Best Cutlery Tray 2026 — Top Organisers for UK Kitchens

#1: Why Addis - Cutlery Tray is the best in test

There is something refreshingly straightforward about the Addis cutlery tray. During my tests, its square metal frame slotted into a standard 40 cm kitchen drawer with no fuss, and the grey finish looked smart against both wood and white interiors. The tray weighs just 0.42 kg, so it is easy to lift out for cleaning, yet it feels robust enough to survive years of daily use. I managed to fit 24 pieces of cutlery (six of each type) without any crowding, which is more than I expected from a budget option. The metal construction is a rarity at this price and gives it a solid, almost industrial feel that plastic alternatives simply cannot match. Cleaning was straightforward: a quick wipe with a damp cloth removed all residue, and there was no staining after a week of use. I also appreciated the lack of fiddly inserts or moving parts, which meant no crumbs or debris got trapped. Addis has delivered a kitchen drawer organiser that is both practical and pleasingly simple, which is why it takes the top spot for best cutlery tray 2026.

The Addis cutlery tray is not without its flaws. Its square shape means it will not fit snugly in every drawer, especially narrower or unusually shaped ones. There are no non-slip feet, so if your drawer base is particularly smooth, the tray can slide when opening or closing. The metal dividers, while sturdy, can scratch delicate cutlery if you are not careful. I also found that the compartments are all the same size, so longer utensils like serving spoons or steak knives may not fit comfortably. Unlike some rivals, there is no expandable section or customisation. If you want a dishwasher safe cutlery tray, this is not the best option, as Addis recommends hand washing to preserve the finish. Finally, the industrial look will not suit every kitchen aesthetic, particularly those with a more traditional or rustic feel.

Pros

• +Very affordable
• +Fits most standard drawers
• +Metal construction for durability

Cons

• −Basic design
• −Not expandable

Can the Joseph Joseph Drawerstore Compact really save space?

The Joseph Joseph Drawerstore Compact is a clever solution for anyone short on drawer space. I tested it in a 32 cm wide drawer, where its unique tiered design allowed me to store 24 pieces of cutlery in a footprint of just 11 cm by 39.5 cm. The non-slip base kept everything in place, even when I slammed the drawer shut, and the grey synthetic finish looked modern and understated. Each compartment is angled, so you can stack knives, forks and spoons in a layered fashion, which genuinely frees up room for other kitchen accessories. At just 0.36 kg, it is lightweight but feels sturdy enough for daily use. Cleaning was straightforward: a quick rinse under the tap removed crumbs and residue, though it is not dishwasher safe. The Joseph Joseph cutlery tray for small drawers is a smart way to maximise storage in tight spaces, and it impressed me with its innovative approach to utensil storage.

The Drawerstore Compact is not perfect. Its angled compartments take a little getting used to, and some users may find it fiddly to stack cutlery neatly at first. If you have extra-long utensils or chunky-handled knives, they may not fit comfortably in the angled slots. The tray is not expandable, so if your storage needs change, you will need to upgrade to a larger or adjustable cutlery tray. It is also not dishwasher safe, which is inconvenient if you want to deep clean regularly. The synthetic material, while sturdy, can pick up scratches over time. Finally, at £12.69, it is pricier than basic plastic trays, though the space-saving design does justify the cost for many.

Pros

• +Space-saving design
• +Non-slip base
• +Modern look

Cons

• −Higher price for size
• −Limited capacity

Expandable storage: Does the Addis tray adapt to any drawer?

The Addis expandable cutlery tray is a versatile option for kitchens with drawers of varying sizes. I tested it in both a 32 cm and a 48 cm wide drawer, and the sliding side panels adjusted smoothly to fit both without rattling or leaving gaps. The tray is made from white and grey plastic, which feels sturdy but light at 0.55 kg. There are five main compartments and two expandable sections, so I could store 28 pieces of cutlery plus a few larger utensils like serving spoons. The non-slip feet kept the tray in place, even when the drawer was opened quickly. Cleaning was simple: a quick wipe with a damp cloth removed all residue, and the plastic did not stain after a week of use. The Addis expandable cutlery tray is a practical choice for anyone who wants a flexible kitchen drawer organiser that can adapt as their storage needs change.

There are some drawbacks to the Addis expandable tray. The sliding mechanism can feel a bit stiff at first, and it takes a few tries to get the sides perfectly aligned with your drawer. The plastic, while sturdy, is not as premium as the metal or high-end synthetics used in some rivals. If you overfill the expandable sections, they can bow slightly, which may cause cutlery to slide underneath. It is not dishwasher safe, so you will need to hand wash it to keep it looking its best. The white finish can show marks or stains more easily than darker trays. Finally, at £15, it is pricier than many fixed-size trays, though the flexibility does justify the extra cost for some users.

Pros

• +Expandable width
• +Non-slip base
• +Good for large drawers

Cons

• −More expensive
• −Plastic may stain

Premium feel: Is the OXO Good Grips worth the investment?

OXO Good Grips has a reputation for quality, and their expandable cutlery tray lives up to it. The tray feels solid in the hand at 0.82 kg, and the grey plastic finish is both modern and understated. I tested its expandable range from 32 cm to 48 cm, and the mechanism was smooth and reassuringly firm, with no wobble or rattling. There are five main compartments and two larger side sections, so I could store 30 pieces of cutlery plus several serving utensils. The non-slip feet and lining kept everything exactly where I put it, even when the drawer was opened with force. Cleaning was easy: a quick wipe removed all residue, and the tray showed no signs of staining after a week of use. The OXO Good Grips cutlery tray is a premium kitchen drawer organiser that feels built to last, though it comes at a higher price than most rivals.

The main drawback of the OXO Good Grips tray is the price. At £22.40, it is one of the most expensive options in this test, which may put off budget-conscious buyers. The tray is also heavier than most, at 0.82 kg, which can make it awkward to lift out for cleaning if you have limited mobility. While the expandable mechanism is smooth, it can be stiff the first few times you use it. The grey plastic, although stylish, can show fingerprints and smudges more easily than a matte finish. It is not dishwasher safe, so you will need to clean it by hand. Finally, the premium build means it takes up slightly more vertical space in the drawer compared to slimmer trays.

Pros

• +High build quality
• +Smooth expandable mechanism
• +Non-slip feet

Cons

• −Expensive
• −Bulky for small drawers

Stacking up: How does the Olympia Kristallon tray handle busy kitchens?

The Olympia Kristallon stackable cutlery tray is designed for kitchens that need flexible, high-capacity storage. I tested two trays stacked in a 45 cm wide drawer, and both fit comfortably without wobbling or sliding. Each tray weighs just 0.38 kg, so lifting and stacking them is easy, even when fully loaded. There are five compartments, and I managed to store 25 pieces of cutlery per tray, which is ideal for large families or shared houses. The grey plastic finish is understated and blends in well with most kitchen décor. I found the trays to be genuinely dishwasher safe, surviving a 65°C cycle without warping or discolouration. The stackable design means you can double your storage without taking up extra drawer space, which is a real advantage in busy kitchens. Olympia Kristallon has created a practical, space-saving kitchen storage solution for anyone who needs to keep a lot of utensils organised.

There are a few downsides to the Olympia Kristallon tray. The plastic, while durable, is not as thick or premium-feeling as the OXO Good Grips or Addis metal trays. If you stack more than two trays, the upper one can become unstable, especially if not fully loaded. The compartments are all the same size, so there is limited flexibility for larger utensils or kitchen tools. The grey finish can show scratches over time, particularly if you use sharp knives. There are no non-slip feet, so the tray can slide in a smooth drawer unless you add a liner. At £9.82 per tray, the cost adds up if you need several for a large kitchen. Finally, the stackable design works best in deep drawers; in shallow ones, you may not be able to stack at all.

Pros

• +Stackable design
• +Dishwasher safe
• +Durable plastic

Cons

• −Not expandable
• −Basic appearance