A restaurant dish station runs on a few tools that never leave the sink: a sponge for plates, a stiff brush for the comal and the pot that held frijoles de la olla, a scrubber for the chile-red blender jar. At home those same tools usually end up in a puddle on the counter or wedged behind the faucet. A sink caddy gives them a place to sit, drain and dry between jobs.
The best sink caddy for your kitchen depends on where you want the tools: on the counter beside the sink, stuck inside the basin, or hanging over the faucet. This guide covers nine caddies from OXO, simplehuman, Joseph Joseph, Umbra, Yamazaki and Cisily, with the type, material, drainage and fit each maker states, and what each one actually claims about rust.
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 sink caddy to buy
For most kitchens, the pick is the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Sinkware Caddy: a removable divider holds two sponges and brushes apart, vent holes help them dry, and a drip tray with a pour spout empties into the sink. If you want the counter completely clear, choose the simplehuman Sink Caddy, which mounts inside the sink; if your faucet neck is the only free space, the Umbra Sling hangs over it.
Below, five standouts side by side, then all nine caddies reviewed in full.
Five sink caddies compared
One pick for each place a sink caddy can go, with the type and fit each maker states. All nine caddies are reviewed below.
| Sink caddy | Type | Holds | Drainage | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Sinkware CaddyBest overall
|
Counter caddy | Two sponges and brushes | Drip tray with pour spout | View on Amazon |
simplehuman Sink CaddyBest in-sink
|
Inside the sink | Sponges and a long brush | Vented base into the sink | View on Amazon |
Joseph Joseph Surface Stainless Steel CaddyBest for brushes and a bottle
|
Counter caddy | Brushes, soap bottle, sponge rail | Sloped base | View on Amazon |
Umbra Sling Flexible Sink CaddyBest over-faucet
|
Over faucet or divider | Sponge, brush or scrubber | Perforated base, cutouts | View on Amazon |
OXO Good Grips StrongHold Suction Sinkware Organizer + Dish BrushBest for big scrubbers
|
Inside the sink, lever suction | Oversized sponges, brushes, steel wool | Drainage slots | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Types, materials and drainage are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best sink caddy
These nine caddies cover the three places a caddy can live: on the counter, inside the basin on suction cups or a ledge hook, and slung over the faucet. Before you buy, look at your sink. Count the tools you keep there, check whether the basin walls are smooth stainless steel (suction cups need that), and measure the counter space beside the faucet.
1. OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Sinkware Caddy – A Divider, Vents and a Pour Spout
OXO’s stainless steel caddy is the simplest version of what a sink caddy should be. It sits on the counter beside the sink, a removable divider keeps two sponges and brushes apart, and the divider has ventilation holes so the tools can dry. Water runs down into a drip tray, and the tray has a pour spout, so you tip it into the sink instead of carrying a wet tray across the kitchen.
Take the divider out and it becomes one open bin, which suits a kitchen that keeps one big brush for the comal and a sponge for everything else. OXO lists it as stainless steel and backs it with the OXO Better Guarantee for repair or replacement.
The listing does not give dimensions or care instructions, and OXO makes no rust claim for it beyond calling the steel durable. There is no slot for a soap bottle; for that, see the soap pumps with built-in caddies in our guide to the best kitchen soap dispenser.
Why we like it
- Removable divider for two sponges and brushes
- Ventilation holes in the divider
- Drip tray with a pour spout
- Backed by the OXO Better Guarantee
Key specifications
| Caddy | OXO Good Grips, model 13192100 |
|---|---|
| Type | Counter caddy with drip tray |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Drainage | Vented divider; drip tray with pour spout |
| Fits (sponge/brush/soap) | Two sponges and brushes; no soap slot |
| Rust claim (maker’s) | None stated |
| Size | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits most kitchens with a little counter space beside the sink and two or three tools to keep dry.
Skip it if your counter is crowded; an in-sink caddy like the simplehuman below takes no counter space at all.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Spout empties the tray into the sink
- Works with or without the divider
- Stainless steel body
Cons
- Size and care not stated
- No room for a soap bottle
2. simplehuman Sink Caddy – Off the Counter, Inside the Basin
simplehuman’s caddy hangs inside the sink, so whatever drips off the sponge lands in the basin and never touches the counter. It holds on two ways: four suction cups against the sink wall and a wire hanger over the ledge or the divider between two basins, which simplehuman says gives a secure, no-slip grip.
Inside, the sponge compartments are raised off the floor of the caddy and the brushed stainless body has many ventilation holes, which simplehuman says helps sponges dry quickly. A pop-out silicone holder extends for a longer brush, the kind you want for a deep pot of beans or a tall blender jar. simplehuman gives the size as 7-1/8 by 4 by 4-3/4 inches high and backs it with a five-year warranty.
The listing does not make a rust claim for this caddy or give care instructions. It also takes up a strip of the basin wall, so check that a big comal or stockpot still fits under the faucet with it in place.
Why we like it
- Four suction cups plus a wire ledge hanger
- Raised, vented sponge compartments
- Pop-out silicone holder for a long brush
- Five-year warranty
Key specifications
| Caddy | simplehuman, model KT1116 |
|---|---|
| Type | In-sink, suction cups and ledge hanger |
| Material | Brushed stainless steel; silicone brush holder |
| Drainage | Vented base drains into the sink |
| Fits (sponge/brush/soap) | Sponges and a long brush; no soap slot |
| Rust claim (maker’s) | None stated in the listing |
| Size | 7-1/8 x 4 x 4-3/4 in high |
| Care | Not stated; 5-year warranty |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small or busy counter, and a double sink where the hanger can hook over the divider.
Skip it if your sink is stone, composite or textured, where suction cups may not hold; the Umbra Sling needs no suction.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Counter stays dry
- Two ways to mount
- Room for a long brush
Cons
- Uses basin space
- No rust claim in the listing
3. Joseph Joseph Surface Stainless Steel Caddy – Brushes, a Bottle and a Sponge Rail
Joseph Joseph’s Surface caddy is built for a sink that runs on more than one tool. It has a separate compartment for brushes, another for a bottle of dish soap, and a rail across the top to hang a wet sponge, so the whole dishwashing kit sits in one spot beside the faucet.
The base is sloped so water drains out of sight, according to Joseph Joseph, and the stainless steel has a fingerprint-proof coating. Non-slip feet keep it from sliding when you grab a brush with wet hands. The caddy comes apart for cleaning, and the maker says to wash and dry it by hand. It carries a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
A bottle compartment matters if you buy dish soap in its own bottle rather than decanting it. The listing does not give dimensions, only “Large,” and it makes no rust claim, so measure the space beside your sink and check the listing photos before ordering.
Why we like it
- Separate brush and bottle compartments
- Rail for drying a sponge
- Sloped base hides the water
- Comes apart for cleaning
Key specifications
| Caddy | Joseph Joseph Surface, model 85112 |
|---|---|
| Type | Counter caddy |
| Material | Stainless steel with fingerprint-proof coating |
| Drainage | Sloped base |
| Fits (sponge/brush/soap) | Brushes, a soap bottle, sponge on a rail |
| Rust claim (maker’s) | None stated |
| Size | “Large”; dimensions not stated |
| Care | Dismantles; hand wash and dry |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who keeps a soap bottle, two brushes and a sponge at the sink and wants them in one place.
Skip it if counter space is tight; it holds the most, so it takes the most room of the counter caddies here.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Holds the whole dish kit
- Non-slip feet
- Easy to take apart
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Dimensions not stated
4. Umbra Sling Flexible Sink Caddy – Hangs Over the Faucet, No Suction Cups
The Umbra Sling is a strip of flexible rubber that drapes over the neck of the faucet or a sink divider, with a pocket on one side for a sponge or brush. Umbra says the non-slip, elastic material forms to the faucet and stays in place without suction cups, and that it was designed to fit all faucet necks and sink walls.
The pocket has generous cutouts and a perforated base so water drains straight into the sink. It measures 10-1/4 by 4-1/2 by 1/4 inches, and Umbra says that, unlike metal holders, it won’t rust or corrode. To clean it, rinse it with warm, soapy water. It carries a one-year limited warranty.
This listing is the single-sided version, so it holds one tool at a time. That is enough for a sponge by the faucet, with the brush for the comal kept somewhere else.
Why we like it
- No suction cups to fail
- Perforated base and cutouts
- Rubber that Umbra says won’t rust
- Rinses clean
Key specifications
| Caddy | Umbra Sling, model 1004294-040 |
|---|---|
| Type | Over faucet or sink divider |
| Material | Flexible rubber |
| Drainage | Perforated base, cutouts, drains into sink |
| Fits (sponge/brush/soap) | One sponge, brush or scrubber |
| Rust claim (maker’s) | “Won’t rust or corrode” |
| Size | 10-1/4 x 4-1/2 x 1/4 in |
| Care | Rinse with warm, soapy water |
Why we recommend it
It suits a sink with no counter space and walls that suction cups will not grip.
Skip it if you want to keep several tools at the sink; it holds one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fits faucets and dividers
- Drips go into the sink
- Rust claim from the maker
Cons
- One tool only
- Hangs on the faucet you use
5. OXO Good Grips StrongHold Suction Sinkware Organizer + Dish Brush – A Big Basket That Lifts Off
OXO’s StrongHold organizer is an in-sink basket sized for the tools that do the heavy scrubbing. OXO says it holds oversized sponges, dish brushes, steel wool and scrubbers, and a stainless steel hook on the front keeps your most-used sponge or brush in easy reach. This listing bundles the organizer with an OXO dish brush with nylon bristles; the organizer details here come from this bundle and OXO’s listing for the organizer alone.
It mounts with a phthalate-free StrongHold suction cup that you set with a push of a lever. The basket lifts off the suction base, which leaves room in the sink for a big pot, a comal or a sheet pan, then clips back on. Drainage slots let water out, and OXO lists it as dishwasher safe, which makes it easy to clean after a greasy night.
OXO is clear about where it works: best in stainless steel sinks, and not recommended for textured or porous surfaces, including some stone, acrylic or metal. The listing gives no size or rust claim.
Why we like it
- Large basket for oversized tools
- Lever-set suction cup
- Basket lifts off for big pots
- Dishwasher safe, and an OXO dish brush comes with it
Key specifications
| Caddy | OXO Good Grips StrongHold organizer (model 13273600) + dish brush bundle |
|---|---|
| Type | In-sink, lever suction cup |
| Material | Stainless steel hook; basket not stated |
| Drainage | Drainage slots |
| Fits (sponge/brush/soap) | Oversized sponges, brushes, steel wool, scrubbers |
| Rust claim (maker’s) | None stated |
| Size | Not stated |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who scrubs cast iron and big pots and wants the basket out of the way when a large pan goes in the sink.
Skip it if your sink is not smooth stainless steel; OXO does not recommend it for textured or porous surfaces.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Room for steel wool and big brushes
- Removable basket
- Goes in the dishwasher
Cons
- Stainless sinks only, per OXO
- Size not stated
6. OXO Good Grips Sinkware Caddy, White – Long Brushes Stand Upright
This OXO caddy is shaped like a small utensil crock. Long-handled brushes stand upright where you can grab them, and a separate compartment holds sponges. OXO says drain holes let water from the brushes and sponges run into a drip tray below.
The removable drip tray has a built-in spout and separates for a thorough cleaning. OXO gives the size as 3.82 by 5.87 by 5.47 inches, a small footprint for the counter, and backs it with the OXO Better Guarantee.
The listing does not name the body material; it is the white version of OXO’s sinkware caddy, and OXO sells a stainless steel version too. Upright storage suits a long-handled pot brush or a bottle brush for a narrow blender jar better than a flat tray does.
Why we like it
- Long-handled tools stand upright
- Separate brush and sponge compartments
- Drip tray with built-in spout
- Small footprint
Key specifications
| Caddy | OXO Good Grips, model 13199900 |
|---|---|
| Type | Crock-style counter caddy |
| Material | Not stated |
| Drainage | Drain holes into a removable drip tray with spout |
| Fits (sponge/brush/soap) | Long brushes upright, sponges; no soap slot |
| Rust claim (maker’s) | None stated |
| Size | 3.82 x 5.87 x 5.47 in |
| Care | Drip tray separates for cleaning |
Why we recommend it
It suits a kitchen that leans on long-handled brushes rather than sponges.
Skip it if you want a stainless finish; the stainless OXO at the top of this list is the closer match.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Brushes easy to grab
- Compact
- Tray pours out
Cons
- Material not stated
- Less room for flat sponges
7. simplehuman Slim Sink Caddy – One Sponge, Rust-Proof Steel
The slim version of simplehuman’s in-sink caddy holds one sponge in an elevated compartment and takes up very little of the basin wall, which simplehuman says makes it a fit for small kitchens. It mounts the same way as the larger caddy, with four suction cups against the sink wall and a wire hanger over the ledge or divider.
Many ventilation holes let air reach the sponge so it dries between uses, according to simplehuman. Here simplehuman does make a rust claim: it describes the brushed stainless steel as rust-proof and resistant to corrosion from daily water exposure. It carries the same five-year warranty.
The listing gives the size only as “Slim.” It is a good match for a bar sink, a small single basin, or a second sink where you want a sponge on hand but nothing else.
Why we like it
- Slim profile for small sinks
- Suction cups plus a ledge hanger
- Maker calls the steel rust-proof
- Five-year warranty
Key specifications
| Caddy | simplehuman Slim, model KT1134 |
|---|---|
| Type | In-sink, suction cups and ledge hanger |
| Material | Brushed stainless steel |
| Drainage | Ventilation holes, drains into sink |
| Fits (sponge/brush/soap) | One sponge |
| Rust claim (maker’s) | “Rust-proof” stainless steel |
| Size | “Slim”; dimensions not stated |
| Care | Not stated; 5-year warranty |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small sink or a cook who uses one sponge and nothing else.
Skip it if you also keep brushes at the sink; the full-size simplehuman caddy has room for them.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Takes little room
- Secure two-way mount
- Rust-proof claim
Cons
- Holds one sponge
- Exact size not stated
8. Yamazaki Tower Faucet-Hanging Sponge Holder, Double – Two Tiers on the Faucet
Yamazaki’s Tower holder wraps around the faucet and holds two sponges on two tiers, so a soft sponge for plates and a scrubber for the comal each get their own shelf. It uses no suction cups, and protective silicone pieces keep the steel from scratching the faucet.
Yamazaki gives the size as 6.3 by 2.4 by 6.1 inches and the weight as 0.23 pounds, and says the two tiers can bear 1.1 pounds, enough for a damp sponge on each. The frame is powder-coated steel that Yamazaki calls water resistant, and the open design lets the sponge drain straight into the sink instead of onto the counter.
Yamazaki does not claim it is rust-proof, and the listing states no warranty. A powder coat that gets chipped can expose the steel underneath, so treat it gently when you swing the faucet.
Why we like it
- Two sponges on two tiers
- No suction cups
- Silicone pieces protect the faucet
- Drains into the sink
Key specifications
| Caddy | Yamazaki Tower, model 4390-P |
|---|---|
| Type | Faucet-hanging, two tiers |
| Material | Powder-coated steel, silicone pads |
| Drainage | Open tiers drain into the sink |
| Fits (sponge/brush/soap) | Two sponges; holds 1.1 lb |
| Rust claim (maker’s) | None; “water resistant” powder coat |
| Size | 6.3 x 2.4 x 6.1 in; 0.23 lb |
| Care | Not stated; no warranty stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who keeps two sponges and has no counter space to spare.
Skip it if your faucet neck is unusually thick or curved; check the listing photos against your faucet first.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two tools, no counter space
- Will not scratch the faucet
- Light and simple
Cons
- No rust-proof claim
- No room for brushes
9. Cisily Sponge Holder for Kitchen Sink – A Spout That Drains Back Into the Sink
Cisily’s caddy deals with the drip tray in a different way: instead of a tray you empty, it has a spout that swivels in three directions and points the runoff from the sponge back into the sink. Cisily says that means no water left on the counter and less time spent cleaning a tray.
It measures 9.25 by 3.97 by 6.37 inches and is divided into three spaces, which Cisily says hold a detergent bottle, a sponge and a sink stopper, plus an attached brush holder for up to four small and large brushes. Cisily lists the body as 304 stainless steel that resists rust and deformation, and says to clean it by rinsing it under the tap. No installation is needed.
The spout only helps if the caddy sits right at the edge of the sink, so it needs counter space next to the basin rather than behind it.
Why we like it
- Swiveling spout drains into the sink
- Room for a bottle, sponge and stopper
- Brush holder for up to four brushes
- 304 stainless steel, per Cisily
Key specifications
| Caddy | Cisily, model HMJ-PS |
|---|---|
| Type | Counter caddy with swivel spout |
| Material | 304 stainless steel |
| Drainage | Spout swivels three ways into the sink |
| Fits (sponge/brush/soap) | Soap bottle, sponge, stopper, up to 4 brushes |
| Rust claim (maker’s) | “Prevent rust and deformation” |
| Size | 9.25 x 3.97 x 6.37 in |
| Care | Rinse under running water |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants the soap bottle, sponge and brushes together and never wants to empty a drip tray.
Skip it if your counter does not meet the sink edge; the spout needs to reach the basin.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No tray to empty
- Holds a full kit
- Stated rust resistance
Cons
- Needs to sit at the sink edge
- Widest counter footprint here
How to choose a sink caddy for a working sink
Where it goes. Start with the space you have. A counter caddy (OXO, Joseph Joseph, Cisily) holds the most but needs a spot beside the sink. An in-sink caddy (simplehuman, OXO StrongHold) keeps the counter clear but uses basin space, which matters when a big comal or stockpot needs to fit under the faucet. An over-faucet holder (Umbra, Yamazaki) takes no space at all but holds only one or two tools.
Drainage. A sponge that sits in its own water never dries. The Illinois Extension notes that sponges hang on to moisture, which aids bacterial growth, and that scrub brushes dry faster. Look for vents, a raised base, and a clear path for the water: into a tray you empty (OXO), down a sloped base (Joseph Joseph), out a spout (Cisily), or straight into the sink (the in-sink and faucet holders).
What it has to hold. Count your tools. A plate sponge and a pot brush fit almost anything. A soap bottle needs a compartment (Joseph Joseph, Cisily), or a pump with its own caddy, like the ones in our soap dispenser guide. Steel wool and oversized scrubbers need a big basket like the OXO StrongHold.
Your sink surface. Suction cups need a smooth surface. OXO says its StrongHold works best in stainless steel sinks and is not recommended for textured or porous ones, including some stone and acrylic. For those sinks, a counter caddy or a faucet holder is the safer choice.
Rust and cleaning. Stainless steel is not automatically rust-proof, and makers differ in what they claim. simplehuman calls its slim caddy rust-proof, Umbra says its rubber Sling won’t rust, and Cisily says its 304 steel resists rust; the others make no claim. Whatever you buy, clean it now and then. Only the OXO StrongHold is listed as dishwasher safe; Joseph Joseph says to hand wash its caddy.
How we chose these nine sink caddies
We started from the tools a Mexican kitchen actually keeps at the sink, from a sponge for plates to a stiff brush for cast iron and a scrubber for the molcajete, and looked for real, branded caddies in each of the three mounting styles, sold on Amazon in the United States. We checked that each was in stock when we wrote this, took every material, size, drainage detail and rust claim from the maker’s listing, and wrote “not stated” where a maker gives no detail. We left out the caddies that are mainly soap pumps, such as the Casabella Sink Sider and simplehuman’s sensor pump with caddy, because our soap dispenser guide already covers them, and passed over unbranded listings. We have not used these products ourselves.
Sink caddy questions, answered
What is the best sink caddy for a kitchen?
For most kitchens, the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Sinkware Caddy: a removable divider, vents and a drip tray with a pour spout. If your counter is crowded, the simplehuman Sink Caddy mounts inside the basin instead.
Are in-sink caddies better than counter caddies?
They keep the counter dry because everything drips into the basin, but they take up sink space and need a smooth wall for the suction cups. Counter caddies hold more and work with any sink.
Do stainless steel sink caddies rust?
Some makers say theirs will not: simplehuman calls its slim caddy rust-proof, and Cisily says its 304 steel resists rust. Others make no claim. A rubber caddy like the Umbra Sling, which Umbra says won’t rust or corrode, avoids the question.
Is there a good black sink caddy?
Several picks here come in black. The Umbra Sling listed here is black, the Cisily is sold in black, and Yamazaki makes the Tower line in black and white. Check the color options on each listing.
How often should I clean a sponge holder?
Whenever you clean the sponge, rinse the holder too, and empty a drip tray before water sits in it. The Illinois Extension suggests washing scrub brushes in the dishwasher and microwaving sponges (soaked, and only if they contain no metal) to sanitize them.
The caddy we would put by the sink first
Start with the OXO stainless caddy on the counter, or the simplehuman in-sink caddy if the counter is already full, and add the Umbra Sling if you want one more sponge by the faucet. For the rest of the dish station, see our guides to the best dish rack and the best dish towels, and pick a pump from the best kitchen soap dispenser guide. If the brush in your caddy mostly scrubs a griddle, read how to choose the best comal for tortillas.
More for the sink and counter: paper towel holders, utensil holders, trash cans, compost bins, Swedish dishcloths.
Related guide: Best sink mat.
Related guide: Best countertop sink caddy.
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