We tested 15 of the top sink caddies in our tester’s kitchen for 25 hours, evaluating durability, flexibility, ease of care and cleaning, and value. Our winner, the Joseph Joseph Surface Sink Caddy, can hold several cleaning tools and supplies, has a finger-proof-resistant coating, and can be taken apart for easy cleaning. Backed by our testing, here are the best sink caddies for keeping your kitchen clean and organized. While some caddies are designed to conceal the sponges, this model leaves them out in the open to breathe. This is great for quick drying and optimal ventilation of your cleaning tools, but the exposed sponges do not appear all that neat. However, this caddy’s functionality far outweighed its aesthetic appeal. Our tester liked that they could store all of their dishwashing supplies onboard. Thanks to a sloped base, all water drained out of sight, too. Just be sure to position your bottles vertically so they don’t wobble! It’s also key to note that this sink caddy can’t go in the dishwasher. However, it easily dismantles and you can wash the nooks and crannies with soap and water. Price at time of publish: $20 When our tester first started testing this caddy, the suction cups caused them a bit of frustration. The suction cups would occasionally come loose and slide down the sink. Luckily, they found a simple solution. They just applied a small amount of petroleum jelly to the suction cups and re-adhered them. After, they held on much better. Now, you will have to make some compromises in the flexibility department, as well. Our tester said it’s not able to hold many different cleaning tools at once, and would ultimately love if it could hold two sponges: an abrasive one and a regular one. This earned the caddy a 4-star rating for flexibility. However, they did also note that it’s a great option for storing smaller tools—and likewise, would be a great pick for a smaller space. Price at time of publish: $12 The simplehuman caddy is spacious enough to hold two sponges and two dish brushes. The pop-out silicone cup extends to accommodate long brushes. Ventilation holes in the bottom allow for quick drying of cleaning tools and maximize airflow to prevent odors from developing. All in all, this caddy was notably sturdy and was described as a “solid performer” by our tester. While suction cup caddies are usually unreliable, this caddy got a perfect score for durability and will seemingly hold up for a good amount of time, making it worth adding to your space. It’s made of rust-proof stainless steel and comes with a five-year warranty. It’s not dishwasher safe, but can be hand-washed in minutes. Price at time of publish: $28 We liked that the soap pump can be operated with one hand. The detachable rubber tray at the bottom also catches any water that drips from kitchen tools. All of the pieces come apart easily for a quick cleanup. This sink caddy is made of plastic, which is not quite as attractive or durable as stainless steel, but sleek enough to keep on display. Although the quality is good, we think it is a bit pricey for a plastic option. For this reason, we gave it 4 stars for overall value. Price at time of publish: $36 We like that this in-sink caddy doesn’t require any suction cups, which tend to become loose over time. The sturdy plastic saddle holds the caddy securely in place. There are perforated holes at the bottom, which allow water to drain directly into the sink. After several days, our tester noticed some gunk in the pockets, but some quick scrubbing removed the buildup, earning it a perfect score for our ease of cleaning attribute. Price at time of publish: $16 In addition to these flexible storage options, we like that the caddy features a plastic insert, which catches all dripping water. Compared to other sink caddies we tested, Full Circle’s has a more decorative appearance. We sent our tester the gray caddy with white trim, and they noted that it made a stylish addition to their kitchen. This caddy can’t go in the dishwasher, but the smooth ceramic material is very easy to clean. Another thing to note is that, because it is ceramic, it could break or chip if dropped onto the sink or floor. Price at time of publish: $25 Unlike the other countertop caddies that we tested, the Chet Black Ceramic Sink Caddy doesn’t come apart, making it a little more challenging to clean and earning it 4 stars in that category. The ceramic gets slippery when it’s wet, so use caution when handling it. Of course, it might be easier to put it in the dishwasher. (It is dishwasher safe!) Since this sink caddy doesn’t have any type of drainage system, our tester made sure to empty it out frequently to prevent any buildup. Price at time of publish: $20 Most notably, this caddy can double as a drying rack for glasses and mugs. The removable cup is intended for soaking silverware, but it’s also ideal for holding dish wands or drying silverware. Thanks to a well-ventilated drainage tray, our tester found that their cleaning tools dried very quickly. They appreciated the dishwasher-safe design that makes it a breeze to clean. Made of stainless steel, the caddy also looked seamless against their sink of the same material and blended in nicely with their other appliances. Price at time of publish: $36 Another convenient feature is the removable drain pan, which slides right out for easy cleaning. Thanks to the open design and large drainage holes in the bottom, our tester found their items all dried very quickly. There’s just one downside to this caddy, in their opinion: it isn’t as attractive as other options on the market. Although it’s a great storage solution, it’s more utilitarian than stylish. Price at time of publish: $30
What to Look for in a Sink Caddy
Type
Sinks caddies come in many different styles, and you want to choose the type that is most suitable for the size and style of your space, and the way you do dishes. Suction cup sink caddies adhere to the side of the sink. They allow water to drain directly into the sink and free up precious real estate on your countertop. This type of holder can be easily removed for cleaning, however they can lose their grip over time. Our tester found that a thin layer of petroleum jelly should achieve a stronger hold, though. Countertop holders sit on the edge of the sink, keeping your tools within arm’s reach. They feature multiple storage compartments for optimal organization, in most cases. Some also have a modular design. A modular caddy comes with multiple parts that can be stacked or separated depending on your storage needs. This design allows for greater flexibility. Saddle-style caddies are best suited for double sinks. They sit on the divider between the two sinks and are equipped with pockets that provide storage on both sides. Utility racks extend over the sink, providing plenty of storage space for all of your dishwashing supplies. Some models can double as a drying rack, and they’re the best option for draining water directly into your sink. Since they take up a good amount of space, this type of sink caddy is best suited for larger sinks. In general, small sink caddies may only accommodate a sponge or two, while larger caddies are often equipped with several compartments to store all of your dishwashing supplies. When choosing a sink caddy, consider all of the items you intend to keep onboard. Also, consider the size of your sink as well as the amount of counter space around it.
Material
Your sink caddy’s material can play a role in its durability and how easy it is to clean. Stainless steel is great on both fronts. Plus, it might match your kitchen aesthetic. However, you can expect it to be a bit pricier than plastic or silicone options. Plastic sink caddies are often cheaper, but may not be as durable or look as stylish in your space. A silicone or ceramic sink caddy can be stylish and also eco-friendly. However, ceramic sink caddies tend to come as countertop models, which may not be great for smaller living spaces.
Ventilation and Storage Options
Since you’ll be storing wet items in your caddy, look for features that ensure adequate ventilation and drainage so that your dishwashing tools dry properly. Some sink caddies are perforated with holes at the bottom, allowing water to drain directly into the sink. Others have removable drip trays that collect excess water. These trays should be cleaned out regularly.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a home and lifestyle writer who has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019. To select the best products for this roundup, she spent over 25 hours testing and comparing sink caddies. She evaluated each product’s durability, flexibility, ease of cleaning, and overall value before making her final decisions. For expert insight on using kitchen sink caddies for optimal organization, she consulted with Janelle Williams, a professional organizer and the owner of Organized by JWC.
