14 best dish racks to tidy up your kitchen in 2025
Whether you’re after a compact, over-the-sink, two-tiered, or collapsible design, we’ve rounded up the best dish racks to suit your kitchen and budget, and make cleaning the dishes less of a chore.
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Whether you love or hate washing the dishes, there’s one kitchen item that’s essential for the job: a dish rack.
Owning a sturdy dish rack will help you dry your plates, wine glasses, utensils and pots without leaving puddles of water all over your kitchen counter.
There are multiple designs to suit different kitchens, make drying dishes easier and leave you enough precious counter space for cooking and meal prep.
With durability, ease of cleaning, functionality and sturdiness in mind, we researched the best types of dish racks on the market. So whether you're after a compact, over the sink, two-tiered, expandable or collapsible model, you’ll find the perfect match here.
OUR TOP PICKS
Best dish rack
Joseph Joseph Extend Steel Dish Rack, $95.01 (down from $159.95) at Amazon Australia
Joseph Joseph Extend Steel Dish Rack
What You Need To Know
This Joseph Joseph Extend Steel Dish Rack ticks all the boxes — design, durability, sturdiness, ease of use and drainage and drying capacity.
Boasting a stainless steel finish with a fingerprint-resistant coating, it is a great option for both small and large kitchens. Its compact two-part sliding tray extends the draining space when you need more room and makes it smaller when there's less counter space.
One unique feature is its swivel spout that can be placed in three different positions to accommodate any countertop and sink. There's also a moveable utensil holder with a specific slots for sharp knives, a sturdy rail at the back for chopping boards and larger items and non-scratch draining prongs for excellent organisation.
Besides the higher price tag, it’s actually challenging to find fault in this rack. What we can confirm is that it’ll quickly become a valuable asset worthy of the investment. And with thousands of five-star reviews, many shoppers agree.
One raved, "This product has solved all my problems. It functions well, I can leave it on top of the bench and use throughout the day and it’s compact enough to put under the sink and pack away.
"The dishes sit well for drying. Drainage is great as it has that little spout on the side, I’ve had no issues with leakage. Definitely solved my problems and would recommend to anyone!”
Best two-tier dish racks
d.line Stainless Steel 2-Tier Dish Rack, $59.99 at House
d.line Stainless Steel 2-Tier Dish Rack
What You Need To Know
The beauty of this two-tiered, alloy steel dish rack is that it can free up a lot of countertop space because it sits vertically.
The top tier has designated slots to hold plates while the second tier can be used for cups, bowls and pots. It also comes with removable glassware and silverware holders as well as a drip-free draining board to keep your benchtop or sink dry.
Reviewers have been amazed at how much the dish rack can hold. One person said, “This dish rack works perfectly, and fits way more than I thought it would. Cannot recommend enough.”
Joseph Joseph Excel Steel 2-Tier Dish Rack, $121.19 (down from $189.95) at Amazon Australia
Joseph Joseph Excel Steel 2-Tier Dish Rack
What You Need To Know
If you've just hosted a dinner party and are dreading the clean-up, this is the dish rack you need. The Joseph Joseph Excel Steel has a dedicated wine glass holder which can hold up to four glasses with a drip tray directly underneath.
There's also a movable cutlery drainer that can clip inside of the rack or hooked on the outside to provide more space to drain plates and bowls. The raised ribs also minimise water trapping under your glassware and crockery.
Once the dishes have finished drying, the integrated drain spout can be adjusted and set to pour from the side or front of the rack to suit different sink orientations.
While it has a steep price tag, many shoppers say it's worth it. One five-star review said, "I liked the look of this dish drainer, but hesitated buying it as it is certainly not cheap. However, now that I have had it in my kitchen for several months, I feel this was a good investment.
"It is quite practical as you can extend it when necessary. I particularly like the fact that I can keep all my shopping boards upright to fit more dishes around them."
Best expandable dish racks
Avanti Expandable Dish Rack, $79.95 at Amazon Australia
Avanti Expandable Dish Rack
What You Need To Know
Using its sliding frame and rust-resistant aluminium construction, this Avanti dish rack can expand to almost double its initial size and hold up to 10 dinner plates.
To make extra drying space for bowls and plates, the double cutlery holder can be removed and placed inside or outside the rack. There's also built-in trays that sit under both sides to collect water and easily drain it out.
One shopped described the product as "small and exquisite" and "good qualilty." Another five-star review on Amazon said, "I love how you can adjust the facing of its water outlet! Good size and nice product!"
Joseph Joseph Tier Expandable Draining Mat, $27.97 (down from $39.95) at Myer
Joseph Joseph Tier Expandable Draining Mat
What You Need To Know
The Tier Expandable Draining Mat is yet another genius dish drainer from Joseph Joseph. Instead of standing, bulky design, it lies flat as an inconspicuous option. Simply place it on your benchtop and pull each end to expand it to over twice its size.
Each of the three tiers feature a wide platform and raised ribs to prevent water from being trapped inside cups and glasses. Push the tiers together again to collapse and drain any excess water via the handy spout. Its compact size means you can easily store it in any kitchen cupboard or drawer.
“Very practical and easy to fold away,” one person wrote. “Perfect if you prefer a clean look in the kitchen without the clutter.”
Best collapsible dish racks
OXO Good Grips Fold Flat Drying Rack, $68.99 (down from $139) at Amazon Australia
OXO Good Grips Fold Flat Drying Rack
What You Need To Know
The stylish, modern design of this OXO Good Grips Fold Flat Drying Rack is almost too good to be hidden and will make a nice addition to your kitchen when left out. But the best feature of this spacious, two-tiered dish rack is it folds flat for easy storage.
The top rack is crafted from rust-proof aluminium and makes the perfect platform for drying plates and bowls, while the bottom rack holds glasses, mugs and cups. It comes with a removable utensil holder that can be positioned at either end of the rack, non-slip feet and ridges for quick drying and countertop protection.
It also doubles as a draining board for smaller loads when folded flat. The only downside, as noted by several users, is the non-existent drain hole, meaning water does pool on the tray. However, it’s not a total deal-breaker and the whole unit dismantles easily for quick clean-up.
Boasting multiple fans and happy customers, it averages a 4.5-star rating on Amazon and five-stars at House.
Hundreds of reviewers praise its quality, design and durability. One said, "We bought this for our caravan, I love that it folds down and can be stored easily. It is built quite solid but still is not to heavy, great for kitchens with limited space."
Another remarked, "I love how it folds flat when not in use. it's far more esthetically [sic] pleasing, and with no extra room under our sink. This is an ideal dish rack. This item would also be great for small counter and kitchen spaces."
They added, "I highly recommend! OXO never fails, I am always impressed by the look, quality and durability of their products."
Madesmart Collapsible Dish Rack, $32.97 (down from $54.95) at Kitchen Warehouse
Madesmart Collapsible Dish Rack
What You Need To Know
This dish rack stands 14cm tall when open but collapses down to half its size, allowing for maximum use of space and decluttering your benchtop.
It’s crafted from a combination of non-slip plastic and silicone that’s resistant to tearing. The three cutlery slots and spacious basket allows you to arrange your items in an organised manner and the collapsible and compact design makes for the perfect home and camping essential.
“This fits perfectly in my double sink! I have a tiny kitchen, so this is exactly what I wanted,” one person said. “When not in use, I flatten it and it slides perfectly out of sight. Easy to clean.”
A second added “This dish strainer is the last one that I will probably have to buy after having many, many strainers! All of them would eventually rust. This one is sturdy and will NEVER rust.”
Best dish rack for small kitchens
KitchenAid Compact Dish Rack, $102.25 at Amazon Australia
KitchenAid Compact Dish Rack
What You Need To Know
This best-selling stainless steel rack is satin-coated and rust-resistant for maximum durability. And coming from iconic brand KitchenAid, you know it's going to be good.
Despite its smaller size, it can still hold up to nine dinner plates and has a removable flatware caddy with three compartments for spoons, forks and knives. There's also wide cup lines for drying up to five cups and glasses or hanging those oddly shaped items hiding in your kitchen cupboards out to dry. The angled drainboard is also a major plus as it directs water straight into the sink.
“We decided to go dishwasher-less in our new place, and this dish rack has been a lifesaver,” one five-star reviewer admitted.
“It’s sturdy, and we always find that there’s enough room for our after-meal dishes. Plus, it’s a little more stylish than other dish racks I’ve seen.”
Best in sink dish rack
Avanti Small Slimline Dish Rack, $23.37 (down from $29.95) at Amazon Australia
Avanti Small Slimline Dish Rack
What You Need To Know
Described as "small and lightweight," the Avanti Slimline Dish Rack covers all the basics with space to dry 12 plates as well as cups, bowls and cutlery in the removable caddy.
Its sleek, simple and stylish design will sit in comfortably on any countertop, plus the PVC coating (a flexible and waterproof type of plastic) helps improve its durability and longevity in your kitchen.
"I bought this dish rack as the draining area for my sink is small. It fits perfectly, looks nicer than in the photos and seems sturdy," one shopper raved.
"I can fit in a couple of drink bottles and cups and a medium frying pan - more things than I thought as the sides are a good height. Really pleased with this purchase."
Another said their dishwasher broke and used this rack in its place, adding, "Pots and dishes drain fantastically. I have saved a fortune in tea towels. Love it."
Best roll up dish rack
TOQUE Foldable Stainless Steel Dish Drying Rack, $19.99 at Amazon Australia
TOQUE Foldable Stainless Steel Dish Drying Rack
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking to free up counter space, consider this versatile and super sturdy over the sink rack by TOQUE.
Made from premium stainless steel and easy to clean thermoplastic polyurethane, it drains water directly into the sink so there’s no need for a drying mat or drainboard. Once you’re finished, simply roll it up and store it until you need it again.
Aside from being an excellent space-saving dish drainer, it also doubles as a heat safe trivet mat to avoid damaging any surfaces with hot dishes, sheet pans straight from the oven or heavy Dutch ovens weighing up to 15kg. The pipes are removable to fit different kinds of sinks, giving you enough space for cooking, chopping and cleaning no matter the size of your kitchen.
With a 4.6-star rating on Amazon, many shoppers think this is one of the better options for any sink. One said it's "A great solution to add drying space to the sink - I leave it over one half of my double sink, fits perfectly."
Another summed it up, writing, “Really great idea for a big sink. Fits well and doesn’t slip.”
Best wooden dish rack
Utoplike Teak Dish Drainer Rack, $45.99 at Amazon Australia
Utoplike Teak Dish Drainer Rack
What You Need To Know
Bamboo may seem like the popular wooden choice for dish racks, however nothing quite compares to teak wood, which has been used to craft this rack from Utoplike. Teak wood is normally used for outdoor furniture because of its ability to withstand all types of weather without deteriorating. It’s also low maintenance and maintains its beautiful hue so you don’t have to worry about discolouration.
Aside from the material, the two-tier design allows for 15 plates to be dried on top, while cups and bowls dry on the bottom. It's also collapsible for easier storage as well as water and crack-resistant to improve its longevity.
One shopper compared it to their previous bamboo dish rack, writing, “This actually is lasting far better than the bamboo I had previously which turned [black] with mould in two weeks, two months with this and no mould. All I’m looking for really, oh and it’s super pretty!”
Best dish caddy
OXO Sinkware Caddy, $20.99 (down from $42.95) at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
This best-selling caddy from OXO is designed to declutter your sink and hygienically dry your sponges and brushes and keep them neat and tidy inside two compartments. One stores brushes and cleaning tools upright for easy access. The other has an elevated sponge tray to keep two sponges dry and is super handy.
There’s also a removable drip tray with a built-in drain spout that comes apart for easy cleaning. The sleek and minimal design is just an added bonus.
One five-star review reads, “The draining feature is something I didn't know I needed in my life, but it is brilliant. It's a smart, neat little unit that I'm very happy to have sitting on the bench in my white kitchen. It's not ugly like other sink caddies.”
Best cutlery drainer
Joseph Joseph Surface Cutlery Drainer, $34.97 (down from $49.95) at Myer
Joseph Joseph Surface Cutlery Drainer
What You Need To Know
In what one shopper called "Sleek, stylish, effective," the Joseph Joseph Surface Cutlery Drainer will dry your spoons, forks and knives in no time.
Surrounded with a fingerprint-proof stainless steel coating, it has four compartments, including one shallower section dedicated for small teaspoons. Underneath is a water collecting tray with a non-slip base as well as a small draining spout like a standard dish rack.
"I’ve been looking for a cutlery drainer for ages that doesn’t allow the cutlery to fall through the gaps. This one hits the mark and I like the little raised section for teaspoons too," one Myer shopper raved.
"Nice and sturdy with good drainage, as well as being aesthetically pleasing."
Best drying mat
Polder Microfibre Drying Mat with Glass Tray, $19.99 (down from $29.95) at House
Polder Microfibre Drying Mat with Glass Tray
What You Need To Know
If you love the idea of lying all your dishes flat on your bench without ending up with pools of water, look no further than this option from Polder.
The microfibre mat is exceptionally absorbent and provides plenty of space for all your hand-washed dishes as well as heavier cookware like pots and pans. Plus, it comes in handy for cleaning up spills or drying down wet surfaces.
It's also equipped with a removable tray to stack your stemmed wine glasses, cups and coffee mugs and allows for plenty of aeration for easier and quicker drying.
“Excellent product,” one person called it. “The rack part is perfect for glasses so they actually dry as the air can flow underneath. The microfibre is absorbent and dries fast. Does not take up much space on the counter and you can easily fold it away.”
HOW WE CHOOSE OUR PRODUCTS
We spend hours going through ratings, reviews and articles to curate the best items for our stories. We also speak with experts to get their opinions on what makes products valuable and how best to use them. When looking for the best dish racks, we considered their size, storage options, drainage system, the space it takes up and the materials used.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A DISH RACK
There is a myriad of dish racks on the market, but when it comes to finding the perfect one for you, founders of professional organisational company TIDEE, Emma Rosham and Michelle Rubin, advise you to keep a few things in mind: “Choose something that is functional and beautiful and of course, fits your space.”
Space: How much space do you have on your kitchen countertop? If you’re low on storage, an over the sink model or in sink rack may be a more appropriate solution.
Storage: Do you intend to keep your dish rack set up at all times? Or do you need one that can be folded or rolled away and stowed in a compact space when not in use?
Drainage: “Ideally, you want a dish rack that sits over the sink for easy drainage or one that sits next to the sink with a draining system,” Rosham and Rubin explain. Look for ones designed with drainage spouts as this will ensure a mess-free system with every use.
Material: Do you prefer stainless steel, silicone or wood? There are pros and cons to each so make sure to do your research before adding to cart.
Functionality: How many plates, bowls, glasses and cups do you use and wash up at a time? How big are these items? Do you intend to also dry pots and pans on your dish rack? How many people are you washing up for?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO HAND WASH DISHES?
Many people have gotten used to the luxury of simply putting their dirty dishes into the dishwasher. But if it ever breaks or if you're staying somewhere without one in the kitchen, you need to know the basics to get your dishes sparkling by hand.
You need to have all the essentials ready, including dish soap, a clean sponge, brush or cloth and a dish rack and towel for drying.
All food needs to be scraped off into the bin or sink before washing. Once you fill the sink with hot water and dish soap, you're ready to get washing.
It's a good idea to start with the smaller, less greasy pieces like glasses, mugs and cups, and move on to the plates and bowls and then the cutlery. Each needs a good scrub with a sponge before rinsing with clean water and drying. If any stubborn food is stuck on, let it soak for a few minutes.
Once the dishes are clean, you then need to clean the sink, otherwise bacteria can build up. When that's ticked off the list, then its job done.
ARE PLASTIC DISH RACKS BETTER THAN METAL DISH RACKS?
The material of your preferred dish rack will depend on your unique needs. Rosham and Rubin favour “a high-quality plastic dish rack as these are easy to wash.” For others, stainless steel is a great long-lasting option that’s easy to clean, rust-resistant and aesthetically pleasing.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR DISH RACKS?
According to Rosham and Rubin, your dish rack needs to be regularly cleaned in order to prolong its longevity.
“Dish racks should be cleaned frequently – at least once a week – as they can get a build-up of washing detergent if items aren’t properly rinsed.”
Check the manufacturer instructions of your dish rack to see if it’s dishwasher safe. If it’s not, you can simply handwash it in the sink. For stainless steel dish racks, submerge the entire rack in a sink filled with hot water and vinegar. Let it sit for a few hours then drain and let it dry.
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