber) to help set it at the right height. Those will also help balance it out on an uneven countertop to reduce wobble. Hooks can also be extremely convenient for drying items like knives and large pans.
What Are the Best Over-the-Sink Dish Racks?
Ready to upgrade your dish drying rack? Here’s how to upgrade your dish-cleaning game.
1. Loyalfire Adjustable Rack
Loyalfire’s adjustable two-level drainer has so much space, you may just end up using it as an extra kitchen shelf. It’s simple to assemble and to fit into your kitchen’s dimensions. It’s made with 100 percent stainless steel.
Amazon
2. Merrybox Adjustable Dish Drainer
Keep everything organized and dry with this stainless steel drying rack from Merrybox. There’s a spot for most everything here, including awkward items like cutting boards and odd-shaped dishes. There are also specific holders for detergent, cups, knives, and hooks for easy hanging. You can adjust its height, and the rack also features suction cups on the bottom to prevent slipping.
Amazon
3. Parosan Dish Drying Rack
We recommend this dish rack for having a designated spot for paper towels at the edge, as well as for being lighter than most of its competitors at around 10 pounds. It’s sturdy and has non-slip suction grip feet, along with rust-preventing steel. It can handle up to 80 pounds of dishes.
Amazon
4. Mecheer Dish Rack
If you’re working with limited kitchen space, roll out this grate to get an instant over-the-sink drainer. It’s significantly portable, foldable, and still made from stainless steel. When you’re done, either roll it back up or easily wash it to keep it clean.
Amazon
