Dish Drying Racks for Small Apartments: buying checklist
In a small apartment the rack competes with everything else on the counter, so foldable, roll-up and over-the-sink styles tend to matter more than raw capacity.
General checks
- Measure the counter or sink area the rack will occupy, including where the drip tray or mat drains.
- Decide whether you need a rack that folds, expands or rolls up, or one that stays put.
- Look at how water drains: into the sink, onto a mat, or into a tray you must empty.
- Check the listing for material care, since metal, silicone and microfiber each wear differently.
Specific checks for the picks above
- Gorilla Grip Silicone Dish Drying Mat, 18 x 16 Inch: The mat is 18 by 16 inches, so check that it fits your counter. It is a flat mat, so it will not hold a large set of dishes the way a rack does. Roll it up or rinse it clean.
- OXO Good Grips Aluminum Fold Flat Dish Rack, 2-Tier: Set up, it measures 16.4" L x 14.4" W x 9.5" H, so check the space beside your sink.
- JASIWAY Expandable Stainless Steel In-Sink Dish Drying Rack: The rack itself is about 15.5" x 11" x 4.8" with silicone-sleeved arms; measure your sink width first. It holds about 12 plates, 10 bowls and 4 cups plus utensils.
- Joseph Joseph Extend Steel Expandable Dish Rack: Measure the counter beside your sink with the rack expanded, and place the spout over the sink edge.
- Kitsure Compact Dish Drying Rack with Drainboard: The drainboard catches drips, so check where the water will drain. The utensil holder lifts off for cleaning.
- Ohuhu Roll-Up Over-the-Sink Dish Drying Rack, 17.6" x 15.4": Measure your sink first: it fits sinks whose shorter side is 17 inches or less. The rods are silicone-wrapped steel and support up to 100 pounds, and it rolls up for storage.
Confirm exact specifications with the manufacturer and check return terms and warranty details with the seller.