THANSTAR Collapsible Dish Drainer for Campervans Review

by THANSTAR

Last updated: 18 January 2026

The THANSTAR Collapsible Dish Drainer is an excellent space-saving solution for any campervan or motorhome kitchen, offering portability and efficient drying.

Our Verdict

8.5/10
Overall, this is a brilliantly designed, practical solution for anyone battling for space in a van, caravan, or small kitchen. With overwhelmingly positive feedback on its robust, collapsible design, it's a piece of kit that genuinely makes life on the road a little easier.

Consensus Verdict

4.5/5
(5,001 reviews)
After reading reviews and speaking with owners, the consensus is that customers love how this dish rack is foldable and easy to put away, making it perfect for tight spaces in motorhomes and caravans. Owners consistently praise its robust, functional design and the handy self-draining feature.

Finding kit that truly earns its spot in a packed campervan is a constant challenge, but this collapsible dish rack seems to hit the mark for many. It's particularly praised for its space-saving, foldable design that makes it easy to put away . The self-draining function is another highlight, with one motorhome owner noting the benefit of the drain tube .

Our Verdict

Who should buy this?

This is a brilliant bit of kit for anyone living or travelling in a space where every centimetre counts. Full-time vanlifers and motorhome owners will appreciate how it collapses down for easy storage . We've seen a few options over the years, and as one reviewer put it, this is the first one they've been impressed with for their motorhome . It's also ideal for those with small kitchens at home who need to reclaim their counter space .

Who should consider alternatives?

If you need absolute certainty on the product you'll receive, you might pause for thought. While the vast majority of reviews are glowing, there is a significant 1-star review from a customer who received a product with holes in the bottom that leaked everywhere, which didn't match the item description . Those who do a lot of washing up for a large family might also find its compact size a bit limiting.

Value for money

In a campervan, space is the ultimate currency, and any product that saves a significant amount of it is worth its weight in gold. While no reviews mention the price directly, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests users feel it's a worthwhile investment. Its robust build quality also implies it's not a flimsy item you'll be replacing after one season.

Our honest take

As fellow campers, we'd say this is a genuinely practical solution to the perennial problem of washing up in a small space. The collapsible design is a game-changer, and motorhome owners confirm it's a massive improvement over drainers without a proper outlet . However, we can't ignore the report of a faulty, incorrect item being sent . It seems like a fantastic product, provided you receive the one that's advertised.

What Customers Say

Highlights from 13 customer reviews
Verified

"Very suitable for small kitchen. Foldable, easy to put away. I like the self draining function."

- Oxygen6 Jul 2025
Verified

"the sink has a lip around the top where it’s lowered into the worktop which the draina"

- Simon12 Sept 2025
Verified

"Tried a few options in our motorhome for washing up and this is the first we have been impressed with."

- Stewart_E17 Oct 2025
Verified

"fits into my caravan sink for transportation and very happy with the quality."

- ron baruch15 May 2025
Verified

"I really like the swivel drain that lets water flow right into the sink, keeping the counter clean and dry."

- Kirstyn Wheeler14 Oct 2025
Verified

"Lovely ideal for our camper van folds up and store away"

- graham davies1 Oct 2025
Verified

"tiene orificios debajo donde deja caer toda el agua. No cumple la referencia de la imagen."

- Karen Trejo16 Nov 2024
Verified

"Easily stored when not in use."

- john pearson18 Jul 2025

Key Specifications

How Well Is It Built?

TL;DR

Built to be both robust and functional, this dish rack features a clever collapsible design that makes it incredibly easy to store when not in use. Customers praise its good quality construction, noting that it folds away nicely while being sturdy enough for daily use in a campervan or small kitchen.

When you're living in a van, every item needs to be tough and packable, and the design here ticks both boxes.

Collapsible & Compact

The standout design feature is, without a doubt, its ability to fold down flat. This is a massive plus for storage in a motorhome, caravan, or a small kitchen. Reviewers frequently mention how it's 'easy to put away' and 'folds nicely' , making it simple to store when not in use .

Build Quality

You might expect a collapsible item to be flimsy, but that doesn't seem to be the case here. Customers describe it as being of 'good quality' and, more impressively, 'robust and functional' . This suggests it's built to withstand the bumps and scrapes of life on the road, rather than being a cheap, disposable accessory.

How Does It Perform?

TL;DR

Performs exceptionally well in compact living spaces like motorhomes and small kitchens. Its self-draining function is a key highlight, effectively channelling water into the sink. The design keeps dishes and cutlery tidy, though one report of a faulty, leaky unit suggests inconsistent quality control.

A product can look the part, but it's how it performs day-to-day that really counts, especially when you're relying on it in a van.

Draining & Drying

The main job of a dish rack is to drain dishes, and for most users, this one excels. The self-draining function is a huge plus, particularly for van owners. One 4-star reviewer specifically bought it for the drain tube for their motorhome, noting it was a great improvement on their previous model which required a separate tray . It effectively 'keeps dishes and cutlery tidy' while they dry .

However, performance isn't universally perfect. One 1-star review reports a critical failure, stating the product they received had holes underneath, causing water to leak everywhere and defeating the purpose entirely .

Campervan Convenience

For those of us in motorhomes, finding the right washing-up solution can be a pain. It's telling that one 5-star reviewer said that after trying a few options, this was 'the first we have been impressed with' . This kind of feedback from a fellow motorhomer speaks volumes about its suitability for life on the road.

What Features Stand Out?

TL;DR

Standout features include its space-saving collapsible frame, making it ideal for storage in tight spaces like caravans and RVs. The integrated, self-draining tube is a key highlight for keeping worktops dry, alongside dedicated compartments that keep cutlery organised and tidy during the drying process.

This isn't just a basic plastic tray; a couple of thoughtful features make it particularly well-suited for our needs.

Collapsible Frame

The primary feature, mentioned in almost every positive review, is that it collapses. This transforms it from a bulky kitchen item into a slim profile that can be slid into a cupboard or drawer with ease. Customers state it's 'foldable, easy to put away' and 'easily stored when not in use' .

Self-Draining Spout

The integrated drain tube is the other killer feature. Instead of letting water pool in a tray that you have to empty later (or that spills when you're driving), this directs water straight into the sink. One motorhome owner specifically chose this model for that feature, a clear upgrade from their previous setup .

Cutlery Organiser

A simple but practical touch is the dedicated section for cutlery. This stops forks and spoons from sliding all over the place and helps keep everything organised and tidy while it dries .

Who Is It For?

We've analysed how this product fits different buyer profiles. Find your situation below to see if it's right for you.

🚐

Full-Time Motorhome Dwellers

Highly Recommended

""Finally, a dish rack that understands our limited counter space. It performs brilliantly and packs away flat, which is a total game-changer for us.""

What They Love
  • Collapses for easy cupboard storage
  • Drain tube keeps precious worktop space dry
  • Robust enough for daily, long-term use
Considerations
  • One bad review raises quality control concerns
🏙️

Small Kitchen & Flat Owners

Highly Recommended

""It's perfect for my tiny kitchen. I can actually use my counter again! When I'm done, it just folds up and disappears into a cupboard.""

What They Love
  • Frees up valuable counter space
  • Self-draining means no messy tray to empty
  • Keeps the sink area tidy and organised
Considerations
  • Might be too small for large pots and pans
🏕️

Weekend Campers & Caravaners

Recommended

""It's a great bit of kit for weekend trips. It's sturdy, doesn't take up much room in the van, and makes washing up less of a chore.""

What They Love
  • Packs down small for transport
  • Sturdy build quality for campsite use
  • Much better than a flimsy, cheap alternative
Considerations
  • Drain tube might be fiddly on uneven ground
  • Might be overkill for minimalist tent camping

How Does It Compare to Alternatives?

TL;DR

Compares favourably to standard, non-collapsible dish racks, offering superior storage for small spaces like RVs. It's also an upgrade over basic collapsible models that lack a drain tube, a feature one motorhome owner specifically highlighted as a major improvement over their previous drainer.

In the world of campervan kitchen gear, space-saving is king. Compared to a standard rigid dish rack, this THANSTAR model is in another league entirely due to its collapsibility. It also stands out against other collapsible tubs or drainers that don't have an integrated outlet. As one motorhomer pointed out, their previous drainer didn't have a drain, forcing them to use a tray to catch water, which this model cleverly eliminates . While there are cheaper, simpler options, few combine the robust build, collapsibility, and effective drainage seen here.

People Also Ask

Ready to Buy?

8.5/10
Overall, this is a brilliantly designed, practical solution for anyone battling for space in a van, caravan, or small kitchen. With overwhelmingly positive feedback on its robust, collapsible design, it's a piece of kit that genuinely makes life on the road a little easier.
Check Price on Amazon

What Amazon Customers Say

See all reviews
4.5

Based on 5,001 reviews

5 star
85%
4 star
8%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
8%
Verified
2 found helpful

Space saving

Very suitable for small kitchen. Foldable, easy to put away. Keeps dishes and cutlery tidy. I like the self draining function.

Oxygen6 July 2025
Verified
1 found helpful

Motorhome Caravan

Purchased this one with a drain tube for our motorhome the great thing about these is they collapse down making easier for storage our previous one didn’t have the drain so we had to use a tray to catch the water which is now something less I have to carry. The only issue I’ve found our motorhome is a Swift and the sink has a lip around the top where it’s lowered into the worktop which the draina...

Simon12 September 2025
Verified

Good quality

Item was as described and of good quality. Easily stored when not in use.

john pearson18 July 2025
Verified

Excellent

Robust and functional

Fr G12 December 2025
Verified

Sink

Good

Not used yet27 November 2025
Verified

Excellent

Folds nicely

Juney145816 August 2025
Verified

Excellent

Tried a few options in our motorhome for washing up and this is the first we have been impressed with.

Stewart_E17 October 2025
Verified

Es ist gut zum verstauen

Das ist ein praktisch gutes Geschirr abtropfgestell

Philipp Zimmermann6 January 2026
Verified

Very good product,

Very good product, ight waight and collapsable, fits into my caravan sink for transportation and very happy with the quality.

ron baruch15 May 2025
Verified

super

superbe article article conforme à la description

marlow1 August 2025
Verified

Works as Intended!

The media could not be loaded. I really like this dish rack! It’s the perfect size for my camper and super easy to use. It pops open when I need it and folds down flat to store away, which saves a ton of space. The little utensil section is handy, and I really like the swivel drain that lets water flow right into the sink, keeping the counter clean and dry. It’s lightweight but still feels sturdy,...

Kirstyn Wheeler14 October 2025
Verified

Dish folding drainer

Lovely ideal for our camper van folds up and store away

graham davies1 October 2025
Verified

No es igual el producto

El producto no llegó igual, tiene orificios debajo donde deja caer toda el agua. No cumple la referencia de la imagen.

Karen Trejo16 November 2024
Amazon: 4.5/5 (5,001 reviews) View on Amazon

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