Choosing between small, slim, and large vertical or horizontal layouts
[Lead image] La Base
stainless-steel dish rack | Source: Wahei Freiz official product page
Counter space beside a sink varies from one
kitchen to another, so a dish rack should not be chosen by appearance alone.
The official La Base lineup consists of five complete sets: Small Vertical,
Slim Vertical, Large Vertical, Slim Horizontal, and Large Horizontal. No
official Medium Horizontal set is currently listed, so confirm the product code
and overall dimensions rather than relying on a retailer's translated size
label.
1. Why La Base dish racks remain popular
La Base develops practical kitchen tools
shaped by culinary expert Yoko Arimoto's approach to everyday cooking and care.
According to the manufacturer, the basket, utensil pocket, and drainage tray
use 18-8 stainless steel and are made in Japan. Closely spaced, flat basket
wires support plates and glasses, while the relatively shallow rim makes dishes
easier to lift in and out.
The tray is angled so water can run toward
the sink instead of pooling. Its simplified edges are also intended to reduce
places where residue can collect. Actual drainage still depends on a level
counter and correct placement of the tray outlet over the sink.
2. Official five-model comparison
|
Type |
Model |
Overall
size |
Weight |
|
Small Vertical |
LB-101 |
Approx. 358×322×142mm |
Approx. 1,814g |
|
Slim Vertical |
DLM-8690 |
Approx. 450×300×140mm |
Approx. 2,180g |
|
Large Vertical |
DLM-8585 |
Approx. 452×390×140mm |
Approx. 2,770g |
|
Slim Horizontal |
DLM-8775 |
Approx. 530×218×140mm |
Approx. 2,040g |
|
Large Horizontal |
DLM-8563 |
Approx. 538×312×140mm |
Approx. 2,570g |
Note: These are the manufacturer's published
overall dimensions for each three-piece set; minor measurement differences may
occur.
3. Best use for each size and orientation
3-1. Small Vertical (LB-101)
[Product image] La
Base Small Vertical three-piece set | Source: Wahei Freiz
A practical option for one- or two-person
households, it holds everyday plates, cups, and a small pot without taking over
the countertop.
The set includes a small basket, small
pocket, and small tray. Overall dimensions are approximately 35.8 × 32.2 × 14.2
cm. Always measure using the complete-set dimensions, which are larger than the
basket alone.
3-2. Slim Vertical (DLM-8690)
[Product image] La
Base Slim Vertical three-piece set | Source: Wahei Freiz
Its long, narrow footprint makes good use
of a slim strip beside the sink. Check that the tray can drain toward the sink
in the vertical orientation.
This combines a slim basket, large pocket,
and slim tray. It balances a narrow footprint with generous utensil storage,
making it useful for frequent cooks with limited counter width.
3-3. Large Vertical (DLM-8585)
[Product image] La Base
Large Vertical three-piece set | Source: Wahei Freiz
The generous depth suits family dishes and
cookware. Measure reach and clearance carefully so the rear area does not
conflict with a faucet or backsplash.
The large basket, pocket, and tray provide
generous capacity. Because the set extends about 39 cm front to back, mark the
footprint with masking tape before ordering and check faucet and backsplash
clearance.
3-4. Slim Horizontal (DLM-8775)
[Product image] La
Base Slim Horizontal three-piece set | Source: Wahei Freiz
At about 21.8 cm deep, this is the
shallowest full set and preserves front-to-back workspace. Its mini pocket is
well suited to lighter utensil loads.
This combines the slim basket with a mini
pocket and horizontal slim tray. Although it shares the same basket family as
Slim Vertical, the pocket and tray orientation change the complete footprint
and drainage direction.
3-5. Large Horizontal (DLM-8563)
[Product image] La
Base Large Horizontal three-piece set | Source: Wahei Freiz
This layout needs more side-to-side room
but makes dishes easy to load and unload at a glance. It works well along a
long counter beside the sink.
The set uses a large basket, small pocket,
and horizontal large tray. It shares a basket family with Large Vertical but
needs about 53.8 cm of side-to-side clearance.
4. How to measure before buying
Measure both the width and depth from the
sink edge to the backsplash, faucet, and nearby appliance. Mark the full
product footprint with paper or masking tape. Confirm that the tray outlet
reaches over the sink, turn the faucet handle through its full range, and open
any overhead cabinet doors. This quick mock-up reveals access and clearance
problems that raw numbers may hide.
5. Vertical or horizontal: which is easier?
A vertical layout extends away from the
sink and preserves more side-to-side work space, although dishes at the back
may be harder to reach. A horizontal layout follows the sink edge, keeping the
whole rack visible and easy to access, but consumes more counter width. The
better choice depends on the direction of available space and the drainage
path, not on size alone.
6. Everyday care
Wipe residual water from the tray after the
day's washing to reduce spotting. Remove salty or acidic residue promptly with
mild detergent, rinse well, and dry. Avoid steel wool or tools that can leave
metal particles on the surface. Occasionally remove the silicone feet and clean
the damp contact areas beneath them.
FAQ
Q. Is there a La Base medium or
medium horizontal model?
The current manufacturer lineup uses Large,
Small, and Slim. The complete sets total five: Small Vertical plus Large and
Slim in both vertical and horizontal orientations. Retail translations may
vary, so use the product code to confirm the model.
Q. Which model uses the least
front-to-back counter depth?
Slim Horizontal has the shallowest
published overall depth at approximately 218 mm, but it requires about 530 mm
of width. If width is more limited than depth, compare the vertical models
instead.
Q. Why are basket-only and
complete-set dimensions different?
Complete-set dimensions include the utensil
pocket attached outside the basket and the drainage tray beneath it. Use the
manufacturer's overall three-piece-set dimensions when deciding whether a model
will fit.
Conclusion
Choosing a La Base rack is as much about
orientation as capacity. Small Vertical suits lighter one- or two-person loads;
Slim Vertical fits a long narrow zone; Slim Horizontal preserves shallow
workspace; and either Large version accommodates family dishes and cookware.
Before purchasing, verify the product code, overall set dimensions, and tray
drainage direction together.
Sources
Wahei Freiz official La Base dish-rack
information: https://www.wahei.co.jp/products/labase/206.html
La Base official online shop, CLEANING category:
https://labase.jp/view/category/ct4