Roll up dish drying rack is one of the simplest upgrades for a small apartment kitchen. Instead of a bulky rack eating your limited counter space, a roll up dish drying rack sits over your sink and rolls up for storage when not needed.
If you hand wash dishes in a small kitchen, a roll up dish drying rack is close to essential. This guide covers sizing, materials, and what to look for when buying a roll up dish drying rack.
What Is a Roll Up Dish Drying Rack?
A roll up dish drying rack consists of stainless steel or coated metal bars connected by flexible silicone or rubber. You unroll it across your sink to create a drying surface. Water drips directly into the sink below. When finished, roll up your dish drying rack and store it in a cabinet or hang it on a hook.
Most roll up dish drying rack options measure 15 to 20 inches long and 10 to 15 inches wide. They fit standard residential kitchen sinks. According to HGTV’s small kitchen guide, over-sink accessories are one of the top space-saving solutions.
Why Use a Roll Up Dish Drying Rack Instead of a Traditional Rack?
Traditional dish racks have two problems in small kitchens:
Problem 1: They occupy precious counter space permanently, even when not in use.
Problem 2: They need a drip tray underneath, which requires cleaning and takes additional space.
A roll up dish drying rack solves both problems. It uses sink space that’s otherwise wasted, and water drains directly into the sink with no tray needed.
Pros
- Uses zero counter space when in use (sits over sink)
- Rolls up for compact storage when not needed
- Water drips directly into sink with no drip tray
- Doubles as a trivet for hot pots and pans
- Works as a cooling rack for baked goods
- Can extend counter space for food prep
- Durable stainless steel construction lasts years
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- Affordable (most under $20)
Cons
- Must fit your specific sink width
- Cannot place plates vertically (they lay flat)
- Can slip on some sink edges without rubber grips
- Not ideal for very heavy items like cast iron
- Bar spacing may let small items fall through
- Requires measuring sink before purchase
What Size Do You Need?
Measure your sink width at the top edge. The rack should extend at least 1-2 inches beyond each side to sit securely.
Common sizes:
| Sink Width | Rack Size Needed |
|---|---|
| 14-16 inches | 17-18 inch rack |
| 16-18 inches | 19-20 inch rack |
| 18-20 inches | 21-22 inch rack |
Most standard apartment sinks are 16-18 inches wide. A 17-18 inch rack works for the majority of small kitchens.
Important: Double-check your measurement. A rack that’s too short will fall into the sink. A rack that’s too long won’t sit flat.
What to Look For When Buying
Stainless steel bars: Avoid racks with bare metal that can rust. Look for 304 stainless steel or silicone-coated steel.
Silicone coating on ends: Rubberized or silicone-coated ends grip the sink edge and prevent slipping. This is essential for safety with hot items.
Bar spacing: Closer spacing (less than 1 inch between bars) holds more items securely. Wider spacing lets small items fall through.
Weight capacity: Quality racks hold 30+ pounds. This matters if you want to use it for heavy pots or as a prep surface.
Heat resistance: If you plan to use it as a trivet, check heat resistance. Most quality racks handle 400°F or higher.
Beyond Dish Drying: Other Uses
The roll up dish drying rack is surprisingly versatile:
Trivet: Place hot pots and pans directly from stove or oven. Protects counters and lets air circulate underneath.
Cooling rack: Cool cookies, bread, or other baked goods with air circulation underneath.
Prep surface: Extend your counter space over the sink for cutting or food prep. Place a cutting board on top.
Produce rinse station: Rinse vegetables and fruits directly over the sink. Water drains immediately.
Defrosting: Thaw frozen items with airflow underneath and drainage into sink.
This multi-use capability makes the roll up dish drying rack one of the highest value purchases for small kitchens.
How to Clean
Cleaning is simple:
- Rinse under running water after each use
- Wipe with dish soap weekly
- For deep cleaning, place in dishwasher (top rack)
- Dry completely before rolling for storage to prevent any moisture issues
Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch silicone coating.
Our Verdict
A roll up dish drying rack is a simple, effective, cheap solution for small apartment kitchens. It solves the counter space problem elegantly.
Buy a roll up dish drying rack that fits your sink, keep it clean, and you’ll use it daily for years. One of the best sub-$20 kitchen purchases you can make.
For more over-sink kitchen solutions, see Apartment Therapy’s small kitchen ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it scratch my sink? Quality racks have silicone or rubber coatings that protect sink surfaces. Avoid bare metal racks on stainless steel sinks.
Can I leave it over the sink permanently? You can, but it may trap moisture and develop water spots. Rolling it up between uses keeps it cleaner and extends its life.
Does it work on farmhouse sinks? Most roll up racks don’t work well on farmhouse (apron front) sinks because the edges are uneven. Check product specifications for farmhouse sink compatibility.
What if my sink has a center divider? The rack can span the divider if it’s lower than the sink edges. Measure from outer edge to outer edge.
