Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen? If so, then our Sink Spotlight series will help you. Today we look at bar or prep sinks, those small, secondary sinks that many of us dream of having in our home:
Sink Style: Bar or Prep
Also Known As: Wet-bar sink, entertainment sink.
Distinctive Features: A small sink, measuring around 15-25" long, 15" wide, 5-6" deep, often round or square and made of either stainless steel or copper. Designed for home bar or entertaining areas or for use as an extra sink in a large kitchen. Also often installed as the primary sink in very small kitchens due the compact size.
Countertop Compatibility: Both topmount and undermount bar/prep sinks are available, and are compatible with most if not all countertops.
Pros: Bar/prep sinks make food prep easier and cleanup more convenient, particularly when installed as a secondary kitchen sink (use the main sink for washing/soaking dishes); great for home entertaining when installed in high-volume areas, like a patio/terrace or as part of a home bar; great for teeny-tiny kitchens where every inch of space matters.
Cons: Size, obviously. It's meant for small jobs, and can't accommodate huge pots and pans.
Installation: The smaller size makes installation pretty straightforward. They're usually installed close to the cooktop or in an island countertop. Garbage disposal attachments are recommended.
Price range: Starts around $50 for a basic stainless steel bar sink and ranges up to $400 for a copper or specialty size sinks.
Kitchn Reader Reviews:
I have a double sink, one side stores the items that need washed by hand, and the second side stays open for using the disposer, rinsing things before putting in the dishwasher and rinsing the handwashed items. I also have a medium bar sink in my island (with disposer) for food prep. This is very handy and would add one in my next kitchen. - sherris
A feature I resisted thinking I wanted a stationary island and a prep sink. But now I think are indispensable, because they are so versatile! - Greg
Related Kitchn Posts:
• All About: Undermount Kitchen Sinks
• All About: Drop-In Kitchen Sinks
• All About: Farmhouse Kitchen Sinks
• All About: Double Bowl Kitchen Sinks
Readers, do you have a bar or prep sink in your kitchen or home? Tell us!
(Images: 1. Jill Slater; 2. Susannah Olmert/Apartment Therapy; 3. Sabra Krock; 5. Leela Cyd Ross)
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I don't get this post. It just looks like a collection of non-nonsensical statements and unclear photos. Are the photos of mini-bars or a bar sink as the primary sink in the kitchen? I clicked "more" hoping to have an explanation of how the pictured "trough" sink is actually supposed to be used. A line of glasses, filled with ice to hold bottles? I can't believe I wasted my time READING and COMMENTING on this.
@Laura, we're sorry the post seemed confusing. Like our other Sink Spotlight posts, which are linked at the bottom, this is meant to be a quick reference post on bar sinks, i.e. what they are, what they're used for, general price and installation info, and reader reviews, while the photos illustrate various bar/prep sink styles and the ways they're used in the home.