Washing baby bottles is a never-ending cycle. You wash, rinse, and repeat until you feel like you live at the sink. If you don’t have a designated spot for them to dry, your kitchen counter quickly becomes a cluttered mess of nipples, rings, and caps.
We are here to help you reclaim your counter space.
Our team of moms tested a wide range of products to find the best bottle drying racks. We looked for options that save space, hold a variety of bottle types, and allow for proper airflow. With the right rack, you can dry your feeding gear quickly and keep it sanitary for the next feeding.
- Affordable
- Doesn’t take up much space
- Easy to assemble
- Holds a lot of items
- Beautiful-looking drying rack
- Affordable
- Holds plenty of bottles and accessories
- Super affordable
- Two tiers
Do I Need a Baby Bottle Drying Rack?
Moms have managed without drying racks for generations. Technically, it is a luxury rather than a necessity. However, it is a luxury that makes the daily grind much easier.
A dedicated drying rack keeps your baby bottles organized in one clean spot. Without one, you are likely balancing bottles upside down on a clean towel or the bare counter. This exposes the bottle interior to household germs or bacteria.
The best racks do more than just hold bottles. They separate gear to ensure proper airflow. This is crucial for preventing mold growth in tight spots like nipples or valves.
Many racks also accommodate sippy cups, breast pump flanges, pacifiers, and cleaning brushes. Using a rack eliminates the frantic search for a missing bottle ring when your baby is crying for milk.
How to Choose a Baby Bottle Drying Rack
Here is what you should consider before buying.
- Size and Footprint: Kitchen real estate is valuable. If you have limited counter space, look for a vertical, multi-tiered rack. These offer plenty of drying pegs without dominating your prep area. If you have a large island, a low-profile grass-style rack might work better.
- Ease of Cleaning: The rack itself needs to be cleaned often to prevent grime buildup. Look for a design that is easy to wipe down. Even better, find one that is top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Water Drainage: You want water to drain away from your clean bottles, not pool inside them. Look for racks with a drip tray or a sloped design. This catches runoff and protects your countertops from water damage.
- Capacity: Consider how many bottles you use daily. If you wash bottles once a day, you need a rack that holds 8 to 10 bottles plus accessories. If you wash as you go, a smaller rack will suffice.
- Material Stability: Flimsy racks can tip over. This is especially important if you use glass bottles. Look for sturdy bases or weighted designs that can support heavier glass without toppling.
- Versatility: Your baby will eventually graduate to sippy cups and toddler tableware. A rack with flexible tines or adjustable heights will remain useful long after the bottle stage.
- Aesthetics: Baby gear often looks chaotic. Some drying racks feature modern, sleek designs that blend with kitchen decor. Others are bright and colorful. Choose one that you won’t mind looking at every day.
Product Reviews
We tested and reviewed the top-rated drying racks to see which ones actually keep your counters organized and dry.
Philips Avent Baby Bottle Drying Rack
Best Drying Rack for Glass Bottles
The Philips Avent rack isn’t the largest option, but it is a workhorse for sturdy drying. It is specifically designed to maximize airflow, which helps items dry completely in just a few hours.
The open design accommodates eight bottles of various sizes. It is particularly good for glass bottles because the structure is rigid and stable. You won’t have to worry about the arms bending under the weight of heavy glass.
We love the detachable drip tray. It catches all the water, keeping your counters dry, and is easy to empty into the sink. The assembly is straightforward, and the clean white aesthetic fits well in most modern kitchens.
Pros
- It is affordable and durable.
- Compact footprint saves counter space.
- Easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning.
Cons
- It is not dishwasher safe (hand wash only).
- Very tall bottles might drip outside the tray if placed on the outer edge.
Our Ratings
Munchkin Sprout Baby Bottle Drying Rack
Best Baby Bottle Drying Rack for Travel
If you need a drying rack that can handle a high volume without taking up a huge footprint, the Munchkin Sprout is a great choice. The spinning feature is a game-changer. You can access any bottle or accessory with a quick flick of the wrist.
It holds up to 12 bottles plus accessories. The tree-like structure has specific spots for sealing discs and straw cups, making it versatile for toddler years too.
Despite its high capacity, it is surprisingly compact. This makes it an excellent option for travel. It fits easily into a suitcase or diaper bag, ensuring you have a clean place to dry bottles in hotels or at grandma’s house.
Pros
- High capacity relative to its size.
- Spinning base makes access easy.
- Built-in reservoir keeps counters dry.
Cons
- Nipple storage is limited compared to bottle storage.
- Plastic arms may flex under very heavy glass bottles.
Our Ratings
The First Years Spin Stack Baby Bottle Drying Rack
Best Large Baby Bottle Drying Rack
For parents with multiples or those who only wash bottles once a day, capacity is king. The Spin Stack can hold up to 16 bottles at once. By using vertical space rather than horizontal space, it keeps your counters clear.
Both tiers spin independently. This means no more knocking over clean bottles while reaching for a pacifier in the back. It handles pump parts and valves with ease.
We appreciate that this rack is budget-friendly. Plus, when it gets grimey, you can toss the whole thing on the top rack of your dishwasher. It includes a drip tray, though it sits loosely under the unit.
Pros
- Massive capacity for bottles and small parts.
- Very affordable price point.
- Vertical design saves valuable counter space.
Cons
- The drip tray doesn’t snap on, so it can slide around.
- Tiny accessories might slip through the wide shelf openings.
Our Ratings
Glory and Grace Wall Drying Rack
Best Wall Mounted Baby Bottle Drying Rack
If you have zero counter space to spare, the Glory and Grace rack is the solution. This unit mounts directly to your wall, freeing up your prep area entirely.
It features a vintage metal design that looks much better than standard plastic baby gear. It fits well in farmhouse or industrial-style kitchens. Because it is metal, it is incredibly durable and holds heavy glass bottles without issue.
This isn’t just for baby gear. Once your child outgrows bottles, this rack transitions perfectly into a drying station for mason jars, coffee mugs, or herbs. It is an investment piece that serves a purpose for years, not months.
Pros
- Completely clears the countertop.
- Stylish design matches home decor.
- Durable construction lasts for years.
Cons
- Lacks a tray for dripping water (requires a towel underneath).
- No specific hooks for nipples or small parts.
Our Ratings
OLizee Baby Bottle Drying Rack
Best Bottle Drying Rack with Cover
Dust, pet hair, and household germs are the enemies of clean bottles. The OLizee rack solves this with a protective cover. It seals your clean items inside, keeping them sanitary until you are ready to use them.
This design is essentially a portable cabinet. You can wash your bottles, place them in the rack, snap the lid on, and store the entire unit in a pantry or cupboard. This is perfect for families who want to hide baby gear when guests come over.
While the capacity is lower (about six bottles), the hygiene factor is unmatched. It also includes a removable drainage tray to prevent standing water.
Pros
- Cover protects bottles from dust and pets.
- Portable design allows for cabinet storage.
- BPA-free and phthalate-free materials.
Cons
- Higher price point than standard open racks.
- Limited capacity requires frequent washing.
Our Ratings
Baby Bottle Drying Rack FAQs
How Do You Sterilize a Baby Bottle Drying Rack?
Most drying racks cannot be sterilized in a microwave or steam sterilizer because they are too large or the plastic might warp. Instead, wash the rack thoroughly with hot, soapy water. If the manufacturer allows, run it through the dishwasher on a high-heat cycle to kill bacteria.
How Often Should You Clean Your Baby Bottle Drying Rack?
You should dump the drip tray daily to prevent standing water. As for deep cleaning, aim to wash the rack with hot soapy water or in the dishwasher once a week. If you see any pink or black slime (mold), clean it immediately.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have a Drying Rack?
You can place a clean, dry towel or paper towel on the counter. Stand the bottles upside down on the towel. Ensure the towel is fresh; reusing a kitchen towel can transfer food residue or germs to your clean bottles.
Do I Need a Bottle Sterilizer and a Drying Rack?
They serve different purposes. A sterilizer kills germs using steam, while a drying rack holds items while they air dry. Some high-end electric sterilizers include a drying function. If you have one of those, you might not need a separate countertop rack.
Is the Boon Drying Rack Worth It?
The Boon Grass rack is popular because it looks great and holds items of any shape or size. The flexible blades hold bottles upright, while small accessories rest on top. However, it requires regular cleaning to ensure water doesn’t get trapped in the base.
What Is the Best Way to Dry Out a Baby Bottle?
Air drying on a designated rack is generally the most sanitary method. Drying with a cloth towel can introduce lint and bacteria. Ensure the bottle is completely inverted so water drains out, and allow air to circulate inside to prevent mold growth.
How Do I Remove Hard Water Buildup From My Drying Rack?
If you notice white, chalky deposits on your drip tray, it is likely calcium from hard water. Soak the tray in a mixture of white vinegar and warm water for 30 minutes. Scrub gently with a brush, then rinse thoroughly to remove the vinegar smell.
