Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

How do I build a dish rack in my cabinet?

Start by measuring the interior width of the overhead cabinet and order the maximum width size that fits within your cabinet. 

How will the Stencil work?

DripDry templates represent the exact measurements of the rectangular hole that should be cut out of a cabinet-floor. If your cabinets are completely custom made, the DripDry stencil represents the exact measurement for a frame to be made, with the points indicated to use the anchors that come in our kit. To use a DripDry stencil-template as a self-guiding tool, both the interior width and depth of the cabinet must be known. With these two parameters, the installer measures the interior width and depth in able to properly center the template. Note, custom cabinets have more options to place the template higher or lower depending on design. The stencil also provides a line where the installer should apply a DripDry “sealer-strip” (provided in the kit) or their own barrier strip to protect the edges of wood from humidity.

DDC20 stencil is a cut-out width of a rectangular hole to saw = 16” Inches + 9/64” (41cm)

DDC24 stencil is a cut-out width of a rectangular hole to saw = 20” Inches + 5/64” (51cm)

DDC28 stencil is a cut-out width of a rectangular hole to saw = 23” Inches +13/16” (60.5cm)

Will water drip onto the sides of the counters?

No. The DripDry comes with a drip tray for narrow sinks. For wider sinks or country-style sinks, the drip tray is not necessary and can be discarded. The drip tray installs on the feet (see part #2) to provide a slight curvature to lead water from the sides of the dish racks, to the center of the drip tray, so water drips into the center of your sink.

Do I have to modify my cabinet?

Yes. Unless it is a custom made or ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinet, as a DripDry can be built right in without modifying or cutting out the bottom of the cabinet.

Do I need to take additional measures to protect the ledges of my cabinet?

The DripDry kit includes a watertight finishing tape to iron on to ledges; this may be enough to protect the cabinet framework. However, a melamine or Formica finish may be desired and would be up to the installer to include.

How many dishes does it hold?

Small holds 36 plates.
Medium holds 44 plates.
Large holds 52 plates.

 

Does it drain utensils and silverware?

Yes. It comes with a drip-dry cutlery caddy that fits onto one slat.

Can I get a wider size?

Yes. However, the Large is the widest size that lowers. Any wider or smaller size can be custom-ordered, but any wider than 28 inches is not recommended for being lowered in/out of the cabinet.

Is the DDS model, seen on the Internet, going to be available?

Hopefully.

Will a tall faucet interfere with lowering the dish rack?

No. However, if ‘extraordinary tall,’ we recommend a swivel faucet that turns to touch the backsplash area (as seen in Gallery pics). For faucet clearance, it should not exceed 9” inches in height unless it’s swivels.

How far does the DDC protrude underneath the kitchen cabinet when the unit is lowered?

If using the drip tray, it is the lowest part in the center area of the DDC and protrudes 11.8” inches (30 cm) below the bottom ledge of the cabinet. The handles protrude 15.55” inches (39.5 cm) below the bottom edge of the cabinet. Though handles can easily be removed altogether, they do not interfere with any faucet or tap because they are located on each side of the rack.

How long does it take to install?

It takes about 30 minutes for a skilled pro to install, and no special or unusual tools are required. Installing takes more skill than patience, and cabinets that are already on the wall will require a bit more time and care. A basic instruction sheet is included with each kit and videos showing DIY installation methods are on the websites’ DIY Cabinet Dish Rack page.

Is it possible to hide the handles?

Yes. A kitchen designer or renovation specialist can add a trim beneath the cabinet frame. Alternatively, a handy man can add a ledge within the cabinet, that is 4.00” inches (9.5 cm) above the bottom of the cabinet, and follow the installation instructions.

What if I don’t have a cabinet above my sink?

If you are looking for the “Industrial” look, you can build a frame to hold the DripDry.

Would it be possible to hang this directly from the ceiling without a cabinet? I have a big window over the sink and don’t want to put in a cabinet but would like to free up some counter space.

You should have the best of both worlds: inside beautiful clear counters and a beautiful view outside. Consider raising the cabinet as high as possible, or a shorter cabinet. Your eye level will see directly outside. Above, your dishes will dry.

Will the dishes break when I raise the DripDry back into the cabinet?

No. With a slow and steady shift between up/lowered positions, dishes are secured in place by the deep rack segments and upward teeth.

Will the dishes break when I close the cabinet doors?

No. The DripDry rack is less depth than the interior depth of a cabinet. Typical cabinets are 11-12” inches deep; the DripDry dish rack depth is 8.5” inches deep and is installed centered between the front and back panels of the cabinet.

What are people saying about the DripDry?

We believe our Reviews and Portfolio  are our best recommendations. 

Did the original DripDry dish rack come from Europe?

The DripDry is the trademark name registered in the USA. The concept itself of an organizing, space-saving, space-making, wet storage space above the sink, disappearing dish rack has been known in different areas of the world. In fact, Oregon State has a law from long ago that requires Oregonians air drip-dry their dishes.

Will I lose valuable storage space if I remove a cabinet shelf?

No. You can use the racks in place of any shelf. But you will actually gain wet-storage space (great for draining rinsed fruits and vegetables). Depending on your installation, and having any excess space between the DripDry width and the cabinet side panels, you may have additional storage for soap/sponge, cutting boards or knives, spatulas, etc.

Can the DripDry be installed in a cabinet that is already on the wall?

Yes. But preferably before cabinets are installed on a wall. Cabinets that are already installed on a wall will require a bit more time and care.

How wide does the sink have to be?

As long as the DripDry is centered above, anywhere within the interior ledges, it doesn’t matter what width the sink is. The kit comes with a drip tray that slides under the bottom rack. The drip tray brings all the water to the center and drains straight down.

Do you have wholesale accounts and how can I order a sample?

Contact us please.

Am I correct in understanding that this will fit into any cabinet?

Yes. You are welcome to send in a picture of your kitchen and we will send it back to you, showing how it would work.

What height above the counter is recommended for the bottom of the cabinet?

Typical kitchen construction is 21” inches of “back splash”, leaving 11” inches of clearance between the DripDry (in its lowered position) and the countertop.

How far is the clearance from the wall to the back of the DripDry rack?

Standard cabinet depths are 11.5-12” inches. DripDry racks are 8.5” inches in depth and are designed to hold the circumference of standard plates in an upright position. Installing racks in the center between interior front and back panels leaves several inches of space, so when the cabinet doors are closed, dishes are not pushed towards the back.

Do you have a distributor in Australia?

We ship anywhere in the world.