Dish Drainer Comparison: YAMAZAKI Tower vs ALESSI A Tempo
By Cutipol: The Shape of Tomorrow’s Cuisine | Official Store | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Comparisons
Compare the YAMAZAKI Tower and ALESSI A Tempo dish drainers: space-saving function vs sculptural style. Find the right fit for your kitchen.
Quick answer
If you need a compact, low-profile dish drainer that dries efficiently in a small kitchen, choose the YAMAZAKI Tower. If you want a sculptural countertop piece that makes drying feel like a design statement, the ALESSI A Tempo is worth the extra space and cost.
Space and footprint: flat mat vs sculptural rack
The YAMAZAKI Tower is a slim 1.5 cm high mat that sits flat on the counter, making it ideal for tight spaces or for placing under a dish rack. Its low profile means it doesn't add visual bulk, and it can be tucked away easily when not in use.
The ALESSI A Tempo, with its curved wire design, creates a more prominent presence on the countertop. It's not just a drainer; it's a decorative object. If you have ample counter space and want your dish drainer to be a conversation piece, this is the one.
Drying performance and materials
The YAMAZAKI Tower uses a pattern that facilitates water drainage and allows air to circulate, promoting efficient drying. Made from BPA-free ABS resin, it's a practical choice for everyday use.
The ALESSI A Tempo features a tray that catches drips, with a curved wire design that holds plates, glasses, and cutlery in perfect harmony. The wire allows for airflow, but the tray is an extra piece to clean. Its metal construction is more durable but also heavier and less flexible in terms of placement.
Price and value
The YAMAZAKI Tower is priced at USD 18.60 (catalog comparison price USD 30.00), making it a budget-friendly option that delivers solid performance without a high cost.
The ALESSI A Tempo is priced at USD 27.45 (catalog comparison price USD 45.00), reflecting its designer pedigree and aesthetic appeal. You're paying for the design as much as the function.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Space efficiency: YAMAZAKI Tower is a slim 1.5 cm mat that fits in tight spots; ALESSI A Tempo has a larger, sculptural footprint that needs counter space. Measure your countertop before deciding.
- Drying method: YAMAZAKI uses a flat pattern for airflow; ALESSI uses a wire rack over a drip tray. If you prefer a simple flat surface, choose YAMAZAKI; if you like a raised rack, choose ALESSI.
- Style vs function: YAMAZAKI is discreet and functional; ALESSI is a design statement that adds aesthetic value. Decide whether your drainer should blend in or stand out.
Product facts
- YAMAZAKI Tower - Dish drainer black: The YAMAZAKI Tower dish drainer is made from BPA-free ABS resin and features a pattern that facilitates water drainage and allows air to circulate for more efficient drying. This means you get a safe, lightweight mat that dries dishes quickly, ideal for everyday use in compact kitchens.
YAMAZAKI Tower - Dish drainer black - ALESSI A Tempo - Dish drainer: The ALESSI A Tempo dish drainer uses curved wire as a graphic element, creating optical effects, and includes a tray to catch drips. Its sculptural design turns dish drying into a visual feature, but the separate tray adds a cleaning step and the metal construction is heavier.
ALESSI A Tempo - Dish drainer
Which one fits you?
Best for
- Small kitchens or apartments where counter space is limited
- Minimalist setups that prefer a low-profile, unobtrusive drainer
Not for
- Those who want a striking design piece that becomes a focal point in the kitchen
- Users who prefer a raised wire rack over a flat mat for drying
