Whether your kitchen sink has a draining board or not, practicality says that in real life we still need somewhere to air dry some items. Nobody said it couldn’t be beautiful, though.
Even if you’ve done away with an integrated draining board next to your kitchen sink, you’ll still find yourself in need of a dish rack from time to time. Gone are the basic models of yesteryear – these gorgeous designs fit the bill, with hidden trays or clever spouts to collect or direct water run off. Whether its antibacterial drying stones, foldable racks for small spaces or an elegant vintage model, a clever dish rack design goes a long way in the kitchen!
Whisk away when guests arrive, but their sleek lines and all the mod cons make for a good-looking washing-up station year round.
2024’s best dish racks
- Antique look dish rack, $255.50, Quality Products Direct (here’s why)
- Madesmart drying stone dishrack, $60, Peters Of Kensington (here’s why)
- Yamazaki Tosca dish drainer with tray, $124.95 (usually $149.95), Kitchen Warehouse (here’s why)
The 6 best dish racks to buy in 2024
01
Antique look dish rack
from $255.50, Quality Products Direct
Best for: vintage-look, farmhouse kitchen
With an antique brass finish, this stylish dish rack is perfect for those who want their dish rack to be both pretty and practical.
Sizes: H17.5 x W46.5 x D30cm
Colours: Antique Brass finish
Materials: Steel
Key features:
- Hold up to 21 plates
- Wirework frame
- Separate compartment for glasses, mugs or cutlery
02
Madesmart drying stone dishrack
from $60, Peters Of Kensington
Best for: antibacterial
With its non-toxic drying stone, this clever dish rack doesn’t only accelerate drying but eliminates germs with its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
Sizes: 34.7cm x 9.7cm x 22.2cm
Colours: Black and grey
Materials: Premium durable material and natural mineral-based material
Key features:
- Divided compartments
- Disassembles for easy cleaning
- Non-slip base
03
Yamazaki Tosca dish drainer with tray
from $124.95 (usually $149.95), Kitchen Warehouse
Best for: classic design, all-rounder
Designed in Japan, this compact dish rack’s classic design will effortlessly fit in most kitchen styles. With two wooden handles and a base tray, it offers style and functionality.
Sizes: 47cm x 34cm x 20cm
Colours: White and brown
Materials: Plastic and wood
Key features:
- Base tray made from plastic
- Handles made from wood
- Utensil holder
04
Kitchen pro tidy drying rack & trivet
from $29.95 (usually $49.95), Kitchen Warehouse
Best for: small spaces
The convenient design of this over the sink dish rack means that you don’t need to free up precious space on your benchtop to dry your dishes.
Sizes: 52cm x 33.5cm
Colours: Black
Materials: Silicone and galvanised iron wire
Key features:
- Doubles as a trivet
- Roll when not in use
- Heat-resistant up to 250
05
The dish rack in bamboo
$24.98 (usually $49.95), Myer
Best for: neutral style, natural aesthetic
This bamboo dish rack is the perfect choice for those who prefer natural materials and a more neutral kitchen aesthetic.
Sizes: 40.7cm x 33cm
Colours: Natural
Materials: Bamboo
Key features:
- Dry ingredients only
- Comes with tray and spoon
- Natural materials
06
OXO fold flat drying rack
$68.99 (usually $139), House
Best for: customisable design
With a foldable design and space for smaller items such as cups and plates on the top and larger items such as pans on the bottom, this dish rack can be adapted into what you need it to be.
Sizes: 42 x 37 x 24cm
Colours: Silver and grey
Materials: Aluminium
Key features:
- Two-layer design holds
- Rustproof aluminium frame
- Non-slip feet
How to clean a dish rack
Dish racks with trays are prone to build-ups of water, gunk and mildew, but regular cleaning can prevent this from happening.
To clean a plastic or aluminium dish rack, you should submerge the rack in a sink filled with hot water and vinegar. Leave the dish rack soaking for at least 15 minutes before using a cloth to wipe away any build-up and a small scrubbing brush to get into tricky corners.
Bamboo and wooden dish racks don’t have to be submerged and can simply be sprayed and wiped with a hot water and vinegar solution.
Both types of dish racks should be left to completely dry (ideally in the sun) before putting anything back on them.
How to prevent rust
Rust occurs when metal is exposed to water, so it’s a good idea to keep on top of drying your dish rack. Scratches can also increase the likelihood of rust, which means that it’s important to be careful when handling sharp kitchen tools around the dish rack.
Related article:
- Butter dishes are back, didn’t you know?
- The only dish brush you’ll ever need to buy
- An honest review of spin mops: the secret to effortlessly clean floors
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