No matter how great your dishwasher is, there will always come a time that you’re going to have to hand wash some dishes.
In fact, maybe you don’t have a dishwasher at all! For times as such this, you need a reliable way to drain those dishes.
Most of us have seen or used dish racks at some point but what if you don’t want to use up counter space or simply don’t have much counter space? This is when an over the sink dish rack could come in handy for you!
What is the best over the sink dish rack? In general, the best over the sink dish racks will have plenty of space as well as various compartments or sections to hold various types of dishes. Space-efficient racks that fit into or on one side of the sink are a good alternative for small kitchens.
In this guide, we will share with you the 7 best over the sink dish racks that money can buy. We’ve found our favorite options and will share reviews of each, so let’s get moving!
Keep reading to learn all about the best over the sink dish racks.
How to Choose an Over the Sink Dish Rack
We thought it might be useful to provide you with some helpful tips that you might be able to use in the choosing process.
Every kitchen is different and your needs for a full or small-size dish rack will vary, but here are some characteristics worth considering:
Size
Size is going to be an important consideration here. Everyone has different sizes of sinks and kitchens that must be accommodated.
Don’t hesitate to take some measurements of your kitchen before you purchase any large, tiered racks. Or opt for any height and length adjustable models so you can make sure it is large or small enough for your space.
Likewise, with smaller options that fit onto one side of the sink you want to make sure the rack is a standard size, adjustable, or exactly the right size for your sink.
Compartments
By compartments we mean you will likely need and prefer a few spaces designed for different dishes. For example, you will most likely prefer a compartment for silverware and other small items.
Look for designated utensil spaces, side racks for large cutting boards, places to hang your mugs, ladles, etc. Is there a tray or space reserved for cutlery and silverware? How will it hold your plates? You get the idea.
Again, this could be specific to your preferences and your needs. If you just need a rack for the occasional dish that can’t be thrown in the dish-washer, you may not even need all the frills.
You know best what type of space and set-up you are going to need and the types of dishes you will be washing in it the most.
Durability
Next, you will want to know whether the dish rack is going to be durable. You don’t want to worry about it rusting or falling apart on you when you load it up with dishes.
Be sure to look for something that is sturdy and reliable (like stainless steel) while you are in the process of picking out the best option for yourself.
Budget
Some over the sink dish racks can get pretty pricy. You will find that there are fancy models that are 2 or more tiers with tons of compartments and then there are small, single basket options as well. The prices vary greatly with the styles.
If you like the 2-tier approach, you should plan to pay slightly more for the upgraded design. If you purchase a small basket-style dish rack, then you might get away with an option that costs $25 or less.
The budget is up to you but we want you to be sure you are aware of the difference in prices as you start looking at your options.
The 7 Best Over the Sink Dish Racks
Whether you need something small and simple or you want a large option with all of the different sections, we’ve got you covered. We’ve selected a variety of products that are truly the best to try to meet everyone’s needs in some way.
| Rank | Product | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Lonove Adjustable Drying Rack | 2 tiers, adjustable |
| 2. | Heomu Drying Rack | 2 tiers, multi-storage |
| 3. | Sanno Expandable Drying Rack | Over sink/counter |
| 4. | Surpahs Dish Drying Rack | Rolls-up, versatile |
| 5. | Dailyart Dish Rack | 2 tiers, multi-storage |
| 6. | Ace Teah Drying Rack | 2-tiers, roomy storage |
| 7. | Simple Houseware Drainer Rack | In sink/counter |
Check out our top 7 picks in more detail to learn more about the best over the sink dish racks below.
1. Lonove Dish Adjustable Drying Rack
This rack is our top pick overall. It’s made with a gorgeous design and it has a rack for everything.
You can stay organized in your dishwashing and have plenty of space for each and every little thing.
This rack is sturdy and made with stainless steel. It’s a 2-tier rack so it stands tall. The bottom tier holds small things like cutlery and soaps while the top rack has places for bowls, plates, and glasses of all kinds.
There are even hanging spaces for your cooking utensils. With this dish drying rack, you easily get the most out of your space. Did we mention there’s a slide slot that can hold baking sheets or cutting boards?
This is a large rack and the length is adjustable so you can make it fit your sink space as perfectly as possible. They claim that it will work for 99% of sinks out there.
It’s also easy to assemble and set up. The materials are high-quality so they won’t fall apart or rust too easily either. It really doesn’t get much better than this option.
Pros:
- Large, adjustable dish rack
- 2 tiers with designated spaces for everything
- Holds plenty of dishes at one time
- Easy to assemble
- Made with high-quality stainless steel
Cons:
- Not a ton of rack space for large items and bowls
2. Heomu Over the Sink Dish Drying Rack
This next option is another 2-tier option with various sections and accommodations.
It’s made to be slim so it doesn’t stick out too far over the sink or get in your way while you’re washing dishes.
This is an adjustable length sink but your sink will need to be 35 inches or less in total width in order to function with this option. The tiers are high up so there shouldn’t be any kind of fitting issue with your faucet.
This has spaces for silverware, bowls, cups, pots and pans, and cutting boards. It also has hanging spaces for cooking utensils and things like mugs with handles. This rack is sturdy and can hold up to 40 pounds of dishes at one time.
Pros:
- Slim and tall profile
- Designated spaces for all of the things
- Durable and can hold up to 40 pounds
- Built tall so it fits any faucet
- Adjustable to sinks up to 35 inches wide
Cons:
- This is not a rust-proof rack.
- There is nothing to prevent water dripping onto the countertop if your rack is not wholly over the sink.
3. Sanno Expandable Dish Drying Rack
Here is a small option that fits over one side of the sink. It is expandable so it really should work with any size of sink for the most part.
This has a simple design but it is effective for the purpose. It can also be placed on the countertop if you change your mind or simply need more sink space after a big dinner.
It can brace over the top edges of your sink or even down inside (for some sinks anyway) as well. Since the sides are expandable, it can work in a large, single sink as well as a bisected sink.
There are not really separate designated areas for different types of dishes but the slots are made where you can wash any dish and fit it in the dish drainer appropriately. This dish rack does have a silverware holder, which is helpful.
Pros:
- Includes a silverware holder
- Expandable to fit over the sink easily
- Rustproof materials
- Small and simple design
- Covered by a 5-year warranty
Cons:
- The utensil holder is not large enough for cooking utensils, just silverware.
- Not very deep so sometimes it’s challenging to use for large plates.
4. Surpahs Over the Sink Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack
This is a pretty unique option. This elegant but smile design practically takes up no space.
It’s highly-rated across the board. With this mat, you won’t have actual racks or spaces but it is surprisingly effective.
This is a roll-up mat so you can just spread it out over one side of the sink when you need it. It is durable and will hold up just fine as you layer dishes on it.
This is an ideal option for just washing a few dishes at a time, especially if you just have a few precious items or utensils that aren’t dishwasher-safe.
The slats are small enough that things shouldn’t just fall through the cracks but you also won’t be able to stand plates or pans upright either. This is a small size but the company does offer large and extra-large models.
Pros:
- Roll-up mat so it takes hardly any space
- Easy to use and great for small spaces
- Durable, food-safe materials
- Heat resistant and can operate as a trivet
- Non-slip design
Cons:
- The plastic coating isn’t the greatest and might start to split.
- Flexes a little bit so not great for a lot of weight.
5. Dailyart Over the Sink Kitchen Dish Rack
Here is another great 2-tiered option that looks great and works great.
This is uniquely designed with different spaces for all of the things. You can even use the racks after you’ve rinsed your fruit and veggies.
This is an adjustable rack but it is designed for sinks that measure somewhere between 23-30 inches.
Make sure to measure and know whether it will work for your sink space, however. The supporting rack should fit behind the faucet.
You will find that this rack has places for plates, bowls, cups, silverware, soaps, and cutting boards. There is plenty of space and the materials are high-quality so you shouldn’t have to worry about rusting or falling apart anytime soon.
Pros:
- Stylish design and build
- 2-tiered rack with designated spaces
- Adjustable within certain lengths
- Durable materials
- Covered by a 6-month guarantee
Cons:
- Not adjustable, so rack won’t fit all sinks.
6. Ace Teah Over The Sink Dish Drying Rack
This is another simple metal rack that is 2-tiered. It is built with a slim profile and tall design so that you don’t have to worry about faucet fit and adjustment.
It has all of the spaces for things like plates, bowls, cups, cutting boards, soap, cooking utensils, and silverware.
You will find that it holds quite a bit at one time.
This is made with silver stainless steel. It is smooth and shiny and doesn’t take up a lot of extra space for design.
It has simple rubber-tipped feet to hold it stead. It’s super easy to assemble and put together and it will be steady and sturdy as well.
This space-saving design will hold plenty of dishes and can even bear up to 42 pounds at once without giving or feeling weak. You will want to measure to be sure it will fit your sink and counter space appropriately.
Pros:
- Large and slim profile
- Easy to put together and place
- Holds a lot of dishes, up to 42 pounds
- Durable materials
- Simple design that does the job
Cons:
- The design is very simple and not necessarily nice to look at.
- May be tricky to assemble if not used to assembling such things.
7. Simple Houseware Over the Sink Dish Drainer Rack
Our final option is another small but budget and space-friendly option, perfect for small kitchens and singles.
It doesn’t hold a ton of dishes but it works great if you just have a few items or some stackable items.
This has a deep bowl so it will securely hold your delicate dishes as well. There is no silverware holder on this but the slats at the bottom won’t let the silverware fall through so you can place silverware securely there.
The materials are sturdy stainless steel with a chrome finish. This fits down inside of your sink with grip handles on each side to hold it steady.
This is super simple but affordable and effective as well. It works great when you have limited space and you’re trying to just wash a few dishes. The deep basket makes it friendly for delicate items. It’s durable and reliable.
Pros:
- Durable materials
- Covered with a chrome finish
- Deep basket to hold items steady
- Small and simple to work with
- Fits inside of sink space with handles
Cons:
- No silverware section
- Tends to rust too easily.
Conclusion
There are several options to choose from to fit any type of style or size needs that you might have. Some styles are large and sturdy while others are small and simple.
Ultimately, the best over the sink dish rack will be up to your needs and preferences.
We attempted to provide a wide variety of options and prices to give you plenty of options to consider in your search. We hope that you find this guide to be a valuable resource to select your next dish drainer.
If you’re looking for a dish drainer that works for tight spaces, we’ve got you covered!
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