With buying tips from Bowers in mind, we researched standout options for every home and budget, evaluating organizers on their organization options, material and durability, and care requirements. Our favorite is the Hold Everything In-Drawer Flatware Organizer from Williams Sonoma. It’s a solid wood tray that expands from six to eight compartments based on what you need. The wood is also sourced from responsibly managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Below, the best silverware organizers. This silverware organizer also features a matte finish to protect the wood. However, the care instructions call for occasionally rubbing it with mineral oil to keep the wood from drying out. To prevent odors, Williams Sonoma recommends a homemade solution of lemon juice and table salt. Otherwise, the price is somewhat steep, but we think it is worth the investment and will be a natural fit in a variety of homes. Price at time of publish: $90 This silverware tray isn’t expandable, but it’s generously sized with six compartments for separating your forks, spoons, knives, and serving utensils. It will fit in most standard kitchen drawers—making it a reliable pick for a variety of homes—and is a breeze to wipe clean, thanks to the plastic and rubber material. Spot-clean it with a wet paper towel or some warm, soapy water on a dish cloth. Price at time of publish: $15 This affordable flatware organizer is made of smooth plastic and has rubberized feet and a grippy lining to prevent slipping and shifting. It’s easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. There’s also an antimicrobial version available, which is treated with Actifresh to keep bacteria and odors at bay. Price at time of publish: $10 These modular drawer caddies are made of sturdy plastic, with curved interiors for easy cleaning. They don’t actually connect together, but the square corners offer a streamlined look when placed side by side. Price at time of publish: $5 When shopping, you can choose from four neutral hues, including natural bamboo, black, gray, and white. This silverware tray isn’t adjustable, but it has seven sizable compartments with grooved dividers and anti-slip tabs. All things considered, we think the price is more than reasonable, given the quality and long-lasting design. Price at time of publish: $22 One thing to note about this organizer is that adjusting the size will require a little elbow grease. However, once you set it to your preferred width, you shouldn’t have to mess with it again. All in all, we think that it also comes at a very reasonable price, and we enjoy that it offers some added flexibility. Price at time of publish: $24 This drawer tray is crafted from solid acacia wood, which, like bamboo, is incredibly sturdy and has natural moisture resistance. Rubber feet prevent it from sliding around in your drawer, too. Since the unfinished wood will fade to a grayish hue over time, plan to do some extra maintenance to extend the lifespan and the look of this product. The brand says rubbing it occasionally with mineral oil can help maintain the color. Price at time of publish: $40 Handmade from sustainably sourced wood and iron, it’s relatively heavy (3 pounds), but it’s also incredibly sturdy, so you won’t have to worry about it tipping over when it’s filled with silverware or when guests are hustling to fill their plates. While we do wish the caddy were more affordable, we do think the classic, versatile design is ultimately worth the splurge and that it will become a long-lasting addition to your table. Price at time of publish: $190 Still, you’re wise to check the product’s dimensions and measure your drawer before purchasing anything. Take note of the number of compartments available, which can range from three to 10 or more.
Material and Color
You’ll also want to pay attention to the material of your silverware organizer so it not only matches your space but also is functional and durable for your household around mealtimes. Many flatware organizers are made of wood or bamboo. Wooden trays usually come in a natural finish and have a versatile, visually pleasing aesthetic. For a bamboo option, we love the Expandable Flatware Tray from Crate & Barrel, which is both adjustable and reasonably priced. There also are plastic designs of various colors, which are a little more basic-looking, though they often have rubber feet and lining to prevent slipping. Our “best budget” pick, the Simply Essential Large Flatware Organizer, is a great example of this type of silverware organizer and proves to be easy to clean and care for, thanks to its material.
Care Requirements
Wood trays made of bamboo or acacia are generally moisture-resistant and easy to clean with a damp cloth. However, as noted by some of the brands featured in our roundup, you might occasionally need to rub bamboo or wood products with mineral oil to maintain the natural hue and prevent them from drying out. Plastic silverware organizers are very easy to clean, especially in contrast to wood or bamboo picks. You can usually wipe them down with a damp cloth or hand-wash them with dish soap when dirt or grime appears. Some are even dishwasher-safe.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and product tester who specializes in home design and storage solutions. For this roundup, she interviewed Tracy Bowers of Organize Simply, a professional organizer based in Utah. With tips from Bowers in mind, she researched the best silverware trays and organizers and narrowed the list down to high-quality, functional designs with standout features, like expandability or a nonslip base. Cooking and serving utensils can be harder to organize, simply because of their larger sizes. That is why professional organizer Tracy Bowers of Organize Simply says, “We prefer to customize a drawer by using clusters of individual organizers that come in different sizes.” Bowers particularly loves our “best customizable” pick, the Everything Drawer Organizers from The Container Store, for that reason. Another option is to place larger utensils upright in a countertop storage container. Theresa has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. She covers cleaning supplies, decor, and organizational products. You can find more of her bylines on MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Travel + Leisure.
