In recent years, there has been some debate over whether plate racks are still a useful item to have in the modern kitchen. Plate racks have been a staple kitchen accessory for decades, allowing cooks to neatly display and store plates, bowls, and other dishware. However, with changes in kitchen design trends and the introduction of new storage solutions, many people are questioning if plate racks have become outdated. In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons of using plate racks and consider whether they still have a place in today’s kitchens.
The history and purpose of plate racks
Plate racks first became popular in the 18th century and were widely used in kitchens by the Victorian era. The original purpose was purely functional – they provided an efficient way to dry dishes after washing them by hand. Plate racks allowed air to circulate around plates and cups as they dried, preventing water spots and drips. They also kept dishes neatly organized and close at hand for the next meal. Placed near the sink, plate racks created an assembly line of sorts for washing and drying cookware.
In addition to their practical use, plate racks were considered an essential decorative element in a nicely appointed kitchen. Carefully styled plate racks were a point of pride and a sign of good homemaking. The plates themselves were often decorated and meant to be seen. Plate racks allowed them to be attractively displayed.
The case for using plate racks today
While plate racks may seem old-fashioned, there are still benefits to using them in a modern kitchen:
- They maximize storage space. Plate racks provide vertical storage solutions, allowing you to neatly stack dishes in a relatively small footprint.
- They allow dishes to air dry. Letting dishes fully air dry helps prevent water spots and mineral build up from tap water.
- They make dishes easily accessible. Plates and bowls are arranged facing outward for grab-and-go convenience.
- They reduce cabinet clutter. Getting dishes out of cabinets streamlines the contents and makes organizing easier.
- They display decorative dishware. Plate racks nicely show off decorative plates, mugs and glassware.
For those with small kitchens or limited cabinet space, plate racks can be an efficient storage solution. The vertical storage helps save precious square footage. Plus, the visible organization keeps everything accessible at a glance. So while plate racks may seem old school, they actually work quite well in modern small spaces.
Potential downsides of using plate racks
Plate racks also come with some potential drawbacks, including:
- They require regular dusting. Plates stacked in open air require more frequent dusting than dishes stored in cabinets.
- They can appear cluttered or messy. Without careful styling, a crowded plate rack may look haphazard rather than neat.
- They don’t work with all dishware. Items like mugs or bowls with rounded bottoms won’t stack neatly and may tip over.
- They aren’t secure storage. Open plate racks don’t protect dishes from pets, pests or accidents as securely as enclosed cabinets.
- They take up counter space. Plate racks placed on countertops take up valuable real estate that could be used for food prep or appliances.
The lack of protection is a top concern for many homeowners with pets or small children. And for those with spacious kitchens, the storage efficiency of a plate rack is less of a selling point. So while plate racks address storage needs for some, they aren’t the optimal solution for everyone.
Alternatives to traditional plate racks
If the drawbacks of plate racks have you looking for something different, there are several contemporary storage options that may work better in your kitchen:
- Glass-front cabinet displays – Glass cabinet inserts allow you to view dishware while keeping it protected behind doors.
- Wall-mounted rails or ledges – Rails can be mounted on walls or inside cabinets to neatly stack plates.
- Vertical dividers – Plastic or wire dividers partition cabinet shelves to effectively store dishes.
- Pegboard – Perforated pegboard mounted inside a cabinet provides customized storage using hooks.
- Tray dividers – Sliding trays with adjustable dividers neatly organize dishes in deep drawers.
Newtakes on the traditional plate rack design also address some common complaints:
- Covered racks – A roofed design protects dishes from dust while still allowing air circulation.
- Wall-mounted racks – Keep racks off counter space by mounting them on walls or at the base of upper cabinets.
- Multi-level racks – Stacked racks double vertical storage capacity.
- Over-the-cabinet racks – Racks mounted atop upper cabinets are out of the way but still easily accessible.
Innovative storage solutions like these deliver the perks of plate racks – efficient organization, vertical storage, and visibility – while minimizing the downsides.
Key considerations when deciding on plate racks
With so many options, from traditional racks to new interpretations, how do you decide what works best for your kitchen? Here are some key things to think about:
- Kitchen size – Plate racks are ideal for small spaces but can appear cluttered in larger kitchens. Consider proportions.
- Display priorities – If showing off dishware is important, open racks may be preferable to closed storage.
- Dishware material – Fragile glass or stoneware is better protected behind closed cabinet doors.
- Traffic flow – Racks shouldn’t block busy work areas. Measure walkways and clearances.
- Pets or kids – Open racks aren’t ideal if tiny hands can reach dishes or pets can bump them.
- Countertop space – Evaluate whether you can spare counter real estate for racks.
- Styling – Make sure your racks coordinate with the kitchen’s overall decorative scheme.
Taking stock of your needs, priorities and kitchen setup will point you towards the best dish storage solutions for your space.
Conclusion
Plate racks have come a long way from their Victorian Era origins. While the traditional open rack design still offers effective dish organization, especially for small spaces, modern options address common complaints. Closed racks, wall mounts, and alternative materials provide both efficient storage and protection. The variety of styles means you can likely find a plate rack design that fits both your kitchen’s needs and aesthetic. So don’t write plate racks off just yet – with some innovative updates, they may just have a place in today’s kitchens after all.
| Plate rack styles | Pros | Cons |
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| Open-shelf plate racks |
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| Wall-mounted racks |
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| Glass-front cabinet displays |
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| Over-cabinet mounted racks |
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