In-depth review
Joseph Joseph Extend Steel Dish Rack Review (2026)
In-depth review of the Joseph Joseph Extend Steel dish rack: sliding two-part tray, non-scratch prongs, swivel spout, and whether adjustability is worth the premium.
Joseph Joseph Extend Steel Expandable Dish Rack
The adjustable steel rack: a two-part sliding tray that grows for a big wash-up and shrinks back for a small one.
Our verdict
The Joseph Joseph Extend Steel dish rack is the best expandable rack for most buyers, because its sliding tray solves a real variable-load problem rather than adding a gimmick. On quiet days it stays compact, after a large meal it slides out for a bigger drying run, and the coated prongs and ribbed base keep dishes safe and water moving. It costs more than a fixed rack of similar size, but for a household whose wash-up swings in size, the adjustability earns its keep daily.
What we like
- The two-part sliding tray adjusts the draining space in seconds, so the rack is small on quiet days and large after a roast dinner.
- Coated steel prongs with non-scratch tips hold plates, bowls, and glasses without marking them.
- Ribs on the base channel water away and stop it pooling inside upturned cups and glasses.
What to watch out for
- The sliding joint is one more moving part to keep clean, since food and water can collect where the two trays meet.
- Fully extended, the rack still needs a good stretch of counter, so it is adjustable rather than small.
- The premium outlay buys adjustability, not a bigger maximum load than a fixed rack of similar size.
Who it is for
Households whose wash-up size swings between a couple of plates and a full family load, and who want one rack for both.
The sliding tray in practice
The two-part tray slides to change the draining space, which sounds simple and is simple, and that is its strength. There is no assembly or extra part to store: the rack grows and shrinks in place. Ribs on the base channel water away and stop it pooling inside upturned cups, while the swivel spout can be set to drain toward the sink from different positions. A sturdy rail at the back supports chopping boards and larger items that would topple a shallow rack.
Prongs, cutlery, and daily use
Coated steel prongs with non-scratch tips hold a mix of plates, bowls, and glasses without marking them, and the movable cutlery drainer includes slots for sharp knives, which keeps blades separate from everyday cutlery. The stainless steel construction resists rust and looks at home beside modern appliances. The gap is outright capacity: even extended, this is a mid-size rack, not a large one, so a very big wash-up still needs a second drying spot.
How it stacks up
Against the simplehuman large dishrack, Joseph Joseph wins on adjustability, while simplehuman wins on capacity, drainage engineering, and stemware. Against the KitchenAid expandable rack, Joseph Joseph wins on compact closed size and finish, while KitchenAid wins on maximum expanded length and value. Against the OXO foldaway, Joseph Joseph wins on staying out as a permanent rack, while OXO wins on folding away completely.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- The sliding tray adapts in seconds from a small load to a big family wash-up
- Coated prongs hold dishes firmly without marking plates or glasses
- The ribbed base stops water pooling inside upturned cups
Common complaints
- The sliding joint collects food and water and needs regular wiping
- Fully extended it still demands a long clear counter run
- The premium price buys adjustability rather than a bigger maximum load
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Size
- 12.6 by 14.33 by 6.34 inches
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Design
- 2-part sliding tray
- Spout
- Swivel draining spout
- Cutlery holder
- Removable, with slots for sharp knives
Also consider
KitchenAid Full Size Expandable Dish Rack, Black
The stretch rack: it expands from a standard rack to a 30-inch drying run, with an angled drainboard that sends water back to the sink.
- Expands: 20.5 to 30.8 inches
- Capacity: 11 dinner plates, 6 cups, 4 glasses
simplehuman Compact Steel Frame Dishrack, Grey
The small-counter simplehuman: the same swivel spout and silicone-capped wire in a compact frame that still takes full-size plates.
- Size: 15 by 15.5 by 7.5 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Does the sliding tray stay in place when loaded?
Yes, the two parts lock into the chosen position under a normal load. Keep the slide channels wiped, since food and water sitting in them is what makes any sliding tray feel stiff over time.
Is the Extend Steel rack good for wine glasses?
Yes for normal glasses, which sit on the coated prongs without scratching. Very large Bordeaux glasses suit the simplehuman large dishrack better, since it has a dedicated hanging holder for them.
How big is it when closed?
The listing size is 12.6 by 14.33 by 6.34 inches, which is the compact position. Slide it out for a larger wash-up, and measure the extended run against the counter before ordering.