In a 6 m² kitchen, the slightest item left out at all times becomes overwhelming. The dish rack that is classic, often made of plastic or metal, remains fixed next to the sink, even when empty. It blocks a whole area of the countertop, makes cooking uncomfortable, and gives the impression of permanent mess.
Since 2026, several media outlets like Linternaute or Maison et Travaux have spotted another way to dry dishes, championed by studios and open-plan kitchens. The idea is no longer to place a bulky accessory on the countertop, but to make use of the space above the sink. A discreet solution is beginning to take hold above the basin.
Why the classic dish rack clutters small kitchens
A dish rack placed on the countertop occupies a fixed area, impossible to clear for meal preparation. In small kitchens or kitchenette corners of studios, every inch counts: once the dishes are put away, the accessory remains visible, sometimes filled with glasses that are still drying. In an open kitchen overlooking the living room, this pile can quickly catch the eye and give a cluttered impression.
Another issue mentioned by Linternaute: water that drains poorly. The collection bins fill up, water stagnates, leaves lime scale marks and can foster mold and unpleasant odors. It is necessary to empty, wipe, and clean regularly to keep the area clean. Many households therefore seek to limit these bins and puddles around the sink, even if it means rethinking the way the dishes are dried.
How the roll-up dish rack over the sink works
The accessory everyone’s talking about is the roll-up dish rack over the sink. It presents itself as a series of parallel bars in stainless steel, connected by ends of non-slip silicone. You simply unfold it over the edges of the sink to form a hanging grid. Plates, glasses, or pots dry directly above the basin, water dropping straight into the siphon without passing over the countertop.
Once the dishes are stored, you rinse the grid, let it air dry, then roll the bars into a small cylinder. According to Westmark, a model measuring 29 x 47 cm with a 1 cm thickness easily fits in a drawer. Several product pages advertise a load capacity of up to 18–20 kg, which allows you to place pots and pans. Some models also serve as a pastry rack, a drying area for fruits and vegetables, or even as a trivet for hot containers when the manufacturer notes a resistance of about 232 °C.
Bien choisir son égouttoir enroulable pour gagner de l’espace
The first point to check remains compatibility with the sink rims. This system works especially well on rectangular basins with wide, sturdy edges. The idea is to measure the interior width of the sink, then the available length between the two rims. In a sink under a countertop with no rim or with a very rounded edge, the grid may slide or not rest properly, which limits the device’s usefulness.
- Check the dimensions of the sink and choose a model slightly wider than the basin.
- Observe the spacing of the bars so that glasses, cups, and cutlery do not tip over.
- Look at the silicone quality, the stated maximum load, and whether dishwasher cleaning is allowed.
In terms of budget, Linternaute cites, for example, an Ikea model around €10, while some silicone roll-up dish racks stay under €20. The Westmark roll-up grid is listed at €14.99. For a single person or a couple, a medium size usually suffices to replace the old countertop rack. In a large family, the accessory can complement drying in the dishwasher. Manufacturers generally recommend rinsing the grid regularly, letting it dry well before rolling it up, and respecting weight limits so that this new drying habit remains practical for a long time.
