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Washing the dishes is enough of a chore without them having to dry everything to put it away. Sometimes we just don’t have the time, especially with large families or after dinner parties. That is where an over the sink drying rack can help.
These structures provide convenient areas where dishes can drain and air dry, all elevated above the sink. The right rack should fit the space, save you time and effort, and maybe even create some new permanent storage in your kitchen.
In this guide, I will show you 7 of the best dish racks over the sink. There are different approaches in terms of the number of tiers and some of the storage solutions. But, they all promise to offer convenience in a secure structure.
Some look quite nice too. Before we take a look at those products, let’s talk about key features to look for and the most important considerations.
In a hurry? Here are my recommendations for the best over the sink dish racks:
It is difficult to pick a top product and recommendation here because each item has its pros and cons. While the Boosiny rack is the most impressive in terms of features, it might be overkill for many kitchens. The Adbiu Over Sink Dish Drying Rack is a lot more accessible and while there is just one tier, there are still lots of storage options and helpful features. It is also one of the more adaptable options, giving it greater mass appeal.
Now let’s talk about the features to look for before buying an over the sink dish rack:
1) Make sure that your new over the sink drying rack fits.
Before we look at some of the key features and considerations for choosing the right over sink dish rack, I want to talk about dimensions. You must understand the dimensions of your sink and the surrounding area so you can get the best fit. First of all, you need to understand the width of the sink.
Those with large double sinks may find that the area is wider than expected. The rack has to sit over the sink comfortably. At the same time, you need to consider the additional width created by any hooks or baskets on the side of the system. This could be a problem in small kitchens where the sink is close to the outer wall or a cupboard.
Then there is the height of the rack. You need to measure the height of your faucet to make sure that it won’t get in the way of any shelving or other items. Again, it might be taller than you realize. Also, consider the maximum height of the rack if there are any cupboards above the sink or if it is in front of a window.
Once you have your dimensions, make sure to compare them to those provided by manufacturers of any product you consider. It is easy to get something too tall, too short, or too narrow.
2) How many tiers do you need?
This is a great place to start when choosing the best over the sink dish rack for your needs. Some of the best products have one tier of racks and storage with other areas and hooks beneath. This is fine if you don’t have that much to wash up or are short on space.
But, there are also two-tier options that offer a second storage shelf above. This does allow for more functionality as a storage solution. But, the height could be a bit much in small spaces.
3) Is the rack expandable?
The height of the rack isn’t the only consideration when it comes to the dimensions. You also need to be sure that it is the right width for your sink. Some racks are a fixed size, so you need to be sure that it is ideal before you buy. Others are expandable with adjustments to the rails and trays.
This can add width so that you get just the right fit for your sink. These adjustment options do vary greatly between models. Some start off pretty wide to begin with and extend out past 40inches. Others are much narrower with not as much room to move.
4) Does it have enough dedicated areas for different items?
One of the most appealing things about these racks is the way that they offer dedicated storage solutions for different items. There seems to be a basic blueprint here that a lot of products follow. This includes the cutlery rack, dish soap basket, hooks for utensils, and an area on the side for a cutting board.
This could be more than enough. Others do go further with special areas for knives, glasses, and even chopstick tubes. It all depends on just how organized you need to be, especially if this will be permanent storage.
5) Is the system adaptable in any other way?
In addition to providing these storage solutions and features, a few companies will make the product more adaptable by allowing you to remove and reconfigure the design. This means that you can have the dish soap in an area more convenient, move some hooks out of the way, or adapt the layout based on the space in the kitchen.
Just be careful not to move everything to one side and end up with uneven weight distribution.
6) Is the design stable enough to hold everything you need it to hold?
On the subject of stability, you also need to be sure that the frame, legs, and materials used are tough enough to handle the strain of all those items. Most of the top dish racks over the sink are strong stainless steel, often with coatings that prevent rust.
You can also take a closer look at the legs and the shape of the frame to see if it has extra stability. Extensions on the legs and u-shaped frames can help keep things sturdy.
In addition to this, look out for any models that use rubber feet on the legs. The suction provided here can make a difference. You may also find that those feet are height adjustable to compensate for uneven surfaces
7) Will it look nice in your kitchen?
Finally, there is the look of the rack. Aesthetics are really that big a deal with a practical item like this. However, this will sit out in a prominent position in the kitchen and catch the eye of all those that walk in. So, it doesn’t hurt to get something that looks nice.
Shinier metallic effects to the stainless steel can look nicer as they sparkle and match the sink and faucet. But, some of the black coatings can look nice too when applied properly. It is up to you which will look right in that space.
The 7 Best Over The Sink Dish Racks
1) Boosiny 2 Tier Stainless Steel Large Expandable Kitchen Rack
Let’s start with a high-impact option with this tough two-tier system. There is a photo of it holding 110 pounds of weights to showcase the stability and strength of the materials. To be honest, this could be photoshopped. It is also expandable for those with double sinks, although not as wide as others at 27.5 inches to 33.5.
There are spaces for different sized bowls and plates. The top shelf is a relatively multipurpose item, so could be used for other items and general storage in smaller kitchens.
What I like most about this first option is that it has the most diverse array of holders and racks of any product in this guide. There are lots of different features where almost anything that you would want to wash up at the end of the day has a home.
This includes the cutting board stand, knife holder, chopstick tube, and hooks for utensils. Other options below are a little more limited and therefore aren’t the same sort of all-in-one storage solution that you may have been after.
When it comes to the possible downsides, there isn’t much to worry about here. It is pretty tall as a 2-tier system, so will dominate the space. Yet, there are promises that it won’t touch user’s heads or obstruct their view out of a window. There is also the high-end price tag at well over $100.
But, users would argue that you do get value here because of the quality and the features.
The pros and cons of this dish rack:
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The range of storage options across the rack
The heavyweight capacity
A top shelf for storage
Built with the user in mind[/i2pros][i2cons]It could start to dominate the space [/i2cons][/i2pc]
2) Tsmine Dish Drying Rack Over The Sink
Next, we have a more affordable option. There is less in terms of capacity as there is one tier and then the baskets and hooks beneath. But, this one is also adjustable from 34.5 to 42 inches, making it larger in width than the Boosiny option.
The reason that I have chosen this option for this guide is that this feels like a more middle-of-the-road option at a lower price point. It is an affordable solution that doesn’t go over the top and try to offer too much.
There is still the same approach in the versatility in the spaces on the racks and different compartments. This includes a similar tray for dish soap and sponges. You aren’t going to get overwhelmed by this one but it is still practical.
Unfortunately, there are some comments about the fixtures not aligning and leading to a wobblier rack than expected. This is a shame when we consider the work that has gone into creating a stronger design. There is a U-Shaped structure with substantial feet for more security. Again, this model uses premium stainless steel for strength with a nice black coating for rust-proofing.
The pros and cons of this dish rack:
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The greater width for wider sinks
The strong rust-proof coating
The different storage areas
More accessible and affordable[/i2pros][i2cons]Some concerns over the stability[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3) GSlife Kitchen Over Sink Shelf
This one is at a similar price point as the Tsmine with around the same amount of storage options. There is a long dish rack on the top, hooks beneath that, areas for a cutting board, dish soap, and cutlery.
One factor that stands out to me with this option is the focus on stability. It doesn’t do anything extreme in terms of its design, and there are other models with similar features. But, it does provide extra peace of mind for those worried about top-heavy structures with lots of items on them.
There are extended legs with greater depth for better stability, as well as adjustable feet in case the countertop is uneven.
The biggest drawback here is that this option isn’t adjustable. Most other ranks do allow for a wider structure for those bigger areas in the kitchen. Here it is set at 34.2 inches wide only. This is a good width, but it won’t suit everyone.
The pros and cons of this dish rack:
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The stability in the shape of the legs
The additional adjustable feet for uneven surfaces
Enough hooks and tray for different items
More affordable than other options[/i2pros][i2cons]Not adjustable [/i2cons][/i2pc]
4) Adbiu Dish Rack Over Sink Dish Drying Rack
This Adbiu option is another adjustable rack that extends from 33.5 to 41.5 inches. There is a dish rack on the top, a cutlery basket, dish soap basket, a few hooks, and a stand on the side for a cutting board. It is also stainless steel with a black rust-proof finish.
The main selling point here for me is that you can configure this system to your needs to a greater degree than some other products in this guide. This starts with the adjustable length, which is quite a difference between 33.5 and 41.5 inches.
Then there is the fact that you can remove the different baskets and hooks and place them in more convenient locations on the structure. Just be careful not to displace the weight too much.
The only downside here is there there is not as much room for specialist items or versatility as some other products in this guide. You don’t get any glass hooks or alternative places to store things. But, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t enough here for most users.
The pros and cons of this dish rack:
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The adjustable width for larger sinks
A more accessible design and price point for more consumers
A strong frame with rust-proofing
The option to reconfigure the set-up[/i2pros][i2cons]Not as many storage options as other racks[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5) WeluvFit Over The Sink Dish Drying Rack
Next up we have another two-tier option but at a more affordable price this time. The design is similar in a lot of ways with the storage shelf on the top, the different plate and bowl racks beneath that, and then hooks and areas across the system for different items.
This is another black stainless steel option with strong construction and wide supports. Those supports also have rubber feet to stop it from slipping and to adjust for uneven surfaces.
There is a feature on the side of this set-up that I like, but that could lead to mixed reviews from other users. There is a set of hooks on the side for glasses. This could be a great way to dry them or a bit precarious, depending on your confidence in the system and in how often you actually use and wash these glasses by hand.
Make sure that you make room for this feature when setting up the WeluvFit rack over your sink.
What this all means is that this rack ticks a lot of the right boxes without trying to do too much. This could still be a bit over-the-top in size for some kitchens. It all depends on how you use those glass racks.
The pros and cons of this dish rack:
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]A two-tier system for extra storage
Interesting glass-hanging hooks and racks
A strong frame with a nice finish
Adaptable for uneven surfaces[/i2pros][i2cons]Doesn’t have the wow factor of other high-end two-tier models [/i2cons][/i2pc]
6) HEOMU 2-tier Over The Sink Dish Drying Rack
Next, we have another two-tier system with a similar approach. The list price is around $100, so not the cheapest here but not the most expensive either. Again you get the top level for general storage, lower level for plates and bowls, hooks, beneath, and a few baskets and holders on the sides. It is quite a basic approach but that could work in its favor.
What stands out to me about this option from Home is that there is a simple shape and bright stainless steel does offer a cleaner look. The black frames can look a bit heavy and dark while the steel finish allows for a shinier, fresher look that matches in with the sink and other features in the kitchen. The streamlined approach to storage also helps to generate this nicer look above the sink.
One thing that is noticeable here is that the legs extend straight down, with no attempt to add deeper stabilizers or anything else for structural support. This doesn’t mean that this will topple over, but it is an interesting choice compared to other models in this guide. Also, the adjustable length isn’t as extreme as in other options. It extends from 36.5 inches to 39.
The pros and cons of this dish rack:
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The storage area on the top tier
The selection of baskets and racks should be just enough for most users
A nice clean, shiny look to the stainless steel
The quality reflects the price paid[/i2pros][i2cons]The legs don’t have the same level of structural support as other racks[/i2cons][/i2pc]
7) Loyalfire 2-tier Over Sink Dish Drying Rack
Finally, we have another of the more expensive options. This one is all about height with the two-tier system and more than enough clearance for a typical faucet. The upper level is strong and has some depth for storage. The lower level has different racks for bowls and plates, then there are the hooks, cutlery basket, glass holders, cutting board holder, and a place for dish soap.
First impressions of this Loyalfire option for me are that you get more of a heavy-duty item. There is something in the thickness of the metal, the depth of the upper level, and the weight capacity over the two tiers that give users confidence. The durability of the system should also come through with the coating on the stainless steel.
However, there isn’t much here in the way of width. This one is adaptable from 25.4 to 37.6 inches, making it one of the narrower options here. This should be more than enough for the average sink but might not work on larger double-sink areas. This is where it is so important to measure your sink before you buy it.
The pros and cons of this dish rack:
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The quality in both tiers
All of the essential storage options
A stronger, thicker material
Adaptable for smaller spaces[/i2pros][i2cons]Not wide enough or all sinks[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Choosing the best over the sink dish rack for your needs
The products above do share a lot of the same features and ideas. Essentially, you have a choice between a single-tier or a two-tier system, and can then choose the most appropriate design or set-up. Take your time to make sure that the product you like the look of has the most convenient storage options and, more importantly, that it will fit.
From there, you should end up with a quality storage solution that makes your chores a little easier, and your kitchen a little better organized.
