As you know, we’re knee-deep in a kitchen renovation, currently waiting for our tile to arrive. One of the things we desperately hate looking at is our ugly dish drying rack / drainer. Despite having a dishwasher, we still often find ourselves hand-washing some dishes, so we still need a drying rack. Did you know there are modern dish drying rack options out there? I had no idea until I started doing some investigating. Here are some of the great ones I found — which one would you choose?
Above is one of my favorites – Black + Blum’s High&Dry rack.
The Magis Dish Doctor Drying Rack by Marc Newson
Ernest Perera’s Aurea Dish Rack
Steel Dish Drainer from The Container Store
Boon Grass Countertop Drying Rack
IKEA KVOT Drainer
Need to save some space? How about this curved dish rack available at The Lakeside Collection.
Polder Dish Rack with Utensil Holder
Simplehuman’s Bamboo Frame Dishrack. It also comes in all stainless steel.
Umbra Slat Bamboo Dish Drying Rack with Tray
A tempo Dishrack designed by Pauline Deltour for Alessi
Umbra’s Basin Dish rack and Tub rack are two simple plastic options available in a few different colors.
OKIFOLKI on 12.20.2011 at 12:52 PM
I’m tempted by this ‘grass’ dish rack: http://www.amazon.com/Boon-Grass-Countertop-Drying-Spring/dp/B0032G9E0G http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41L0wxAsMqL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
Jaime (post author) on 12.20.2011 at 13:00 PM
Oh yes love that one – adding it to the list :) Thanks!
April on 12.20.2011 at 12:54 PM
I generally lean toward the metal/stainless but I think I would try the bamboo slat one. Less noise with the dishes and it looks clean too. Probably easier maintenance whereas the stainless ones might get water spots.
IKDO on 12.20.2011 at 15:17 PM
The Grundtal Wall racks from Ikea are cool too! And great counter space savers
Mat on 12.20.2011 at 21:42 PM
We got the Black Blum dish rack in stock in white and lime http://www.apt2b.com/kitchen/sink-countertop/accessories/ocean-dr-modern-dish-rack-lime
Ia Kutateladze on 12.27.2011 at 07:24 AM
I like the bamboo frame one.
I have the same problem at home, and would not mind to own a beautiful drying rack.
NickS on 01.11.2012 at 16:28 PM
We often hand wash items that would take a lot of room in the dishwasher, which we only run maybe twice a week. Pots, pans, colanders, etc. If you’re using a drying rack to supplement, not replace, a dishwasher, you’ll likely do the same. So, racks that are designed specifically for plates and a couple of cups may be of little utility to you, no matter how attractive.
Also, unless you’re hand-drying your items and using the drying rack as more of a storage solution / showcase, you’ll want a pan or tray under the drying rack to catch water as it runs off. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a puddle on your counter and possibly the floor. Stepping in a puddle with socks is such an unpleasant feeling :)
Another need is for something that’s easy to clean. Sitting next to the sink, the rack will inevitably get food splatters, water stains, collect dust and soap residue, etc. Many of the more playful designs above look very difficult to clean thoroughly.
I’d probably go for the High&Dry rack. It’s elegant and functional, and looks like it could be cleaned relatively easily.
Carly on 01.18.2012 at 21:20 PM
You’re missing the Joseph Jospeh dish drainer. It’s good looking and functional to boot :)
http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Arena-Self-Draining-Dishrack-White/dp/B004UE1Y9I
Jaime (post author) on 01.18.2012 at 21:23 PM
Good find! Adding to the post now. Thx :)
Travis on 04.17.2013 at 22:06 PM
I love this round up of dish drainers. What I’m looking for in addition is a dishwashing tub. Most are ugly, plastic monsters from the supermarket. Are there any design-forward options out there for the humble dishwashing tub?