The 12 Best Sink Caddies of 2024

What's worse than a sink full of dirty dishes? I notice that your sponge is sitting at the bottom of the pile, soaked. A sink caddy, on the other hand, is a cost-effective and practical storage solution to keep your dishwashing utensils within easy reach. Your dish soap, brushes, and other essentials are dry, mold-free, and ready to use.

There are a number of different types of sink caddies available today, including models designed to hang over the sink and others that allow you to simply stand on the corner of the sink to keep it out of the way. Countertop models can be placed neatly nearby, and space-saving suction cup, magnetic and adhesive containers attach to the side of the sink or to the wall above to keep the countertop tidy.

To find the best sink caddies, we spent hours researching different models on the market and evaluating them for style, material, durability, storage space, and ventilation. We also spoke with Jamie Hord, founder of professional organizing company Horderly, about what to look for when buying the best sink caddy.

How to buy sink caddies like a pro

Type

There are many different types of sink caddies, but they mainly fall into three categories: countertop, suction/adhesive/magnetic models, or over-the-sink models. Countertop options, as the name suggests, sit on your countertop, while over-the-sink caddies can either sit above the sink, sit over a corner, or hang from a faucet.

Adhesive options, whether using adhesive pads, suction cups or magnets, sit in the sink or can be attached to the wall directly above the sink. Some sink baskets with suction cups have a tendency to fall off the sink. Therefore, make sure that both the sink and the suction cups are dry before attempting to attach the sink basket. If it still doesn't stay in place, rubbing a little petroleum jelly on the suction cups should help.

Many sink caddies have separate sections to hold many different supplies, while others are designed to store individual items. Some sink baskets, like the Crate & Barrel Chet White Ceramic Sink Caddy, are so stylish that they can double as decoration. When buying a sink caddy, first think about where it will go, what it will hold, and what it will look like.

material

Sink baskets come in a variety of materials, including plastic and metals such as aluminum or stainless steel. Others are coated with rubber to prevent slipping, while others have a rust-resistant coating to ensure durability. Since most containers are located in, on, or around your sink, they are vulnerable to water, leftover food, and soap, and therefore must be made from durable materials.

The sturdiest materials for sink baskets are stainless steel and plastic, and there are also mold and mildew resistant options. A dishwasher-safe sink container makes cleaning easier and is generally a good sign that it is fairly durable. When it comes to aesthetics, Hord suggests thinking about what material would best suit your sink and your overall kitchen decor.

Size

Since they come in a variety of sizes, you should be able to find the best sink caddy to fit your kitchen, no matter how much space you have left. The sink caddy you choose should fit your space and not overwhelm it. Some sink containers are only large enough to hold a dishwashing sponge, while others have various compartments for all of your dishwashing supplies like dish soap, microfiber cloths, and scrub brushes.

Some sink caddies may look small, but don't be fooled – they can pack a lot of storage space into their small profile. Don't just pay attention to the dimensions of the sink caddy; Also pay attention to space efficiency. Others, like the TOOLF Expandable Sink Caddy, feature an expandable design so they can fit over different size kitchen sinks.

ventilation

Hord emphasizes the importance of good ventilation when choosing a sink caddy. Without proper drainage or ventilation holes, your sponges will not dry efficiently and mold can quickly build up. To ensure optimal ventilation, check whether your sink caddy has a water collection container or is provided with drainage holes.

Wire frame sink caddies, like the HapiRm 4-in-1 Sink Caddy with Adhesive Sponge Holder, provide excellent ventilation thanks to their open design. Others, like the Soon Neat Kitchen Sink Caddy, have a built-in drainage system that automatically drains water directly into the sink.

Questions you might ask

How much does a sink caddy hold?

A sink caddy can hold anything from a variety of sponges to soap or lotion pumps, says Hord. Smaller sink containers, like the iDesign Rust-Resistant Stainless Steel Sponge Holder, may only hold your dish sponge or dish brush, while others, like the TreeLen Expandable Sink Container, have multiple compartments for items like sponges, scourers, dish soap, etc. and tea towels.

How long does a sink caddy last?

Hord says your sink caddy can last for years if you care for it properly. Make sure to squeeze out any excess water before putting anything in it, and clean it thoroughly from time to time to prevent mold from building up. In addition to regular cleaning, avoid harsh chemicals like bleach.

Most sink baskets are easy to clean: simply dip a cleaning cloth in warm, soapy water and wipe. A weekly wipe down should be enough, but be sure to rinse away dirt every time you see it. An effective way to thoroughly clean a sink counter is to add a little vinegar to the soap mixture. If you choose a dishwasher-safe container, you can skip these steps altogether and throw it in the dishwasher along with a detergent container along with the rest of your dirty dishes.

How much should a sink caddy cost?

Sink caddies are fairly inexpensive, making them a no-brainer when it comes to organization and efficiency in the kitchen. “Depending on the size and compartments you're looking for and the quality, a sink caddy can cost anywhere from a few dollars to about $30,” says Hord. Our top picks for the best sink caddies range from $10 to $35, so you're sure to find the best one for you, no matter your budget.

Take our word

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 11 years of experience as a trading writer. Kat has been writing for Real Simple since 2019 and is also a commercial editor at Thomas-Xometry, the leading US online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, Kat found and reviewed several sink baskets, researching and considering factors such as size, material, style, ventilation, price, and how easy each item is to clean. She also spoke with Jamie Hord, founder of professional organizing company Horderly.