The 5 Best Dish Drying Racks You Need For Your Kitchen

Whether your home doesn't have a dishwasher – or you simply prefer cleaning your dinnerware by hand – everyone can benefit from a great drying rack. When washing dishes by hand, it helps reduce drying time to lay your dishes out instead of towel-drying each plate and glass individually. If you have a dishwasher, you can reduce your energy bill by no small amount by forgoing the heated dry setting, saving as much as 30 minutes of energy use per load, according to A Drop in the Ocean.

Even if you have a dishwasher, some occasions call for washing dishes with your own two hands. Wooden spoons or cast iron pans, for example, are likely to be ruined when cleaned with the dishwasher. Most knives, stainless steel products, and some plastics are not designed to be thrown in the dishwasher, either. 

Several types of drying racks exist for your dishes, including models with unique functionality and sleek appearances. Keep reading for a list of the five best dish drying racks for your kitchen.

The GSlife Dish Drying Rack from Amazon costs $26 and has a 4.3-star rating with over 6,100 reviews. The rack is made of metal and comes in black, bronze, classic white, gold and black, gold and dark green, and snow white, the prices fluctuating slightly depending on popularity and decorative appeal.

The dish rack is very simple in terms of design, with eight plate slots, a flat area for mugs, cups, or bowls, and a holder for utensils that can be removed when cleaning. As Popularity notes, metal dish racks are ideal because they are easy to clean and typically more durable and long-lasting than plastic models. While they warn that oxidation can occur, this dish rack has a coating to prevent rust. It also has rubber stoppers on the bottom, ensuring the rack stays in place and preventing it from scratching or damaging your countertops.

If you don't hand wash or dry your dishes often, you may not want a large dish rack taking up counter or storage space. The Seropy Over The Sink Dish Drying Rack from Amazon costs anywhere from $13 to $36, depending on the size. It's made of stainless steel with silicone at the end to keep it in place and can be rolled up and put away in a drawer when not in use.

This over-the-sink dish rack doubles as a vegetable and fruit colander or a resting spot for hot pots and pans. It has a 4.6-star rating with more than 25,800 reviews. The silicone comes in either a gray or black color. Pusdon notes that these racks don't hold many dishes and are also not ideal for smaller utensils. However, they're suitable for small spaces and those who only need to air-dry a few dishes at a time.

If you have a small space without a dishwasher, you may need a heavy duty over-the-counter dish drying rack. The Kitsure Over The Sink Dish Drying Rack costs $50 and is made of black steel. It has a 4.6-star rating with over 500 reviews. The rack sits on either side of your sink, making use of vertical space with two drying baskets on top, two utensil holders, a rack for cleaning supplies, and a knife holder. It also sports a cutting board holder and five utility hooks.

The rack sticks to your countertops with suction cups and can be extended vertically up to 35.5 inches wide. Pudson notes that these racks are ideal since the water drains into your sink instead of flooding your counter or needing an additional mat underneath. If your suction cups aren't cutting it, they note that you can usually install additional wall fasteners.

If you don't have a dishwasher or prefer to hand wash your dishes while enjoying your favorite podcast, you may prefer a decorative dish drying rack beside your sink. The NOVAYEAH Bamboo Dish Drying Rack from Amazon comes in either a two-tier option for $28 or a three-tier size for $33. Both styles have diagonal racks and a utensil holder on the side, but the three-tier model features an additional flat rack on the back.

This drying rack has a 4.4-star rating with over 1,500 reviews. The rack is made of bamboo but has protective paint to protect it from mold. It also comes with a 90-day return policy for added peace of mind. Despite the protective coating on the bamboo, Popularity warns you'll also have to regularly oil it to ensure it remains shiny. The bamboo is as sturdy as steel, though, while being a bit more decorative.

The Naturous 2 Tier Dish Drying Rack costs $22 on Amazon and has a 4.1-star rating with over 5,600 reviews. The metal rack has two levels and can hold a total of 16 plates on the top basket and 12 bowls on the bottom rack. It also comes with a utensil basket and a cutting board or pot lid holder, which attach to either end.

The rack has rubber feet to prevent slipping or scratches on your counters and a drain board, which keeps the dripping water from flooding your kitchen counters. Pudson advises getting a dish rack that's easy to clean to avoid unnecessary hassle. Since this dish rack is made of metal, it can be wiped down with a wet or dry cloth. While it sports a protective coating to prevent rust, keeping it dry whenever possible will likely prolong its life.