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Choosing a placemat can be almost as much of a hassle as washing dishes. Home purchases like these are often made unceremoniously, but simply buying the cheapest item in the cookware aisle is a mistake. There’s a big difference between a bad dish rack that leaves your countertops wet and a good one that provides a durable home for once-dirty dishes and bowls. I don’t want to spend too much time at the sink and do my best to avoid blindly towel drying glassware like Stephen’s wife does. To find the best utensil racks, I asked professional organizers, recipe developers, and staff strategists about them. I also test as many of their recommendations as possible and update this guide frequently based on the results (yes, Yamazaki and the Common Man are worth it). Read on to learn about a product that can be placed over the sink, can be used as a tripod, another that folds completely, and more.
304 Stainless Steel Sheet, is the most popular and economical of the stainless steels. 304 Stainless Sheet offers good corrosion resistance to many chemical corrodents as well as industrial atmospheres and marine environments. 304 Stainless Sheet may become slightly magnetic when worked and is not heat treatable. Grain direction on polished sheets are random and not guaranteed unless specified or custom quoted.
- Specifications: AISI 304/304L, ASTM A240, AMS 5513/5511
- Finishes: 2B Mill (dull), #4 Brushed (appliances), #8 Mirror
- Applications: sanitary dairy, beverage and food product handling and processing, hospital equipment, marine hardware, kitchen appliances, back splashes, etc.
- Workability: Easy to Weld, Cut, Form and Machine with proper equipment
- Mechanical Properties: Nonmagnetic, Tensile = 85,000 +/-, Yield = 34,000 +/-,
Brinell = 170 - How is it Measured? thickness X width X length
- Available Stock Sizes: 1ft x 4ft, 2ft x 2ft, 2ft x 4ft, 4ft x 4ft, 4ft x 8ft, 4ft x 10ft or Cut to Size
Stock sizes may vary +/- 1/8″. Mill tolerances on thickness & flatness applies.
Call if you need specific sizes or grain direction.
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To judge the durability of your placemat, pay close attention to the material it’s made from. “While wood and bamboo look beautiful, water is not their friend,” explains Lisa Zaslow, owner of Gotham Organizers. Steel, plastic and silicone are the best options, with steel being the most popular. These posts are usually powder coated to prevent rust. For practical reasons, relatively cheap plastic and silicone can withstand constant splashes in the sink and are easy to clean. You’ll often see the latter in pop-up trunks because it’s lightweight, says professional organizer Caroline Solomon.
Suffice it to say, dish racks have a reputation for being unsightly. That’s why we look for a balance between form and function, pointing out features that make drying dishes easier or make the dish rack stand out aesthetically (or both).
Knowing the dimensions of your utensil rack will allow you to decide whether it will fit comfortably on your countertop, so we’ve listed the dimensions (height, width and length) of each recommendation below. Since size also relates to portability (you may not want to leave the pan rack open), we’ve also mentioned the weight of each pan.
Materials: steel, wood, resin | Design: handles, removable utensil holder and draining rack | Dimensions: 7.87 x 18.5 x 13.19 inches and 4.08 lbs.
Among our experts, no competitor can compare to Japanese home furnishings brand Yamazaki. This dish rack has received a Blue Ribbon Award for best in class, thanks in part to its appearance. “Look! This is the most beautiful utensil rack you’ve ever seen, isn’t it?” says cookbook author and recipe developer Anna Stockwell. “The wood-handled utensil rack has a Scandinavian-style steel silhouette. But it’s not just about aesthetics. Kitchen and Dining Strategy author Emma Wartzman reports that “it’s really well made,” and Stockwell says it’s held up well from years of cleaning.
Since I named it “Best Overall”, I had the pleasure of trying it myself after Yamazaki sent it to me. This stand is really beautiful – stylish without being industrial. Its clever design includes curved teeth to help you place dishes neatly, and a raised edge on the draining board to prevent accidental spills on the countertop. You’ll have to remove the rack from the drying board to get rid of any remaining dishwash water, so the handles are there for a reason. (They seem a little quirky to me, and I love items like this, which are often very utilitarian.) I think they might get a little wear and tear from washing dishes – but so far so good. There is enough free space at the bottom of the shelf and under the tray so that after a while you will not see the dish still dripping. It can also store a lot of things – I stacked an impressive stack of mugs on it, and it can also easily accommodate plates, bowls, cups and cutlery for a dinner party.
Materials: steel, wood, resin | Design: handles, removable cutlery holder and draining rack | Dimensions: 16.5 x 12 x 5.5 inches
If you like the look of our top picks but think they’re too wasteful, check out Alexandra Shitzman, recipe developer and founder of The New Baguette. When her old Ikea dish rack began to rust, she began looking for Yamazaki knockoffs. That search led her to this Tomorotec, which costs almost a third as much as a similar minimalist look. The only difference is that the Tomorotec utensil rack comes with a two-compartment utensil rack instead of the Yamazaki three-compartment utensil rack. As for the rest of the design, Schitzman praises the plate slots that aren’t too high (so you can dry other dishes comfortably (not at an angle)) and the removable tray, which is easy to clean.
Material: steel | Design: Removable swivel spout and pan holder, closed shelf, glassware frame and hooks, anti-fingerprint coating | Dimensions: 11.5 x 22.3 x 20.2 inches, 7 lbs.
Zaslow describes the Simple Human as “the Rolls Royce of cutlery holders” because of its practical features, including a cutlery holder with compartments to separate cutlery, forks and spoons, as well as glass hooks and a rack for turning glasses. However, perhaps the most useful feature is the swivel spout (versus a traditional flat tray), which drains excess water into the sink without creating a mess. Unlike other models on our list, you can choose between a more compact model (with a smaller utensil holder, fewer cup hooks, and no glass holder) and a full-size “standard” version that costs about $20 more (and differs from the most expensive recommendation on this list).
The Strategist’s employees love him. Former assistant editor Louis Czeslaw said the rotating device helps keep shelves “nearly spotless” without puddles of soapy water on the bottom. In The Strategist’s second endorsement, writer Lauren Roe likes that her box’s shape allows the shelf to “accommodate a stack of dishes, no matter how high you stack everything.” After Simplehuman sent it to me for review, I became a convert again. What amazed me the most was how quickly the plates dried. The wire mesh frame inside the rack prevents dishes from sinking in dishwasher water and ensures adequate air flow underneath as it sits above a plate that directs water droplets towards the rotating nozzle and into the sink. You can stack things very high, and the silicone lid’s “spikes” even hold plates and pots in place. Although the dish hook on one side is small, I never worried about a large cup falling over. It feels like this brand has thought of everything when making the stands. (Even my father, who never noticed these things, praised it while washing several pots.)
Material: aluminum | Design: pull-out swivel spout, waste plate, removable pan holder | Dimensions: 9.9 x 11.8 x 16.5 inches and 3.39 lbs.
A cheaper option with a similar waste spout is the stand recommended by Hadley Sui, author of Oisisou! The best anime dessert recipe. It’s also made by Tomorotec, the company that makes the aforementioned cheaper Yamazaki copycat. This two-tier stand has a swivel attachment similar to the one on the Simple Human, but it’s retractable rather than removable, so you can tuck it away when you don’t need to use it. This design detail was what initially attracted Sui to the Tomorotec utensil rack: she was tired of the pond her old utensil rack created on the counter, so she was amazed by the Tomorotec telescopic drainage system. Now, even if water manages to escape from the nozzle, the pan acts as a shield. Sui loves rose gold as a bright (non-distracting) color.
Materials: steel, resin | Design: removable swivel spout and pan holder | Dimensions: 6.69 x 16.54 x 9.06 inches and 3.97 pounds
If you’re short on countertop space, choose the compact Yamazaki model. It’s small but mighty: Author and recipe developer Rebecca Firkser has a Dutch oven, plates, mugs, and coffee pot set on a stand with a rotating spout similar to the common man’s. Firkser’s tip: Prop one side of the counter at a slight angle (she uses two deli cup lids for this) so all the water drains away. At just under $60, it’s more expensive than her previous dish rack, but she thinks it’s a worthwhile investment. In the two years since purchase, the device has withstood regular cleaning (plate stand, base, spout and stopper included) and wiping (grill with wiring).
Materials: steel, resin, silicone | Design: swivel joint, removable draining board and dish holder, hooks for hanging accessories | Dimensions: 13 x 16.1 x 8.7 inches, 5.5 pounds
This two-tier utensil rack is a favorite of professional organizer Britney Tanner and Snackable Bakes author Jessie Sheehan. While width-oriented shelves are best suited for larger kitchens, they offer space-saving features that Tanner describes as “thoughtfully designed.” This includes the mold itself, which can fit into tight spaces without sacrificing drying capabilities. The second tier has side hooks designed for oddly shaped utensils or sponge sticks, and the lower tier has a drying board with the same Yamazaki spout that can be removed to free up counter space. Shihan originally had the best choice, but we just updated it to this version. “Durable, streamlined, simple and sophisticated—this is the end of all dish racks,” she says. As for its quality, Shin was impressed by how pristine it looked, especially since she “basically washes dishes for a living.” She adds, “It’s durable and handles clean, large Le Creuset pans dripping from the bottom and even the top with ease.”
Material: metal | Design: dish and soap holders, cup hooks, special top layer for plates | Dimensions: 20.5 x 26.8 inches (expands to 34.6 x 12.4 inches and 9.48 lbs).
Gracie Baked founder Gracie Bensimon’s biggest fear was cleaning her dish racks: If there wasn’t any dishwater sitting there, it “would get really gross.” “I thought I was washing dishes and leaving them to dry in the dirt,” she recalled. This over-the-freestanding sink dryer changed everything, allowing her to “no longer waste countertops or dirty wash water.” When the dishes are dry, excess water will drip directly into the sink. You can also increase the rack width for precision mounting from a minimum of 26.8 inches to a maximum of 34.6 inches. (Pay close attention to the height—20.5 inches, plus you’ll need room to put dishes if you have cabinets overhead.) Storage is ample, with space for soap and sponges, and one section for a plate. – in particular, and the hooks that hold the cups in place. The downside, warns Bensimon, is that there isn’t enough room for pots and pans. (Instead, she’s a “strong advocate of cleaning these things and then putting them on the stove to dry.”)
Materials: steel, silicone | Design: Perforated edges, removable cutlery holder that converts into a trivet and colander | Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.25 inches (open), 20.3 x 3 (closed) and 5.28 ounces
The freestanding shelf above works best as part of a more permanent sink installation. But this over-the-sink utensil rack from Food52 Series 52 is even more versatile. It’s a favorite of Brittany Nims, former associate director of e-commerce partnerships and business development at Vox Media, who has been using it since the company gave it to her a few years ago. This rack does a great job of drying dishes, rolls over the sink, drains leftover dishwashing water, and comes with a portable punch box. Nims likes to use it for a quick rinse and cleanse after a small meal. You can also use it as a trivet (heat resistant up to 550 degrees F), a food rinsing station, or even an extra countertop.
Materials: steel, silicone | Design: folds down the sides of the sink | Dimensions: 17 x 11.8 inches and 9.9 ounces.
Hannah Stark, a former member of the Social Strategist team, had a kitchen so small (22 square feet) that it couldn’t even fit a refrigerator. Her creative storage solutions include this rack, which, when taken apart, “creates a surface that allows the dishwasher to drain or dry items while leaving some space under the sink,” she says. When Stark needs the whole shell, she can roll it up.
Materials: metal, polypropylene | Design: Non-slip rubber feet, removable utensil holder, expandable with bottom handle, low profile | Dimensions: 5.5 x 11.75 x 14.5 inches and 2.64 lbs.
Umbra’s Sinkin stand has earned praise from interior and props designer Kate Gouri and Organizing Goddess owner Sharon Lowenheim. The shelf can be used inside, outside, or above the sink (pull out the handle at the bottom of the counter and rotate it so it rests on the top edge of the sink). It does not have a drip tray or spout; instead, Guri says it goes straight to the sink to avoid puddles and wet towels on the counter. Lowenheim, on the other hand, uses a different, simpler version. Since she doesn’t have to wash her hands often, she puts the counter near the sink (her pro tip: add a drying rack underneath since the sink doesn’t have one). She likes the edges of the rack so she can balance any dishes that are still wet in the dishwasher, including Rubermaid food storage containers that are difficult to dry completely.
Material: steel | Design: Non-slip rubber handles, removable utensil holder, low profile | Dimensions: 4 x 15 x 12 inches (expands to 21 inches), Weight 1.54 lbs.
Like the previous Umbra model, you can place this rack on a counter or use it over or above a sink. As soon as the rubber handle is pulled, it unfolds. The understated design is decidedly minimalist, with shelves reminiscent of grocery store shopping baskets. “This product stands out because it’s unobtrusive,” says Heidi Lee, founder of home organization service Prune + Pare. The discreet shelf is “functional without being over-the-top,” she adds. It is very simple and does not have a drip tray. This was a plus for Lee because her trays and other utensil racks had become moldy over the years. “You can also upgrade the included plastic utensil holders to matching steel utensil holders, and the rack will do double duty as a food colander,” suggests Lee.
Material: metal, silicone | Design: removable drainer and two utensil holders, hooks for glasses | Dimensions: 12.4 x 14.57 x 12.99 inches and 2.47 pounds
Dutch brand Brabantia produces collapsible dish racks that have received the Salomon seal of approval. She explains that compared to other folding options, this one comes with its own drip tray that also doubles as a drying area for glassware and kitchenware, and it’s easy to clean thanks to its shallow, grill-style grooves. Solomon says double silverware tins (which can be attached to either end of the top rack) are strategically placed on the outside of the dryer, providing enough ventilation so everything can dry properly. Once completed, you can store its parts separately. “This is the dish rack you’ll want to buy before other smaller versions,” she promises.
On her recommendation, I asked Brabancia to send me one to try. This utensil rack requires some compromises: it requires plenty of countertop space, but you get a ton of storage space. The top can easily accommodate plates for a banquet for four, and the rack comes with several silicone tubes (purchased separately if needed) that can be placed over the rack to store any utensils you might need (like a dessert plate). Too small to fit. When the bottom tray is full, I place the glasses on top—the V shape keeps them from falling into the sink. This version of the wine rack also comes with glass hooks (cheaper versions do not include them). Even if turned upside down, they are strong enough to support the most fragile stems. Since the shelf is mainly made of silicone, it is very easy to clean – it never gets stained by water. I also don’t mind watching this while I wash my dirtiest dishes.
Material: aluminum | Design: Built-in drainage tray, removable pan holder, fully foldable | Dimensions: 2.25 x 15 x 21 inches, 3.3 lbs
Strategy writer Katherine Gillespie included this folding rack in an article in our monthly Transportation Strategies series. It’s made by OXO, makers of some of our favorite food storage containers and pans. Its “compact design has been recognized by the Museum of Modern Art,” she noted. “It’s durable, and the top shelf has grooves that are perfectly positioned to accommodate my ceramic plates and bowls,” explains Gillespie. Plus, because the drip tray at the bottom is grooved, “you can play Tetris with large pots and pans without rolling off the table.” Before turning to this option, she considered herself “shelf independent.” But then I started to realize that you can position the OXO at different angles and support it in one or two tiers, depending on the size of the dish and your needs. Gillespie adds, “Either way, there’s still plenty of height for drainage.” This versatility means it doesn’t have to “stack dangerously” with dishes, and it makes it a little taller than its predecessor (Rubbermaid’s Shake, the wobbly wire model). has been significantly improved.
Material: steel with clear acrylic coating | Design: Double Layer Folding | Dimensions: 9 x 11.38 x 18.88 inches, 4 lbs.
If extras like drip trays and silverware baskets aren’t too important to you (or you’re looking for a more cost-effective yet collapsible rack than the Brabantia and OXO above), you should consider the Kvot Dish Drying Rack from IKEA. It can best be described as minimalist: all you get is a folded wire frame. But it is still multifunctional. Melina Hammer is a recipe developer, food stylist, and author of A Year in the Catbird Cabin who has been making recipes for over a decade. Her job “always involves washing a ton of dishes,” and Hammer has a lot of fragile, unique items that can’t go in the dishwasher. She considers a shelving unit under $15 to be “in the ballpark” for a two-tier shelving unit. “It’s not uncommon for him to balance tower sculptures: first a neat row of utensils, then a mixing bowl or a few pans, and sometimes—if I was making a batch of sauce or baking dough—food processor pieces. (She repurposed a placemat from another shelf because Quota didn’t come with a placemat.) The hinged V shape neatly organizes cutlery. there’s plenty of room to arrange items without big-ticket items (like her Danish dinnerware and mid-century steak knives) touching anything else. And it doesn’t look bulky on the counter.
Materials: steel and plastic | Design: Removable cutlery holder and drain pan, built-in cup holders and plates | Dimensions: 19.8 x 14 x 6.9 inches and 4.84 lbs.
The “good thing” about the Polder Advantage is that it has a removable drying tray. It slides out from under the drying rack and can be used as another place to dry dishes when the rack is full. Although strategy writer Erin Schwartz actually lost this part of the four-piece design, which included a drip tray, separate drying plate, utensil holder and wire frame, a long time ago (or perhaps it did, because the rack was inherited from a roommate). mom), they confirmed that the rack “sucks water out of dishes as quickly as possible.” Schwartz is admittedly “passionate about optimizing space for utensils, stands and dishwashers” and finds it “not frustrating” to have different sizes of utensils on this polder. Plus, it’s more “high-capacity” than it looks. Schwartz’s sister even put up her wedding registry after hearing Schwartz’s recommendation.
Materials: polypropylene, microfiber | Design: Removable stand, drying mat and utensil holder | Dimensions: 2″ 13.5″ x 8″ 8.2 oz
As food stylist Drew Eichel says, we’re all probably “guilty of letting dishes take longer to dry than they should.” But with Umbra U Dry, he says you’ll have to put dishes away faster to free up more counter space. This is the second cheapest rack on our list and one of the most compact – it rolls up tightly with ties once the dishes are returned to the cabinet. The frame of the board is removable and has grooves on both ends that slide along the edge of the mat. Zaslow mentioned to me that although the model has a low profile, it is strong enough to hold the plates upright and has raised teeth on the frame to keep items upright and ensure that fragile items like glassware don’t tip over and they will not fall. I had Umbra test the mat itself and found that the tray remains stable even when the mat is folded in half, which is how I use it when I don’t want to leave too much space near the sink. The pad is made of several layers of microfiber, foam and mesh; I set it in a pan that was still dripping water, it absorbed the water well and didn’t take long to dry. I really miss the utensil holder – forks, knives and spoons can pile up – but it’s a fair trade for something so compact.
• Louis Cheslow, former associate editor at The Strategist • Rebecca Firkser, writer and recipe developer • Katherine Gillespie, writer at The Strategist • Naima Ford Goldson, owner of Restore Order Professional Organizing • Kate Gouri, interior and props designer • Melina Hammer, recipe developer, food stylist and author of A Year at Catbird Cottage • Heidi Lee, founder of home organization service Prune + Pare • Sharon Lovenheim, owner of Organization Goddess • Brittany Nims, former e-commerce and business development partner at Vox Media Associate Directors • Lauren Roe , Strategist Writer • Erin Schwartz, Strategist Writer • Jesse Sheehan, Recipe Developer and Author of Snack Baking • Alexandra Shitzman, Recipe Developer and Founder of The New Baguette • Caroline Solomon, Professional Organizer • Hannah Stark, Former Social Team Member strategies • Anna Stockwell, cookbook author and recipe developer • Hadley Sui, author of Oishisou!Best Anime Dessert Recipe • Britney Tanner, professional organizer • Emma Wartzman, kitchen and dining strategy writer • Lisa Zaslow, professional organizer and owner of Gotham Organizers
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Each product is independently selected by (obsessed) editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
Post time: Sep-20-2023