Planning Guide > Selections

SINKS / LAVATORIES
Bar/Entertainment/Prep Sinks

Originally designed for scrubbing vegetables and fruit, this small single bowl sink can now be found in just about every room of the house.

Varying in size from 9 1/2" round, to 18" square, this sink can be placed almost anywhere it is needed. How it is ultimately used, is what determines what it is called.

A prep sink is used in the kitchen to scrub and prepare vegetables and fruit.

A bar sink is used in a den, bedroom, or family room, and is what makes a bar wet.

An entertainment sink is usually found in the family room, den or other area where a small sink is needed.

This sink can also be called a small utility sink if it used in the laundry, workshop, or mudroom.

Made of metal (stainless steel, copper, brass), cast iron, solid surface (Swanstone, Corian) and fireclay, in a polished, satin or hammered finish; these sinks may be installed under the counter or as a self-rimming drop-in sink.

Cast iron and satin finish, stainless steel sinks require the least maintenance. Stainless steel sinks lack the color options available in other materials.

For a detailed information on sink materials, see: Comparison of Sink Materials

Bar sink bowls offer a variety of depths (4", 4 1/2", 6", 6 1/2") depending on the model. Round sinks generally have a center drain. Larger round sinks, rectangular and square sinks have offset drains.

In addition to the standard shapes (square, rectangular, oval and round), bar sinks are available in corner models and novelty shapes such as the cast iron Entertainer sink from Kohler. (under-the-counter installation shown at right)

 

Some sinks, such as Swanstone's rectangular bar sink (shown at the left) offer a built in drain board for easy clean up and preparation.

Undermount sinks provide a cleaner look and allow for easier cleaning of counter tops, but because of their position in the counter they do not have built-in drain boards.

Multi-Cook/Specialty Prep Sinks
Multiple cooks in the kitchen require careful planning for work areas, especially for prep sinks which normally accomodate only one person. Newer prep sinks designed for use by more than person are longer and/or wider than their traditional counterparts, without the utilitarian look of commercial sinks.

An idea borrowed from the commercial kitchen, and perfect for the serious cook, is Kohler's Undertone Undercounter Trough Sink. This stainless steel sink take functionality to a higher level in the kitchen.

Only 8 1/4" wide outside dimensions), 6 5/16" deep and four distinctive length options (from 22" to 60"), the Undertone trough secondary or prep sink allows ultimate flexibility when designing a custom workspace. Wire racks and rinse baskets are included to maximize efficiency. The center drain can accommodate a garbage disposal. SIngle or multiple faucets can be placed anywhere around the sink

The striking four-foot-long Mystic Sink by Elkay, was developed to be the focal point of family gatherings and entertaining.

With faucet and drain positioned at opposite ends of the dramatic 48" long sink span, water cascades through the 8" wide tapered preparation/work area, much akin to a stream or river. The faucet end of the sink is 2 1/8" deep increasing to 4 1/2" deep at the drain end.

Hand crafted of thick 16 gauge stainless steel, the exposed surfaces are hand blended to a lustrous highlighted satin finish.

Whether used as a workspace for messy school projects or to engage partygoers with group cooking assignments, the Mystic by Elkay is the perfect sink for famuly gatherings and interactive entertaining in the kitchen.

If your kitchen regulary has more than one cook working in it, and doesn't have the room for one of the longer sinks mentioned above, Elkay's new 360° sink might be the solution.

Designed for a kitchen island or secondary preparation area, the 28" by 38" undermount sink features a six" high faucet pedestal positioned in the center of the basin. The faucet rotates 360-degrees, with an 8" turning radius so that four adults can comfortably use the sink at the same time.

In addition, the 6 1/2" to 7 1/2" sink depth provides ample room for oversized pots or cooking preparation tasks.

 


Some accessories are sink specific, such as this drop-in accessory tray for the Kohler Entertainer sink (shown at the left).

This accessory tray houses two removable plastic condiment trays, a strainer cup and wood cutting board that fit over an ice tray, turning your sink into a complete beverage preparation center.

Add a point-of-use hot water dispenser to your sink.
It makes preparing hot beverages, food preparation, etc., easier, and
eliminates the need for a nearby burner or microwave.

Because the bowl of a bar sink is much smaller than the standard kitchen sink, the faucet needs to be higher to allow access to the bowl.

Bar sink faucets have a spout height from 8-13 inches. The faucet should be matched to your sink. A faucet that is too high for the depth of the sink will result in splashing when the water is turned on.

Likewise, a faucet that extends too far over the drain, or behind the drain will result in splashing and possible inference when the sink is used.

Some bar sinks are drilled for faucets with a distance of either 4" (centerset) or 8" (widespread) between the hot and cold faucet handles.

Some are offered with centered single-hole drillings to accommodate single-hole faucets.

Others do not have faucet drillings and the faucet is mounted directly on the countertop.

Before purchasing a faucet, make sure it is compatible with the bar sink you have chosen. Learn more about faucets

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