How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-09-23 · 5 min read · Independent comparison
• Zacfton Stainless Steel Cooling — biggest strength: three 18/8 stainless steel racks per set, densely welded crosswires, rated for high heat without warping, and fully dishwasher safe.
• Zacfton Stainless Steel Cooling — biggest trade-off: the 8.6 x 6.2 x 0.5 inch rectangle is sized for toaster ovens and multi-layer air fryer setups, not for round baskets or heavy oil drainage.
• generic Stainless Steel Mesh — biggest strength: a 7.7 inch round mesh tray with raised edges and anti-slip feet, purpose-built for oil draining and air fryer use.
• generic Stainless Steel Mesh — biggest trade-off: you get one round unit, and the coarse mesh lets small crumbs and bits fall straight through.
• Who each pick is for: Zacfton for anyone cooking in batches or stacking layers; generic Stainless Steel Mesh for anyone draining fried food or wanting a single compact round rack.
Zacfton's set does one job well: it gets food up off the surface so heat moves around it and grease drops away. Each rack is 18/8 stainless steel with no chemical coating, so there's nothing to flake or wear off over time. The wires are welded densely — that's the detail that matters most here. Tight spacing means small pieces like potato wedges or nuggets don't slip through the gaps and land in the drippings, and it keeps air circulating so things brown evenly instead of steaming on one side.
The build is genuinely heavy duty. Thick wires, a firm crossweld, and four feet give you a stable platform that holds heavier food without bowing. The edges are smooth, which sounds minor until you've grabbed a cheap rack with a burr on it. And the whole thing is dishwasher safe — no fading, no rusting. If you'd rather wash by hand, soaking right after use makes it quick.
generic Stainless Steel Mesh: Who It's For
The generic Stainless Steel Mesh takes the opposite approach. It's a single 7.7 inch round tray, 1 inch tall, made from 304 stainless steel mesh. The raised edges and anti-slip feet are the functional core — that lip keeps food from sliding off while oil drains down through the mesh, and the feet keep the whole thing from skating around on a counter or inside an appliance.
It's a purpose-built draining tool. Fried food, air fryer baskets, oil drip trays, salad draining, baking cooling — the sheet lists all of those, and the design supports them. At 3.36 ounces it's light, and it's dishwasher safe like the Zacfton. It's also compatible with air fryers, ovens, and deep fryers, so it slots into more than one appliance.
The honest trade-off is the mesh itself. Open mesh drains fast, but it also means anything smaller than the gaps drops through. If you're draining fries or wings, that's fine. If you're trying to hold small crumbly pieces above grease, you'll lose some. And you get one unit — no spare while it's in the wash. Who should buy it: anyone who fries, drains, or wants a compact round rack that fits inside a standard air fryer basket. Who should skip it: batch bakers and multi-layer cooks who need three flat rectangular racks.
• Best for multi-layer air fryer cooking → Zacfton Stainless Steel Cooling — three flat racks let you build layers and cook more at once.
• Best for oil draining and fried food → generic Stainless Steel Mesh — the raised-edge round tray is designed for exactly that.
• Best for batch baking and cooling → Zacfton Stainless Steel Cooling — three 8.6 x 6.2 inch racks cover more surface than one round tray.
• Best for small air fryer baskets → generic Stainless Steel Mesh — the 7.7 inch round shape fits where a rectangle won't.
• Best for holding small pieces → Zacfton Stainless Steel Cooling — dense welding keeps little items from dropping through.
• Best for a single compact tool → generic Stainless Steel Mesh — one light 3.36 ounce unit, easy to store.
• Best for dishwasher convenience → both — both are 18/8 or 304 stainless steel and dishwasher safe.
• Best for a complete set → Zacfton Stainless Steel Cooling — you get three racks, not one.
In my opinion, if you're cooking in an air fryer or toaster oven and want to stack layers, the Zacfton set is the better buy. Three racks, dense welding, and a heavier build give you more flexibility for the same footprint. I'd pick the generic Stainless Steel Mesh only if draining oil is your main job or your basket is round and small. For most people doing multi-purpose air fryer cooking, I recommend the Zacfton.
how to use multi layer rack in air fryer
Place one rack in the basket, add food, then set a second rack above it with clearance so air still circulates. Zacfton's 0.5 inch height per rack keeps layers low, and the dense wires hold food above the drippings.
how to put rack in air fryer
Set the rack flat in the basket with the feet down so it sits stable and food stays clear of the base. The generic mesh tray's anti-slip feet and raised edges help it stay put during cooking.
can you use an air fryer without the rack
Yes — a rack is an accessory, not a requirement. But a rack lifts food off the base, improves air circulation, and keeps food out of pooled grease. That's the main reason to add one.
can you stack racks in an air fryer
Yes, as long as there's airflow between layers. Zacfton's set of three is built for this; just leave gaps so heat reaches every level and food browns evenly.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.
See also: KITCHENATICS Stainless Steel Cooling vs Generic Wonderful 3-Quart, Zacfton Stainless Steel Cooling vs Patelai 2: Air Fryer, M METERXITY Cooling Rack vs SHINEOFI Stainless Steel Metal