{"url":"https://www.americastestkitchen.com/equipment_reviews/2791-the-best-dish-racks","title":"Simplehuman Steel Frame Tops Dish Rack Tests","domain":"americastestkitchen.com","imageUrl":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/3829560/pexels-photo-3829560.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","pexelsSearchTerm":"steel frame dish rack","category":"Science","language":"en","slug":"fa608f29","id":"fa608f29-ac23-4243-b206-2a3b14e5f962","description":"America's Test Kitchen tested 12 dish racks to find top performers for drying dishes from households of two or four.","summary":"## TL;DR\n- America's Test Kitchen tested 12 dish racks to find top performers for drying dishes from households of two or four.\n- Simplehuman Standard Steel Frame Dishrack won for its space-efficient design, perfect drainage via 360-degree swiveling spout, and sturdy build at $99.95.\n- Good racks prevent counter drips, speed drying with airflow, and hold heavy cookware without bending or rusting.\n\n## The story at a glance\nAmerica's Test Kitchen evaluated full-size, compact, expandable, over-sink, and collapsible dish racks made from metal and plastic. The Simplehuman Standard Steel Frame Dishrack took top honors, with the KitchenAid Large Capacity Full Size Rust Resistant Dish Rack as best buy and Simplehuman Compact as best for small spaces. The review, updated July 9, 2025, comes as cooks seek reliable tools to make dishwashing less messy.[[1]](https://www.americastestkitchen.com/equipment_reviews/2791-the-best-dish-racks)\n\n## Key points\n- Tested 12 models by loading with plates, glasses, cookware, and utensils for households of four (full-size) or two (compact); checked drainage by pouring 2 cups water, stained with coffee grounds, dropped from counter, and used daily at home.\n- Winner Simplehuman Standard (KT1181, 21 x 20 x 11.75 inches, $99.95): grid of rigid pegs grips dishes securely; high sides contain bulky items; extra drip trays and angled drainboard feed 360-degree swiveling spout to sink; removable stemware rail holds four wine glasses; aced stability, drying, and durability.\n- Simplehuman Compact (KT1184, 15 x 15 x 6 inches, $79.99): fits full load for two with room left; similar drainage and peg design scaled down.\n- KitchenAid full-size (KNS896BXGRA, 15 x 20 x 6.25 inches, $52.99 best buy): rugged steel/plastic build; wide plate slots and utensil holder; drains from short sides only, occasional counter drips.\n- Other recommends: Yamazaki Home TOSCA ($88), Polder 4 Piece ($49.99), OXO Good Grips Aluminum Fold Flat ($40.23).\n- Avoid cramped pegs (slow drying), flimsy wires (bend under weight), low sides under 3 inches (spills), or poor drainage (pools water).\n\n## Details and context\nTesters prioritized racks that sit stable on counters, direct all water to the sink (not evaporation trays unless preferred), and use rust-resistant metal/plastic over wood, which warps or molds. Full-size racks handled 12-inch skillets, sheet pans, and colanders for four people; compacts managed basics for two. Over-sink and most collapsible models failed on capacity or build, so compact or fold-flat options suit tight spaces.\n\nMeasure counter and cabinet clearance first—tall racks like the Simplehuman Standard need 11.75 inches height. Clean racks regularly per instructions to avoid stains or bacteria; winners were easy to rinse and didn't warp.\n\n## Key quotes\n“We were impressed with this dish rack’s space-efficient design, which allowed us to easily load in and dry dishware for a four-person household with room left over.” —ATK testers on Simplehuman Standard.[[1]](https://www.americastestkitchen.com/equipment_reviews/2791-the-best-dish-racks)\n\n## Why it matters\nCountertop water pools breed bacteria and slow meal prep in busy kitchens. Home cooks save time and frustration with racks that dry fully without drips or tippy dishes, while best buys like KitchenAid deliver value under $60. Watch for price drops on Simplehuman models or updates to collapsible designs as space-saving needs grow.","hashtags":["#kitchen","#gear","#dish","#racks","#cookware","#reviews"],"sources":[{"url":"https://www.americastestkitchen.com/equipment_reviews/2791-the-best-dish-racks","title":"Original article"}],"viewCount":2,"publishedAt":"2026-04-06T17:59:30.459Z"}