I basically use my dishwasher as a dishrack...I have a tiny galley kitchen with only 24 inches of counterspace on each side of my sink.

I have a small stainless steel dish drainer that stays in the smaller side of my sink. I'd be lost without it.

Is this the thread you were looking for?

Here is a link that might be useful: dish drainers

Yes, thanks natal. I'll go over there and Xpost. I noticed the last post under that thread is from someone who is trying to go without a drainer too. ha.

Oops. I don't think that was the most recent thread afterall natal. I just noticed the post before mine was date Aug.2009.

I tossed mine out about a year ago and I dont miss it. I do have a dishwasher but I still wash pots and pans in the sink. The only difference I've noticed is that things don't completely dry so I give them a quick wipe before putting them away but my dish drainer was always collecting soapy scum and was a pain to clean and my kitchen looks less cluttered without it now

I use a plastic drainboard but not a strainer or rack, since the dishes go in the dishwasher and it's mainly pots and pans and other awkward-sized pieces that get hand washed. I confess, though, it's covered with items more often than not--we get lazy about putting things away until they're basically toppling into the sink. *Not* recommended!

Ever notice that in decorating magazines you *never* see a dishrack on the counter? Or if you do it's one of those x-shaped wooden things that seem really impractical.

At Christmas Tree Shop the other day I saw cloths made to work like a drainboard. They looked like microfiber but I *think* had a waterproof layer in the middle, though I didn't examine them too closely. Something like that would be handy to lay out when you needed it, or throw in the wash if you had a couple to alternate.

I normally do my dishes by hand and put them in the d/washer to air dry. I also like using this microfiber pad on my counter and just toss it under the sink when dishes are dry.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pad from BB&B

That mat looks neat! I don't use a drainer. I do use the dishwasher but there are items I don't put in there. I don't leave things to dry, I (or hubby) dries them as washed. If it's just me, I sit them on a dishtowel till I finish washing. That mat would probably be better. Thanks for the link!

tina

I also have a stainless steel dish drainer that fits inside my sink. We use our dishwasher but need this drainer for hand wash only items and pots and pans. I, too would be LOST without it.

I bought the mat from BB&B, and like the way it functions, but still prefer to use a black towel on my mostly black countertop.

I have never had a dishwasher ever (current kitchen is too small anyway). I leave my drainer on the counter, unless company is coming & then I like to hide it (but it doesn't really fit well in a bottom cupboard). I just saw a TV commercial for a collapsible one by Starfrit. Has anyone tried it?

Years ago I purchased a stainless steel drainer rack at Tuesday Morning that sits close to the bottom of the extra side of the duel sink area. The total heighth is only about one inch. You can't see it until you are right by the sink. Hand wash items and pots/pans dry very nicely as it's just enough above the sink bottom. I have a suction cup thingie (available at discount/dollar stores) where eating utensils/cutting knives etc. fit nicely. I'll be devastated if it ever shoots craps.

When I put a new countertop in a few years back and did a few minor renovations in the kitchen, I decided I was going to go "classy" and put the dish drainer away. What a joke! Didn't work for me. I did upgrade to a smaller, "classier" looking one from BB&B. It is kind of bronzy looking on a smokey looking tray. I use the microfiber pad shown above under the tray, since in my quest to have a classier looking tray, it is too small for my pots and pans; with drainage falling off the edges. I do need to pick up another one of the pads. Occasionally I could use it when we have large family events with pot-lock and all the gals are washing up their large serving dishes, tupperware, etc.

I barely have time to load the dishwasher, wipe down the counters, and hand wash the have-to's. So it sits there in all it's glory!

Tuesday