Dish Racks & Drain Boards

Best Dish Racks in the UK: Stylish, Practical Picks from Nordic Nest and Top Retailers

Why a great dish rack matters more than you think

Think of a dish rack as the unsung hero of your kitchen — small, humble, but responsible for keeping countertops dry, plates upright, and your morning routine moving. Whether you live in a compact flat or a family home, the right dish rack transforms washing up from a chore into a simple, tidy ritual. It’s not just about holding plates; it’s about workflow, water management, and matching your kitchen’s style. Choosing the wrong one can mean water pooling on counters, wobbling crockery, and more time spent tidying than you'd like.

Top brands and designers you’ll find in the UK

The UK market has a great mix of functional and designer dish racks. Nordic Nest stocks many of these names, while high-street stores also carry smart, practical options. From budget-friendly plastic racks to high-end stainless steel pieces, brands like Dorre, Joseph Joseph, Humdakin, Rig-Tig, Hay, and Alessi offer different looks and practical features. Each brand tends to focus on a slightly different need — space-saving solutions, stylish finishes, or clever draining systems — so it pays to match the brand to your priorities.

Dorre

Dorre is known for clean, Scandinavian-inspired metal racks with classic finishes. If you like a minimalist chrome look that feels both durable and understated, their Disa series delivers. For example, the Dorre Disa dish rack is compact yet sturdy, ideal for a kitchen that needs a reliable all-rounder.

Joseph Joseph

Joseph Joseph has a reputation for smart, space-aware design. Their Flip-up dish racks and modular drying systems are perfect if you want something that stores flat when not in use. Expect features like integrated drip trays and foldable tines that suit busy, practical kitchens.

Humdakin

Humdakin leans into a soft Scandinavian aesthetic with muted colours and a focus on everyday elegance. Their small bench organisers are great for people who prefer tidy counter zones with a softer finish than raw metal.

Rig-Tig

Rig-Tig blends function with a friendly design language. Their Dish-it collection tends to be lightweight and easy to move, offering a balance between utility and approachable looks at a sensible price point.

Hay

Hay often produces bold, modern pieces with interesting finishes. If your kitchen has a contemporary feel, a Hay drying rack in anthracite or stainless steel becomes both a practical tool and a styling statement.

Alessi

Alessi sits at the premium end and appeals to design-conscious buyers. Their stainless steel items are polished, sculptural, and made to last — perfect if you view kitchen accessories as part of your home’s decor.

Standout products to consider (sizes converted to inches)

Below are a few models to keep an eye on. I’ve converted the measurements to inches so you know exactly how they’ll fit on your countertop or next to the sink.

Dorre Disa Dish Rack — approx 11 x 18.9 in, chromed iron

This compact rack is a classic choice: sturdy chromed iron in a simple shape that holds plates, cups, and utensils without occupying too much space. It suits small to medium kitchens where you want durability and minimal fuss.

Joseph Joseph Flip-up Dish Rack — approx 15.8 in, grey

The Flip-up rack’s killer feature is space-saving: it collapses flat when not in use and flips up to hold plates and glasses. The integrated drip tray directs water neatly into the sink, and its neutral grey shade fits most modern kitchens.

Humdakin Dish Bench Organiser — small footprint

Humdakin’s small bench organiser is aimed at tidy counters. It doesn’t take many dishes but excels as a landing zone for mugs and cutlery after a quick rinse. It’s a good choice for one- or two-person households where large racks would be overkill.

Rig-Tig Dish-it Dish Rack — light grey

Lightweight and affordable, the Rig-Tig rack focuses on simplicity. It’s easy to move and clean, and while it won’t replace a large family-sized rack, it’s perfect for everyday use in modest kitchens.

Hay Dish Drying Rack — anthracite

Hay’s anthracite drying rack is visually striking and durable. The finish hides water spots and looks contemporary on stainless counters or wooden worktops. It’s a statement piece that still performs well for everyday drying tasks.

Alessi A Tempo Dish Rack — stainless steel

As a premium option, Alessi’s stainless steel rack combines sculptural design with durability. If you want your drying rack to look intentional — like part of the kitchen’s design language — this one fits the bill and will last for years.

Dorre Disa 2 Plan Dish Rack — approx 12.6 x 18.5 in, chromed iron

This two-plan version offers additional capacity while keeping a compact footprint. It’s great if you need more slots for plates without sacrificing counter real estate.

Hay Shortwave Dish-drying Rack — stainless steel

Another Hay pick, the Shortwave design is slim and stylish. Stainless steel ensures longevity and a clean finish that pairs well with modern sinks and taps.

Where to buy these dish racks in the UK

There are plenty of places to shop for dish racks in the UK, from design-focused online retailers to mainstream high-street stores. Nordic Nest is a strong source for Scandinavian brands and designer items. For everyday shopping, check John Lewis and Lakeland for a broad mix of practical and premium options. Wayfair and Amazon UK offer huge selections and customer reviews that help with decision-making, while Dunelm and Robert Dyas are good for reliable, budget-friendly kitchenware. If you’re after designer pieces like Alessi or Hay, specialist homeware stores and curated online retailers are the places to look.

High-street retailers

John Lewis is great for testing products in-store where possible, while Lakeland and Dunelm supply functional, family-friendly racks. These stores are handy if you want to see build quality and size before buying.

Online marketplaces

Amazon UK and Wayfair provide variety and fast delivery. Buyer reviews are a huge advantage here — they often reveal how a rack handles real-life heavy pans or tight kitchen counters.

How to choose the right dish rack for your kitchen

Picking a dish rack can feel simple, but a few thoughtful checks will save you frustration. Think about size, material, drainage, storage, and how the rack fits your daily routine. Below are practical tips to guide you.

Measure your sink and counter space in inches

Before buying, measure the area where the rack will sit. If you plan to place the rack next to the sink, leave a couple of inches of breathing room; a rack that’s too wide can make the area look cluttered and be awkward to use. Over-sink racks work great for tiny kitchens because they let water drip directly into the sink.

Choose the right material

Stainless steel resists rust and looks sleek, while chromed iron offers a classic sheen at a lower price. Plastic is lightweight and inexpensive but can stain or warp over time. Wooden peg rails or bamboo trays look warm and natural but need more care and should be kept away from constant soaking.

Consider capacity and layout

Do you wash a lot of dishes at once, or do you rinse and stack a few plates daily? Racks with tiered levels or two-plan layouts increase capacity without using more surface space. Removable utensil holders and glass holders help you customise the layout.

Look for smart draining solutions

Integrated drip trays with spouts that channel water into the sink are handy. Some racks tilt slightly to drain in a specific direction, and others have detachable trays you can easily empty and clean. These features keep your counter dry and prolong the life of wooden surfaces.

Style and finish

Your dish rack doesn’t have to be hidden. If you have an open-plan kitchen, choose a finish that complements your taps and appliances. Anthracite or matte black works well with modern kitchens, while polished stainless steel fits classic looks.

Small kitchen solutions: saving space without compromise

Living with a compact kitchen? There are clever dish racks designed to maximise every inch. Over-sink racks, fold-flat models, and collapsible drying mats are lifesavers when counter space is precious. Over-sink racks use vertical space and let water drip straight into the sink, eliminating the need for trays. Foldable racks such as the Joseph Joseph Flip-up are perfect if you only need them occasionally — they store flat in a cabinet when done.

Over-sink racks

These let you reclaim counter space by spanning the sink. They’re ideal if you have a deep sink and want to air dry plates without a tray. Make sure your sink width in inches matches the rack span.

Foldable and collapsible options

Rubber-coated racks and silicone mats collapse to a few inches thick and can be tucked away. These are perfect if you host rarely or you prefer to dry a few items at a time.

Budget picks vs premium picks: what you get

On the budget end, expect lightweight plastic, fewer drainage bells and whistles, and simpler aesthetics. These are perfectly functional and often surprisingly durable when treated gently. Mid-range racks from brands like Joseph Joseph and Rig-Tig add smart features — foldability, better drip trays, and clever layouts. At the premium end, look to Alessi and high-end Hay pieces for designer materials, sculptural forms, and top-tier stainless steel finishes. The premium pieces often last much longer and age beautifully, but they also come with designer price tags.

Cleaning and maintenance tips to keep your rack looking new

Even the best dish rack needs routine care. Wipe trays and surfaces daily to prevent water marks, and give metal racks a weekly rinse to remove soap scum. For stubborn deposits, a soak with warm water and a splash of white vinegar dissolves mineral build-up. Wooden elements benefit from occasional oiling to prevent drying and cracking. If parts are removable, pop them in the dishwasher if the manufacturer allows, or hand-wash with mild detergent to preserve coatings.

Quick daily care

Empty the drip tray and let the rack air-dry upside down occasionally to avoid stagnant water. This little habit prevents smells and keeps mould at bay.

Deep clean every month

Once a month, dismantle removable elements and scrub away grime. A paste of baking soda and water works well for stubborn marks on metal and plastic. Rinse thoroughly and allow parts to dry completely before reassembling.

Final pre-buy checklist

Before you add a dish rack to your cart, run through this mental checklist: measure your available space in inches, choose a material that suits your lifestyle, decide on capacity, check the draining system, and consider how often you want to store the rack away. Factor in how often you cook, whether you need to hold heavy pans, and which finish best suits your kitchen.

Making the final choice

There’s a dish rack out there for every kitchen and lifestyle. If you want low maintenance and longevity, stainless steel or a well-coated chromed option is a safe bet. If space is tight, opt for a fold-flat or over-sink model. And if style matters, brands like Hay and Alessi offer designs that are as much décor as they are tools. Ultimately, the best rack is one that solves your daily washing routine and fits harmoniously into your kitchen space.

With options ranging from compact Humdakin bench organisers to the sculptural Alessi stainless steel models, UK shoppers can find durable, stylish racks that suit any counter — whether you buy through Nordic Nest, John Lewis, Lakeland, or an online marketplace. Measure, match the material to your needs, and you’ll have a drying solution that makes the small victory of a tidy sink a daily pleasure.

Conclusion

Picking the right dish rack doesn’t have to be a rush decision. Spend a little time measuring your space, think about how you wash up day-to-day, and choose a material and style that will work for years. Whether you prioritise a compact, foldable design or a premium stainless steel statement piece, the UK market has options to match every budget and kitchen layout. A good dish rack streamlines your routine, protects your counters, and keeps your kitchen looking tidy — and once you find the right one, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.