If you’ve been looking to perfect your pasta-making skills and create authentic Italian dishes at home, you’ve probably learned that, after purchasing a pasta maker, the next-most important piece of special equipment to consider is one of the best pasta drying racks. With one of these handy tools, you can make pasta from scratch in bigger batches and preserve your fresh spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccini.
To help you select the best pasta drying rack, I brought my A-game to the table and selected top-notch products based on durability, functionality, and user-friendliness. I even started with the Tinada Pasta Drying Rack that I use in my own kitchen.
Below, check out my top picks on the market.
My Top Picks:
- In My Kitchen: Tinada Pasta Drying Rack – $19.99 at Amazon
- Best Collapsible: Marcato Atlas Collapsible Pasta Drying Rack – $49.95 at Amazon
- Best Compact: Eppicotispai Collapsible Pasta Drying Rack – $21.95 at Amazon
- Best Budget: Ourokhome Collapsible Pasta Drying Rack – From $9.99 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Pasta Drying Racks of 2024
1. In My Kitchen: Tinada Pasta Drying Rack
I’ve been using this pick from Tinada for about two years now and it’s been a complete game changer.
With nine long arms spanning over 8 inches each and a nearly 16-inch height, it offers ample space to dry large batches of long pasta noodles, whether it’s delicate strands of spaghetti or hearty fettuccine. Its compact design, entirely made of wood, is quick to assemble and disassemble.
Cleaning is a cinch, too — a quick wipe with a damp towel or a dust-off with a paper towel does the job. And here’s a neat trick: When not drying pasta, you can store the arms in a drawer and repurpose the central dowel and base as a paper towel holder, maximizing its utility in your kitchen.
Trust me, whether you’re a seasoned pasta pro or just dipping your toes into homemade pasta waters, the Tinada Pasta Drying Rack is a must-have. You can use it to make my yummy, classic Pasta Carbonara!
The Specs:
- Material: Wood
- Dimensions: 15.7 inches tall by ~17 inches assembled diameter
- Arm Length: Each of the 9 arms spans 8.3 inches
The Pros:
- Durable and spacious
- Easy to clean
- Multi-functional design
The Cons:
- No height adjustment
- Too much moisture may stain or damage the wood
- No storage bag for the pieces when disassembled
What Others Are Saying:
Besides being my favorite pasta drying rack, the Tinada pasta rack has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon.
Buy the Tinada Pasta Drying Rack:
2. Best Collapsible: Marcato Atlas Collapsible Pasta Drying Rack
The Marcato Atlas Collapsible Pasta Drying Rack has a smart design that accommodates huge amounts of pasta while folding down relatively compactly for storage. Made in Italy, this authentic tacapasta has 16 eight-inch arms that fan open to efficiently space out pasta strands for even drying. Its fan-like design folds down flat, to approximately 19 inches by 10 inches by 2 inches, for storage in a drawer.
The Specs
- Material: Plastic
- Dimensions: 18 inches tall by 17 inches assembled diameter
- Arm Length: Each of the 16 arms measures 8 inches long
The Pros:
- Large capacity
- Collapsible design to fold flat for storage
- Good reviews
The Cons:
- Higher price than some
- Collapsibility may make it difficult to clean
What Others Are Saying:
This Marcato model has a 4.7-star rating from more than 1,890 Amazon buyers.
Buy the Marcato Atlas Collapsible Pasta Drying Rack:
3. Best Compact: Eppicotispai Collapsible Pasta Drying Rack
The Eppicotispai Pasta Drying Rack is a favorite of pasta enthusiasts for its simple, compact design.
Crafted in Italy from beechwood, its rectangular — instead of circular — shape takes up less space on the countertop when in use. Once your pasta is dry enough to store, the whole thing collapses flat to about 14 inches by 11 inches for easy storage in a drawer or cabinet. The only drawback is its relatively reduced capacity, which is a bit smaller than my other recs. Still, though, you can use it to make recipes like my Easy One Pot Pasta.
The Specs
- Material: Wood (beech)
- Dimensions: 14 inches wide by 11 inches deep by 11 inches tall assembled
- Arm Length: Each of the eight arms measures at around 8 inches long
The Pros:
- Space-saving design
- Easy to clean
- Made in Italy
The Cons:
- Smaller capacity than others
What Others Are Saying:
The Collapsible Pasta Drying Rack has a 4.7-star rating from more than 1,160 Amazon shoppers.
Buy the Eppicotspai Collapsible Pasta Drying Rack:
4. Best Budget: Ourokhome Collapsible Pasta Drying Rack
This is a practical option that has a similar shape as my favorite model, but at a slightly lower price. While its plastic construction might not promise the longevity of the Tinada I adore, it’s a fine choice if you occasionally make noodles at home.
With its stable rubber feet and 10 arms that measure at approximately 6 inches each, it can handle plenty of pasta. And when it’s time to store it, the arms fold down like an umbrella into an 8-inch tall by 3.5-inch diameter cylindrical shape.
The Specs
- Material: Plastic
- Dimensions: 11 inches tall by 16 inches assembled diameter
- Arm Length: 6 inches
The Pros:
- Affordable price
- Good capacity
- Collapses for storage
- Easy to clean
The Cons:
- Plastic design isn’t the most durable
What Others Are Saying:
During in-depth product testing, the Ourokhome Collapsible was named the best overall pasta drying rack by The Spruce Eats and the best collapsible pick by Serious Eats and Food & Wine.
Buy the Ourokhome Collapsible Pasta Drying Rack:
Other Pasta Drying Racks to Consider
Norpro Pasta Drying Rack
This Norpro option has a unique drying design, with its eight arms situated at different heights to accommodate various pasta lengths without touching the counter. Ultimately, though, this height differential seems gimmicky, especially since I usually strive to cut my pasta to the same length.The Norpro Pasta Drying Rack is available at Amazon for $18.13.
Eppicotispai Stackable Food Dryers, Set of 4
The Eppicotispai Stackable Food Dryers offer a convenient solution for air drying all kinds of food, including pasta of different shapes and sizes. It features a four-tier design that’s easy to assemble with the included wooden posts. The food safe-certified plastic nets offer quick drying by promoting airflow. While the stackable design is handy, it may pose storage challenges since it’s pretty bulky. It’s also on the more expensive side. The Eppicotispai Stackable Food Dryer, Set of 4 is available at Amazon for $87.85.
KitchenAid Pasta Drying Rack
The KitchenAid Pasta Drying Rack is a durable option from a trusted brand with a similar design to the Marcato product I recommend. However, despite its quality construction, its higher price tag probably isn’t worth it — especially considering my top picks, all of which are more affordable. The Kitchenaid Pasta Drying Rack is available at Amazon for $99.52.
Cucina Pro Pasta Drying Rack
The Cucina Pro Pasta Drying Rack offers another take on a rectangular design, with 12 loose dowels that you thread with noodles, then rest at the ends along the top. While it has a nice, compact design, user reviews are mixed. The Cucina Pro Pasta Drying Rack is available at Amazon for $22.99.
Why You Can Trust Me
Hi! I’m Jessica Gavin. My expertise comes from my extensive background as a culinary scientist and educator. Armed with a master’s degree in agriculture and a bachelor’s degree in Food Science from California Polytechnic State University, I deeply understand food technology and safety. With over a decade of experience in nutrition product development (including a role as a senior research scientist), I’ve honed in on my ability to assess kitchen tools, focusing on their practicality for everyday use.
To find the best pasta drying racks, I made sure to include my favorite. From there, I read through tons of customer reviews and ratings, checked out other top-tier food publications and sites, and considered some key factors, like material, capacity, and design.
You can see more of my work in my Easy Culinary Science Cookbook and if you’re looking for more product recommendations, check out my picks for the best pasta makers!
What to Know About Pasta Drying Racks
Things I Look For in a Pasta Drying Rack
When choosing a pasta drying rack, I consider the material, capacity, design, and ease of use.
Materials
These tools are available in various materials, each offering unique advantages:
- Wood: Wooden models are popular for their durability, stability, and classic aesthetic. Beechwood and rubberwood are commonly used due to their strength and resistance to moisture. These racks are useful for drying all types of pasta, and are often favored by traditionalists for their natural appeal and longevity.
- Plastic: Plastic options are lightweight, affordable, and easy to clean. They’re ideal for occasional use or for those with limited storage space since many models are collapsible for compact storage. While they may not offer the same durability as wooden or metal racks, plastic racks are still effective for drying various types of pasta.
- Metal: Metal pasta drying racks, typically made of chrome-plated steel or stainless steel, are sturdy and corrosion-resistant, making them durable for frequent use. They often feature adjustable arms, allowing for customization based on the type and size of pasta being dried. Metal racks are suitable for drying heavy or long pasta shapes, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, and are favored by professional chefs or serious home cooks — but they often come at a price premium.
The best material depends on personal preference, frequency of use, storage space, and budget.
Design and Capacity
Design encompasses both the aesthetic and functional features of a pasta drying rack. A well-designed option should be stable, allowing it to hold lots of pasta without tipping over.
Look for features like rubberized feet or a sturdy base to ensure stability during use. Additionally, consider the spacing and arrangement of the drying arms. Optimal design includes arms that are evenly spaced and positioned to prevent pasta from touching or sticking together while drying. Some racks also offer adjustable arms, allowing you to customize the spacing to accommodate different pasta shapes and sizes.
Capacity refers to the amount of pasta the rack can hold at once. A larger capacity rack is ideal for those who regularly make large batches of pasta, but may be overkill for the typical home chef.
When assessing capacity, consider both the number of drying arms and the overall surface area of the rack. While a rack with more arms may offer greater capacity, make sure that there is enough space between each arm to allow for proper airflow and drying.
Collapsible or foldable racks are convenient for storage when not in use, but be mindful of how this feature may affect the overall capacity when fully extended.
Ease of Use
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use option, look for the following features:
- Collapsible racks are convenient for storage and typically require minimal setup.
- Racks with easy-to-adjust arms allow you to customize the spacing based on the type and size of pasta you’re drying.
- Racks should be steady even when loaded with pasta.
- Non-slip feet or a sturdy base provide added stability during use.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Proper maintenance and cleaning can extend the lifespan of your pasta drying rack and make sure it’s hygienic for continued food preparation.
Plastic and metal racks are generally dishwasher-safe, but check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure compatibility. Regularly inspect the rack for any signs of wear or damage, such as loose or broken parts, and address them promptly to maintain optimal performance.
With proper maintenance and cleaning, your pasta drying rack will continue to serve you well for years.
Is a Wood or Plastic Pasta Drying Rack Better?
Choosing between wood or plastic depends on personal preference and specific needs. Wood racks, like my favorite from Tinada, offer durability, a rustic aesthetic, and natural moisture resistance. They are ideal for long-term use and add charm to the kitchen.
Plastic racks are lightweight, affordable, and often easier to clean. Although they may lack the same aesthetic appeal as wood, they can be practical for occasional use.
Do You Really Need a Pasta Drying Rack?
Pasta drying racks facilitate even drying of long noodles, preventing sticking and ensuring consistent texture. The ample space allows for large batch drying, saving time. Plus, the designs of these racks promote airflow, reducing the risk of mold or spoilage.
Without a rack, you risk uneven drying and potential clumping. While you can make do without one, investing in a pasta drying rack streamlines the process, enhances the quality of homemade pasta, and adds convenience to your kitchen arsenal.
What to Use In Place of a Pasta Drying Rack
Without a pasta drying rack, you can use a clean, dry towel draped over a clothesline or rack. Alternatively, hang strands with a broomstick or dowel between two chairs, or over the crossbar of a well-cleaned plastic or wood coat hanger.
If space permits, lay pasta flat on a floured surface, turning occasionally for even drying.
Remember to maintain airflow to prevent sticking. While makeshift methods work, they may not offer the same efficiency or uniform drying as a dedicated rack. However, with some creativity and patience, you can still achieve good results.
How Long Can You Leave Pasta on a Drying Rack?
It generally depends on humidity and pasta thickness. Generally, fresh pasta should dry for 12 to 24 hours or until it’s completely firm.
Thicker shapes like lasagna may require longer drying times. However, avoid leaving pasta too long, since over-drying can lead to brittleness and affect the texture. Aim to store dried pasta in an airtight container within a week for optimal freshness. Regularly check pasta while drying, adjusting time as needed to ensure perfect al dente results when cooked.
The Best Pasta Recipes
Once you snag your brand new pasta drying rack, try out my favorite pasta recipes!
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
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