If you happen to have a small kitchen with not enough countertop space around it to place a huge dish rack, then there are several other dish rack options that you can look into.
By opting for smaller racks or those designed in a compact yet functional way, you can solve the issue of not having enough space to dry your dishes. For instance, some racks might be foldable, some can allow you to roll them up and some can be installed over the sink.
To help you find some good options, we will list and review some of the best dish racks for small kitchens and spaces that you can then pick from and use.
Best Dish Rack for Small Kitchen & Spaces
You can go through the features, pros and cons of some great dish racks that you can consider for your small kitchen.
Surpahs Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack
This dish drying rack can be a great way to save some space in your small kitchen. With this kind of roll-up rack, you do not need to create additional space on the countertop near your sink.
Instead, you can simply roll it out and place it over one part of your sink whenever you are washing your dishes.
This roll-up rack comes in a grey color that can go well with your kitchen colors. It is also resistant to rust, heat and oil while also having enough protection against slipping and breaking too easily. It is non-toxic and you can easily place it in the dishwasher when it is time to wash out.
Features
● Dimensions: 17.5” x 13.1”
● Material: Silicone wrapped steel
● Mounting: Countertop
● Color: Grey
● Space-Saving Element: Roll-up
Pros
● You can roll this rack back up when you are done using it so that you do not need to find additional space for it.
● Being able to mount it directly over the sink instead of on the counter can add to the convenience.
● It offers resistance against rust, oil and heat, making it durable and reliable.
● It can easily hold all kinds of dishes and utensils, including glassware.
● It is simple to clean since you can wash it inside the dishwasher.
Cons
● It might not always be compatible with the size of your sink.
OXO Good Grips Foldaway Dish Rack
The OXO Good Grips Foldaway Dish Rack is an option that you can consider if you want a dish rack that does not take up too much space. Whenever you are done using this rack for drying your dishes, you can simply fold it back up to free up the space on the counter.
This rack includes enough space and divisions for your dishes, glasses, cups as well as cutlery. It can house delicate utensils and dishes such as those made from glass as well.
You can also extend the legs out so that you can create a certain distance from the counter. This dish rack further has a spout that you can open up into your sink to drain out the excess water.
Features
● Dimensions: 19.4” x 15.5” x 5.12”
● Material: Stainless steel
● Mounting: Countertop
● Color: White and grey
● Space-Saving Element: Foldable
Pros
● There are clear divisions that can allow you to keep all your dishes, glasses and bowls in distinct and organized places.
● You can fold down the plate rack if you want to create extra space for larger utensils like bowls and pans.
● It comes with an external spout through which you can empty out the water into the sink.
● You can fold up the rack as well as the legs to keep it upright on the counter or even a shelf or cabinet.
● It is compatible with dishwasher cleaning to make it even more convenient.
Cons
● The spout is too close to the edge, making it easier for water to spill out instead of into the sink.
Chef’n DishGarden Dish Rack
This dish rack has an interesting design that is also compact. It does not take up too much space on your counter yet allows you to dry out your utensils properly after washing.
While it looks small, it has several divisions that can allow you to place your bowls, dishes, cutlery and glasses in an organized manner. It also comes with two cutlery holders whose positions you can keep adjusting as per your convenience.
Additionally, this rack has sturdy legs that can prevent the rack from toppling over. There is a drain spout at the side that you can place close to your sink to empty out the excess water.
Features
● Dimensions: 14” x 13.25” x 6.5”
● Material: Plastic
● Mounting: Countertop
● Color: White and green
● Space-Saving Element: Compact design
Pros
● It has a drain spout that can get rid of the extra water without letting it drip onto your counter.
● It has a compact design that can help you save space on your counter.
● There are multiple divisions for your utensils to keep them all organized and distinct.
● You can easily place it on the top rack of your dishwasher for convenient cleaning.
● There are two adjustable holders included for keeping your cutlery separate from the rest of the utensils.
Cons
● It might not be sufficient if you have a large utensil usage.
Dish Drying Rack Over Sink
This open rack is one that you can place over your sink, although the legs will still remain on the counter. This can allow you to save up on plenty of valuable counter space since all the holders and racks will be at a vertical distance from the sink.
There are multiple holders and divisions included on this rack that can allow you to keep all your utensils in an organized manner, such as cutlery holders, hooks, plate racks and knife holders.
You can also keep your utensils in this rack until the next usage to free up some more space in the cabinets and on the counters.
Features
● Dimensions: 25.6”-33.5” x 12.3” x 20.5”
● Material: Stainless steel
● Mounting: Countertop
● Color: Black
● Space-Saving Element: Over the sink design
Pros
● It comes with an adjustable length in case you need to add more utensils or make adjustments based on the size of your sink.
● Having holders and divisions above the sink can help you unclutter the space on your counters.
● There are multiple distinct divisions for keeping all your utensils organized.
● There are nine racks that are also removable, allowing you to organize the rack according to your convenience and preference.
● It has anti-slip suction cups on the legs to keep the rack and your delicate utensils sturdy.
Cons
● You will need to ensure that your sink is compatible enough with this rack.
What to Look For in a Dish Rack for a Small Kitchen
There are several factors you should consider when it comes to choosing a dish rack for a small kitchen that you can go through below.
Space and Size
You should not only look at how much space your dish rack occupies but also how much space it has when it comes to holding your utensils.
Of course, the space-saving element is important here since you are looking for something for small spaces. Make sure that the dish rack is not too large as this can be inconvenient for your counters. Having racks that you can fold away or keep away from your counters can help in this regard.
Yet, it should have sufficient space in the form of holders and dividers that can help you store everything in an organized way.
Material
The material that your rack is made from is quite important to ensure durability and sturdiness. Most dish racks are usually made from stainless steel that can handle a good amount of weight when it comes to your utensils without breaking or toppling over.
Plastic can also be a good choice since it will not rust, although it will deteriorate in quality over time.
Portability
Portability can add to the convenience of using your dish rack since you can move it around wherever you want to. Another aspect in this regard is also whether or not you can adjust and remove the racks and holders based on your convenience.
Portability can make it easier to clean the rack as well.
Design
In terms of the design, you can consider how the rack will hold your utensils. For instance, are there separate holders or does it come in a uniform shape? You should also look into its foldability, adjustability, colors and quality to ensure that it can fit well inside your kitchen and over your sink.
Parting Thoughts
Now that you know about some of the best dish racks for small kitchens and spaces, you can go ahead and make your choice based on your requirements. Make sure you also account for the factors mentioned here along with your budgetary needs.
Once you figure this out, you can then go on to buy the rack and set it up in your kitchen to declutter your counters.
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