Home & Kitchen · Head-to-head
simplehuman Steel Frame Dishrack (Standard) vs OXO Good Grips Aluminum Fold Flat Dish Rack
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Dish Drying Racks: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The simplehuman rack wins because it engineers drainage properly and its steel frame is listed as rust resistant. The OXO is the pick for smaller kitchens, since aluminum does not rust like steel and the whole thing folds flat when you want the counter back.
simplehuman Steel Frame Dishrack (Standard)
Buy itThe rack that treats drainage as the real problem, with a swivel spout to aim runoff into the sink.
- Swivel spout plus a sloped base means water leaves instead of pooling
- Steel frame that the maker says resists rust and fingerprints
- Full-size capacity for a big hand-wash load
- Built-in wine glass holder (the maker says it holds up to 4 extra-large Bordeaux glasses) and a removable inner tray
- Priciest option here, and it is a permanent large footprint on the counter
- Avoid bleach wipes and abrasive scrubbers, which can damage the finish on any coated rack
OXO Good Grips Aluminum Fold Flat Dish Rack
Buy itAluminum that does not rust like steel and folds flat to slide into a cabinet.
- Aluminum frame avoids the rust that plagues steel racks
- Folds flat so the counter is clear between washes
- Two tiers plus a slatted drainboard with a directional lip toward the sink
- Removable utensil cup and a build quality above the category norm at this level
- Moderate per-tier capacity, so a twelve-plate pileup means running two rounds
- Brushed aluminum shows hard-water spotting more than a matte finish does
Side by side
The 7 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| simplehuman Steel Frame Dishrack (Standard) Our pick | OXO Good Grips Aluminum Fold Flat Dish Rack | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Households that hand-wash a full load most days and have the counter space to leave a big rack out. | Small kitchens, one or two people, or anyone who wants the counter back between washes. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $$ · mid-range |
| Drainage design | Swivel spout, sloped base | Slatted drainboard with directional lip |
| Rust resistance | Steel frame, rust and fingerprint resistant | Aluminum, no steel to rust |
| Capacity | Full load including pans and lids | Moderate, two tiers |
| Footprint and storage | Large, stays on the counter | Compact, folds flat for storage |
| Extras | Wine glass holder, removable tray | Removable utensil cup |
| Build quality reports | Well regarded by owners | Well regarded for the tier |
| Who it suits | Daily full-load hand washing | Small kitchens, clear counters |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the simplehuman Steel Frame Dishrack (Standard) if
households that hand-wash a full load most days and have the counter space to leave a big rack out.
Know before buying: priciest option here, and it is a permanent large footprint on the counter.
Pick the OXO Good Grips Aluminum Fold Flat Dish Rack if
small kitchens, one or two people, or anyone who wants the counter back between washes.
Know before buying: moderate per-tier capacity, so a twelve-plate pileup means running two rounds.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the simplehuman Steel Frame Dishrack (Standard) - The rack that treats drainage as the real problem, with a swivel spout to aim runoff into the sink. Choose the OXO Good Grips Aluminum Fold Flat Dish Rack instead if small kitchens, one or two people, or anyone who wants the counter back between washes.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Dish Drying Racks: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).