Over-the-sink dish racks

Why choose an over-the-sink dish rack

When the counter is already full, the only space left is up. An over-the-sink dish drying rack straddles the basin on four legs and stacks storage above it: a dish basket on top, more shelving below, and holders for everything that usually clutters the counter. Every drip falls into the sink, so there is no drip tray to empty.

Getting the size right

Measure the full width of the sink, including the rim, and the height from the counter to the top of the faucet. Sakugi adjustable racks list their minimum and maximum span — for example 30 to 33.9 inches, or 31.5 to 39.5 inches — and their overall height. The sink width needs to fall inside that range, and the faucet needs to clear the lowest shelf.

2 tier or 3 tier?

A 2-tier over-the-sink rack holds a family's daily dishes and keeps the window view open. A 3-tier rack adds a top shelf for spices, jars or cleaning supplies and suits kitchens where the wall above the sink has nothing else to do.

Over-the-sink rack vs countertop dish rack

A countertop dish rack or dish drainer sits beside the sink and needs a drip tray or drying mat underneath. An over-the-sink dish rack needs no tray at all, because drainage goes straight into the basin, and it gives back the counter space a regular rack would take. If you wash a lot of pots and pans, the lower basket of an over-the-sink rack takes them on edge while plates and bowls dry above.

What fits on the rack

The dish basket holds plates upright and bowls in rows, and side holders keep cups and wine glasses upside down. A divided utensil holder sorts flatware, a knife slot keeps blades apart from the plates, and a cutting board holder stands boards on edge to dry. Hooks on the frame take brushes, sponges and dish towels, so the sink area stays organized after washing.

Expandable frames and materials

Sakugi over-the-sink racks are expandable, sliding wider to fit the sink, and are built from stainless steel with a coated finish. Unlike plastic racks, steel does not crack, warp or hold onto stains, and the removable baskets lift out for a quick clean. A folding drying mat is no longer needed, and nothing has to go in the dishwasher except the dishes themselves.

Keeping it clean

Wipe the frame with a damp cloth once a week and rinse the dish basket and utensil holder under the tap. Because water drains into the sink rather than sitting in a tray, there is far less chance of mildew or mineral spots building up on the rack.

Some tips to consider

• Measure sink width including the rim.
• Check faucet height against the lowest shelf.
• Hang brushes and sponges on the side hooks.
• Wipe the coated frame with a damp cloth.