Clear Your Countertop Of Clutter With IKEA's Dish Rack Solution

Some kitchens have abundant counter space, while others are woefully short on this prized characteristic. If your kitchen falls into the latter category, you know how frustrating it can be to try to function on a daily basis. There may be things that are making your small kitchen look even more crowded, such as a dish drying rack. While you might not be able to actually make your countertops larger, there are simple tricks that can keep countertops free from clutter, like shopping with a discerning eye for items that help you make the most of the room you already possess. One product that is revolutionary in its design is a new dish drying rack (don't worry, it's not like ones you've seen before).

The IKEA HULTARP Dish Drainer ($17) is pretty simple at first glance. Like many other dish drainers, it has a number of slots in its wire design to hold plates, cups, and allows dishes to drip into a tray at the bottom, keeping your counters dry. Unlike other dish drainers, however, the HULTARP is fitted with a sturdy hanger at the back, which is sufficiently strong to suspend the entire drainer from a wall-mounted rod (like the matching HULTARP Black Rail, which costs a mere $7). Thanks to the innovative design, you should be able to free up a sizable footprint on your countertops while keeping your dishwashing cycle moving seamlessly. 

This budget-friendly IKEA item can help keep your kitchen clutter-free by offering a unique spin on conventional dish drainers, allowing the user to hang it from the wall if they so desire. Before spending your hard-earned money on another accessory for your kitchen, however, it's always best to do your research. The HULTARP has received good feedback, with an aggregate rating of 3.8 stars from 300 reviews. Many customers who have purchased the HULTARP praise its appearance and ease of assembly while having a more divided opinion about its performance, quality, and value for money. Some users love its design, saying that it provides them with more space in their kitchen, but several more critical reviews report issues, such as the slots not being deep enough to properly hold plates. Ultimately, your opinion of the dish drainer may come down to your particular needs, as well as the dimensions of your dishes.

If you have a dish drainer that is already serving you well, but you still love the idea of the HULTARP, this versatile kitchen tool can be repurposed. One IKEA customer commented that they use the HULTARP drainer as a plate storage solution, while another says they place fruits and veggies in it. Whether you use it for dishes or not, this product offers a unique spin on storage that is not commonly seen in drying racks.