The silverware drawer is the one everybody in the house opens, several times a day. When forks, teaspoons and soup spoons share one jumbled tray, setting the table for taco night turns into a hunt. A good flatware organizer gives each piece its own lane, stays put when the drawer slams, and fits the drawer you actually have.
This guide compares eight silverware drawer organizers from OXO, Joseph Joseph, madesmart, Lipper, Rubbermaid, Simple Houseware and mDesign: fixed trays, expanding trays, tiered trays for narrow drawers, and one in bamboo. For each we give the size the maker states, how many slots it has, the drawer height it needs and how to clean it.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications and verified buyer reports.
Quick verdict: which silverware organizer to buy
The best drawer organizer for silverware in most kitchens is the OXO Good Grips Expandable Utensil Organizer: it widens to fit the drawer, and its utensil caddies lift out so you can carry forks and spoons straight to the table. For a big set in a narrow drawer, the Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Large Tiered Organizer holds 48 pieces in a tray under 7 inches wide. If you want a simple tray that does not slide, choose the madesmart Classic 6 Compartment Silverware Tray.
Organizing more than flatware? Our guide to the best drawer organizer covers trays for cooking tools and gadgets, and the best drawer dividers covers deep drawers for pans and lids.
Five silverware trays at a glance
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of drawer, with the size and slots each maker states. All eight organizers are reviewed in full below.
| Silverware organizer | Best for | Size (as stated) | Compartments | Material | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OXO Good Grips Expandable Utensil OrganizerBest overall
|
Most drawers, setting the table | Expandable | Lift-out caddies, open area, cup | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Large Tiered OrganizerBest for big sets
|
Large sets, narrow drawers | 15.7 x 6.7 x 2.3 in | Tiered, holds 48 pieces | At least 50% recycled plastic | View on Amazon |
madesmart Classic 6 Compartment Silverware TrayBest fixed tray
|
A tray that stays put | 16 x 12.9 x 1.9 in | 6 | BPA-free plastic | View on Amazon |
| Wood look, adjustable slots | 11 to 18.75 in wide, 15 in deep | Up to 12 | Bamboo | View on Amazon | |
Rubbermaid Adjustable Cutlery TrayDishwasher-safe
|
Easy cleaning | About 14.6 x 11.6 x 2.5 in, per retailer | Not stated | Plastic | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Specifications are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best drawer organizer silverware can live in
These eight cover the drawers we see most: wide drawers that need an expanding tray, narrow drawers that need a tiered one, and standard drawers where a fixed tray is enough. Each entry gives the size and slots the maker lists, how to clean it, and one honest reason to skip it. Measure your drawer’s inside width, depth and height before you choose.
1. OXO Good Grips Expandable Utensil Organizer – Caddies That Lift Out to the Table
OXO’s expandable organizer solves two problems at once. It widens to fill the drawer, so the tray does not slide around in a gap, and its forks and spoons sit in utensil caddies that lift out. OXO says the caddies keep utensils neatly stacked and can be carried out for setting the table, which is handy on a night when eight people want tacos and everyone needs a fork.
Beside the caddies is a large open area that OXO describes as made for irregular kitchen tools, plus a removable cup for small things like corn holders and wine stoppers. The trays come out for washing, and the corners are square, which OXO says closes the gaps along the drawer walls.
The listing does not give the tray’s size or what it is made of, and retailer figures for this model do not agree, so measure your drawer and check the size on the listing before you order. Support is through OXO’s Better Guarantee, which offers repair or replacement if something goes wrong.
Why we like it
- Expands to fit the drawer, per OXO
- Utensil caddies lift out for setting the table
- Open area and a removable cup for odd items
- Removable trays for cleaning
Key specifications
| Model | OXO 13321900 |
|---|---|
| Material | Not stated in listing |
| Size | Not stated in listing; retailer figures vary |
| Compartments | Utensil caddies, open area, removable cup |
| Expands | Yes |
| Drawer height needed | Not stated |
| Cleaning | Removable trays for cleaning |
| Warranty | OXO Better Guarantee (repair or replacement) |
Why we recommend it
Households that set the table often and want flatware they can carry out in one go, in a tray that fills the drawer.
Skip it if you need exact dimensions before buying; the listing does not give them.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Lift-out caddies
- Expands to the drawer
- OXO repair or replacement guarantee
Cons
- Size and material not in the listing
- Dishwasher use not stated
2. Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Large Tiered Organizer – Forty-Eight Pieces in a Narrow Strip
Joseph Joseph’s DrawerStore trays stack compartments in tiers, so each piece of cutlery leans at an angle over the one behind it. That fits a lot of flatware into a strip of drawer. Joseph Joseph gives this large version as 15.7 inches deep, 6.7 inches wide and 2.3 inches high, and the Amazon listing says it holds 48 pieces.
The trade-off is height. Joseph Joseph says it needs a drawer at least 3.5 inches tall inside, more than a flat tray, so measure before you buy. Each compartment carries an icon for knives, forks or spoons, and the organizer comes apart for cleaning.
The tray is made with at least 50 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, per Joseph Joseph. Because it is narrow, it leaves the rest of the drawer free for serving spoons or a second tray, which suits a kitchen where the silverware shares a drawer with tongs and spatulas.
Why we like it
- Holds 48 pieces, per the listing
- Only 6.7 inches wide, per Joseph Joseph
- Comes apart for cleaning
- At least 50% post-consumer recycled plastic
Key specifications
| Model | Joseph Joseph 8500012 |
|---|---|
| Material | At least 50% post-consumer recycled plastic |
| Size | 15.7 x 6.7 x 2.3 in |
| Compartments | Tiered, with icons; holds 48 pieces |
| Expands | No |
| Drawer height needed | 3.5 in minimum |
| Cleaning | Disassembles for cleaning |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
Families with a full service of flatware and a drawer that is deep enough but short on width.
Skip it if your drawer is shallower than 3.5 inches inside.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Big capacity in little width
- Icons for each compartment
- Recycled plastic
Cons
- Needs a taller drawer
- Does not expand
- Warranty not in listing
3. madesmart Classic 6 Compartment Silverware Tray – Grip Lining and Feet That Hold Still
The madesmart Classic is the plain, sturdy tray many kitchens need. It measures 16 by 12.9 inches and just under 2 inches high, per madesmart, which suits a standard kitchen drawer, and it has six compartments marked with icons for knives, forks and spoons.
Its strength is that it stays put. madesmart lines the compartments with a soft-grip surface and puts nonslip rubber feet underneath, so neither the tray nor the silverware shifts when the drawer opens and closes. The corners are rounded, which makes it easier to wipe out crumbs.
madesmart says it is made from BPA-free plastic. It does not expand, so check that 16 by 12.9 inches suits your drawer; if there is a gap, the nonslip feet help, but an expanding tray will fill it. A Kohl’s listing for the same tray gives “wipe clean” as the care, and we found no maker statement about the dishwasher.
Why we like it
- Soft-grip lining and nonslip feet
- Six compartments with icons
- Low 1.9-inch height fits shallow drawers
- BPA-free plastic, per madesmart
Key specifications
| Model | madesmart 29106 |
|---|---|
| Material | BPA-free plastic, soft-grip lining |
| Size | 16 x 12.9 x 1.88 in |
| Compartments | 6, with icons |
| Expands | No |
| Drawer height needed | About 2 in (tray height) |
| Cleaning | Wipe clean, per retailer |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
Anyone with a standard drawer who wants a simple, quiet tray that does not slide or rattle.
Skip it if your drawer is much wider than 13 inches and you want it filled edge to edge.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stays in place
- Low profile
- Rounded corners clean easily
Cons
- Fixed size
- Dishwasher use not stated
- Only six compartments
4. Lipper Bamboo Expandable Flatware Organizer – Warm Wood With Movable Dividers
Lipper International’s 8882 tray is bamboo, and it expands from 11 inches to 18 3/4 inches wide, per the listing. It is 15 inches deep and 2 5/8 inches high, so it suits a standard drawer that needs a tray to fill some extra width.
Inside, six removable dividers let you set up as many as 12 compartments. That flexibility is useful if you have a mixed set: long steak knives, short teaspoons, iced-tea spoons, chopsticks. Lipper says no assembly is needed.
Bamboo looks warmer than plastic and does not scratch silverware, but it is not a dishwasher material. The 8882 listing does not give care instructions; for its bamboo flatware trays, Lipper advises washing with mild soap and water and rubbing occasionally with mineral oil, and that is the sensible approach here too.
Why we like it
- Expands from 11 to 18 3/4 inches wide
- Up to 12 compartments with 6 removable dividers
- Bamboo, no assembly needed
Key specifications
| Model | Lipper International 8882 |
|---|---|
| Material | Bamboo |
| Size | 11 to 18 3/4 in wide x 15 in deep x 2 5/8 in high |
| Compartments | Up to 12, with 6 removable dividers |
| Expands | Yes |
| Drawer height needed | About 2 5/8 in (tray height) |
| Cleaning | Not stated for this model; Lipper advises mild soap and mineral oil for its bamboo trays |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
Cooks who want a wooden tray they can set up for an odd mix of flatware.
Skip it if you want to put the tray in the dishwasher.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Adjustable layout
- Expands to fit
- Bamboo look
Cons
- Hand care only
- Taller than the plastic trays
- Warranty not stated
5. Rubbermaid Adjustable Cutlery Tray – Straight Into the Dishwasher
Rubbermaid’s adjustable cutlery tray is the simplest pick here, and the only one whose listing says plainly that it is dishwasher-safe. For a drawer that collects crumbs and the odd drip from a wet fork, being able to run the whole tray through the dishwasher is a real advantage.
Rubbermaid says the tray is kept in place while the drawer opens and closes, and that it is made for knives, spoons and forks. The Amazon listing gives few other details. A Canadian retailer, Kent, lists the same model at about 14.6 inches deep, 11.6 inches wide and 2.5 inches high; neither source states how far it adjusts, so measure your drawer and check the listing.
The title calls it white while the listing data gives the color as bisque, so expect an off-white. It is a plain, practical tray rather than a showpiece.
Why we like it
- Dishwasher-safe, per Rubbermaid
- Stays in place as the drawer moves
- Adjustable design
Key specifications
| Model | Rubbermaid FG2974RDWHT |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Size | About 14.6 x 11.6 x 2.5 in, per retailer |
| Compartments | Not stated |
| Expands | Adjustable; range not stated |
| Drawer height needed | About 2.5 in (tray height) |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
Busy kitchens where the silverware tray needs a proper wash now and then, not just a wipe.
Skip it if you want a detailed spec sheet before you buy; the listing is thin.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Holds its place in the drawer
- Familiar brand
Cons
- Few details in the listing
- Adjustment range not stated
- Off-white, not bright white
6. Simple Houseware Expandable Flatware Organizer – Nine Slots for Wide Drawers
Simple Houseware’s organizer is for wide drawers. It is 17.25 inches deep and expands from 12.9 inches to 24.75 inches wide, per the listing, the widest range on this list. At 1.75 inches high, it is also the lowest tray here.
There are nine compartments with removable dividers, so you can merge two slots for serving spoons or ladles. The middle tray lifts out, and Simple Houseware says the organizer can be split into three pieces for three different drawers, which helps if you move house or change kitchens.
The listing does not give the material or care instructions. Retail listings for the same organizer describe it as plastic. Wash it by hand with mild soap until you know otherwise.
Why we like it
- Expands from 12.9 to 24.75 inches wide
- Nine compartments with removable dividers
- Splits into three pieces for other drawers
- Low 1.75-inch height
Key specifications
| Model | Simple Houseware CB-09C-W |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic, per retailer listings |
| Size | 17.25 in deep x 12.9 to 24.75 in wide x 1.75 in high |
| Compartments | 9, removable dividers |
| Expands | Yes |
| Drawer height needed | About 1.75 in (tray height) |
| Cleaning | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
Kitchens with an extra-wide drawer that a standard tray leaves half empty.
Skip it if your drawer is under 17.25 inches deep.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Widest expansion here
- Flexible dividers
- Very low profile
Cons
- Needs a deep drawer
- Material and care not in the listing
- Lesser-known brand
7. mDesign Expandable Clear Drawer Organizer – See-Through Slots That Stretch
mDesign’s clear tray has six compartments and slides open from 11.25 inches to 20 inches wide, per the listing. It is 14.3 inches deep and 2 inches high. No tools are needed: you pull it out to the width you want.
mDesign says it is made of BPA- and chlorine-free, impact-resistant plastic that it calls food grade, with non-slip feet held by metal accents. Being clear, it shows the drawer liner underneath, which some people like and others do not.
mDesign is specific about care: clean it with mild soap and water and do not put it in the dishwasher. The listing also suggests it for desk and bathroom drawers, so it is a general tray rather than one designed only for flatware, but its six slots suit a basic set.
Why we like it
- Expands from 11.25 to 20 inches wide
- BPA- and chlorine-free plastic, per mDesign
- Non-slip feet
Key specifications
| Model | mDesign 00531MDK |
|---|---|
| Material | BPA- and chlorine-free plastic |
| Size | 11.25 to 20 in wide x 14.3 in deep x 2 in high |
| Compartments | 6 |
| Expands | Yes |
| Drawer height needed | About 2 in (tray height) |
| Cleaning | Mild soap and water; not dishwasher-safe |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
Anyone who wants an expanding tray in clear plastic for a standard drawer.
Skip it if you want slots shaped and marked for flatware; this is a general-purpose tray.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Expands without tools
- Clear, light look
- Non-slip feet
Cons
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Only six compartments
- No flatware icons
8. Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Compact Tiered Organizer – A Narrow Strip for a Small Set
The compact DrawerStore is the smaller sibling of pick 2. Joseph Joseph lists it at about 15.6 inches deep, 5 inches wide and 2.4 inches high, with tiered compartments for different flatware. That suits a small set in a narrow drawer, a small apartment kitchen, or the end of a drawer that already holds cooking tools.
It needs a drawer at least 3.5 inches tall inside, per the listing, the same as the large version. Each compartment has an icon for knives, forks or spoons, and the tray is made with at least 50 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.
It comes apart for cleaning. Neither the listing nor Joseph Joseph gives a piece count for this size, and the listing states no warranty. If you have a full service for eight or more, choose the large version instead.
Why we like it
- About 5 inches wide, per Joseph Joseph
- Tiered compartments with icons
- Comes apart for cleaning
Key specifications
| Model | Joseph Joseph 8500011 |
|---|---|
| Material | At least 50% post-consumer recycled plastic |
| Size | About 15.6 x 5 x 2.4 in (39.7 x 12.6 x 6 cm) |
| Compartments | Tiered, with icons; piece count not stated |
| Expands | No |
| Drawer height needed | 3.5 in minimum |
| Cleaning | Comes apart; method not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Small households and narrow drawers that only need room for a set of six.
Skip it if your flatware set is large; the large DrawerStore is the better fit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very narrow footprint
- Icons on each slot
- Recycled plastic
Cons
- Piece count not stated
- Needs a 3.5-inch drawer
- Limited capacity
How to choose a silverware drawer organizer
1. Measure inside the drawer, three ways
Measure the inside width, the depth from front to back, and the height from the drawer floor to the underside of the counter or the drawer above. Height matters most for tiered trays: Joseph Joseph’s DrawerStore trays need 3.5 inches. Flat trays here run from 1.75 to about 2.6 inches tall.
2. Fixed tray or expanding tray
A fixed tray, like the madesmart, is simple and sturdy, but leaves a gap in a wide drawer. An expanding tray fills that gap so the tray cannot slide. The Simple Houseware stretches furthest, to 24.75 inches; the Lipper and mDesign reach 18 3/4 and 20 inches.
3. Flat or tiered
Flat trays keep every piece in view. Tiered trays, like Joseph Joseph’s DrawerStore, lean each piece over the next so a large set fits a narrow strip, leaving the rest of the drawer free.
4. Count your pieces and slots
Most sets need at least five lanes: dinner forks, salad forks, knives, tablespoons and teaspoons. If you also keep steak knives, iced-tea spoons or chopsticks in the same drawer, look for removable dividers, like the Lipper’s up to 12 compartments or the Simple Houseware’s nine.
5. Cleaning
Silverware drawers collect crumbs. Rubbermaid’s tray is the only one here whose listing says dishwasher-safe. mDesign says not to put its tray in the dishwasher, and bamboo should be washed gently and oiled now and then. Trays that come apart, like the OXO and both DrawerStore trays, are easier to clean thoroughly.
How we picked these eight organizers
We did not test these trays. We compared what each maker states on its Amazon listing or its own product pages: size, number of compartments, whether the tray expands, the drawer height it needs, material, care and warranty. Where a figure came from a retailer rather than the maker, we say so, and where the sources disagree or are silent we write “not stated”. We checked that each organizer was in stock on Amazon when we wrote this, chose different products from those in our main drawer organizer guide, and left out unbranded copies with near-identical listings.
Silverware organizer questions, answered
What is the best drawer organizer for silverware?
For most kitchens, the OXO Good Grips Expandable Utensil Organizer, because it fills the drawer and its caddies lift out for setting the table. For a large set in a narrow drawer, the Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Large Tiered Organizer.
What is the best-rated silverware drawer organizer?
We do not rank by star ratings, which change constantly. We rank by what the maker states and what a working kitchen needs: a tray that fits, holds still and cleans easily. On those terms, the OXO, the Joseph Joseph large DrawerStore and the madesmart Classic lead this list.
Is bamboo or plastic better for a silverware tray?
Plastic is easier to wash, and Rubbermaid’s tray can go in the dishwasher. Bamboo looks warmer but needs hand washing and an occasional rub of mineral oil, as Lipper advises for its bamboo trays.
How do I keep a silverware tray from sliding?
Choose a tray that fits the drawer’s width or expands to it, or one with nonslip feet, like the madesmart Classic and the mDesign. Rubbermaid also says its tray stays in place as the drawer opens and closes.
Do tiered cutlery trays fit every drawer?
No. Joseph Joseph’s DrawerStore trays need a drawer at least 3.5 inches tall inside. Measure before you buy.
Our final pick for the flatware drawer
Buy the OXO Good Grips Expandable Utensil Organizer if you want a tray that fills the drawer and carries flatware to the table. Choose the Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Large Tiered Organizer for a big set in a narrow drawer, the madesmart Classic for a simple tray that stays put, the Lipper for bamboo, and the Rubbermaid if you want to run it through the dishwasher.
Sorting the rest of the kitchen? Keep chef’s knives out of the silverware with an in-drawer knife block, and give jars of chile and cumin their own home with a spice drawer organizer. Planning a crowd? Our guide to taco bar supplies covers the rest of the table. And if you would rather nobody had to set a table tonight, see the menu or call to order.