All About: Bar or Prep Sinks

Cambria Bold
Cambria Bold
Cambria Bold is the Executive Editor of Cubby, and one of Apartment Therapy Media’s first full-time editors from way back when. She was The Kitchn's founding Design and Lifestyle Editor as well as Managing Editor of Re-Nest, Apartment Therapy’s late '00s green living site. She now thinks a lot about design, kids, and designy kids' things. She lives with her two daughters and their father in St. Paul, MN.
updated Jun 5, 2019
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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

Leela Cyd Ross)
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